10 Questions

O frabjous day! Calloo! Callay! Today's guest for our "10 Questions" is good friend & Psychedelic Norseman Jørn Smedslund of Dog Age!
Dog Age has been around for.., well, a Dog's Age! Started in 1986 with good friend Jon Anders Strand in Oslo, they've been a going concern-or, unconcerned, ever since.

Jorn & Co. are fresh off their 2006 release Reefy Seadragon on the Rainbow Quartz label, and are busily concocting a new release. (Hey, what else ya' gonna' do during those Norwegian winters?!! Oh. Well, yes, there's that.) Alright, let's get on with it.

1. In ten words-or less, define “psychedelic music.”

Colourful and exciting. Summery and silly. Good stuff.


2. What is the most psychedelic instrument, why?

That has got to be the mellotron (or, perhaps, the chamberlin). It just puts you there, instantly...
it's like some kind of musical drug....


3. Favorite psychedelic album of all time?

'Magical Mystery Tour'



4. Ever heard the grass grow? If so, when?

The whole glorious summer of 1987 was all about that, I think..

5. What psychedelic album do you wish more people knew about?

Except for ours? I think there are a couple of Norwegian albums that have been sadly overlooked by The World, especially The Tables' masterpiece 'Shady Whims and Obstacles', released in 1990 (I think). A great, great album, available on cd for all who are interested (go to www.perfectpop.no and order it. Now!)

(Editor's Note: Bartleby!!!)



6. What band, active today, most defines "psychedelic" to you?

Except for us, you mean? I think I'll go with our label-mates Deleted Waveform Gatherings (it's all happening in Norway;->), though we'll have to see what type of album they come up with next.
And of course the Pillbugs!
And Todd Dillingham, but he isn't a band...

7. If you could be a member of any band in history, what band would it be and what would you play?

I'd be the fourth member of Peter, Paul and Mary in 1962. We'd be a little bit weirder then, I think...


8. What era has the best roster of psychedelic music?

I can't really get around the British scene in 1966-68... No, really!


9. What legendary lost recording or unfindable bootleg would you most like to have?

Can't really think of anything, I'm afraid. Maybe something by July.

10. Turn the tables, if you'd like, and ask me a question.

Ah, The Tables!
What award do think Mick Dillingham should be given for his services to the cause of psychedelia?

valis: Hoo! "If I were a rich man..."! I've been stymied by this question since I received it and there's no easy answer forthcoming either. Just the mention of his name conjures up so many warm thoughts: friend (!), mentor, ally, fellow obsessive, generous to a fault, caring, and gentleman's gentleman. Mick is always two steps ahead of me where music is concerned. I've come to accept that. I know there's been very few times where I've actually surprised his ears with an artist I'm touting; chances are-98%, he's already heard them and already talking to them. Mick is Mr. Ubiquity. I'm surprised, to near-muttering, some label hasn't snapped HIM up as an A & R man....or, like the estimable Mr. Capewell, he hasn't got his own show on the BBC! The times we live in, and have lived in, dictate that the middle-of-the-road is the best-served and the best TO serve...which leaves true jewels like Mick Dillingham on the sidelines. Only occasionally does someone sneak in thru' a trick of shadow and light and The Fates join with Lady Luck to conspire on our behalf in allowing someone like John Peel to surface and do what they do best: enriching our lives. Mick is such a person. (I know a few bands who'd start the Statue Fund benefit gig planning today were said statue approved but in need of funds.) Simply put, if you don't know Mick Dillingham then you probably don't know as much about neo-psychedelia (and power pop, too) as you thought you did. Jørn, I know this didn't really answer your question. I could dream of 1,000 ways to honor Mick but doubt any will happen. I hope just saying THANK YOU MICK DILLINGHAM! suffices.