10 Questions

Delighted to return to what passes for normalcy 'round here at the CPPP! I'm especially excited about today's guest taking the "10 Questions" survey. As a former member of The Mystreated and the Embrooks and now raising a ruckus with the Higher State, Mole has been creating our favorite kind of havoc for 16+ years now. (Hmm, he musta' started when he was, what....13?!) Another one of those musicians who seem to have a record collection we'd all like to peruse and have some drinks...well, ok, several drinks, and let him spin for a few hours whilst discussing the merits of various and sundry efx pedals and studio tricks we're listening to. Folkestone, Kent, eh? Where's my passport Ms. Moneypenny?!



The Higher State have just released a new album,Darker By The Day, out on Dr. Mushroom's Optical Illusion label. (And as my pal Cliff has already asserted, the track "Do You See Me" is in clear contention for Top Track of 2008! Damn!)


Take it away, MOLE!

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


It makes you high, even if you're straight! Mood music!


2. What is the most psychedelic instrument, why?


The recording studio! Think of all those great things you can do to make
music sound 'other worldly' - backward taping, phasing, compression, reverb,
echo, stereo panning...


3. Favorite psychedelic album of all time?


Most likely the 1st Elevators album, although Piper At The Gates Of Dawn
could be a close second.



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


Tricky one. It'd be tempting to say drumming with the Elevators, but having
read Eye Mind and understanding all the shit they went through as a band and as people, maybe not such a great idea. I think drums would definitely be
the instrument though!


(Editor's Note: Great book. Fantastic job by Paul Drummond!)



5. You can go back in time and sit in on one recording session-SF Sorrow or
CQ, who's it going to be and why?


CQ. The Outsiders are totally fascinating, they really developed a unique
sound [although influenced by the Stones, Kinks, Pretties etc] - CQ is such
a superb album, and really well recorded, it'd be great to have seen them at
work!


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


Wow, take your pick!! All 3 studio Elevators albums [forget the "live"
one!!], Agemos Trip To Mother Earth [Groep 1850], Once Upon A Twilight
[Twilights], The Baroques on Chess, Impressions Of Wonderful [Motions],
Koobas [Koobas], Clear Light [Clear Light]





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


Errrrrrr.....dunno, maybe Sundial? Are they still active? There're very few
truly psychedelic bands around now...we played with a smart band in Berlin
last year, what the hell were they called?! Had a real strong West Coast
vibe, they rocked!!

valis: Sundial are indeed a going concern! See Monday's post with Gary Ramon for details on their new release. Was the Berlin band The Magnificent Brotherhood of Eternal Love?


8. What album would you most like to cover in its entirety, why?


Wow, never considered that! Again, maybe 1st Elevators album, cos it's the
greatest album ever made!!! To try and capture that sense of ordered chaos
would be pretty exciting!


9. Top Ten Psychedelic Songs?


In no particular order:
Free Advice - Great Society
Roller Coaster - 13th Floor Elevators
Section 43 - Country Joe & The Fish
Vacuum Cleaner - Tintern Abbey
Grey - The Hush
Misty Night - Groep 1850
Suzy Creamcheese - Teddy & His Patches
I'm A Living Sickness - Calico Wall
Rumble On Mersey Square South - Wimple Winch
Black Roses - Clear Light
...plus, like, a million others!!



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


Mole:Where can I get a copy of Get Away From It All by the Northwest Company??!

valis: Hmm, perhaps one of our readers can assist? I probably know all of the same hiding places you do. Anyone?

Thank you Mole, and best wishes on the new album! Remember kids:


THE HIGHER STATE uses Epiphone, Farfisa, Fender, Harmony, Premier and Rickenbacker instruments; and endorses the Gibson Maestro Fuzztone pedal.