Ken Kesey, Ken Babbs, The Merry Pranksters - Acid Tests Vol 1

Review by Jackie Sill

Acid Tests, the album by Ken Kesey, Ken Babbs, and The Merry Pranksters, is a wild and trippy ride through the psychedelic landscape of the 1960s. The album captures the spirit of the era with its experimental soundscapes, free-form improvisations, and mind-bending lyrics.

The album features a mix of spoken word pieces, musical interludes, and sound collages that blend together to create a truly unique listening experience. The tracks are a mix of original compositions and covers of classic tunes, all infused with the Pranksters' signature irreverence and sense of humor.

One standout track is "The Acid Test," a spoken word piece that captures the chaos and excitement of the Pranksters' famous LSD-fueled parties. The track is a tour-de-force of stream-of-consciousness storytelling, with Kesey and Babbs trading off lines and building to a frenzied climax.

Another highlight is "Not Fade Away," a cover of the Buddy Holly classic that features the Pranksters' trademark vocal harmonies and a driving rhythm section. The track is a testament to the power of music to connect people and bring them together in a shared experience.

Summary by Jackie Sill

Acid Tests is a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of psychedelic music and the counterculture of the 1960s. It's a snapshot of a moment in time when anything seemed possible, and the Pranksters were at the forefront of a cultural revolution.