Ever heard of a theremin? This unique little instrument is an electronic instrument that frankly sounds as if the player is making sound out of thin air. The real process is much more complicated (and fascinating) than that, but the sound of theremin production is where things get really interesting. It’s definitely not the kind of instrument you’d expect in a rock track. However, in the 1960s, many rock bands incorporated the theremin into their sound. Let’s look at some examples, shall we?
“2000 Light Years From Home” by The Rolling Stones (1967)
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The Rolling Stones’ indulgence in psychedelia, The Requests of Their Satanic Majesties, is a wild ride from start to finish. There is also a futuristic element present in these hard rock recordings, which recalls the eerie sci-fi sound of the theremin on “2000 Light Years From Home.”
The band eventually left this experimental sound in favor of blues-rock roots, but “2000 Light Years From Home” is a very good example of how rock bands used the theremin (and early electronic instruments as a whole) in the 1960s.
“Perfect Love” by Led Zeppelin (1969)
Unless you’re a Led Zeppelin fan, you may not know that “Whole Lotta Love” contains a theremin buried under layers of instrumentation and Robert Plant’s stunning vocals. However, if you have ever seen this song performed live, you will be well aware that the theremin was the star of the show. In this classic song, you’ll not only get one of the most exciting guitar riffs of the 1960s, but you’ll also get a taste of the electric theremin. Technically this isn’t true, but it still deserves a place on this list. And in live performances of this song, the running time often drags on, thanks to Jimmy Page’s long solos.
“Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys (1966)
It leans more towards progressive pop than the Beach Boys’ classic rock, but it’s still a 1960s rock song. And in this mix, you’ll hear Paul Tanner going to town on an electric theremin, accompanied by cello, harp, sleigh bells, flutes, and many other instruments included in this incredibly dense song. Although “Good Vibrations” did not use a “real” theremin, the use of an electric theremin in the song inspired countless 1970s acid rock artists to use the theremin in some way in their music. According to Atlantic Records CEO Philip Rawls.
“Space Hymn” by Lothar and the Hand People (1969)
I couldn’t leave these delightful weirdos off this list. If you’ve never heard of Lothar and the Hand People, give it a try Space Hymn Version from 1969. There are several songs on this recording that feature a real theremin (not an electric theremin), but my favorites are “Space Hymn” and “Yes I Love You.” The entire album is a psychedelic rock romance from start to finish.
Archive photo by Michael Oakes/Getty Images
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