10 Of The Most Iconic Country Joe And The Fish Songs

10 Of The Most Iconic Country Joe And The Fish Songs | I Love Classic Rock Videos

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Country Joe and the Fish became an important part of the counterculture wave in the 60s. They played a huge part in spreading the importance of anti-war protests and the 60s’ “free love” movement, much to everyone’s liking. Though the band’s main game was inspired by Woody Guthrie’s style of folk-rock, they’ve also ventured on psychedelia, forming fragments on what would develop into acid rock afterward. Below, we have these 10 iconic Country Joe and the Fish songs that fit your liking.

 

“Section 43” – Electric Music for the Mind and Body (1967)

“Section 43” is the band’s longest song in their debut album, with a noticeable harmony between psychedelia and acid rock genres.

“Not So Sweet Martha Lorraine” – Electric Music for the Mind and Body (1967)

“Not So Sweet Martha Lorraine” became a classic staple to progressive rock radios in San Francisco. It tells us about a woman whose obsession with death and spontaneity makes her a bit repulsive.

“Rock & Soul Music” – Together (1968)

This riveting opener from the 3rd album syncopates the usual rock and roll tune and is actually showing the definition of rock & soul. “Rock & Soul Music” is harmonious and lovely, something that shows a different side of the group.

“Bass Strings” – Electric Music for the Mind and Body (1967)

Electric Music for the Mind and Body was the band’s debut album, playing a significant role in music history as it is one of the first few albums to have been labeled as “psychedelic” in their native town of San Francisco. Their song “Bass Strings” was about marijuana, a controversial piece that wasn’t well-received by the mainstream radio airplay – although it did receive recognition from many.

“Grace” Electric Music for the Mind and Body (1967)

His lovely song from Country Joe and the Fish was penned by Country Joe McDonald in honor of Grace Slick, Jefferson Airplane’s singer. Its symbolic lyrics and well-structured arrangement are worth noting.

“Love” – Electric Music for the Mind and Body (1967)

Channeling an inner Beatle inspiration, “Love” tells us about a guy confessing his feelings to a woman because she has “love” – something that money can’t buy. Pretty much the same idea of the Fab Four’s “Can’t Buy Me Love.”

“Janis” – I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die (1967)

“Janis,” among the main highlights of this sophomore album was penned by McDonald for his then-girlfriend, Janis Joplin. When Joplin asked McDonald if he could write a song about her, he then wrote this surreal masterpiece that’s all sweet and pure.

“An Untitled Protest” – Together (1968)

Together was the last album to feature the original lineup of the band and their most commercially successful one. “An Untitled Protest” was written by McDonald in response to the Vietnam War.

“Flying High” – Electric Music for the Mind and Body (1967)

The opening track of Electric Music for the Mind and Body, “Flying High” has psychedelic elements that are well-bonded on its catchy music and well-written lyrics. 60s psychedelia lovers need to listen to this one.

“I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die Rag” – I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-to-Die (1967)

The song, reinforced with satire and dark humor, rose to become one of the greatest and most recognizable anti-war songs in the 60s. The song’s unspoken use of American politicians, military officers, and large corporates who fueled the fire in the Vietnam war became significant for the fight against counterculture against oppression.