The Grateful Dead and Quicksilver Messenger Service had pointed the way for the 'Peace & Love' generation but it was Jefferson Airplane that provided the soundtrack. 'Surrealistic Pillow' was the rallying call for the flower children of San Francisco and further afield. The band was led by singer Marty Balin and guitarist Paul Kantner, and powered by the bass/electric guitar team of Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen. It was however singer Grace Slick who provided the main focal point, pushing herself and her sexuality forward to become everyone's dream for the summer of love.
It was the two songs that Grace brought from her old band (The Great Society) that provided the highlights on 'Surrealistic Pillow'. 'Somebody To Love' had been written by Grace's then brother-in-law Darby Slick while 'White Rabbit' was Grace's own composition. Based on Lewis Carrol's 'Alice In Wonderland' 'White Rabbit' was an unashamed advert for LSD, perfectly detailing the kind of 'trip' that could be had by taking the drug. "Remember what the dormouse said" booms Grace, "Feed your head." Almost 50 years later the song and the album it came from still provide food for thought.
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