Dirt Road to Psychedelia Reviews

Dirt Road to Psychedelia — 

Scott Conn's Dirt Road to Psychedelia: Austin, Texas During the 1960s would make a great double feature with Kevin McAlester's great documentary about Roky Erickson, You're Gonna Miss Me. Whereas McAlester's film dealt mostly with the aftermath of the '60s, Conn's takes you back there, right to the beginning.

The film starts with a lingering look at the Austin folk scene of the late '50s and early '60s, and the drug culture that grew out of it. It also provides a fascinating glimpse into the early days of Janis Joplin. By the mid-'60s, rock 'n' roll was where it was at, and the movie gives some pungent details on the likes of the 13th Floor Elevators, Conqueroo, and Shiva's Headband. As a huge fan of Texas bands of the '60s, I would have liked to hear more about the Wig and Bubble Puppy, but you can't have everything.

While Roky Erickson and the Elevators' story is not told in full in this film, it is elsewhere (see above). And while Austinites will find much to enjoy in the film, its appeal is not limited to Central Texas. Like the music produced here, it has a universal appeal.

I saw this film with a very receptive audience at the Alamo Drafthouse during the 2007 Austin Film Festival, and was blown away by it. This brilliant documentary deserves a wider audience, and hopefully this DVD will find it.

Available on DVD from dirtroadtopsych.com.