- Featuring the Epic Live Performance of "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" – A Psychedelic Rock Landmark
This is the genuine German release of 1975 re-issue and part of the Atlantic Records Original Rock Classic series with beautiful album artwork by John Kress, Originally released in 1970 and being the first Live album by the American Rock band "Iron Butterfly" ,
In the world of rock music, Iron Butterfly holds a special place, revered for their pioneering contributions to the psychedelic and hard rock genres. Among their impressive discography, the 1975 German release of "Live (Original Rock Classics)" on Atlantic Records, with the catalog number ATL 20 093, stands as a testament to the band's live prowess and enduring influence.
"Live (Original Rock Classics)" captures Iron Butterfly at the peak of their live performance prowess. The album showcases the band's electrifying energy, improvisational skills, and penchant for epic compositions. From the hypnotic opener "In the Time of Our Lives" to the monumental "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida"", the record immerses listeners in a transcendent musical journey that solidifies the band's place in rock history.
Iron Butterfly's ability to translate their studio recordings into captivating live performances is evident throughout the album. The dynamic interplay between the band members, the soaring guitar solos, and the thunderous drumming create an electrifying atmosphere that captures the essence of their live shows. Each track takes on a new life, allowing fans to experience the raw energy and improvisational spirit that made Iron Butterfly such a formidable live act.
The German LP vinyl edition of "Live (Original Rock Classics)" on Atlantic Records, with the catalog number ATL 20 093, holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and fans. The distinct features of this release, including the iconic Atlantic Records label design and the catalog number, add an authentic touch to the album. The LP format itself provides a unique listening experience, with its warm, analog sound and the tangible connection to the band's era.
Iron Butterfly's signature sound is characterized by their sprawling compositions, intricate guitar work, and mesmerizing use of keyboards. "Live (Original Rock Classics)" encapsulates the band's ability to create expansive musical landscapes, showcasing their knack for blending psychedelia, hard rock, and progressive elements. The album serves as a testament to Iron Butterfly's innovative approach to music, influencing countless bands in the years to come.
"Live (Original Rock Classics)" captures Iron Butterfly's live energy and cements their place as one of the iconic bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The album continues to inspire new generations of rock enthusiasts, as its groundbreaking sound and powerful performances remain timeless. Iron Butterfly's influence on the development of rock music cannot be overstated, and this album serves as a testament to their lasting impact.
The album: "IRON BUTTERFLY - Live (Rock Classics)" was produced by: Richard Podolor
Sound mix engineer: Bill Cooper
Album cover artwork: John Kress
Album cover photography: Bob Jenkins , Ron Bushy
Liner Notes – Mike E. Rodger
Transcript of the orignal Liner Notes by Mike E. Rodger
This album was first released in 1970 and was the first 'live' album from Iron Butterfly. For sure it contains the live' version of their greatest success, the hit "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, It all started in 1967 in LA. Under the influence of the 'Flower Power Movement, within the musically highly 'gunned-up' atmosphere of the American west coast scene and in the boom of the drug-rock-era the singer/organist Doug Ingle, the bassman Lee Dorman, the guitarist Eric Brann and the drummer Ron Bushy came together to form a group which they named 'Iron Butterfly'.
The name 'Iron Butterfly' was to document that the musical concept of the group was to bring together the hard and heavy beat of rock music with the light, soft fantasies and the floating immaginations of 'high' times. Already after one year of working together in 1968 with in A Gadda Da Vida' they not only became the top west coast name but also with this 17-minutes-masterpiece they created the national hymn of the aquarius-generation.
A lot of them were sure to know that real happiness in listening to that song came while on drugs, The song also made discotheques begin, with lighting, such as strob- and flash-lights. And this happened worldwide in a very short time, For years in A Gadda Da Vida' which means in the garden of life' remained in the charts all over the world and up to now it has sold over 5 million copies. And now the Iron Butterfly' is back again.
Go, fly and take your 'trip' with him!!
Acid/Psych Rock, Prog Rock
Atlantic ATL 20 093
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1975 Germany
Front Cover of IRON BUTTERFLY – Live (Rock Classics)
This vivid psychedelic collage-style artwork features all four band members of Iron Butterfly integrated into a fantastical, surreal garden scene. Each member is dressed in ornate, exotic costumes and surrounded by lush greenery, oversized flowers, butterflies, and symbolic items. The background is a multicolored dreamscape with floating electric guitars, stars, and abstract patterns.
In the top left, one band member wears a golden robe, holds a bouquet of red roses, and smiles through a full beard. Centered is another member in red with long silver hair, flanked by butterflies and a fan made of flowers. On the right, a figure cradles a baby wrapped in green robes adorned with a red rose, while a second infant reaches out below. At the bottom left, a fourth member in yellow ceremonial attire holds a flower and looks straight ahead with a serene expression.
The album title IRON BUTTERFLY LIVE is boldly placed in the center in white, uppercase letters. Above it, the large "ROCK" logo in yellow with red and blue stars is framed by the words ORIGINAL and CLASSICS in black, all set against a deep blue background. The Atlantic Records logo appears in the bottom right corner.
Back Cover of IRON BUTTERFLY – Live (Rock Classics)
The back cover of this LP is a stark contrast to the colorful front, dominated by black with white text and bold layout. The top portion features the Original Rock Classics logo and large centered text displaying the band name "IRON BUTTERFLY LIVE".
The left section contains the tracklist, split into two sides:
The center column lists production credits, including:
The right side features a block of liner notes narrating the band’s origin in 1967 Los Angeles, their rise with "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida", and how the track became an anthem of the psychedelic generation. It emphasizes the band's fusion of heavy rock with dreamy, imaginative elements tied to the era's drug culture and experimental spirit.
At the bottom, six albums from the Original Rock Classics series are showcased:
Photo of the WEA Company Inner Sleeve – IRON BUTTERFLY Live (Rock Classics)
This inner sleeve displays a promotional collage of 30 album covers arranged in a 5 by 6 grid. At the center, a large green WEA logo is surrounded by logos from Warner Bros., Elektra, and Atlantic. Below it, multilingual copyright and distribution information is printed. Each album cover includes the artist name, album title, and catalog number.
Albums featured on the sleeve:
Photo of the WEA Company Inner Sleeve – IRON BUTTERFLY Live (Rock Classics)
This WEA inner sleeve prominently features the original Atlantic green-orange label of Iron Butterfly – Live at the center, displaying the tracklist and catalog number ATL 20 093. Around the central label, 30 iconic albums from the Warner, Elektra, and Atlantic catalog are arranged in a 5x6 grid.
Albums featured on the sleeve:
Label Close-Up – IRON BUTTERFLY Live (Rock Classics) – Side 1
This is a detailed image of the green-orange Atlantic Records label used on Side 1 of the Iron Butterfly "Live" LP, catalog number ATL 20 093, variant (20 093 A). The label prominently features the iconic Atlantic logo at the top, with color separation indicating the stereo format.
The text is arranged in three horizontal bands: green (top), white (middle), and orange (bottom). The tracklist includes five live songs with songwriting credits listed:
Label details and markings:
This German pressing uses the standard Atlantic “green/white/orange” design common to many European releases of the 1970s and confirms authenticity with all standard markings and matrix indicators.
Iron Butterfly is a rock band that played an important role in the development of rock music. Their hit song "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" is considered a classic, and their influence can be heard in the work of many heavy metal and hard rock bands that followed in their wake. While the band's career was relatively short-lived, their impact on rock music is enduring, and their music continues to be appreciated by fans of the genre
Atlantic ATL 40022 , Yugoslavia
The centerpiece of the album, the eponymous 17-minute epic "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida," was like a sonic odyssey through the darkest recesses of the human psyche. It started with a simple, repetitive drum beat, like a primal heartbeat, and then slowly, inexorably, it built and built, layer upon layer of fuzzed-out guitar,
In-a-Gadda-Da-Vida 12" Vinyl LP
Atlantic ATL 20 093 , 1975 , Germany
"Live (Original Rock Classics)" captures Iron Butterfly at the peak of their live performance prowess. The album showcases the band's electrifying energy, improvisational skills, and penchant for epic compositions. From the hypnotic opener "In the Time of Our Lives" to the monumental "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida""
Live (Rock Classics) 12" Vinyl LP
ATCO SD 33-339 , Year , Country
New additions Pinera and Rhino brought a Latin-tinged, progressive flavor to the mix, but it clashes with the band's established sound. "Easy Rider (Let the Wind Pay the Way)" is a prime example, a meandering tune that sounds like Santana jamming with a bunch of accountants.
Metamorphosis with Pinera and Rhino 12" Vinyl LP
MCA 2164 , 1973 , Canada
The album, recorded at the Record Plant in Los Angeles, was produced by the band themselves, a move that perhaps reveals their lack of direction and confidence. The production is slick and professional, but it lacks the raw energy and experimentation of their earlier work.
Sun and Steel 12" Vinyl LP