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Artist
The Red Krayola
12+ albums
psychedelicexperimentalPsychedelic RockAvant-GardeExperimental Rock
about
The Red Krayola (or Red Crayola) is an experimental rock band who formed in Houston, Harris County, Texas in late 1966 by sole constant and primary leader Mayo Thompson, novelist Rick Barthelme, brother of Donald Barthelme (drums) and 17-year old Steve Cunningham (bass). Their discography spans genres including psychedelic rock, avant-garde, post-punk, and experimental music, with over 19 studio albums released. In 1965, Thompson returned from a school trip to Europe, where he witnessed the burgeoning music scene and was inspired to start a rock band. Initially a garage cover band, they began incorporating live, onstage improvisations with a rotating group of fans, hippies and hangers-on dubbed “The Familiar Ugly", who were featured prominently on their debut album. The band signed to International Artists in 1967, and became labelmates of the 13th Floor Elevators, releasing their debut album The Parable of Arable Land, which featured notable contributions from Elevators frontman, Roky Erickson. A more experimental follow-up, Coconut Hotel, was completed soon after but shelved for decades. After a stint of performances in Berkeley, the band recorded an album with John Fahey, their label confiscated the tapes and the album has remained lost ever since. In 1968, the Crayola company ordered the band to change their name, their second album, God Bless the Red Krayola and All Who Sail With It was met with poor sales and reception, after which the original lineup disbanded
top songs
albums
The Red Krayola
God Bless the Red Krayola and All Who Sail With It (2011 Sonic Boom Remaster)
God Bless the Red Krayola and All Who Sail With It
Parable of Arable Land
The Parable of Arable Land
Hazel
Introduction
Singles
The Parable of Arable Land/God Bless the Red Krayola and All Who Sail With It
Coconut Hotel
The Parable Of Arable Land / God Bless The Red Krayola And All Who Sail With It
Soldier-Talk