What makes Bull of the Woods by The 13th Floor Elevators notable?

Though not as commercially successful as its predecessors, Bull of the Woods has gained significant recognition among fans of psychedelic rock for its innovative sound and haunting lyrics. The album’s unique fusion of rock with spiritual themes has influenced later generations of musicians, particularly within the underground and alternative scenes. Bull of the Woods is the third studio album by The 13th Floor Elevators, released in January 1969. At this point in their career, the band was struggling with internal issues, including lead singer Roky Erikson's mental health challenges and a changing musical landscape. This album followed their commercially successful record, Easter Everywhere, indicating a shift towards a more introspective and experimental sound.

Who is Bull of the Woods for?

Bull of the Woods works well if you're into swirling psychedelic soundscapes, raw emotive vocal expressions and short tracks for quick bursts.

How many songs are on Bull of the Woods?

Bull of the Woods has 21 tracks, running approximately 64 minutes.

Bull of the Woods

The 13th Floor Elevators · 1969

64 min · 21 tracks · psychedelic rock

A swirling blend of psychedelic melodies and raw, emotive vocals that encapsulate the experimental spirit of late '60s rock.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Scarlet and Gold — This track features a lush instrumental arrangement that beautifully complements its themes of love and longing, showcasing the band's melodic evolution.
→
Doctor Doom — With its driving rhythm and ominous lyrics, this song exemplifies the darker undertones present in the album while maintaining the band's signature psychedelic style.
→
May the Circle Remain Unbroken — This track stands out for its reflective lyrics and powerful harmonies, embodying the communal spirit that permeates much of the Elevators' work.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

swirling psychedelic soundscapes
raw emotive vocal expressions
short tracks for quick bursts
live recordings capturing spontaneity

Maybe skip if you

prefer polished studio productions
seek long, cohesive narratives

Where this album fits

Career context: Bull of the Woods is the third studio album by The 13th Floor Elevators, released in January 1969. At this point in their career, the band was struggling with internal issues, including lead singer Roky Erikson's mental health challenges and a changing musical landscape. This album followed their commercially successful record, Easter Everywhere, indicating a shift towards a more introspective and experimental sound.
Stylistic neighbors: The Velvet Underground· The Doors· Cream

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Livin' On 3:22
2 Barnyard Blues 2:50
3 Till Then 3:16
4 Never Another 2:24
5 Rose and the Thorn 3:36
6 Down by the River 1:48
7 Scarlet and Gold 4:58
8 Street Song 4:57
9 Doctor Doom 3:12
10 With You 2:11
11 May the Circle Remain Unbroken 2:43
12 Fire in My Bones 2:04
13 Wait for My Love 3:27
14 Splash 1 3:07
15 Right Track Now 3:02
16 Before You Accuse Me (live) 3:43
17 You Gotta Take That Girl (live) 3:06
18 I'm Gonna Love You Too (live) 2:03
19 Everybody Needs Somebody to Love (live) 3:46
20 You Can't Hurt Me Anymore (live) 3:48
21 Original Radio Spot for the Bull of the Woods Album 1:01

What to play next

Listen next

Live: I've Seen Your Face Before

1988

Go back to

Live

1968

Full The 13th Floor Elevators discography Artists like The 13th Floor Elevators

acid rock psychedelic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata