Live cover

Live

Iron Butterfly · 1970

38 min · 6 tracks · psychedelic rock

A sprawling journey of psychedelic rock that fuses heavy organ riffs with hypnotic rhythms and extended improvisational sections.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida — This nearly 19-minute track serves as the centerpiece of the album and epitomizes the band's signature sound with its extended solos and dynamic shifts.
  • →
    Soul Experience — With its infectious groove and philosophical lyrics, this track illustrates Iron Butterfly's blend of lyrical depth and psychedelic instrumentation.
  • →
    Filled With Fear — This song combines haunting melodies with powerful organ work, showcasing the band's ability to create an atmospheric soundscape that captivates listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album captures a unique live experience with strong organ-driven compositions and notable improvisation.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended improvisational sections, particularly in 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida', which stretches over 17 minutes.
  • Each track showcases heavy organ riffs that dominate the sound, with guitar and drums providing a hypnotic rhythm underneath.
  • The live recording captures audience interaction, with moments of applause and cheers between songs, enhancing the concert atmosphere.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • hypnotic rhythms for deep focus
  • gradual build to intense climax
  • extended jams for patient listeners
  • immersive experience during late nights

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, instant gratification
  • dislike lengthy musical explorations

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on April 22, 1970, 'Live' was Iron Butterfly's first live album, capturing the band at the height of their popularity following the success of their seminal hit 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida'. This album came after their previous studio release, 'Ball', which had solidified their place in the psychedelic rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors
The Doors· Cream· Hawkwind

Tracklist

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

  • 1 In the Time of Our Lives 4:42
  • 2 Filled With Fear 3:41
  • 3 Soul Experience 4:09
  • 4 You Can't Win 3:26
  • 5 Are You Happy 4:02
  • 6 In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida 18:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata