Near the Beginning cover

Near the Beginning

Vanilla Fudge · 1969

58 min · 7 tracks · hard rock · psychedelic rock

Psychedelic rock meets hard-hitting rhythms, creating a swirling, immersive sonic landscape filled with emotional depth.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • immersive sonic landscape exploration
  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • extended live performance experience
  • reflective moments of emotional depth

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 1969, 'Near the Beginning' was Vanilla Fudge's fourth studio album, following their commercially successful 'Renaissance.' At this point in their career, they were cementing their reputation for elaborate arrangements and deep musical experimentation, especially in a post-Beatles landscape that embraced psychedelic influences.
Stylistic neighbors
The Nice· Iron & Wine· The Doors

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Shotgun 6:14
  • 2 Some Velvet Morning 7:32
  • 3 Where Is Happiness 7:02
  • 4 Break Song (live) 23:26
  • 5 Good Good Livin’ 5:48
  • 6 Shotgun (single version) 2:36
  • 7 People (single version) 5:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata