New! Improved!
Blue Cheer · 1969
32 min · 9 tracks · hard rock
A raw fusion of hard rock and psychedelic sounds, steeped in the rebellious spirit of late '60s counterculture.
Top tracks — play these first
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When It All Gets Old — The opening track sets an intense tone with its driving rhythms and melancholic lyrics, encapsulating the band's signature blend of power and introspection.
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It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry — This cover transforms Dylan's original into a heavy blues-rock anthem, showcasing the band’s capacity to infuse classic songwriting with explosive energy.
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Peace of Mind — At over seven minutes long, this track exemplifies Blue Cheer’s experimental side with extended instrumental sections that highlight their musicianship and hard rock ethos.
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Aces ’n’ Eights — With its vibrant guitar riffs and catchy hooks, this track stands out as a high-energy anthem representing the free-spirited culture of its time.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends hard rock with psychedelic elements, showcasing strong instrumentation but uneven songwriting.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a heavy, distorted guitar riff that sets a gritty tone, which is maintained throughout the first half.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, particularly in the transition from 'Aces ’n’ Eights' to 'As Long as I Live', creating a jarring effect.
- Vocals are often layered with reverb and echo, contributing to a psychedelic atmosphere that complements the hard rock instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- steady pacing for focused listening
- raw energy for rebellious spirits
- climactic moments that inspire movement
- short tracks for quick bursts
- psychedelic undertones for adventurous minds
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, complex compositions
- seek polished, refined sound
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 1, 1969, New! Improved! was Blue Cheer's third studio album, following their influential debut Vincebus Eruptum. By this point, they had solidified their place in the hard rock genre, continuing to push sonic boundaries and experiment with structure and sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Stooges· MC5· Cream
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 When It All Gets Old 3:03
- 2 West Coast Child of Sunshine 2:42
- 3 I Want My Baby Back 3:19
- 4 Aces ’n’ Eights 2:49
- 5 As Long as I Live 2:22
- 6 It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry 3:18
- 7 Peace of Mind 7:25
- 8 Fruit & Iceburgs 6:06
- 9 Honey Butter Lover 1:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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