What makes The Wozard of Iz by Mort Garson notable?

The Wozard of Iz is significant for its early fusion of electronic music with conceptual storytelling, influencing future genres and artists interested in experimental soundscapes. The album gained renewed interest over the years, becoming a cult favorite among fans of electronic and psychedelic music. Upon releasing The Wozard of Iz in 1968, Mort Garson was already establishing himself as a pioneer in electronic music. This album followed his notable work on the soundtrack for the 1967 film, 'The Impossible Dream,' showcasing his innovative approach to blending orchestration with electronic elements.

How many songs are on The Wozard of Iz?

The Wozard of Iz has 13 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

The Wozard of Iz

Mort Garson · 1968

35 min · 13 tracks · electronic music

A whimsical blend of electronic sounds and whimsical storytelling that reimagines classic narratives through a psychedelic lens.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Blue Poppy — This track stands out for its expansive length, allowing Garson to explore intricate sound layers while evoking a dreamlike atmosphere.
→
Never Follow the Yellow-Green Road — This piece cleverly plays with familiar themes while incorporating surreal sound effects that reinforce the album's playful tone.
→
I've Been Over the Rainbow — Garson's interpretation of this well-known melody showcases his ability to transform traditional tunes into vibrant electronic compositions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's narrative and electronic experimentation create a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

The album features a narrative structure, with tracks that flow into one another, creating a continuous story arc.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

They're Off to Find the Wozard

The narrative shifts from whimsical adventure to subtle hints of danger as characters embark on their quest.

This transition captures the duality of lighthearted exploration against an underlying sense of foreboding, enhancing the album's thematic depth.

Tracklist

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

1 Prologue 3:05
2 Leave the Driving to Us 2:49
3 Upset Strip 2:26
4 Never Follow the Yellow-Green Road 2:48
5 Thing a Ling (Scared Crow) 2:21
6 In-Man 1:28
7 Man With the Word (Lyin' Coward) 2:12
8 They're Off to Find the Wozard 1:28
9 Blue Poppy 6:54
10 I've Been Over the Rainbow 2:00
11 Big Sur 3:19
12 Killing of the Witch 3:35
13 Finale 1:06

What to play next

Listen next

Love Sounds

1968

Go back to

The Zodiac: Cosmic Sounds

1967

Full Mort Garson discography Artists like Mort Garson

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata