Illustration by Artemis Katsaris | Clarion

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It seems like most bands have at least some sort of psychedelic influence, including everyone from the garage band next door to your favorite European pop singer. Sifting through the pile of available music can be a difficult task, but there are a few stand out albums. While the list below is a mix of old and new work, it’s guaranteed to be some of the best psych-influenced albums for your 4/20 weekend.

Sun Structures” by Temples

With huge hair straight from the ’70s, Temples’ music is littered with carefully plucked psychedelic riffs and daydream vocals that are reminiscent of John Lennon. When listening to Temples, one can’t help but conjure up the image of kaleidoscopic landscapes and glitter eye shadow. “Keep In The Dark” is a mash-up of easy-going yet steady guitar over a hard-hitting drum. “Sun Structures,” while released in 2014, has the feel of decades past.

Songs to listen to: “Keep In The Dark,” “Shelter Song,” “Mesmerise”

Electric Ladyland” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience

This list wouldn’t be complete without including the work of Jimi Hendrix. After all, what is there not to like about the best album from one of history’s most talented bands? The Jimi Hendrix Experience is one of the most important psych-influenced rock groups ever formed, and “Electric Ladyland” showcases exactly why this is so.

Songs to listen to: “Little Miss Strange,” “Long Hot Summer Night,” “Crosstown Traffic”

Surrealistic Pillow” by Jefferson Airplane

While current psych-influenced rock seems to be nearly exclusively made of jamming guitar over loud drums and otherworldly vocals, Jefferson Airplane has a few soft edges. “Surrealistic Pillow,” released in 1967, presents some psych-acoustic jams in addition to up-tempo tunes. “Surrealistic Pillow” was also the San Francisco group’s first album with vocalist Grace Slick.

Songs to listen to: “How Do You Feel,” “White Rabbit,” “Plastic Fantastic Lover”

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