Psychedelia

One of the 60s most underrated bands. From their badder than bad, raucous R&B early in their career, the band shifted gears in the underground, first with freakbeat then psychedelia. Their tenure at Abby Road, recording with Norman Smith, ranks as some of the greatest music created in Britain in the 60s. Yes, it really is that good.

Founded: 1963

Location: London, England

Website: The Pretty Things

Named after the tabla player, Sam Gopal's Dream were regulars on London's underground, playing at the UFO, Middle Earth, etc. They later released one eponymous album which featured Ian "Lemmy" Willis on guitar and vocals.

Founded: 1967

Location: London, England

Website: Tabla Music by Sam Gopal

One of two Canterbury bands formed from the Wilde Flowers, Soft Machine's earliest days were in the psychedelia of London's underground of the late 60s. By Third however the band matured into one of Britain's finest jazz-fusion bands. After Robert Wyatt's departure in 1971, the band ventured further and further into a jazz-idiom, gaining members from Ian Carr's Nucleus along the way. Archival material on Cuneiform is highly recommended.

Founded: 1966

Location: Canterbury, England

Website: SOFT MACHINE (Calyx site)

With Pete Banks, Chris Squire as a core, The Syn were the pre-cursor to Maybel Greer's Toyshop (and Yes), releasing a handful of singles in the late 60s. The latter-day reformation was primarily a vanity project for Steve Nardelli, though the albums are of some particular note, as well as the controversy.

Founded: 1965

Location: London, England

Website: The SYN