And, I swear, I'll never fly again

Despite having little to no commercial success, Minneapolis' Calico Wall has had a major impact on those the 1960s psychedelic genre. Calico Wall was strictly a studio band, having recorded only one single, 1967's "Flight Reaction" b/w "Beep" for Turtle Records. In 1982, another recording was unearthed, the dark "I'm A Living Sickness."

It wasn't until "Flight Reaction" appeared on the Pebble's Volume 3 compilation that listeners began to appreciate Calico Wall's blend of hypnotic psychedelia and harsh garage punk. The band inspired two 1960s compilations that share their namesake, Beyond the Calico Wall and Before the Calico Wall.

"Flight Reaction" and "I'm A Living Sickness" both share a paranoid darkness, with "Flight Reaction" lyrics detailing fears of flying, and "I'm A Living Sickness" piercing feedback contrasting the background droning. Both songs are fantastically frightening to listen to, and are essential for any fan of 1960s psychedelia. Although they never had commercial success, "Flight Reaction" and "I'm A Living Sickness" are of extreme historical importance, defining an entire genre of music.

"Flight Reaction"
Calico Wall
1967

"I'm A Living Sickness"
Calico Wall
1967