The Misunderstood

The Misunderstood were a psychedelic rock band originating from Riverside, California in the mid-1960s.
The Misunderstood: A Musical Biography of an Underrated Band
When we talk about 60s music, the first bands that come to mind are usually The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Doors. But there was another group that deserves more recognition for their influence on the psychedelic rock movement: The Misunderstood. These English expats started their career in California and quickly made a name for themselves with their innovative sound and electrifying performances. In this article, we'll dive into the musical biography of The Misunderstood, explore their best songs, and discuss their genre-bending style.
The Misunderstood formed in Riverside, California in 1963, but their roots were firmly planted in the British Invasion sound. Guitarist Glenn Ross Campbell, who would later join The Beach Boys, and drummer Rick Brown had played together in a band called The Intruders before meeting American singer Rick 'The Kid' Brown. Bassist Steve Whiting and keyboard player Tony Hill completed the lineup, and The Misunderstood was born. They quickly established themselves on the local scene, playing at clubs like The Brave New World and The Bull 'n' Bear.
But it was their move to London in 1966 that really set The Misunderstood on their path to greatness. They were signed by Fontana Records and released their debut single, You Don't Have to Go, which quickly climbed the charts. Their follow-up single, I Can Take You to the Sun, was even more experimental, with its use of distortion and feedback. Unfortunately, Fontana did not promote the band as much as they should have, and The Misunderstood struggled to find a wider audience.
Despite this setback, The Misunderstood continued to innovate and push boundaries. Their live shows were legendary, with Rick Brown's wild antics and Glenn Ross Campbell's blistering guitar solos. They were known for incorporating improvisation and extended jams into their performances, and their influence on psychedelic rock can still be heard in bands like Pink Floyd and The Flaming Lips.
One of The Misunderstood's standout tracks is Children of the Sun, a haunting, hypnotic song that showcases their unique sound. With its use of Indian music influences and electronic effects, it's a masterpiece of psychedelic experimentation. Find a Hidden Door is another fantastic song that highlights the band's ability to blend genres and create something truly original.
Despite their lack of commercial success, The Misunderstood left a lasting impact on music history. They were pioneers of the psychedelic rock movement and their influence can still be felt today. In fact, their 1966 self-titled EP is now considered a rare collectible, with copies selling for thousands of dollars.
The Misunderstood may not be as well-known as some of their contemporaries, but their contribution to music history cannot be ignored. With their daring experimentation and boundary-breaking sound, they carved out a place for themselves in the psychedelic rock pantheon. Their story is a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of pushing boundaries. As music listeners, we should continue to celebrate and appreciate the bands like The Misunderstood who paved the way for the music we love today.
The Misunderstood may not be as well-known as some of their contemporaries, but their contribution to music history cannot be ignored. With their daring experimentation and boundary-breaking sound, they carved out a place for themselves in the psychedelic rock pantheon. Their story is a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of pushing boundaries. As music listeners, we should continue to celebrate and appreciate the bands like The Misunderstood who paved the way for the music we love today.