Download: Ya Ho Wha 13 “Treat You So Right”

(from Magnificence in the Memory out now on Drag City)

My friend Witchbeam has always made me aware of obscure psychedelic music. He listens to some weird shit, man. He also plays in a noise band. He’s got this power of being able to translate this genre to a mere mortal’s ear. It’s not for everyone, but I totally get it. My memories are peppered with screaming guitar jam sessions, long hair, the Dalai Lama, the mysticism of psychedelic movies and the mainstream media’s portrayal of that lifestyle. Ya Ho Wha 13 taps right into that place. Apparently in early ‘70s Los Angeles, one could start a vegetarian restaurant (called “The Source”) on Sunset Blvd, and then branch out to become spiritual leader. Hippies from all around would join the commune and eventually, they would all live together in the Hollywood Hills in a mansion. Father Yod, the spiritual leader/restaurateur, and his followers would then jam in a garage between the 3 and 6 AM. The results? Improvised tribal drums, chanting, synthesized loops and singing. Fast forward to 2009: Ya Ho Wha 13 ends up in my laptop. It’s like listening to an 8-track, or watching an old warped movie—almost comforting to my ears. Not only am I amused by the utter nonsense, I’m also grooving to the drumming while visions of stoned vegetarian idealists dances through my head. It’s an remarkable time machine.

—Rita Kassak