SUNDAY NIGHT MUSIC: THE INDEX "8 MILES HIGH"

 

Hailing from Grosse Pointe MI, this early garage rock/psychedelia was generally unknown during their active years of '66-'69. Their raw, primitive style was later re-discovered and their scant albums became prized possessions for collectors. Here, they cover The Byrds' "8 Miles High" on their debut recording known as "the black label album" (perhaps a tongue in cheek nod to Carling Black Label beer). It features an odd intro, Link Wrayesque lead guitar and a woefully under-miked vocal. The intro always reminded me of the pilot's dream (curiously nicknamed Blackie) in the film "Fail Safe". The cover is a hoot with the band members looking like IRS auditors based out of Omaha.