This Day In Music History: November 18, 1985 – The Jesus And Mary Chain Release “Psychocandy”

A powerful album of music that directly shaped the burgeoning shoegaze movement that was to come later in the decade and the early 90’s. Psychocandy turns 30 years old today. Pretty incredible, right? Even though I’d argue that 1987’s Darklands and 1989’s Automatic were slightly better albums (at least to me), Psychocandy is a dream pop album that is absolutely an alternative rock cornerstone.

Listen to the whole thing below and realize this band is why Slowdive, The Verve, My Bloody Valentine, and dozens of other dream pop/shoegaze bands exist. Carry on. There’s also a good word on the album from a special guest, so you’ll want to read that as well.

Here’s what Skip Hauenstein had to say about Psychocandy.

This masterpiece was released 30 years ago today. I remember the first time I listened to Psychocandy, I was at a loss for words. It was absolutely perfect….the dissonant and harsh guitars juxtaposed with almost bubblegum pop. It was chaotic and sweet at the same time; one of the few records that could capture the complicated amalgamation of bliss, beauty, disarray, and disorder that defined so much of my thought and emotion at the time. The title says it all…Psychocandy…a representation of the tumultuous and psychotic yet sweet and endearing experiences in life. No situation or experience is ever marked by pure bliss or by pure havoc and confusion. Love is filled with elation but also uncertainty, success creates fulfillment and pleasure but also breeds doubt and increased pressure. Memories incite feelings of fondness juxtaposed with longing, nostalgia, and regret. For me, this record reproduced the human experience of complicated and contrasting emotion in sonic form perfectly…and on par with Loveless in this sense. To me, it will remain timeless…