Vinyl Vault - The Rain Parade – What She’s Done To Your Mind

While the UK was enjoying a neo-psychedelic revival with A Touch of Colour, Mood Six, and Miles Over Matter, the West Coast had the real thing with The Rain Parade. Their sound captured the essence of 1960s West Coast acid rock, contrasting with the UK’s acid pop—a dynamic I later revisited on Squire’s Eight Miles High/Rain single.

I saw The Rain Parade live in LA, and it felt like stepping back to 1967. Their LP Emergency 3rd Rail Power Trip introduced them to a global audience, and a Whistle Test feature on the Paisley Underground in 1984 highlighted their influence.

This indie gem, with its plain sleeve and folded photocopy packaging, felt incredibly unique—at the time, I thought I might be the only one in the UK with a copy. It opened the door to a scene that included The Bangles, Dream Syndicate, Long Ryders, and more, with essential records like Warfrat Tales, Radio Tokyo Tapes, and Rainy Day. A true piece of music history!