The Misunderstood were an American psychedelic rock band originating from Riverside, California in the mid-1960s.^[1] The band moved to London early in their career, and although they recorded only a handful of songs before being forced to disband, they are considered highly influential in the then-emerging genre.^[2][3]

Creem, in their September 2004 review, wrote, "The saga of the Misunderstood is one of the most unbelievable, heartbreaking, and unlikely stories in the entire history of rock."

Classic Rock's June 2010 issue stated, "The truth is that this band (the Misunderstood) were so far out on their own, so individual and innovative that you can only wonder at the set of circumstances that conspired to prevent them from becoming the iconic name that was surely their destiny."^[4]

The band began in 1963 as one of many garage bands formed in the US in the wake of the British Invasion. They moved to London in 1966, with the assistance of their manager, John Peel, who would later gain fame as an influential BBC Radio DJ.^[1] In the UK, they recruited Englishman Tony Hill on rhythm guitar.^[5] Hill and singer Rick Brown formed a songwriting team.^[6] Bass player Steve Whiting was also involved in developing material for the band.^[1]

The band was influenced by and often compared to the Yardbirds, and in 2004 were called "the American Yardbirds" by Rolling Stone.^[7] Distinctive features of the band's sound included the steel guitar of Glenn Ross Campbell and the innovative style of Whiting, known for his use of slide, fuzz tone and distortion.

Fontana Records introduced the band with a four-song live performance in London's Philips Studios. British media response was positive,^[6] but at this juncture it was decided that Campbell, Whiting, and Moe should sort out their UK visas and work permits, while Brown returned to California for his draft.

In London they released their second single, "I Can Take You to the Sun", before being forced to disband. They had only recorded six tracks in London.^[1]

In spite of their relatively small output, many musicians consider them to be influential pioneers of the acid style of rock music.^[8] Head Heritage in a 2006 review wrote, "The Misunderstood's material extended far beyond the reach of the period in which it was conceived. The extraordinarily advanced tracks on side one from 1966 reveal them as one of the earliest and most original probes into psychedelic rock."^[9]

• In his "Peelenium" (Greatest Songs of the 20th Century) John Peel lists the band's song, "I Can Take You to the Sun" for 1966.
• "I Can Take You to the Sun" appears as number 6 in Record Collector's book, "100 Greatest Psychedelic Records", a list in chronological order.^{[19][20][21][22]}
• Mojo April 2009 – "I Can See For Miles: A-Z" lists the Misunderstood for "M".^[23]
• June 11, 2010, Classic Rock named the Misunderstood as No. 18 in their list of "Cult Heroes".^[24]

"I'm Not Talkin"

Complete recording of "I'm Not Talkin'".

---

Problems playing this file? See media help.