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Surrealistic Pillow

Surrealistic Pillow (1967)
Back row L to R: Jack Casady, Grace Slick, Marty Balin
Front row L to R: Jorma Kaukonen, Paul Kantner, Spencer Dryden

Released February 1, 1967

Surrealistic Pillow would prove to be Jefferson Airplane's breakthrough album; with its release, they grew from San Francisco phenomenon to nationwide household name. Its two big hits — "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit" — would become calling cards not only for the band, but for the '60s in general. It was also a transitional album for the Airplane,

In July 1966, shortly before the release of Takes Off, Signe made known her intention to disembark from the Airplane. She stayed on until a final performance with the band at the Fillmore on October 15. Before tearing into one last barn-burning rendition of "Chauffer Blues", Signe bade the audience, who were until that point mostly unaware she was leaving the band, a beautiful farewell: "I want you all to wear smiles and daisies and box balloons. I love you all." Following "Chauffeur", she sang "High Flying Bird" one last time with Marty, then took her final bow. While the loss of such a talent could have proved disastrous for the up-and-coming band, fortune smiled on the Jeffersons in their search for a replacement.

For a little over a year, Grace Slick (née Grace Wing) had served as the co-lead vocalist of another SF band, The Great!! Society!!, performing alongside her husband Jerry on drums and brother-in-law Darby on guitar.

1: She Has Funny Cars (3:08)
2: Somebody to Love (2:55)
3: My Best Friend (3:00)
4: Today (2:58)
5: Comin' Back to Me (5:15)

6: 3/5 of a Mile in 10 Seconds (3:40)
7: D.C.B.A.–25 (2:36)
8: How Do You Feel (3:29)
9: Embryonic Journey (1:52)
10: White Rabbit (2:31)
11: Plastic Fantastic Lover (2:33)

Recording Dates:
Title Date Master No.
She Has Funny CarsOctober 31, 1966TPA3-4881
How Do You FeelNovember 1, 1966TPA3-4889
Comin' Back to MeNovember 1, 1966TPA3-4891
TodayNovember 2, 1966TPA3-4883
Plastic Fantastic LoverNovember 3, 1966TPA3-4882
White RabbitNovember 3, 1966TPA3-4884
Somebody to LoveNovember 3, 1966TPA3-4886
My Best FriendNovember 4, 1966TPA3-4880
3/5 of a Mile in 10 SecondsNovember 4, 1966TPA3-4885
D.C.B.A.–25November 15, 1966TPA3-4888
Embryonic JourneyNovember 22, 1966TPA3-4890

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