“Most Anything That You Want” (1968) – Iron Butterfly * Written by Doug Ingle * Produced by LP: In-A-Gadda-Da-Vidda * Label: ATCO Records
Iron Butterfly encouraged you to expect ultra-heaviness. Their signature track “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” clocked in at 17:05, an honorable tally during the free form radio years. The instrumental hook is sludgy and emblematic enough of the era, though, to immunize even the shortened version on 45 of any potential dishonor, especially when backed on the flipside by the haunted house anthem “Iron Butterfly Theme” (from their debut album titled Heavy). Doug Ingle’s Vox Continental organ asserted itself early on as the band’s key component, although they managed to sound holistically sprightlier than organ-centric contemporaries such as Deep Purple and (especially) Vanilla Fudge. Listen to the cheerful vibe on album opener “Most Anything You Want” for a clearer illustration of this premise. Also listen, at the bridge (around 1:48), to how Ingle teases on Ray Manzarek’s key riff for “Light My Fire.”