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[gatefold notes]

Glossary of terms used in this album

This is a documentary album...

about a problem of vital concern to everyone. As you will become aware as you listen to the authentic case histories of LSD users and to interviews with professional people - doctors, scientists and educators - there is no simple, no single solution to the problem. What is offered here is, in a very real sense, LSD in action: the authentic sounds of psychedelic experiences. The album provides no answers, only a vivid exposure to LSD as it exists in our society today

Facts are the basis for any documentary, but from the very beginning of this project, photo-journalist Lawrence Schiller discovered that far too little is known about LSD and the other psychedelic drugs. Even the experts agree with this, though they disagree on many of the other points. Therefore, Schiller decided that many of the facts and most of the story could be found outside the clinics, laboratories and hospitals, and he decided to try to reach the illicit users of the new drugs. At first his contacts were few and difficult. "Many of them were afraid," he says. "They admitted to using the drugs, but when it came to pictures and interviews they said, 'no.' " There were others, however, who were trying to exercise their rebellion, "and some," he says, "who had a sort of missionary quality. They not only wanted to tell about their experiences; they seemed as though they had to."

In the underground sort of life that drug users find themselves living, a very efficient grapevine soon develops, and it wasn't long until Schiller began attaining a greater measure of acceptance. It became generally known that he was not a representative of the law, but that his goal was one of reporting. He was admitted to "acid parties" and at times he was allowed to take photographs. Teenage users began to speak more freely for his interview microphone. Even so, months were spent on the project, hundreds of photos were taken, and thousands of feet of recording tape expended in an effort to capture a comprehensive picture of this startling situation.

When Schiller and Capitol's Alan Livingston finally came together in an effort to produce this documentary album, they found that many facts do not necessarily make the clear picture. The attitudes of the experts and the users - the terrors, the euphoria, the dedication, the casual search for kicks, the "religion" and indeed the new way of life - are as varied as they are controversial. This you will hear when you listen to the record. The story is here but the end is not in sight.

---

LSD is only a few decades old, but it has become many things - and to many people.   In the beginning it was known as model of madness, a temporary schizophrenia.   Scientists studied it to understand the disorganized mind.  Much was learned, but the answers were far from final.  Later, a few psychiatrists wondered whether it could become a treatment for certain patients.  That search still goes on. 

A half dozen years ago the drug slipped out of medical control.  An LSD movement of chemical visionaries actively propagandized its mass use.  This powerful drug became the holy water of a cult, no, a religion.  For it is a religion that is forming, complete with "persecuted" Prophet, devout disciples, bible and rituals.

The story moves on.  Now the "acid" is big business.  The black market doses get larger and larger, the age of the takers younger and younger.  They "trip out" more and more frequently.  Now, for many, it is only a high.   But for a few, it is a horrendous low: the complications are increasing.

As this decisive moment, as seductive misinformation pours forth, the factual story of LSD must be told.  It must be told in this medium so that you, yourself, can hear the sounds of the youngster "freaking out" - the enticements of the Prophet - the "acidhead" who lost his way - and all the other facets of the LSD problem.

SIDNEY COHEN, M.D.
Chief, Psychosomatic Service
Wadsworth V.A. Hospital, Los Angeles
Author of the best-selling authoritative books on LSD: "The Beyond Within" and "LSD"

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