The Other Half (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1960s |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
| Products | Psychedelic garage rock music, singles, albums |
The Other Half was a psychedelic garage rock group from the United States, originating in San Francisco and active during the mid to late 1960s. Their single "Mr. Pharmacist" experienced a resurgence in popularity after being included on a Nuggets compilation released in the 1980s.
History
Initially formed in Los Angeles, The Other Half later moved their base to San Francisco. They were regular performers at Chet Helms' Family Dog events held at the Avalon Ballroom. Their sound was heavily influenced by bands such as the Yardbirds and the Rolling Stones. Guitarist Randy Holden, who had previously played with The Sons of Adam, was once considered as a potential replacement for Jeff Beck in the Yardbirds before joining The Other Half. The band reached its height amid San Francisco’s flourishing music culture and the Flower Power era centered around Haight Ashbury. Under Holden’s leadership, their musical approach shifted from straightforward vocal-driven garage rock to a powerful, amplified style that fused blues, hard rock, and Eastern-inspired melodies.
Holden departed following their first album, dissatisfied with both the recording process and his guitar, later commenting that he compromised his own creative goals. Nevertheless, the album received acclaim as "awesome incendiary rock." After leaving, Holden became a member of Blue Cheer and embarked on a solo career.
Their song "Mr. Pharmacist" was featured on Nuggets Volume 12: Punk Part Three and was later covered by The Fall, whose version reached number 75 on the UK charts. In 1982, a compilation named Mr. Pharmacist was issued, containing their complete 1968 album along with extra singles. Additionally, two tracks, "Bad Day" and "Oz Lee Eaves Drops," were used in the 1968 pilot episode of The Mod Squad.
Band members
- Randy Holden – Lead guitar, vocals
- Geoff Westen – Rhythm guitar, vocals
- Larry Brown – Bass guitar
- Danny Woody – Drums
- Jeff Nowlen – Vocals
Singles
- "Mr. Pharmacist" / "I've Come So Far" (GNP Crescendo 378X, November 1966)
- "Wonderful Day" / "Flight of the Dragon Lady" (Acta 801, March 1967)
- "I Need You" / "No Doubt About It" (Acta 806, July 1967)
- "What Can I Do For You" / "Bad Day" (Acta 819, February 1968)
- "Morning Fire" / "Oz Lee Eaves Drops" (Acta 825, May 1968)
Vinyl LPs
- The Other Half (Acta 38004, 1968; reissued Radioactive 025, 2004)
- Mr. Pharmacist (Eva 12003, 1982) – reissue of Acta 38004