Chambers Brothers
"Time Has Come Today" made its appearance in '68. The short version was a hit and the long version was a stoner's delight. The psychedelic guitars (with a great riff), the cowbell and wails made "Time As Come Today" totally unique. The song has aged better than most of its contemporaries.
Starting out as a gospel group with George (bass), Willie (guitar), Lester (harmonica) and Joe Chambers (guitar) the Chamber's Brothers picked up drummer Brian Keenan in '65 and hit the Rock club circuit. By combining Soul, Gospel and heavy doses of the newly minted Acid Rock, the Chambers Brothers were ready. Even though the group had paid its dues and were good musicians, they never again captured the "Time Has Come Today" magic.
"Time Has Come" has the 12-minute version of the Chamber's Brothers' hit. It's also their strongest album and includes Rock covers of "In The Midnight Hour" and "People Get Ready." "Love and Happiness" and "Shout!" albums are just a notch below "Time Has Come." "Greatest Hits" does an excellent job of illustrating the Chambers Brothers' talents beyond their chief claim to fame.