I Can See For Miles

The Zoo Crew is spinning the psychedelic vibes of Vanilla Fudge’s rendition of “I Can See For Miles” from their 2015 album Spirit of '67, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this heavy, organ-drenched trip! This cover of The Who’s classic, originally penned by Pete Townshend, was transformed by Vanilla Fudge into a proto-prog masterpiece. According to a 2015 review on Amazon, the song kicks off with a “snare drum cadence and short high-powered intro” before dropping into Mark Stein’s commanding vocals, with the band surging at key moments to amplify the lyrics’ intensity. The arrangement cleverly balances fidelity to the original while reinventing it with Vanilla Fudge’s signature symphonic rock heft, making it sound like a cross between The Doors and Deep Purple, as noted by Apple Music. Fans on Facebook have praised the track’s bold reimagining, with one commenter calling it “a reminder that the Fudge remain a formidable force nearly 50 years after their '67 breakthrough.” The band themselves shared on X in 2016, promoting the track via Dailymotion, emphasizing its place on the album that marked their triumphant return after a decade-long hiatus.

Vanilla Fudge’s take on “I Can See For Miles” stands out for its fearless reinterpretation, a hallmark of their approach to covers. A review from Prog Archives highlights how the band’s 2015 lineup—featuring original members Mark Stein, Vince Martell, Carmine Appice, and bassist Pete Bremy—delivered arrangements so bold they’re “one from ten Vanilla Fudge’s own world.” The song’s heavy Leslie speaker effects and psychedelic edge, as noted in an Amazon.ca review, make it a polarizing yet captivating listen for fans of classic rock reinvention. Mark Stein, in a quote shared on Bandcamp, expressed pride in the album, stating, “The success of Vanilla Fudge has always been based on our interpretations of songs by great artists. Our style of classic and symphonic rock lives large on this effort.” The track’s production, handled by Cleopatra Records, was praised for its modern clarity while retaining the raw energy of their 1967 roots, as mentioned in a Discogs listing.

Vanilla Fudge got their start in 1965 on Long Island, New York, when Mark Stein and Tim Bogert, who’d played together in a local band called Rick Martin & The Showmen, were inspired by The Rascals’ organ-heavy sound. They recruited guitarist Vince Martell and drummer Joey Brennan, initially calling themselves The Electric Pigeons, as detailed on Wikipedia. After Brennan left, Carmine Appice joined in 1966, bringing a dynamic energy that shaped their sound. The band’s name changed to Vanilla Fudge in 1967 after a club worker named Dee Dee suggested it, describing them as “white soul music,” a story Appice recounts in his autobiography Stick It!. Signed to Atlantic Records, they exploded onto the scene with their slowed-down, heavy cover of The Supremes’ “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” which became their biggest hit. Their debut album, produced by Shadow Morton, established them as pioneers of psychedelic rock and proto-prog, influencing bands like Deep Purple and Yes. Despite disbanding in 1970, the band reunited in 1999 and continues to tour, with three original members still delivering electrifying performances.

Stay connected with Vanilla Fudge through their official website, where you can find tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook for fan discussions and updates, check out their Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos, and catch their latest posts on X. Fans can dive deeper into the Fudge’s legacy at Bandcamp, where Spirit of '67 is available, or join the Vanilla Fudge Fan Club on Facebook to connect with fellow Zoo Freaks. For more fan-driven content, Prog Archives offers detailed reviews and discussions celebrating the band’s enduring impact.