Nuggets II: Magic Potion by The Open Mind

Aphoristical
September 13, 2026
Nuggets II
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The Open Mind’s album artwork featured the band members emerging from the head of an ancient Greek statue (an open mind!).

Magic Potion—The Open Mind

Track 65, disc 3
Year: 1969
From: Putney, UK.

9/10

More about Nuggets II

Credits

3/11. MAGIC POTION – The Open Mind (U.K.)
(Michael Brancaccio)

PERSONNEL/TERRY MARTIN: vocals, guitar * MIKE BRAN: lead guitar * TIMOTHY DU FEU: bass * PHILIP FOX: drums
Produced by FRITZ FRYER
Recorded in London, England
Philips single #BF-1805 (1969)

The Open Mind

The Open Mind formed in 1963 in Putney, South West London. They went through name changes, first The Apaches, then The Drag Set, before settling on The Open Mind.

My mum chose it, really. I told her I needed to think of a new name for the band and was thinking up all sorts of weird things. She said “Why not call it The Open Mind” because she said she didn’t understand my way of life but had to have an open mind.
Timothy Dufeu, Psychedelic Music Baby

In July 1969 The Open Mind released a self-titled LP which later became a coveted collectible.

Most of the music was composed and put together during rehearsals. Mick would come up with a song, Terry would say “Let’s do it this way” then I would say “No, let’s do it this way”; eventually the song would be structured. I wanted to get away from the soppy songs like “Dear Louise” and become more edgy. I had a set of French graphics Sci-Fi books. As I couldn’t speak French I used my imagination to think up the ideas for songs such as “My Mind Cries”, “Thor the Thunder God”, “Magic Potion”, “Horses & Chariots”, “Before My Time” and “Cast a Spell”.
Timothy Dufeu, Psychedelic Music Baby

Magic Potion

‘Magic Potion’ wasn’t included on the The Open Mind’s debut album – the band released it a month afterward. But it’s their most acclaimed song.

‘Magic Potion’ has psychedelic elements, but it’s without the usual flowers-and-love whimsy. What’s left is swirling, aggressive, and hard-driving. Terry Martin’s resonant, creepy voice intones drug-laced lyrics.

The group have much more instrumental prowess than most Nuggets bands, generating a big sound from a four-piece band.

Released in July 1969, the remarkable “Magic Potion” occupies a gray area somewhere between freakbeat and hard rock. The ferocious heavy guitar and bass riff and crazed fuzz-wah breaks are uncannily reminiscent of the early Stooges, although it’s unlikely either of the groups were aware of the other.
Mike Stax, Nuggets liner notes

The Aftermath

The Open Mind changed their name to Armada, but never released any music under that name. They broke up in the 1970s.

Any regrets?

Life’s too short for regrets! Only I wish I had kept my original copy of the LP – it’s worth a bit more that it was when released!
Timothy Dufeu, Psychedelic Music Baby