Tag Archive for 1960’s

25th August 2012

The Beach Boys – Barbara Ann

I think the past week’s music might be my favourite of 2012 so far. However, as I have mentioned before, like a magpie I am naturally drawn to that which is shiny and new. It was pointed out to me that despite my enthusiasm recent selections have been a little esoteric and that I shouldn’t neglect the classics. Well, it doesn’t get much more classic than The Beach Boys.

If you give me half a chance I will be sure to tell you that The Beach Boys are much more than sunny pop tunes like Surfing’ USA (Pet Sounds takes my breath away). However when it comes to sunny pop tunes I don’t know many better, and Barbra Ann is a perfect example.

Expect a few more old favourites over the coming days…

RjK

18th August 2012

Aretha Franklin – I say a little prayer

Such a classic. I heard this on the radio earlier and haven’t been able to stop hearing it in my mind’s jukebox since.

I don’t think I can say anything that will enhance it (as usual) so my advice is just to sit back and enjoy…

RjK

24th July 2012

The Supremes – Stoned Love

It’s been too long since I last posted some soul music and far, far too long since I last posted The Supremes, who are my favourite Motown band. Maybe even my favourite band full stop. It really doesn’t get much better than the melodies and vocal harmony in this track.

A pretty good video here too with some super images of Motown’s heyday. I am sure that I’m in a very small minority of people that longs to visit Detroit (I don’t read many good reports) so I can see Hitsville USA. I’ll make it there someday though, some way.

RjK

22nd July 2012

Glen Campbell* – Wichita Lineman

I am certainly no country music fan. However, I heard this recently and was reminded of it’s wonderful nostalgic quality. This spoke to me as I am feeling a little nostalgic myself at the moment as I spend a few days relaxing in my childhood home before I move down to Dublin.

And the Wichita lineman is still on the line…

RjK

*Artist #492

18th June 2012

The Beatles – Here, there and everywhere

I thought I would post some classic Paul McCartney to mark his 70th birthday today. You can’t help but admire the sheer volume of great and landscape altering tracks that he has written over the years.

RjK

16th June 2012

Kim Weston* – Helpless

This is a strangely rather unheralded early Motown track. In revisiting it this week I was reminded that it is a classic, right up there with any of the more famous stuff. It fulfils the basic requirement I have for a soul song in that it makes me want to move.

Look out for a special Father’s Day post tomorrow from the blogfather himself, my Dad. I will catch you all again on Monday. 

RjK

*Artist #463

27th May 2012

The Young Rascals* – Groovin’

I was reminded of this track by a good friend yesterday. It is a perfectly languid track for a sunny Sunday afternoon. Also, could the video here be more perfectly 60’s?

I have had a pretty lethargic day, but it has been a welcome opportunity to relax after a very busy few weeks. 

RjK

*Artist #451

Aside

Mary Wells – Whisper you love me

Mary Wells is a total hero and one I rediscovered last year. This is classic early Motown and bears the hallmarks, simplicity, warmth and wonderful melodies. I also love the innocence, it was a simpler time back then!

Whisper you love me boy. Make it sound soft and clear, tender and sincere…

RjK

Aside

Unlimited Four* – I Wanna Be Happy

I have realised recently that soul music has been underrepresented thus far in 2012. The blog has expanded my musical horizons more that I thought possible but soul will always be my first love. Look out for a few stompers in the coming weeks to redress the balance.
This has a classic early soul feel being both pure of sound and sentiment, I can’t help but smile when I hear it.
RjK
*Artist #427

17th April 2012

Tommy James and The Sondells* – Crystal Blue Persuasion

I have to admit I am still pretty enthralled by the song I posted yesterday, it is an early contender for my favourite record of the year. This made it challenging to think of something else to post today.

Anyway, I put my MP3 player on random as I walked home and decided to post whatever grabbed me and the fates decided it was going to be this.

It has a classic 60’s sound, with a pretty good video to match here. I first heard it on the soundtrack to the movie Zodiac (well worth a watch if you don’t know it). Soundtracks can be rich pickings for new music if you as music of an anorak as I am!

RjK

*Artist #423