Category: 60s Press

  • The review of The Who’s album “Happy Jack” highlights the band’s evolution since “My Generation.” While retaining their energetic essence, they show restraint and humor, showcasing lyrical depth. The album features diverse musical styles, with standout tracks like “So Sad…

    Exploring The Who’s ‘Happy Jack’: Sound and Style
  • Peter Walker’s LP “Rainy Day Raga” masterfully blends American folk music with Spanish and Eastern influences, creating evocative soundscapes that evoke nature and cosmic themes. Each track offers a unique auditory journey, emphasizing organic imagery and emotional depth, inviting listeners…

    Peter Walker | Rainy Day Raga | (Vanguard) 1967
  • The article discusses The Left Banke’s album “Walk Away Renee/Pretty Ballerina,” highlighting its unique blend of beautiful music influenced by Baroque, Romantic, and contemporary styles. It critiques the uniformity in beauty throughout the tracks, noting the irony and depth in…

    The Left Banke | Walk Away Renee / Pretty Ballerina | (Smash) 1967
  • “Porpoise Mouth” from Country Joe And The Fish’s 1967 album “Electric Music For Mind And Body” is reviewed as a unique auditory experience, distinct from traditional rock. It emphasizes a sensuous, immersive nature rather than conventional analysis, where each track…

    Country Joe And The Fish | Electric Music For Mind And Body | (Vanguard) 1967
  • In March and July 1968, the Merseys released two singles, “Penny In My Pocket” and “Lovely Loretta.” Both songs received mixed reviews, indicating potential for chart success but requiring significant promotion. Critics noted the cheerful performances and harmonica use, yet…

    The Merseys | Singles Released In 1968
  • In an interview from Crawdaddy!, Paul Rothchild discusses his work as the producer for The Doors. He highlights the unique musical techniques of guitarist Robbie Krieger, the group’s creative process, and the themes within their songs, especially “The End.” Rothchild…

    An Interview With Paul Rothchild
  • The Remains, once a promising rock band, have disbanded after struggling with success despite their talent. Lead singer Barry Tashian and pianist Billy Briggs remain together, while members Vern Miller and Norman D. Smart II have left. Their sole album…

    The Remains | Like A Rolling Stone | Live 1966
  • The article discusses the significance of The Doors’ song “Soul Kitchen,” emphasizing their place in modern music. The author contrasts its emotional depth with Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind,” suggesting that “Soul Kitchen” effectively conveys complex truths, particularly the…

    The Doors | “Soul Kitchen”
  • The article reviews “Between The Buttons,” an album by The Rolling Stones, highlighting its musical evolution and growth. It suggests that while other rock bands focus on imitation, the Stones, with their blend of original material and blues influence, create…

    The Rolling Stones | Between The Buttons | (London) 1967
  • “Embryonic Journey” reflects on Jefferson Airplane’s youthful essence compared to the Rolling Stones, highlighting their distinctive sound and influences. The article praises the band’s complex, textured music, particularly in songs like “3/5 of a Mile in Ten Seconds” and “White…

    Jefferson Airplane | Surrealistic Pillow | (RCA Victor) 1967
  • The article praises The Kinks’ album “Face to Face,” highlighting Ray Davies’ unique songwriting and the band’s musical synergy. It emphasizes the album’s humor, emotional depth, and inventive style while acknowledging that its artiness may not appeal to everyone. Overall,…

    The Kinks | Face To Face | (Reprise) 1966
  • “Hums of the Lovin’ Spoonful” showcases the band’s familiar sound blending folk and electric elements. While enjoyable, the album exhibits a lack of artistic growth, particularly in tracks like “Lovin’ You.” Despite their obvious talent, the Spoonful remains static, failing…

    The Lovin’ Spoonful | Hums Of The Lovin’ Spoonful | (Kama Sutra) 1966
  • The article analyzes Buffalo Springfield’s debut album, emphasizing the band’s unique tightness and emotional connectivity. It describes their sound as both distinct and cohesive, offering a blend of honesty and warmth. While critiquing their production quality, it acknowledges their songwriting…

    Buffalo Springfield | Buffalo Springfield | (Atco) 1966
  • The article critiques “Fly Away” from The Blues Project’s album “Projections,” emphasizing a lack of aesthetic unity among its members. It argues that technical competence must serve a musical purpose, which the group fails to achieve, resulting in chaotic performances…

    The Blues Project | Projections | (Verve Folkways) 1966
  • David Johnson reviews “Animalism,” the final album by The Animals, highlighting lead singer Eric Burdon’s vocal growth despite the band’s split. While Burdon and drummer Barry Jenkins excel, the remaining members lack inspiration. The album features strong tracks like “Hey…

    The Animals | Animalism | (MGM) 1966
  • “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” showcases Simon & Garfunkel’s cohesive artistry, merging folk and pop elements through Paul Simon’s distinctive writing. The album features standout tracks like “Scarborough Fair/Canticle” and “Homeward Bound,” addressing themes of loneliness and communication while highlighting…

    Simon and Garfunkel | Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme | (Columbia) 1966
  • The article reviews Jefferson Airplane’s album “Takes Off,” highlighting its significance as a pioneering work from the San Francisco music scene. While praising its emotional depth and musical fusion, it critiques some production choices. Key tracks like “It’s No Secret”…

    Jefferson Airplane | Takes Off | (RCA Victor) 1966
  • Twiggy is credited with popularizing the skinny fashion in the late 1960s, overshadowing curvier figures like Jenny Lewis. Societal trends impact women’s body shapes, with younger generations developing curves earlier. Changing diets and cultural factors contribute to ongoing shifts in…

    Changing Shape | Parade
  • Marianne Faithfull’s 1965 single “Come And Stay With Me,” written by Jackie De Shannon, showcases her evolving vocal style and strong backing instrumentation. The accompanying track, “What Have I Done Wrong,” offers a folksier vibe but lacks the top side’s…

    Marianne Faithfull | Come And Stay With Me | (Decca) 1965
  • Debbi Smith Meets Dantalian’s Chariot | The article discusses Zoot Money’s transition from the Big Roll Band to his new group, Dantalian’s Chariot. While the new band embraces a different musical philosophy, focusing on intricate sounds over commercial appeal, the…

    Debbi Smith Meets Dantalian’s Chariot
  • Introducing The Chicago Loop | The Chicago Loop, a band formed by musicians with diverse backgrounds in folk, rhythm and blues, aimed for success in the music scene by bringing a demo tape to New York. Their lively debut record,…

    Introducing The Chicago Loop