Through this series of articles, we hope to expose our peers to relatively unknown or underappreciated bands. Bands that people are familiar with and rightly admire were immediately excluded from consideration (the Stones, Beatles, etc).
This year, in each remaining edition of The University News, we’ll spotlight bands and artists from a particular decade that we think would appeal to a large number of people. We’ve tried to focus on artists who are neither too obvious nor too obscure. This balancing act will not please everyone, so we’re going to publish the most frequent reader suggestions in the next edition. E-mail Tim at [email protected] with your suggestions, as well as any criticisms.
1) Joan Baez-If you are a fan of Bob Dylan, then perhaps you should check out his female counterpart from the ’60s. Baez is a folk artist similar to Dylan, but not playing in his shadow in any regard. She has had a career that continues to match Dylan’s both in quality and quantity. Plus, she can sing.
Recommended: Any Day Now (Vanguard, 1968)-Baez covers Dylan tunes with an ace backing band.
2) Wilson Pickett-Most critics unjustly rank Pickett a notch below soul luminaries such as Otis Redding and Sam Cooke. Pickett may not have written every song he recorded, but damn if he doesn’t own them. Pickett’s gruff, infectious and spirited voice can be heard on a number of hit singles, including “In the Midnight Hour,” and his choice covers of rock artists (The Beatles, Free, the Archies) are worth a listen.
Recommended: The Very Best of Wilson Pickett (Rhino, 1993)-All of Pickett’s hits on a tidy, grooving, one-disc package.
3) The Seeds-Frequently being placed in the shadows of other psychedelic bands in the ’60s, the Seeds were probably never given the attention that they deserved. With popular hits like “Pushin’ Too Hard” and “Can’t Seem to Make You Mine,” the quartet was given decent airplay, but never had a loyal following. Their hungry, greasy music changed from album to album, but the group disbanded as the ’60s came to a close.
Recommended: Evil Hoodoo (Drop-Out, 1988)-A serious attempt at compiling the cr?me de la cr?me from this fabulous ’60s band. Give “Up in Her Room” a spin.
4) The Velvet Underground-Some people may say that this band was popular in the ’60s, but that’s probably only applicable for the more cultured music listeners. Comprised of six come-and-go members, The Velvets broke more ground than they are given recognition for these days, combining volatile, ambient pop-punk with menacing old-school rock ‘n’ roll.
Recommended: The Velvet Underground (Verve, 1969)-This album will expand your mind (without having to use mind-altering substances!). Check out “I’m Beginning to See the Light” if you’re having a particularly horrible day.
5) The Zombies-The Zombies, simply put, were the best pop band of the 1960s (yes, better than the Beatles). Between the amazing melodies of vocalist Colin Blunstone and the always enthralling keyboard work of Rod Argent, these guys simply had the upper hand on everyone in their day. ?While the band did have two well-known singles (“She’s Not There” and “Time of the Season”), their entire catalogue should be celebrated with nothing short of fanaticism.
Recommended: Odessey and Oracle (Repertoire, 1968)-Their best album, every song is a classic (like “This Will be Our Year,” one of the best love songs ever).
6) Fairport Convention-Fairport Convention is the best band in the late 1960s British folk-rock movement. The band specialized in turning traditional British folk songs into full-fledged rock songs, complete with wailing electric guitar solos by guitarist Richard Thompson.?If you are looking for some great story songs complete with adventure, you need Fairport Convention.
Recommended: Liege & Lief (A&M, 1969)-The album in which the band really mastered their craft of rocking out traditional folk songs.? Pay special attention to “Tam Lin” and “Matty Groves,” the album’s highlights.
7) The Kinks-Sure, you’ve heard “You Really Got Me,” but the Kinks were far from a one-hit wonder. Though they never achieved the wild radio success of other British Invasion bands, their influence was undeniable. Core members Ray and Dave Davies wrote amazing baroque pop songs that could also flex some rock muscle. They even experimented with their own British take on blues and Americana.
Recommended: The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society (Reprise, 1968)-The perfect concept album companion to Sgt. Pepper.
8) Donovan-If you have ever wondered who wrote “Mellow Yellow” as you hum the refrain to yourself, the answer is Donovan. Yeah, he started out as a copycat Scottish Bob Dylan, but Donovan’s real genius took off after his folk phase. His spacey forays into psychedelic territory were well before their time and produced some real gems that delighted those crazy hippies.
Recommended: A Gift from a Flower to a Garden (1967)-His masterpiece double LP, half psychedelia, half acoustic.
