60’s Electronic Music: The Best of the Decade

We take a look at some of the best electronic music of the 1960s. This was a decade that saw the genre really come into its own.

Introduction

In the 1960s, electronic music began to make its way into the mainstream. This was thanks in part to the use of new technology, which made it possible to create sounds that had never been heard before. Artists like Kraftwerk and Yellow Magic Orchestra were at the forefront of this new genre, and their unique sound quickly gained popularity.

Today, 60s electronic music is still revered by many. In this article, we take a look at some of the best tracks from the decade. So whether you’re a fan of the genre or just curious to know more, sit back and enjoy some of the best music from the 60s!

The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They became the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed act in the history of popular music. They are regarded as the first band to define the psychedelic rock genre and were distinguished for their experimentation with expansion and alteration of pop music conventions, studio techniques, songwriting, and live presentation. The Beatles built their reputation playing clubs in Liverpool and Hamburg over a three-year period from 1960, with Stuart Sutcliffe initially serving as bass player. The core trio of Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison, together since 1958, went through a succession of drummers—Pete Best, brought in for a five-month tenure before being fired as the group’s popularity began to grow; Starr—and achieved worldwide fame as lead singers of one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music.

The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys are an American rock band formed in Hawthorne, California in 1961. The group’s original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and their friend Al Jardine. The Beach Boys began as a garage band managed by the Wilsons’ father Murry. They gained popularity for their close vocal harmonies and lyrics reflecting the Southern California lifestyle of surfing, cars, and romance.

The Beach Boys released their debut album Surfin’ Safari in 1962. It was followed by a series of successful albums and singles, including “Surfin’ USA”, “Fun, Fun, Fun”, “I Get Around”, “Shut Down Vol. 2”, and “Do It Again”. By 1967 the group had become internationally renowned with hits like “Good Vibrations” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”. Their album Pet Sounds is often considered one of the greatest albums of all time. After 1967 Brian Wilson began to suffer from mental health issues that led to his eventual withdrawal from the group. Dennis Wilson died in 1983 at the age of 39. Carl Wilson died in 1998 at the age of 51. Mike Love continued to tour with various incarnations of The Beach Boys until 2018 when he was replaced by new members Bruce Johnston and Jeffrey Foskett. The Beach Boys are one of the best-selling bands of all time with over 100 million records sold worldwide. They have received multiple Grammy Awards, inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy. In 2001 they were ranked number 12 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time”.

The Doors

The Doors were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1965. The group consisted of vocalist Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger, and drummer John Densmore. They were one of the most successful and controversial rock bands of the 1960s.

The Doors released eight studio albums between 1967 and 1971. All of their studio albums were released on Elektra Records. The band’s debut album, The Doors (1967), which featured the hits “Light My Fire” and “Break On Through (To the Other Side)”, was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Their second album, Strange Days (1967), peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and was also certified platinum by the RIAA. Their third album, Waiting for the Sun (1968), reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified double platinum by the RIAA.

The band’s fourth album, The Soft Parade (1969), peaked at number six on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA. Their fifth album, Morrison Hotel (1970), peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA. Their sixth album, L.A. Woman (1971), which featured the hit single “Riders on the Storm”, was their final studio album before Morrison’s death in 1971 and peaked at number nine on the Billboard 200 chart. It was also certified platinum by the RIAA.

Despite their commercial success, The Doors were often portrayd as a controversial band due to Morrison’s wild behavior onstage and offstage. In 1969, Morrison was arrested for indecent exposure during a concert in Miami, Florida. In 1970, he was charged with breach of peace after an altercation with a photographer in New Haven, Connecticut. And in 1971, he was convicted of misdemeanor disorderly conduct after an altercation with an airline stewardess in Phoenix, Arizona.

Despite his legal troubles, Morrison remained popular with fans until his death from an apparent drug overdose in Paris, France in 1971 at the age of 27.

Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix was one of the most influential electric guitarists of the 20th century. His style of playing combined blues, rock, and jazz elements to create a sound that was both unique and instantly recognizable. Hendrix was also one of the first guitarists to experiment with feedback and distortion, and his use of these effects helped shape the sound of heavy metal and hard rock.

Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin was one of the most iconic and influential musicians of the 1960s. She was known for her powerful and emotive vocals, as well as her experimental style of dress and hairstyle. She was a member of the band Big Brother and the Holding Company, and she also had a successful solo career. Joplin died of a drug overdose at the age of 27, but her music continues to influence musicians today.

The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band that formed in 1962. The first stable line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Ian Stewart (piano), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar), Bill Wyman (bass) and Charlie Watts (drums).Stewart was removed from the official line-up in 1963 but continued as a touring member until his death in 1985. Jones died less than a month after Watts, having already been replaced by Mick Taylor, who remained until 1974. After Taylor’s departure, Ronnie Wood took his place in 1975 and has been on guitar ever since.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 60’s were a great decade for electronic music. Many different genres and sub-genres were born during this time, and there were many different artists who made great contributions to the music of the time. The best of the decade is definitely a matter of opinion, but there are definitely some stand-out tracks and albums that deserve to be mentioned. Thanks for reading!