60s Pop Rock & Soul: My Music DVD Picks

I’m a big fan of 60s pop rock and soul music, and I’ve collected a lot of great music DVDs over the years. Here are some of my favorites!

The Beatles – “The Beatles 1”

If you want to relive the 1960s, or if you just want to see what all the fuss was about, then you need look no further than “The Beatles 1” DVD. This collection contains all 27 of the band’s number one hits, including “She Loves You,” “Help!” “Hey Jude,” and “Let It Be.” In addition to the songs, there are also rare photos and video footage of the band throughout their career. This is a must-have for any Beatles fan.

The Beach Boys – “Endless Summer”

The Beach Boys – “Endless Summer” is a 2-DVD set that captures the group’s transition from a talented teen surf band to one of the most influential groups in pop music history. From their early recordings with Brian Wilson at the helm to their subsequent monster hits, this collection documents the Beach Boys’ amazing journey. Along the way, you’ll hear classics like “Surfin’ Safari,” “I Get Around,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Barbara Ann,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” and of course, “Good Vibrations.” The Beach Boys – “Endless Summer” is a must-have for any fan of 60s pop/rock.

Simon & Garfunkel – “The Concert in Central Park”

Released in 1982, this DVD captures a free concert given by Simon & Garfunkel in New York’s Central Park in 1981. It’s a magical performance, with the sounds of the city in the background and the two singers sounding as fresh and clear as they did two decades earlier.

The Mamas & the Papas – “California Dreamin’: The Songs of the Mamas & the Papas”

Nostalgia is a powerful thing, and for fans of ‘60s pop, the music of The Mamas & the Papas serves as a potent dose. This collection rounds up some of the most beloved tracks by the seminal group, including “California Dreamin’,” “Monday Monday,” “I Saw Her Again,” and “Dedicated to the One I Love.” If you’re looking to take a trip down memory lane (or to introduce this classic music to a new generation), this DVD is essential viewing.

The Supremes – “The Supremes at the Copa”

This is a great DVD of one of the most iconic and influential female groups of all time, The Supremes. This live performance was filmed in 1965 at New York’s famed Copacabana nightclub, and features the group’s trademark harmonies and stage presence. The setlist includes classics like “Baby Love”, “Come See About Me”, and “Stop! In the Name of Love”. If you’re a fan of 60s pop music or Motown, this is a must-have DVD.

The Temptations – “Get Ready”

The Temptations – “Get Ready”
Released in October 1966, this was the first album to feature the classic lineup of Smokey Robinson (lead singer), Otis Williams, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, and Earl Van Dyke. The album includes their hit single of the same name, as well as other fan favorites such as “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” and “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep”. This is a must-have for any fan of 60s pop/soul music.

Marvin Gaye – “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)”

Marvin Gaye’s 1964 chart-topping single “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” is one of the most perfect pop records ever made. It’s a record that sounds as good now as it did when it was first released, with its catchy melody, understated instrumentation, and Gaye’s soulful vocals. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, but none have come close to matching the beauty of Gaye’s original version.

The Four Tops – “Reach Out I’ll Be There”

The Four Tops were one of the best Motown groups of the 60s, and this performance of “Reach Out I’ll Be There” is one of their best. It’s a perfect example of the Four Tops’ smooth style and tight harmonies, and it showcases Levi Stubbs’ incredible vocals.

The Righteous Brothers – “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’”

The Righteous Brothers’ recording of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” is not only one of the greatest recordings of the 1960s, it is one of the greatest recordings of all time. It is a perfect example of what has come to be known as “The California Sound.” The song was written by the team of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, and produced by Phil Spector. In addition to being a massive hit for The Righteous Brothers, it was also a hit for Elvis Presley (who recorded it for his 1964 soundtrack album Roustabout) and for Dionne Warwick (who recorded it for her 1965 album Here I Am).

The song is a slower, more soulful ballad than most of The Righteous Brothers’ earlier hits. Mann and Weil wrote it specifically for the duo, knowing that they were looking for material that would allow them to stretch their vocal chops. And stretch they did: Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield both give masterful performances, with Medley’s powerhouse vocals in the lead and Hatfield’s soaring falsetto in counterpoint. But it is Spector’s production that truly makes the song shine. His “Wall of Sound” arrangement – which made liberal use of echo chambers, multiple tracks, and overdubbing – gives the song a lushness and depth that is truly remarkable.

In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” #34 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It is surely a deserved spot on that list: this is a truly timeless recording that sounds as fresh and relevant today as it did 50 years ago.

The Byrds – “Mr. Tambourine Man”

The Byrds were an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1964. The band underwent multiple lineup changes throughout its existence, with frontman Roger McGuinn remaining the sole consistent member. Although they only managed to achieve commercial success in the United States, the band was extremely influential on the development of American rock and roll and folk rock.

“Mr. Tambourine Man” was written by Bob Dylan and released as a single by The Byrds in 1965. The song was one of the first major hits of the folk rock genre and helped to popularize Dylan’s work in the mainstream. The Byrds’ version of the song also became a number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1965.