Psychedelic Rock from the 50s

Psychedelic rock from the 50s was a revolutionary time in music. Here’s a look at some of the best psychedelic rock songs from that era.

Origins

Psychedelic rock is a style of rock music that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The music is intended to replicate and enhance the mind-altering experiences of psychedelic drugs, most notably LSD. Psychedelic rock often uses distorted electric guitars, electric bass, drums, and keyboards, as well as vocal effects.

50s counterculture

Psychedelic rock, sometimes called garage rock, is a style of popular music that enjoyed a brief but influential lifespan in the mid-1960s. Rooted in the do-it-yourself, anything goes attitude of the US garage band scene of the 1960s, psychedelic rock was characterized by distorted guitars, mind-expanding lyrical themes, and a liberal use of feedback and other sonic effects designed to create an auditory “trip.”

The sound of psychedelic rock was largely the product of artists working outside the mainstream music industry. In an effort to distance themselves from the slickly produced pop records of the day, bands like The Byrds and The Grateful Dead experimented with extended improvisation, unusual instrumentation, and hallucinogenic drugs in an attempt to create what one critic has described as “auditory hallucinations.”

The popularity of psychedelic rock was short-lived, lasting only a few years before it gave way to more commercialized sounds. Nevertheless, the genre left a lasting impression on popular music, with many of its innovations (including feedback and distorted guitars) becoming an integral part of later styles such as heavy metal and punk rock.

British Invasion

The British Invasion was a period in the mid-1960s when rock and pop music performers from the United Kingdom and other parts of the English-speaking world, became popular in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and other British Commonwealth countries. The term has also been used to describe subsequent additions or influences, such as Irish and Latin American performers in the 1970s and 1980s, respectively.

The first wave of the British Invasion began in late 1963 with the debut of four English groups on the American Ed Sullivan Show: The Beatles,
The Dave Clark Five, Gerry and the Pacemakers, and The Rolling Stones. Beatlemania quickly took hold in America as did “Clancy Mania” and “Mick Jaggeritis” soon thereafter. US radio stations began playing more British Invasion music, resulting in a rise in record sales by UK artists. American fan magazines such as Tiger Beat featured stories and photos of British stars. Clothing styles such as button-down collar shirts, Peter Pan collars, paisley patterns popularized by The Who’s Roger Daltrey, and tight fitting trousers were widely imitated by young Americans.

Key Artists

Psychedelic rock, also referred to as “acid rock”, is a subgenre of rock music that draws on musical traditions of blues rock, garage rock, and acid rock. The style is characterized by distorted guitars, feedback, and heavy use of effects, often played at high volumes.

The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. With members John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they became widely regarded as the foremost and most influential music band in history. Rooted in skiffle, beat and 1950s rock and roll, the Beatles later experimented with several genres, ranging from pop ballads and Indian music to psychedelia and hard rock, often incorporating classical elements in innovative ways. In 1963, their enormous popularity first emerged as “Beatlemania”; as the group’s music grew in sophistication, led by primary songwriters Lennon and McCartney, the band were integral to pop music’s evolution into an art form and to the development of the counterculture of the 1960s.

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 , including Pete Best , before asking Starr to join them in 1962 . Manager Brian Epstein moulded them into a professional act , polish The Beatles’ performances gave them Growing appeal outside their native Liverpool . During their time with Epstein, The Beatles released their first album Please Please Me (1963) , devoting most of their musical energies to increasing Productivity . They acquired Screen presence And popularity via few appearances on British television programmes such As Top Of The Pops And Sunday Night At The London Palladium . After Epstein’s management contract expired at In November 1963 , The Beatles secured favourable press coverage for a UK concert tour And then embarked on an ambitious Educational process that included attending Few stops on Their North American Tour (“British Invasion”) In February 1964 Which launched Beatlemania there.

During 1964–65 , The Beatles had what many critics deem their artistic breakthrough moment with the albums Rubber Soul (1965) and Revolver (1966) ; They gradually incorporated more sophisticated elements into Their recordings While maintaining Their basic roots Rock And Roll . From 1966 onward when they recorded Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band , which holds the distinction of being one of the most influential albums ever made European Popular Music .

The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in 1962. The first stable line-up consisted of Brian Jones (guitar, harmonica), Mick Jagger (lead vocals, harmonica), Keith Richards (guitar, vocals), Bill Wyman (bass), Charlie Watts (drums), and Ian Stewart (piano). Stewart was removed from the official line-up in 1963 but continued to work with the band as a contracted musician until his death in 1985. The band’s primary songwriters, Jagger and Richards, assumed leadership after Andrew Loog Oldham became their manager. Jones left the band less than a month before his death in 1969, having already been replaced by Mick Taylor, who remained until 1974..

The Doors

The Doors were one of the most controversial and influential American rock bands of the 1960s. Formed in Los Angeles in 1965, the Doors were led by singer/songwriter Jim Morrison, keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robby Krieger and drummer John Densmore. The band developed a massive following both in America and abroad, thanks in part to Morrison’s charismatic stage presence and poetic, mystical lyrics. The group’s self-titled debut album was released in 1967 and quickly became a hit; it included the Top 40 singles “Light My Fire” and “Break On Through (To the Other Side).” But it was with 1968’s Waiting for the Sun that the Doors reached their commercial and artistic peak; the album featured the Top 10 hits “Hello, I Love You” and “People Are Strange,” as well as such classics as “The Unknown Soldier” and “Spanish Caravan.” http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/the-doors/biography

Key Songs

Psychedelic rock is a style of rock music that became popular in the late 1960s. The main characteristic of psychedelic rock is the use of distorted guitars, which was often used to create a “wall of sound.” Psychedelic rock also often includes extended solos and improvisation. The following songs are some of the most well-known psychedelic rock songs from the 1950s.

“I Want to Hold Your Hand” – The Beatles

“I Want to Hold Your Hand” is a song by the English rock band the Beatles. It was written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and produced by George Martin. It was the first Beatles record to be made using four-track equipment. Recorded in October 1963, it was released in the United Kingdom on 29 November 1963 and in the United States on 26 December 1963.

The song topped singles charts in both countries and became the Beatles’ best-selling single worldwide. With advance orders of one million copies, it set a record for the fastest-selling single at that time. It has sold over 15 million copies globally.

In 1997, “I Want to Hold Your Hand” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked it number 69 on their list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”. In 2006, Billboard magazine ranked it as the 61st biggest song of all time.

“Satisfaction” – The Rolling Stones

“Satisfaction” is a song by the English rock band the Rolling Stones, released in 1965. It was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and produced by Andrew Loog Oldham. It is one of the Stones’ most popular songs and is considered to be one of the greatest songs of all time. The song’s lyrics refer to sexual frustration and commercialism.

The song was first released as a single in the United Kingdom in June 1965, where it reached number one on the UK Singles Chart. In North America, it was issued as a single in August 1965 and peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming their first top ten hit in the US. “Satisfaction” was a global success, reaching number one in several countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, and South Africa.

The Rolling Stones have performed “Satisfaction” in many of their live concerts throughout their career. In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine placed “Satisfaction” in third place on its list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.

“Light My Fire” – The Doors

“Light My Fire” is a song by the American rock band The Doors, which was the lead single from their eponymous debut album. The song was written by the band’s guitarist Robby Krieger, and produced by Paul A. Rothchild. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in July 1967 and stayed there for three weeks, ultimately selling over a million copies in the United States.

The Doors were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. In 2000, “Light My Fire” was ranked number 35 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”. The song has been covered by many artists, including José Feliciano, who had a hit with his 1968 version.

Influence

Psychedelic rock, also referred to as “psychedelia”, is a diverse style of rock music that originated in the late 1960s.Psychedelic rock is generally characterized by distorted guitars, mind-altering lyrics, and trippy sound effects. The genre’s original wave of popularity began in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but it has experienced several periods of resurgence throughout the years.Psychedelic rock’s influence can be heard in many later genres of music, such as punk rock, new wave, and metal.

The Beatles on pop culture

The Beatles were an English rock band that became arguably the most successful act of the 20th century. They contributed to music, film, literature, art, and fashion, made a continuous impact on popular culture and the lifestyle of several generations. Their songs and images carrying powerful ideas of love, peace, help, and personal fulfilment; inspire new conceptions of gender roles, sexual identity, celebrity worship and utopianism.

The Rolling Stones on fashion

The Rolling Stones were one of the most influential bands of the 1960s and their impact is still felt today. The Stones were known for their rebel image and their music reflected this. They were also known for their fashion sense, which was copied by millions of fans around the world.

The Stones popularized the use of tight fitting jeans, T-shirts, and leather jackets. They also popularized accessorizing with jewelry, particularly rings and necklaces. This look was in contrast to the more formal look of the Beatles, who favored suits and ties. The Stones’ look was more casual and reflected their rebellious image.

The fashion sense of the Rolling Stones was not just limited to their own personal style. The band was also instrumental in popularizing certain designers and brands. Their association with designers like Ossie Clark and Celia Birtwell helped to make these designers household names. The Stones also popularized certain brands like Fred Perry and Ivy League clothing.

The Rolling Stones continue to be a major influence on fashion even today. Their iconic style has been copied by many young people over the years. The Stones are still active today and continue to be one of the biggest bands in the world.

The Doors on art and film

Film and literature had a profound influence on The Doors, particularly on lead singer Jim Morrison. Morrison was a film student at UCLA and his love of film noir is evident in songs like “The End” and “L.A. Woman”. The Doors also created their own films, the most famous of which is HWY: An American Pastoral, an avant-garde film that Morrison co-wrote and starred in.

The Doors were also strongly influenced by the work of French poet and philosopher Jacques Brel. Brel’s dark and cynical view of the world is reflected in many of The Doors’ songs, such as “Five to One” and “The End”.