Overall, the '70s were pretty rad. A decade bursting with energy and passion, the youth of the generation were intent on contesting the rigid rules of society, channeling their passion into music and creating the singularly amazing genre of classic rock. Classic rock, like an old friend, is always there for you, and the choruses that once echoed out of your parents' walkmen decades ago remain unchanged, thankfully. In commemoration of the genre, I've picked a few of my favorites. They all have their own totally unique sounds (there is no way you would mistake a Grateful Dead tune as one of Pink Floyd's).
In our contemporary era of mixed up mash-ups, it is so refreshing to hear real, pure musical talent. Deviate from your normal music routine and check out some of the greatest bands of all time, ones that have transcended time with their music, as opposed to many of the fleetingly popular artists of our time. Another great thing about these songs is their lyrics; inspiring quotes seem to be embedded in each song, utilizing a kind of poetic expression. While it might not be Top 40, the sound of classic rock nevertheless remains appealing to many young people, continuing to be popular with a sizeable college population. So rifle through your parents' old CDs (or your hippie roommate's iTunes) and take a listen to some great old tunes.
The Doors: Led by notorious wild man Jim Morrison, Los Angeles-based band The Doors were celebrated for their cryptic lyrics and spontaneous performances. Despite the fact that they were perceived by fans and contemporaries as controversial, The Doors gained nearly overnight success with their breakthrough self-titled album. The band's chemistry was evident both on stage, where they challenged each other musically, and in the studio, where they recorded many tracks on the first take. Tragically, Morrison's hard-partying lifestyle caught up with him when the singer died in 1971, a mere five years after the band's formation. Though the band tried to continue on without him, the music was never the same.
Must-hear album: "The Doors" (1967)
Timeless Quote: "The time to hesitate is through/No time to wallow in the mire/Try now we can only lose/And our love become a funeral pyre."
Pink Floyd: Psychedelic rock was arguably pioneered by Pink Floyd, one of the most innovative and creative artist of the '70s era. Their creativity was seen through their highly philosophical lyrics, striking album cover art and tendencies toward sonic experimentation with a futuristic flavor. One thing I personally note is Pink Floyd's absolute mastery of the complete album, from start to finish, the whole thing sounds like one extremely well punctuated song; one long, perfectly planned journey. While in earlier albums the divergent styles of the three songwriters seemed to clash, in both "Dark Side of the Moon" and "Wish You Were Here," the styles finally meshed to create a sound distinctively their own.
Must-hear album: "Dark Side of the Moon" (1973)
Timeless Quote: "In a world we need to share, it's not enough to stand and stare."
Led Zeppelin: The intense, guitar-driven sound produced by Led Zeppelin renders them precursors of the first heavy metal bands, but their music incorporates influences genre-wide. Coupled with Robert Plant's piercingly strong vocals, the band's sonic description is best left at one word: heavy. Following their well received three prior albums, with "Led Zeppelin IV" the band reached huge commercial success, particularly with their hit "Stairway to Heaven." After this record, the band was heralded as the "biggest band in the world," and began traveling in their personalized jet, nicknamed "The Starship," and hosting wild parties at rented hotels. This only served to further their image as the bad boys of rock 'n' roll, and they continued to record four more albums throughout the decade, all the while setting attendance records nation-wide.
Must-hear album: "Led Zeppelin IV" (1971)
Timeless Quote: "Then as it was, then again it will be, and though the course will change sometimes, rivers always reach the sea."
Rolling Stones: An England-based band turned international rock stars, the Stones were driven by the dynamic songwriting partnership of vocalist Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards. While the group initially did covers of old hits, riding the 1960s British invasion wave, they soon hit their own stride. Their sound then began to develop as more blues-heavy and less typical than its contemporaries, particularly through effective use of the horn and keyboard. After the release of "Sticky Fingers," the Stones had a string of eight consecutive albums that charted at No. 1 in the U.S. They worked hard to preserve their youth, even making their appearances intentionally scruffy and unkempt, a trend they are still credited with starting.
Must-hear album: "Sticky Fingers" (1971)
Timeless Quote: "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find, you get what you need."
