What is Folk? And why was it popular in the 60s?
Folk music originated from Europe and is a German term that means "people". People music. Music for the people. And with everything going on in the 60s (Vietnam War, Jim Crow Laws, Woodstock, etc.) it seemed that many famous Folk or Folk-Rock artists such as Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Joni Mitchell, etc. believed they were living in a world where people needed music to distract them and heal them from what they were dealing with.
Today, we're dropping our top ten favorite Folk-Rock songs from the 60s, which you can listen to on our 60s week playlist.
Do You Believe In Magic? (1965) - The Lovin' Spoonful: I have known this song since I was young, watching Disney Channel, and this sister-duo Aly and AJ released a cover of it and I've loved it ever since then. This is definitely one of my all-time favorite 60s songs and I think it really defines the times.
The 59th Bridge Street Song (Feelin' Groovy) (1966) - Simon & Garfunkel: I was first introduced to this duo when I was about twelve and instantly loved it. It sounds somewhat more 70s to me, but it's a classic overall.
Monday, Monday - The Mamas & The Papas (1966) : This song is exactly what you need every single Monday. It's about what you think of Mondays and also how you feel at the beginning of each week. The Mamas & The Papas are so initial to the 60s and have music that will live on forever.
Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell (1966) : Joni Mitchell was one of many, many artists who was scheduled to be on the lineup for Woodstock, but had to cancel. Although, she did write a song called "Woodstock". Her song "Both Sides Now" was introduced to me when I was probably fourteen and I originally heard the Judy Collins version, not even knowing who Joni Mitchell was back then. This song is amazing and always keeps me in a calm mood.
Blowin' In The Wind - Bob Dylan (1962) : One of the greatest singer-songwriters EVER. There's no way around Bob Dylan when you're exploring 60s music. You get stuck listening to his music whether you want to or not. This was the first Bob Dylan song I ever listened to on my own so that's why I think that I like it so much.
America - Simon & Garfunkel (1968) : If you've never heard Simon & Garfunkel, this would be one of the songs you should listen to. Most of their songs tell stories, but this one is about looking for America and starting a new life. It's one of my favorite songs by them.
Turn! Turn! Turn! - The Byrds (1965) : I have known this song since I was eleven or twelve and I have loved it ever since then. It really focuses on life's reflection and speaks of change. Everything's always changing. Change is the only thing that's constant. (The Byrds, The Beatles, The Monkees, etc. we love all of the animal band names of the 60s)
The Weight - The Band (1968) : This was a band (lol) that I had heard about my entire life, yet I never explored, until I watched Greta Van Fleet do a cover of it with their opening act, Yola. I can't even believe I never knew this song, I don't know how I lived without it all of these years. In conclusion, I love their music and this song.
Daydream Believer - The Monkees (1968) : I fell in love with this song when I was twelve and learned all about The Monkees. They were barely a real band, since they were one mostly for their TV show, however this is one of their many great hits.
San Francisco - Scott McKenzie (1967) : This song is a MUST listen to when traveling to San Francisco, or when you're IN San Francisco. It's so simple, yet so beautiful. It was a huge song for The Peace Movement, it's so flowery and makes you just want to be in sunshine.
Commenti