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The majic of early 1970's rock and it's influence-

Starting with the Beatles and the Rolling Stones in the sixties; then adding in the Vietnam War, and the sexual revolution, which also occurred at this time, I think the time frame of 1970-1975 created the majority of rock's geniuses, the likes of which probably won't be seen again. I use, for examples- Jimmy Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Yes, Elton John, Genesis, the Allman Brothers, Janis Joplin, Eric Clapton, Jethro Tull, Santana, and Neil Young, just to name a few. I think earlier (pre 1970) rock concerts of large attendance, such as the Beatles tours and Woodstock also had a profound influence on the social change during this time. What do you think?
talon4
rgs92
974 posts
 
I think that music from that era is timeless & not just an
illusion of the baby boomers. Music from Carole King, Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Traffic, Tull, Elton John, Al Green, Three Dog Night, Blood Sweat & Tears, Steve Miller (& Lord Save Me, Alice Cooper) & other prolific folks will be around decades from now--when Hootie & the Blowfish are just Trivial Pursuit questions. (No offense to Hootie... :) ).
talon4 OP
185 posts
 
Although this isn't a sociology forum, what I was trying to point out was that the development of rock, starting in the late 50's and peaking like a pyramid in the early 70's, had a huge impact on social change occuring during this era. I think that people in their late teens and early 20's, during this time, spoke with more of a group mindset than in any other time in American history-(excluding WWII). Genius come from turbulence and this time period had a lot of changes occuring at one time. I agree, some of the artists during this era are timeless. Their music will live on long past us. PS-- I've read that Mozart, as a person, was considered wild for his era.
slothman
311 posts
 
I think that a lot of "genius" is set loose when there are no inhibitors. Booze and drugs makes for some interesting art - you cannot ignore this factor.
talon4 OP
185 posts
 
Yes, drugs and alcohol had a big influence as well. "Alice in Wonderland" was written while high on drugs. Absinthe was popular during the time of artists like Picasso, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Van Gogh. Drugs and genius sometimes go hand in hand.
jdm61
18 posts
 
I will admit that amateur pharmacology can make for what, in hindsight, are some slightly cheesy lyrics. I thing even Jimmy Page and Neil Peart would admit today that they smoked a little to much weed and read Tolkien and Ayn Rand a few too many times...lol. What has faired well from the 60's- 70's is the quality of the musical composition. Even at its most pretentious moments, the best music written from about 66 on (middle and late Beatles. Pet Sounds, Creem, Jimi) could not have even been conceived as possible by the rock musicians of 1960. Miles Davis didn't even start blending genres like that until 68 or 69. Much of the musical experimentation can be writtenoff as noodling, but even then,it is superior to those who nodle in the present (sorry, Phish fans, but can you say derivative?)
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