60s music
Groove along to Beat Media's breakdown of the bands, artists, songs and culture that defined the 60s.
'Smiley Smile'. Top Story - October 2025.
After the relatively disappointing sales of Pet Sounds in May of 1966 and the subsequent release of the Best of The Beach Boys compilation a few months later. One would think Brian Wilson would have taken the advice of Capitol Records executives and return to churning out more hits about Surfing, cars and other creatively stifling teenage themed subject matter. Thankfully, That wasn't Brian's way. Instead he followed his muse into even more adventurous and unique sounds. He was at first very successful at this spending most of the summer of 1966 at various Los Angeles Studios recording what he called his "Pocket Symphony". Various sections of music were recorded at many different studios and assembled into a final piece. While Pet Sounds lyricist Tony Asher did attempt an early draft of lyrics for the song ultimately titled "Good Vibrations". Ultimately Brian's most frequent collaborator, Bandmate and cousin Mike Love dictated to his wife while driving to the studio one day the final lyrics. He also added the vocal hook of the song based on the songs bassline (A fact he will never tire of pointing out.) Carl Wilson would sing the ethereal verses of the song. The song featured extensive use of the Electro-Theremin instrument designed and played by Paul Tanner which had briefly appeared on the Pet Sounds track "I Just Wasn't Made For These Times." The outro features a thumping cello part suggested by Carl Wilson. The final song was finally edited together for release in October of 1966. It went on to become The Beach Boys second number one hit and a defining piece of 60s popular culture. At the end of the year a poll in a British music publication saw the Beach Boys top the Beatles in their home country as the biggest vocal band in the world. Unfortunately after this Brian and the Beach Boys winning streak would come to a bitter end following the non-release of their next planned album SMiLE originally slated to be released in January 1967 to follow Good Vibrations. Now the story of the SMiLE album will be featured in a separate future article because it is way more complicated than can be addressed here. Brian had been working with lyricist Van Dyke Parks on the songs for SMiLE during the fall of 1966 and spring of 1967. However due to a combination of the resentment of his fellow bandmates (Mike Love in particular.) and uncertainty about how to finish the final edit along with drug exacerbated mental health problems. Brian would abandon the project in the Spring of 1967. Still contractually obligated to deliver a new album. The band re-grouped at Brian's new house with his wife at the time Marilyn on Bellagio Road in Beverly Hills. The resulting album called Smiley Smile, whose name was suggested by Brian's young cousin Barry Turnbull, was recorded mostly by the band doing all the instrumental and vocal parts themselves as well as sharing the final production credit. This would be the first Beach Boys album since Surfin' USA not to feature Brian Wilsons credit as sole producer. It was released in the fall of 1967 to a world still in thrall from The Beatle's Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band album earlier in the summer and the Monterey Pop Festival which the Beach Boys famously pulled out of at the last minute which would permanently taint their reputation with the burgeoning counterculture.
By Sean Callaghan5 months ago in Beat
Singing the Blues
“Boom Boom” is a song that was written by the American blues singer and guitarist John Lee Hooker. It was first recorded in 1961 and became a blues standard. The song charted on both the R&B and pop charts. The song is one of Hooker's most identifiable and enduring songs.
By Rasma Raisters5 months ago in Beat
D'Angelo
In the world of soul and R&B, few names command as much reverence as D'Angelo. The Virginia-born singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist is a true artist's artist, a figure whose influence far outweighs his relatively small discography. However, this very mystique and his periods away from the spotlight have often led to confusion and concern among fans. Recently, searches like "d'angelo died," "d angelo dead," and "d'angelo 2025" have spiked, causing alarm. It's crucial to set the record straight: The musician D'Angelo is alive.
By KAMRAN AHMAD5 months ago in Beat
Get Those Rhythm and Blues
“A Change Is Gonna Come” is a song that was recorded by the American singer and songwriter Sam Cooke. It is featured on his album Ain’t That Good News. The song is considered to be one of Cooke’s greatest and most influential compositions. It was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress in 2007. Rolling Stone magazine has the song listed at number 3 on the list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
By Rasma Raisters5 months ago in Beat
Let There Be More Light
Introduction This came about because I saw Pentangle's "Light Flight" on a National Trust Folk compilation album track listing. I then thought of all the songs that have light in their titles, and thought there is definitely a playlist there.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 5 months ago in Beat
Eggmen Road Takes the World by Storm, One Radio Spin at a Time
[Fort Wayne, IN] — October 8, 2025 — Eggmen Road, the innovative country-rock project blending heartfelt storytelling with dynamic sound, is experiencing an unprecedented wave of radio support worldwide. From the United States to Europe, radio stations are adding Eggmen Road tracks into daily rotations and playlists, marking a major milestone for the rising project
By Toneman Productions5 months ago in Beat
Dolly Parton
The name Dolly Parton evokes a powerful sense of joy, resilience, and unparalleled talent. As a beloved singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, she has been a constant and comforting presence in American culture for decades. However, with her advanced age—Dolly Parton is 78 years old—it's natural for fans to express concern about her well-being. Recent online searches like "Dolly Parton health," "is Dolly Parton sick," and "what happened to Dolly Parton" have surged, often fueled by the cyclical nature of internet gossip. This article aims to separate fact from fiction and celebrate the ongoing vitality of a true national treasure.
By KAMRAN AHMAD5 months ago in Beat
Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman: Love, Separation, and New Rumors. AI-Generated.
Introduction After almost two decades together, country music star Keith Urban and Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman are going their separate ways. The couple confirmed that they have decided to separate after 19 years of marriage.
By sehzeen fatima5 months ago in Beat
Bad Bunny: The Global Superstar Redefining Music and Culture. AI-Generated.
Introduction When people think of the biggest music stars in the world right now, one name rises to the top—Bad Bunny. Known for his powerful stage presence, chart-topping hits, and unique style, Bad Bunny has become more than just a Latin music artist. He is a global cultural icon, shaping the way audiences listen to music and how they experience entertainment.
By Fiaz Ahmed 5 months ago in Beat
