Give A Little Bit

Since around 2005 I've been a major advocate of new music. My hard disk has vast quantities of music from post 2001. But deep down, I'm a fan of classic rock and pop. Music from the 50's, 60's and 70's was my staple until very recently. That, and the quality pop from the 80's and 90's.

Recently I've been returning to my musical roots. Interestingly, much of this old music was discovered recently. But somehow these songs get filed away as classics, and acquire much of the warmth of the songs I heard before I could even speak. Here are a few songs that have been on rotation lately:

Supertramp - Give A Little Bit
A pretty little love song that just about avoids being too twee. I do love a good voice. And delicate, crisp guitars.

Cliff Richard - Bachelor Boy
This ancient hit is by our very own Cliff (who is an Anglo-Indian!). He ruled British pop until the advent of the Beatles. This is the kind of song we were taught at school, and everyone in the family probably knows it. It's from the film Summer Holiday, which is an intensely pleasant musical. Sort of like a Hindi movie done well.

The Beach Boys - Good Vibrations
Those sunny Californians proved they could experiment a bit. They really did create some good vibes here. "I don't know where but she sends me there."

The Who - My Generation
Say what you want about Tommy. As far as I'm concerned, the Who where at their smouldering best here, at the place where British R&B became the roots of Punk. Gotta love that stuttering.

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Bad Moon Rising
I guess this qualifies as dadrock -- I associate this band with my dad and one of his college mates. Great upbeat song about paranoia!

Janis Joplin - Piece of My Heart
Good grief she was passionate. Alanis Morissette's spiritual great-grandmother.