Discussion 3

Prompt #3 – Advances in music technology during the 1960s.

Due to many technological advances in the 60s – recording technology, synthesizers, amplification, and FM radio – recordings of popular music began to sound better and better. A clear example of 60s sonic revolution can be heard in the recordings of the Beatles.  The early Beatles recordings from ’62-’63 are very simple, mono recordings with very little over-dubbing. By ’66, with the guidance of their producer George Martin and a new array of musical resources, the Revolver album sounds completely different, much more sophisticated and elaborate, more overdubs, synthesizers, use of orchestral instruments and “exotic” instruments, distorted guitar tones (Taxman), tape effects (Tomorrow Never Knows), samples and other sound effects (Yellow Submarine). At the beginning of the 60s, most albums were made with two and three track recording. By the end of the 60s, most albums were made with 8-track technology, something pioneered by Les Paul, Tom Dowd, and Atlantic records in the 50s.  By the early 70s, 16-track recording becomes the state of the art (ex., Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon, 1973).

Another iconic feature of the music of the 60s is the sound of portable electronic keyboards. An early example is the Farfisa compact organ on Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs: Wooly Bully, ’65, or on “A Man Loves a Woman,” by Percy Sledge, ’66. I’ve always loved the funky sound of these early keyboards.  What do you think?

Discussion 3 Answer

I think that the musical advances in terms of technology in the 1960s only made music, richer, interesting and more interactive. Because of the use of new technologies such as portable electronic keyboard, music became more upbeat and “hooky” to the listeners. For instance, even before taking this course, I am already drawn to the song “Wooly Bully” even though the title is the only lyrics that I know from the song.