The year 1965 stands as a pivotal moment in music history. It saw Bob Dylan embrace electric sound, The Beatles release their influential album Rubber Soul, and The Rolling Stones achieve global success with "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." This period was marked by constant innovation and the release of numerous iconic tracks. However, the sheer volume of groundbreaking music meant some notable songs from that year did not receive lasting recognition. This article explores three such tracks that, despite their quality, have largely faded from public memory.
Key Takeaways
- 1965 was a landmark year for music, with many famous releases.
- Some quality songs from that year became overlooked due to the high volume of hits.
- Bob Dylan's "On The Road Again" from Bringing It All Back Home is an obscure track.
- The Yardbirds' "For Your Love" marked Eric Clapton's last major contribution before his departure.
- Phil Ochs' "Days Of Decision" is an underrated folk song from the Greenwich Village scene.
Bob Dylan's "On The Road Again"
Bob Dylan's 1965 album, Bringing It All Back Home, is renowned for its shift towards electric instrumentation. This album features several of his most celebrated songs. Among these classics is a lesser-known track titled "On The Road Again." This song is distinct from Willie Nelson's later hit of the same name.
The album itself includes famous songs like "Maggie's Farm," "Subterranean Homesick Blues," "It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)," and "Mr. Tambourine Man." These tracks often overshadow other compositions on the record. "On The Road Again" exhibits Dylan's characteristic lyrical style, filled with surreal imagery and complex allegories. While it may not be considered his most iconic work, its inclusion on such a significant album makes it noteworthy for fans and music historians.
Did You Know?
Bob Dylan's album Bringing It All Back Home was split, with one side featuring acoustic tracks and the other electric. This marked a significant transition in his career, influencing countless artists.
Dylan's Lyrical Complexity
The lyrics of "On The Road Again" present a challenging listen, even for seasoned Dylan enthusiasts. They are rich with symbolism, requiring careful interpretation. This complexity is a hallmark of Dylan's songwriting during this period. It reflects his artistic exploration and his move away from more straightforward folk narratives.
"Though it's certainly not Dylan's best work, being it is Dylan's, it is still great."
This quote highlights the enduring quality often associated with Dylan's output, even for his less celebrated songs. His influence on music and poetry remains profound, regardless of a particular track's popularity.
The Yardbirds' "For Your Love"
The Yardbirds are a British rock band recognized for their innovative sound and, notably, for featuring three legendary guitarists at different points in their career. These guitarists were Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. Many people today primarily know the band because of these famous musicians.
Despite their significant influence, many of The Yardbirds' singles have become obscure since the 1960s. One such track is their 1965 release, "For Your Love." This song is particularly important because it was one of the last recordings featuring Eric Clapton on guitar before he left the band in March 1965. His departure marked a turning point for the group and for Clapton's career.
Context: The British Invasion
The mid-1960s were dominated by the British Invasion, with bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones leading the charge. This era saw a surge of British musical talent achieving international fame, often overshadowing other talented groups.
Clapton's Departure and Legacy
Eric Clapton's decision to leave The Yardbirds was driven by his desire to play more traditional blues music. "For Your Love" represented a shift towards a more pop-oriented sound, which did not align with his artistic vision. His departure paved the way for Jeff Beck and later Jimmy Page to join the band, each adding their unique style.
- Eric Clapton: Known for his blues-rock guitar.
- Jeff Beck: Pioneered experimental rock and jazz fusion.
- Jimmy Page: Went on to form Led Zeppelin, a foundational hard rock band.
The song "For Your Love" reached number 6 on the UK Singles Chart and number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Despite its commercial success at the time, it is often overlooked in retrospective discussions of 1960s music.
Phil Ochs' "Days Of Decision"
When discussing folk music from the mid-1960s, artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Peter, Paul and Mary, and Simon & Garfunkel often come to mind. However, the folk scene of that era was much broader, featuring many talented musicians who did not achieve the same level of mainstream recognition. One such artist is Phil Ochs.
Phil Ochs was a prominent figure in the Greenwich Village folk revival. He was known for his protest songs and politically charged lyrics. His most famous track is undoubtedly "I Ain't Marching Anymore." However, on the same album, I Ain't Marching Anymore (released in 1965), lies an underrated folk song titled "Days Of Decision."
Greenwich Village Folk Scene
The Greenwich Village folk scene in New York City was a hub for political and social commentary through music during the 1960s. It fostered many influential artists and movements.
The Significance of "Days Of Decision"
"Days Of Decision" showcases Ochs' ability to combine poetic lyricism with social commentary. The song reflects the turbulent political climate of 1965, a time of significant social change and protest. It speaks to themes of individual responsibility and the choices people face in a complex world.
For those deeply interested in the 1960s Greenwich Village folk scene, this track offers a deeper understanding of the period's musical landscape. It provides insight into the work of an artist who, while highly respected by his peers, did not always reach a wide audience. Listening to "Days Of Decision" can offer a new perspective on the era's folk music and the artists who shaped it.
Ochs' Impact on Folk Music
Phil Ochs' career was marked by his unwavering commitment to social justice and his unique songwriting style. He often used satire and direct political statements in his music. While not as universally known as some of his contemporaries, his contributions to folk music and the protest song genre are significant. "Days Of Decision" serves as a prime example of his thoughtful and impactful work, encouraging listeners to engage with important societal questions.
The year 1965 was exceptionally rich in musical output. This richness meant that even great songs by influential artists could be overshadowed. "On The Road Again," "For Your Love," and "Days Of Decision" are examples of these hidden gems, offering a deeper dive into the sounds of a transformative decade.