Bowers & Wilkins and Abbey Road Studios help celebrate five decades of British cool – and you can be there!
Bowers & Wilkins is attending Vintage at Goodwood, and would love for you to join us. Together with the world-famous Abbey Road Studios, we are representing the very best that Britain has to offer in terms of sound recording and reproduction.
This innovative festival of music, design and fashion celebrates all that is great about British popular culture. The festival takes place in the wonderful surroundings of the Goodwood Estate on the 13, 14, 15th of August.
To mark the event, we are extremely happy to be able to offer you the chance to win tickets to the festival. First prize is a glamorous Hotel Bell Tent for four people for the festival weekend, while five runners up can win a pair of tickets for a day of their choice.
To enter, simply post a comment below telling us your favourite decade for British music and why. And we will pick the winners from our favourite answers.
This competition is now closed, and the winners have been notified by email. Thank you to everyone who entered.
Tomas says:
80´s
Because of i love New wave and Post Punk etc. (Ultravox, New Order, Killing Joke…)
And pop was melodic and imaginative. Euryhmics, Duran Duran….
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Alex says:
My favourite decade for British music was that which I grew up in, the outrageous 80′s! From the colourful and eclectic fashions to the synthesizers and accompanying new age vocals of its artists. The only era equivalent in stature, and fairly similar in nature, would be that of the swinging 60′s.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Ashley Norris says:
It has to be the 60s. The levels of creativity and the speed in which the musical map went from skiffle to progressive rock make it the ultimate for British music. Almost all the highest profile British musical icons, from The Stones through to The Who made many of their best songs in the decade. And for obsessives like me the psychedelic era of 66-68 is rich pickings not just for the big names but also the pop chancers who sniffed a jostick, stuck flowers in their hair and delivered some amazing period pieces. Adam Faith, Billy Fury and Cliff Richard all made some great records at the start of the decade, but the stuff they stuck out in the late 60s (invariably penned by the Brothers Gibb or geniuses like John Pantry) was wigged out pop of the highest order.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Chris Latham says:
It has to be 1970′s. Listen to Alan Hawkshaw or any others of the great KPM music library and you will soon agree with me. Kpm’s golden era in the 70′s gave us some of the greatest compositions that came out of our fair isles. Match of the day, Grangehill, Superstars … these themes are triumphant and masterful.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Ben Richardson says:
Has to be the 1970s. Prog rock, glam, punk, funk. Music should create a reaction and they all did that. Even if it was sometimes a negative reaction.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Annaloa Hilmarsdottir says:
Well I have to ruefully admit that I am a 50′s child and therefore incurably attached to most of the 60′s but my real favourite is the 70′s decade for its creativity, verve and showmanship, David Bowie, Queen, Cream etc.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Baz says:
Tomorrow because there’s always more to hear than today.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Chris Kyriakides says:
The 60s was the definitive decade in terms of freedom in musical expression, development of new ideas, brilliant works from all directions and really, the source of much inspiration for the decades that came after and those yet to come.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Simon butler says:
It’s got to be the late 80s. Raving in a field in the middle of nowhere !
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
brad says:
While I’m extremely torn to choose one decade above others as my favourite, I would have to say one of my most loved times for music is right now!
The 60s & 70s seeded my love of soul, (real) R&B & and funk – a la Roy Ayers, Bobby Womack and the like. The 80s saw the genius of Ian Curtis’ Joy Division pave the way for a whole host of groundbreaking genres – post punk to new wave to new romantic to progressive rock.
On the other side of the Atlantic, we’ve got Frankie Knuckles, redefining the soundtrack to late night Chicago, fusing disco beats with acapellas and loops (actually splicing Reel to Reel, live) – thus bringing a new sound to his club The Warehouse, (later shortened to House Music – long live the godfather).
The 90s were intense, with Prodigy sticking out in my mind, and doing to British sub culture what all good music should, setting a standard and a acting as a catalyst to hundred of developing new sounds.
The new millennium brought with it a fresh, upbeat and optimistic view to my love of music, rooted deeply back to my roots – the 70s. Funky soulful elements now fused with chunky Chicago inspired beats and breaks. This was magical time indeed.
And now, with new music spreading at an incalculable rate, we have the beauty of broadband bringing everyone’s ideas together. When else would you find lovers of both Fleet Foxes mixing with those of Dizzee Rascal? With dancefloor reedits of 80s beauties given a fresh lick of sonically masterful post production. Having just experience my first Glastonbury, I have to say, I wouldn’t want to be alive at any other time. We are lucky to be so spoiled for choice!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Derek Grant says:
The magical 70′s for me the start of American Soul being played on the radio regularly influencing Northern Soul in the UK. The magical era of disco, funk and the dance floor!!!! All night parties and not a care in the world.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
daniel says:
For sure the Nineties (90′s). The golden age of music for British music.
Why?
It gave us the music of the multi Grammy award winning Radiohead giving us such albums as The Bends (1995) and the seminal OK Computer (1997) within the period of the 90′s that firmly placed British music in the minds and ears of the rest of the world;
Need I say more? In case I do here are some other worthy mentions:
Placebo – Placebo (1996), Without You I’m Nothing (1998);
The mercury prize winning Gomez – Bring It On (1998), Liquid Skin (1999);
Chemical Brothers – Exit Planet Dust (1995), Dig Your Own Hole (1997), Surrender (1999)
Fat Boy Slim – Better Living Through Chemistry (1996), You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby (1998)
etc
The Verve, The Prodigy, Portishead, and on and on.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Cary says:
The seventies,Led Zepplin, Black Sabbath, Free, Deep Purple and many more! Bands that have inspired many more in recent decades and put the British music scene on the world map, other than the Beatles and the Stones what Brit bands have had this much influence since? I like to think the 90′s had a similar impact on British guitar based music too. The Brit Pop era really ignited intrest in British Music again with Blur and Oasis heading this resurgance.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
darren says:
The sixties were the best decade for British music for all the above reasons (ashley). It’s just obvious stop being silly saying the eighties. Google sixties music and deny it wasn’t the best. No more needs saying.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Dave Goldsmith says:
It has to be the 1970s, the decade in which rock grew up. When the Stones threw off the girlie adoration thing and got down to serious rocking; when the Beatles dominance was all over; and when prog was in full flow. I’ts the closest rock has come to a symphonic legacy, and stuff by Yes, ELP, Genesis and the others still holds up today. Apart from the unlistenable rubbish which was rubbish then, and rubbish now. The 70s set the template for the build them up, knock them down, boy band. There would never have been the 90s Blue without the 70s Blue.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
David Owen says:
Simple and controversial! The 1980′s. It was the first decade that had a bit of everything – left overs of punk, indie, disco, dance, house, pop and rock. And for me, every song has a memory.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
David Lobban says:
Mid 60′s to mid 70′s I would say, it was such a creative period, nothing to touch it in my opinion.
Regards
David
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Charles says:
1960′s
My reasoning …
Such a simple two word answer ……. The Beatles.
The 60′s .. The era when you can really say Pop music came into it’s own and spawned generations afterwards to create some really excellent music.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Gazbally says:
My birth 1971…but my dads music in the 70′s still influences me…from rock, stones, free, supertramp, queen, to indie of the day, sad cafe, cream, to everything else, meat loaf, jim Croce, Dylan, the pistols, abba, Motown, I’m trying to pass them on to my kids but damn it’s hard with rave, rap n ministry of god knows what….us nearly 40′s are stuck in the 70-80′s…
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Diane Easton says:
It would have to be the 60s. We were growing up when neighbors and friends were fighting in Vietnam and women and blacks were fighting for rights. People had attitudes and opinions about how life “should be”. AND the music reflected our need for freedom, a say in our destiny and our need for nurturing and love in all aspects of life. Music of that era was our only escape and affirmation of our existence that we could all share. The music of the 60s was a cry that we are all here and we all have a voice and we need to pull together and be one human community of fairness, love and understanding. The music of the 60s changed our existence from a closed minded, do as our fathers did, to a love your neighbor not matter who he is humanitarian type of survival.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Andrew says:
80′s – still the best, never surpassed, life was good!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
David says:
The best decade for me it’s a really difficult question, which to choose?
As a youngster in the 80s (and still the odd time now) po-going around the room to Ska bands like the Specials, Madness, and Bad Manners, the late 80s early 90s freaky dancing to the legendary Happy Mondays, New Order, Primal Scream and Stone Roses. The 60s is hard to ignore too with terrific music that’s still relevant today from bands like the Who, the Kinks, and Donovan to name but a few, if I really must pick the best decade for music I am going to cop out and say now, not because of the music that’s being produced now but because of the ease that this modern lifestyle affords us to listen to and collect music from all of the previous decades!!!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Chris Cleave says:
The Seventies just cannot be beat
Glam Rock artists like T.Rex and The Sweet
Suzi Quatro down Devilgate Drive
Easy as ABC sang The Jackson Five
Then of course there was Noddy and Slade
Possibly the best band this country has made
Gilbert O’Sullivan sang about young Clair
Little Jimmy Osmond sang about Long Hair
Mud crept in with Tiger Feet
Whilst The Rollers from Scotland girls wanted to meet!
See My Baby Jive sang Wizzard’s Roy Wood
Rubettes’ Sugar Baby Love was very good
The Glitter phenomenon was all the rage
For pure theatre TOTP was the stage
In the 60s and 80s there were a few good songs about
But for quality and drama, 70s are best – beyond doubt!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Ed Byrne says:
I think for me the 1980s were definitely the mos memorable with bands such as Dire Straits Genersis & the Rolling Stones some really influential bands that helped shape the music industry as it is today.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
David Marlow says:
No Question about this, I was born in 1964 and at any early age all my Sunday mornings were spent playing records, the window open while my father listened working on his car collection.
I was encouraged to work my way through the many albums Ottis Redding, The Beatles, Mr Hendrix and many emerging artist of the day along with some great blues and slide guitar
While I listened played and learned, my own personal tatste changed and developed, still istening today to many types of music and vocals, it it clear that this was a time of expression and a new freedom allowed creative talents to experiment and perform to a public that were living life like never before and perhaps never again.
Born too late to be there but not too late to know the difference, thank you to them all for laying down firm roots…….
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Steve Freedman says:
70′s.
Why?
Because:
Stevie Wonder. Pink Floyd. Early Genisis. Peter Gabriel. Carol King. The Police. Queen. The Beatles. The Rolling Stones. Bob Dylan. Joni Mitchell. The Who. The Jam. Led Zepplin. Sly & The Family Stone. James brown. Jackson 5. The Commodores. Bill Withers. Janice Joplin. The Beach Boys. Jimi Hendrix. Jim Morrisson. Bob Marley.
Need I say more?
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Ian Collier says:
70′s
Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy, Here Come The Warm Jets and Another Green World. My Aim Is True and Armed Forces. Exile on Main Street. I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight, Shoot Out The Lights, and Pour Down Like Silver. Rosemary Lane. The Rotters Club. The Radio Gnome Trilogy. Give ‘Em Enough Rope and London Calling. Specials.
The Mahavishnu Orchestra & Shakti. The Beat before they got around to releasing albums.
I could go on.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Faye Pearson says:
The 70s. Bowie, Floyd, Fleetwood Mac and Genesis breaking new ground and Punk breaking the rules! The Eagles, ELO… great artists…Eric Clapton knocking out “Layla”… I wasn’t around for them, but I’ve collected a lot from the era in retrospect. I grew up with 80s music, but I think that the music of the 70s outclasses the electronica, big hair and makeup of the 80s for me.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Alasdair Dingwall says:
Like most folk, it will coincide with my teen years and that was the 70′s. Never before or since has there been such an eclectic mix of music available to the general pop-buying public…disco, punk, prog, electro, The decade started with The Beatles and Elvis and went right through to Blondie and Tubeway Army and in amongst all that there were timeless gems from acts such as Kate Bush and Abba.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
BARRY SULLIVAN says:
This is very easy. The best decade was the 70s to 80s, the Clash, the Sex Pistols , Souxie and the Banshees.Then The Specials and Madness through to Hip hop Granmaster Flash and the Furious Five. My musical style has changed but my passion has not. Cassette,Vinyl,Cds and now Mp3.Will we still be listening to music in years to come? I shaw hope so…
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Nic says:
My favourite decade is the 1970s because that was my teenage decade and so much happened for me then. Although it’s often called the” decade that taste forgot”, and a number of taste crimes were committed -e’g. many things were made that simply fell apart when you used them, the music of era brings back happy memories of power cuts cut and mad excursions out to explore the world.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Rachael says:
Got to be the 80s, my early teens floating around with my head in the clouds listening to new romantics and secretly wishing I had the guts to wear the pierces and Mohawk of the punk wave and the closest I got was wearing dayglo different coloured socks. The band battles of Duran Duran and stadal ballet – oh they were all fab – what a decade :)
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Sean Benbow says:
Wow.. How can you pic a decade.. A few centuries maybe.
Music.. Without end .. Every decade.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Kabir Malik says:
Has to be the 80s, surely? When Club Tropicana made dreams come true, (not Spandau Ballet Gold?) – Boy George wondered if we really wanted to hurt him, of course not, but the option of (Going) Mad in the Country, or rocking down to Electric Avenue were potentially too much for an adamant Prince Charming. Hanging on the Telephone was more enjoyable than French Kissing in the USA and the Man in the Mirror was anxious there was Somebody Watching (Me)! Time after Time we listened to Whitney’s call to arms, I just Wanna Dance with Somebody – it was a Chain Reaction to the love-in that became the 90s!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Chris Sonnex says:
My vote also has to go with the 70′s with so much change and innovation in that decade how could you pick any other?
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Jeff Davies says:
it’s all eighties for me folks, three words – Iron F***in Maiden.
still going strong now but ruled the eighties!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Frank Oglethorpe says:
For me the ’80′s. It was the decade I got employed in this wonderful yet crazy business and the music passes the test of time.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Sam says:
It’s undoubtedly the 70′s!!!!
If not all, but almost all the legends are from that era!
Just think of it: The Who. The Jam. Led Zepplin. Sly & The Family Stone. James brown. Jackson 5…. and if this isn’t enough well I suppose these ones will kill it; Pink Floyd. Early Genisis. Peter Gabriel. Carol King. The Police. Queen. The Beatles. The Rolling Stones. Bob Dylan. Joni Mitchell. jimi Hendrix. Jim Morrisson. Bob Marley.
Literally, there’s no argument to even begin with.
Pleaseeeeeee don’t say any other decade than 70′s!
cheers
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Gary McDonnell says:
Has to be the 80s Men looked and sounded great in suits, women sang about real things, love and hope and men sang don’t you want me baby! all I did was Talk Talk…..
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
kars10 says:
70s.
because there was genesis with gabriel.
;o)
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
mark booth says:
Oh,got to be the 70s and why the mad hair ,steeple high platform shoes that gave you broken ankles and made your nose bleed.Technicolour clothes that embarrassed you when you thought of them in the nineties ,and now are called vintage and people want to wear them again in the noughties ..But such wonderful artists Gary Glitter …..Okay not him moving on quickly but the rest, here lie the Gods of rock that went all the way to Eleven.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Lins Samaraweera says:
As an 80s kid, that has to be my choice – my favourites of this decade are a diverse bunch of acts. Synth bands such as New Order, Nutty Boy sounds of Madness, Scot-pop of Deacon Blue, US Soul from the likes of Alexander O’Neal, Luther Vandross, Keith Sweat and Ten City, cheesy pop from S.A.W, Wet Wet Wet, etc, the fun rap of De La Soul, mid-80s Brit pop of the Eurythmics, Nick Kershaw, Howard Jones. Oh, and of course, the pop legends such as the Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, etc. The decade started for me with Adam and the Ants on vinyl, and ended up with my first CD purchases (Soul II Soul and Neneh Cherry).
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Lins Samaraweera says:
Sorry for including some non-British acts… got carried away reminiscing! :-)
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Anthony Salzano says:
Without a doubt, the 1970′s which witnessed Led Zeppelin at its best, IMO, between ’73-’75. One the band’s finest performances was at the Earl’s Court Arena in the U.K. on May 24, 1975.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Keith Argent says:
My vote has to go with to the 70′s as I met my future wife at a Queen concert in December 1975 at what was the Hammersmith Odeon (now known as the the Hammersmith Apollo). It wasat the time when the album Night at the Opera was released and Bohemian Rhapsody was reaching number 1. The night could not have been better. Queen took rock music to a different level and the night was completed when I accidentently split my pint of lager on the soon to be love of my life sitting next to me. 35 years on we are still together. What a sweet lady and she is my best friend.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
karen breakell says:
50′s .. although i was only born in the 70′s the music of the 50′s was so different to what had gone before and with the music came a whole culture of clothes, hair and cars .. love it
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Chris George says:
My favorite decade was the late 1960′s to the 1970′s when the Canterbury scene was at it’s most creative.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Cilla Stubbs says:
I’m a baby boomer so that means my teen years were in the 60s and the time of the magical Beatles. Even now my children are impressed that I did go to a Beatles concert for my 18 th birthday. An unbelievable and loud performance it was too. Yes definitely the music of the 60s for me.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Robin Rowland says:
It just has to be the 60′s – the music of the Beatles, the Who and the Stones will never be beaten.
Also worth a mention are the Kinks, the Animals and, not forgetting the Us influence, Neil Diamond, the Bee Gees, the Mamas and the Papas and of course, the Beach Boys.
Then again, on the downside, the 60s were responsible for Joe Cocker, Bob Dylan, Gerry and the Pacemakers and the Dave Clarke Five …………
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
James Potts says:
70′s – No way! The British Invasion started in the early 60′s, and changed music around the world forever. The Beatles alone would be enough to overshadow any other period. Would our industry even have become what it is without their influence? Not to mention The Stones, The Who, The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Cream, even Led Zeppelin by the end of the decade. Even Jimi Hendrix’s Experience become popular first on the British Club Circuit. Music kept growing up and evolving in the following decades, and I love all of the periods of musical growth. As far as being the best and most influential on all poular music – the 60′s by a landslide – that’s a no-brainer.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Michael Frueh says:
The 80′s
Why: The Eurythmics – no other reason needed…
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
David says:
My favourite decade is going to be 2010-2020. I’ve been going to shows since the seventies, and I’ve NEVER heard so much thrilling and diverse live music being made as there is right now. The British scene alone is exciting enough, but there’s great music being made all over the world.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
James Davlouros says:
The 70′s for two key reasons
Pink Floyd
And
Led Zep
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
chris says:
no contest has to be the 60,s when the music changed the world
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Cello Kan says:
My favourite decade is 90′s.
Too many music come out, Trip-hop, Drum ‘N’ Bass, Techno, Trance, Progressive, Acid Jazz, Post Rock,……..
Radiohead, Blur, Massive Attack, Mo’Wax, Porrtishead, Future Sound of London, Bjork, Howie B, Unkle……
Too many things happen.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Chris James says:
It has to be the 80′s – what a decade!!!
Beginning with the new romantics – fancy frills, mega hair, coloured
make up (not just for the girls either), wonderful imaginative clothes
all mixed into an emerging synth sound which would become the soundtrack
for the future ‘remixed with a bit of rap’ in the noughties and beyond.
Travelling through plastic pop boy bands – were you a Duranie or a
Whamette? Will you still admit it anyhow?!! Ahh those hours spent
staring at those ‘Smash Hits’ centrespreads sellotaped to bedroom walls
throughout the land.
Live Aid – Status Quo opening with Rocking all Over the World and we
were, U2 playing their best and most loved tracks, Phil Collins jet
setting across the Atlantic to play both sides of the pond. The vibe,
the Africa guitar t-shirts, Bob with his scruffy locks and Midge with
his ponytail insisting on us donating our pocket money….
Grolsh bottle tops to copy the Bros Boys, when will they ever be famous?
The Beastie Boys having a right to party – unfortunately the owners of
the VW’s from which the symbols were missing from vehicles on every UK
street didn’t agree!!!
Progressing through the first dance acts – Black Box riding on time
blaring from Capris and Cortinas and Salt and Pepper pushing it real
good in every strobe lit nightclub.
And to end the 80′s in real style who will ever forget the king and
queen of soap Kylie and Jason with their sugar sweet songs and
accompanying tacky and sickening vids.
All in all the best decade for musical variation, OTT videos that were
more like Hollywood films and bizarre fashions. The iconic 80′s….
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Mitesh Chauhan says:
Definitely the 80′s – Particularly when U2, Michael J (RIP), Prince AND Madonna were all at the top of their game and the work they did (as well as others many others) still influence the sounds we hear today. I also love the use of the synth’s which were like the 80′s had been given a new christmas present and it could not get enough of it. Right through to the rock anthems of Queen and co. The dodgy clothes and guys wearing more make up than girls, the great movies. Right, back to me Delorean, where did I park it ?
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Abe Hilliard says:
It has to be the mid 60s to mid 70s, I always loved Cream and then Clapton as he went solo..
The inks and all time favorites the Beatles and all of the members went solo.
I can still remember I was in the secound or third grade and we would pretend to be the
Beatles band and all the girls would go crazey.. lol this had to be 1962
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Dave says:
Prob 60′s, beach boys, beatles, dylan, hendrix, the zep, the who it gave us the building blocks of what was to come………………
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
howard somers says:
70′s…. the fascination of the horrible!
Anything went and it usually did!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Chris Craib says:
It surely must be the 60s from Joe Boyd’s R&B artists tour right through to King Crimson, this was the decade in which British music came of age and conquered the World.
The Beatles revolutionised pop music and established intelligent rock with albums such as Rubber Soul and Revolver. Everything was new and fresh and bands from The Pink Floyd to The Softmachine were breaking new ground. Fairport Conventioned established British Folkrock and Cream invented the power trio. I could go on and on. Everything that has come since has been influenced by this most influential of decades.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
John Wehmeyer says:
I would have to go with the 60s — when relatively unschooled young men and women across English suddenly, spontaneously became fonts of inspired, unprecedented music. That said, most of the 70s are in my mind an extension of that seminal decade (in spirit, at least).
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Edward McDermott says:
60′s.
The world of pop music took a dramatic turn at the start of the 60′s,due mainly to the influence of pop music form America with Elivis and The Beach boys. Suddenly there was a freedom that the younger generation had never known before and this can be seen and heard, in the dress sence and even more in the music.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Richard Mackie says:
The 1690s for Henrt Purcell!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Rosemary Stanley says:
The British Invasion of the 1960′s and on, that’s what I’ve grown up with. The Beatles, the Moody Blues, Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin, The Who, Cream.Genesis, oh so many more.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
joseph bauer says:
My pick would be the 1960′s, not because of it being the high watermark
of British music but rather due to the new experience of the sound and energy that paralleled the optimism and ideals of the decade. The time of the British invasion!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Michael Maddison says:
At the risk of coming across as controversial I’m going to say the 90′s.
Despite the flooding of the popular music scene with what seemed like an endless procession of manufactured boy bands, some rather exceptional music was born. Grunge with the likes of Nirvana, pearl jam and sonic youth, britpop emerged with the likes of Paul Weller producing some truly fantastic solo material, as well as the early 90′s Manchester scene with artists an bands to many to list.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
robert owen says:
70′s
The list has already been stated, but I will add a couple. TD, jarre, pink floyd, gong……
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Chris Gumm says:
Being born in 1982, the most memorable decade for me has to be the 90s. My interest in music began with the Stone Roses in the late 80s but I became quite obsessed throughout the following decade. It started slow for me with pivotal albums from Pavement and My Bloody Valentine before it went all Brit pop. Pulp’s Different Class was the soundtrack to my teens and OK Computer was the first album to blow my mind. I then moved to the US artists in the latter part, with Flaming Lips, Elliott Smith, Neutral Milk Hotel and Eels dominating my Sony Mini Disc playlists. Soft Bulletin still gets regular listens through my B&W headphones.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Keith says:
Defintely the 70′s as they were my teen years and I remember so many names that are still around now and some great albums by them. Jackson Browne (The Pretender), Andrew Gold (All This and HeavenToo), Stevie Wonder, Fleetwood Mac (Rumours) and so many more. What great years they were and what timeless music….!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
.julian Brown says:
Has to be the 60′s, When British Pop Exploded, taking the World by storm, Who had never heard of the Beatles, the Stones, they being listened to in every corner of the World, Why !well just Great Music, Even now youngsters all know them.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
robert curtis says:
the 60′s because it changed how music was made and listened to
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Steve Baker says:
There has never been a soft power assault on the culture of the world like the British Invasion of the sixties. Unfortunately due to the diverse mediums that now of diffuse the impact, the planet will never be shaken to to core by a phenomena like rock and roll. The wonderful shared experience of hearing the Beatles for the first time along with the rest of the globe, is a treasure impossible to re discover. The freshness and artistry of this decades music has not been diminished by time. I still cant get no Satisfaction, and half the planet is now using mothers little helpers. What song of discovery will ever top Lola. The sixties may have borrowed from the fifties, but there was hardly an original lick left for future decades to invent.
Very few iconic rock bands came from countries other than England. It was a magical time of loud 3 chord revolution, and my freak flag while now thinner and shorter still flys proudly.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Richard Cooks says:
The best music is that which evokes emotion, recalls good memories, and leaves you feeling happier from the experience. The 80′s were were my teenage years. Music from that era ticks all those boxes for me. Music gave me excitement about the present and the future acting as a chronological time piece for my life. Long may it all continue!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Speedytypist says:
Favourite decade? Got to be the 70s. Why? Because it introduced the age of disco! Wooooooo! Strut your funky stuff, oh yeah! Actually, not just because of that. It also brought to us an amazing mix of groups including Queen, The Beatles, Abba, The Jacksons, ELO, oh, the list is endless – but their songs stood the test of time; they never dated because they weren’t trying to be trendy, just did their own thing and let their music speak for itself. It did. And still does.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Bob Koval says:
The 60′s…the transition from simple melodies to complex orchestral backgrounds not only pleased the ears but created a new sense of intensity and realism. Much of the music began sending cultural messages of the time.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
philip arshad says:
It’s the 70′s and 80′s. I think that stuff was a fantastic era for music and song writing, both the vocals and the instrumentals – when i lsten to these on my HiFi, it moves me to hear the voice, powerful or delicate, the sound of the lips part as the clarity of the sounds comes out, the depth of the voice chords – namely Dave Gilmore – what a voice, and then the instrumentals, the strum of guitar strings, the base in the, well, base guitar, the pitch of the winds. You just dont get that any more. Im not saying its not good some stuff these days, but that era gave us music to be lazy to in the breast of the leather armchair, cold beer in one hand, eyes shut, foot tapping away. then it’s 3am, and work beckons…dam…good night!!!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Alan Shepherd says:
Was the 80′s for me. The Jam, Mod revivals, northern soul all nighters, collecting back catalogues of The Who, Rolling Stones, Kinks etc, as well as the emergence of the new romantics, Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet and Eurythmics, all of whom are still performing now. We also had New Wave that came after the punk of the late 70′s.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Paul McCourt says:
My decade would have to be the 70s. The evolution, innovation and regretion in music over this period was massive. From prog and glam rock to the explosion of disco, punk and new wave. The birth of electronic music hinting at what the future had in store. It was a decade that owed a debt to the 60′s but put a firm down payment on the 80′s, 90′s and an investment that continues to payout to this day.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Michael Anthony says:
My favourite decade is RIGHT NOW. Like many of the posters I too grew up in the 60s. I dj-ed in the 70s and 80s. Had kids and went to a lot of gigs. Bought records, then tapes, then CDs and now the useful itunes. But I still love to hear something NEW. So my vote is for NOW!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Simon Hudson says:
The 60′s may have been where it all began, but the 70′s are where it matured, diversified, became complex, became simple, remote & accessible. It’s where technology truly brought all this to the masses, not as something contentious and subversive but as a new norm. And from this grew Prog, Punk, disco and so much more. Marvellous!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
John Wilson says:
Easy – the 60′s. The range and variety of music in the pop charts then has never since been equalled, let alone surpassed. I’d say that 60/70 % of pop music in the 60′s qualified as art, not simply entertainment.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Petra Hora says:
My favorite decades in music is definitely the late 80′s especially Depeche Moode, reminds me my teens age and illegal shopping of western music on the black market (I was living behind the Iron Wall).
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Sean McIntyre says:
My favourite decade for music is the 70′s. I was 7 in 1970 and my taste progressed through the decade from Glam Rock, to rock, progressive rock and finally punk/alternative not to mention some great reggae and folk thrown in. I couldn’t do justice in a list of songs or acts in t he space available. My most vivid memory of the 1970′s was listening to John Peel at 10pm every evening as punk/alternative music was breaking and hearing music that seemed to be completely new rather than a progression of what had been before.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
John Conquer says:
The 70s.
The music then was central to my discovery of independent thinking.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Pete says:
Its just has to be the 70′s……Just head to http://www.musicoutfitters.com and look at the top 100 songs for each year. There’s more than enough justification for my choice.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Venetia says:
I love the music of the 80s, it made me and still does make me feel really happy, there was so much fun and madness in some of it I still listen to some of my old music and never get bored with it, of ocurse it sounds even better now with modern technology but LPs are still in loft just in case, sound like a really fun day at Goodwood
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Philiip Jones says:
The 70′s were simply the best. Great lyrics, great music of all types, and it didn’t matter which genre the passion and true musicality just shone through. Pink Floyd …….just to name one of a very long list…… FANTASTIC.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Ben Hagens says:
I’m going to say the 00′s. Everyone seems to look back at previous decades with an air of romanticism and nostalgia. However music keeps pushing forward. Porcupine Tree releasing their best material to date, King Crimson refinding their form and spark… newer bands like InMe from Essex and Skindred from Wales, fusing multiple genres together, proving that musical progression is not as dead as many seem to think. Squarepusher is another prime example of innovation in a modern setting. As a musician and a music lover, it’s all about looking at what’s around and looking forward. I was saying exactly the same thing about the 90′s ten years ago.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Vivienne Millward says:
70s – the Stones – then I started to grow up, stretching the hippy thing (Black Sabbath, Jethro Tull) -then I grew up (Bowie, Pink Floyd, the Doors) – then I regressed into disco with the Bee Gees – met my husband (now 30 years together) – Eagles, ELO, The Commodores, Dire Straits (yes yes I know – they prefer to be known as 80s but they started in the 70s) – I could go on – the 70s encapsulates everything I love about my life.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Richard says:
70′s – apart from the usual ‘super groups’, the Rock Bands that are still popular with today’s young generation – but don’t forget Jethro Tull, Barclay James Harvest, John Miles, Justin Hayward, Alan Pasons, ELO, Al Stewart, Wild Turkey, Mike Oldfield, Heart, Roxy Music, Alex Harvey (Next), Supertramp, TOTO , Rush, Wishbone Ash, FOCUS etc etc etc.. Apologies to those bands that should be in the top list.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
richard gregory says:
the 1740s
Handel at his absolute peak. Not to say that everything since has been toothpaste, but let’s face it, you can’t top the guy.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Joe Abalos says:
The 60′s of course.
You Really Got Me on this one. Well, because I Saw Her Standing There!
There is no way that I Can’t Get No Satisfaction! It was Good Vibrations all the way and there was a Whole Lotta Love!
I was Like a Rolling Stone… In the Midnight Hour and I remembered it was a Purple Haze!!!
It was My Generation!!!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
The Mingster says:
The 1970′s. There is no other contender.
D- I – S – C – O baby!
And the rest – Queen, ELO, ABBA, Eagles, Neil Diamond, Status Quo…
Real music, it was the era of the album, no digital tomfoolery.
I think Faye and Steve above have got it nicely detailed.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Jaroslaw says:
Late ’80 early ’90 nothing better than those two.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Graeme Worsley says:
The 70′s was when I became musically aware – and what a way to grow up! I had the Metal, Punk, Ska, Reggae and Disco. Then Neil Diamond, the Carpenters, Billy Joel, Elton John, ELO. And how can anybody forget ABBA!
Was there ever a more varied and exciting few years in musical history?!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Les Cook says:
Tough choice – every decade has it’s moments! However, it has to be the 70′s – I grew into my teenage years in the 70′s and went from Genesis, Bowie, T Rex, Supertramp, The Eagles & Bad Company through to The Clash, the Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks, The Jam, et al all in the space of 4 years…..and I still listen to all of that now. Classic stuff!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Victoria H. says:
The 70′s, the music that came out of the 70′s was so unique and special to me beause that’s when I was in my teens and it brings back such great memories.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Jason Lawrence says:
The 80′s
Last 2 years at school, Starting college first love’s, first car.
The 80′s was great it was the decade that anything goes. Also the decade that the video started and musicians had to become actors.
Also the CD what a huge change that made for us. The same as iPods are making now.
Would love to relive the 80′s again as it was GREAT
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Charlie says:
The 90′s
Wham bam I am a man
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
eddy hyde says:
80s gave us hip hop, the best hard rock and the beginnings of dance, as well as all the cheese you could want. Queen to
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Mark says:
The 80′s. The decade of my youth and the music I enjoyed through my teenage years. You just need to see beyond Stock, Aitken & Waterman!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Jose Alvarez Abalos says:
You Really Got Me on this……but I’m a Believer, so it’s the 60′s!
It was a Wild Thing and it was the Time of the Season!
There was a Whole Lotta Love, All Day and All of the Night!
First, I Saw Her Standing There and then She’s Not There! I was so Dazed and Confused! She had a Ticket to Ride…..it was A Hard Day’s Night! I Can’t Get No Satisfaction:{
It was just like Yesterday….and I felt Glad All Over! :)
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Allan says:
Favourite decade? Every decade is my favourite, from growing up in the 70′s and forming my musical tastes and dancing to disco (at a discotheque)
The 80′s brought more R&B flavours but was watered down by the pop that my (Then small) children wanted to listen to.
My 90′s musical soundtrack consisted of mainly Britpop but had an injection of flavours such as worldmusic and Jazz.
My 00′s decade really branched into the eclectic partly due to how easy it was becoming to get hold of music with the upsurge in the digital formats and my purchase of a Minidisc recorder (remember them?) this decade is coming to an end and here I sit with my iPhone and the possibility of always having a massive choice of music in my pocket, the next decade could be my favourite because it allows me to listen to all of the music from all the previous decades at the push of a (virtual) button…
ROLL ON THE 10′S!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Neil Jackson says:
It has got to be the early 90′s!
18 years old, first holiday in Tenerife away from the parents and Adamski’s Killer was in full bloom!
Turn it up loud on my Ipod and Mini-Zepplin – close your eyes and get back to the era. Sounds brilliant and seems just like yesterday!!!!!!!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Greg Williams says:
Absolutely the 60′s. Pink Floyd at a time when the radio was filled with the Beach Boys. Screaming, sweaty girls at the Beatles concerts. The Stones showing us what it’s like to be bad boys. Kinda set the stage for the summer of love and never stopped.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Vishnu Joory says:
The 80s, and I quote Calvin Harris
“I’ve got love for you If you were born in the 80s, the 80s I’ve got hugs for you If you were born in the 80s, the 80s”
Vish
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Tony Dyal says:
It has to be the 70′s, with Genesis, Pink Floyd, Yes, Jethro Tull and their melodic masterpieces, and there was the anarcic Bonzo Dog Doh Dah Band who could ask for anything more.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Sheridan Williams says:
Even though the 1960s were my teen years, the 2000s have to be the best for technical achievement. 24-bit FLAC is tremendous and has revitalised so much old music. New and re-released music now sound simply wonderful on decent equipment.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Simon Musselle says:
The 1980s: whilst the second half may have degenerated into preset sounds & midi-madness, the first half of the decade remains sublime and only occasionally verging on the ridiculous. The range of music produced from the early electro pop of what would be become great artists such as Depeche Mode, New Order & David Sylvian/Japan meant that the 1990s & 2000s had a great heritage to develop further.
As for the specific music, my desert island would certainly have A Secret Wish by Propaganda, Low Life by New Order, The Lexicon Of Love by ABC, Music For The Masses by Depeche Mode, Gentlemen Take Polaroids by Japan & Rage In Eden from Ultravox. All of these albums – created at a time when a new world of musical production skills were expanding exponentially – have flavoured the world ever since.
They don’t have to be records you like, but you’ve got to admit they made one hell of an impact . . .
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
kevin maguire says:
got to be the 60s. original music served on real vinyl records.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Devon Liles says:
Late 60′s and early Seventies. Just cant get enough
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Robert says:
The sixties of course!!! The Beatles came to America and the British invasion just kept coming and continued into the rest of the world!!!! Just AWESOME what the British Invasion has done for music!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
SeaneeBrits says:
1955 – 1965 Because it was all so technically immature but full of passion and constantly changing/growing. It was the first and the foundation of all to follow in brit rock.
Second fav: early 70′s with beautifully superior musicianship of the prog rock scene far beyond the interests of pop – we have not seen before nor since such elegance and quality purely for the sake of rock music.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Henry Mandzuk says:
The sixties generated a feeling of change and energy, of hope and freedom. What a conclusion to the decade when man reached the moon , all of this reflected in its music.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Victor says:
You’re all wrong. It’s the 90s with acts like blur, oasis, spacehog, and more. I’ll grant you te 60s are timeless (ha!) and I grant you that the production quality of music before they decided dynamic range was unimportant was better, but music didn’t end in your mid-late 20th century, just as it didn’t die in clear lake Iowa in 1957.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Vina says:
80′s
Michael Jackson changed the dance scene as we danced watching various videos especially the thriller video and danced to Madonna and MJ and others but these 2 were the most memorable…. what fun it was.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Roman Anderlich says:
The Beatles picked up with the “Mercy Sound” and the Beatle manes and the Stones proved that starting with the 60s, the “Time, time, time is on my/their side!” A 60s band with 50 years of the greatest staying power in rock music ever!
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Richard Moyle says:
1970′s when so much creative, original and diverse music was being created in so many categories – and still loved today
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
David Tripoli says:
The 60`S / 70`s. WHAT A NEW AND CREATIVE TIME. No other time frame has been as creative and produced that many artists.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Bev Jackson says:
My favourite decade is the Shirley and Tom era – because you can never have enough diamonds, sequins and medalions with your green green grass of home.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Ann Mansell says:
This decade 2000-10
In this decade music has melded into a beautiful eclectic sound of the best of everything, a place where nothing is un cool. Boundaries have been pushed and broken, everyone has immemsely broad horizons and vast swathes of music in their libraries-from the 60s right up to the latest sound. The revolution of brilliance in developing ever more Ingenious ways to enhance our experience, music has truly ingrained itself into an essential part of our everyday existence. I feel blessed to have travelled alongside music on its path from Raw vinyl to pure honed emotional perfection. Our generation created musics future, beginning to end. Those who supercede us can only look back and wish they were there…………….. I know that for each and every life experience that I look back upon there is a beautiful evocative sound that mirrors my emotions perfectly.
Thankyou to a generation of musicians……………………..
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Bob says:
For me it has to be the 60′s when for my 14th birthday my parents bought me a mono tape recorder. I was able to record music from the hit parade, late Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons, from the radio, I was able to ” collect a huge cross section of music”.
,
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Matthew Perks says:
For me it has to be the 00′s, this was the time when bands and musician’s really started using new technology to push the boundries of music, Linkin park, the Prodigy, Kasabian, La Roux. As great as it is to hear the classics from day’s gone by there’s nothing better than enjoying music from the here and now and listening/watching/streaming the future classic performance’s.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Martin Barrett says:
The 70′s.
Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Queen, AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac, The Beach Boys, The Bee Gees, The Eagles, T-Rex, Slade, Simon & Garfunkle, Jackson 5, The Carpenters, ABBA, The Sex Pistols, Dire Straits, Free, The Doors, Elton John, Carole King, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, Bob Marley etc etc
Classic Songs, Classic Albums just a Classic Era
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Neil says:
The 70′s because of stevie wonder and bob marley! two of the best singers ever
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Baz Fisher says:
It’s got to be the 70′s for me. Hearing Pink Floyd, Led Zepplin, Bowie, The Doors, Queen and a good dose of Northern Soul when your growing up can only give a good, open minded music listening foundation second to none.
Baz
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Neil says:
60′s – Beatles – What more needs to be said?
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Daniel Greenberg says:
British Invasion-mid to late 1960′s. Whoever heard of Eric Clapton, Yardbirds, Led Zeppelin, Stones, Who, Cream, etc etc before the British Invasion of the 1960′s. Brought R&B into the Rock era with diversity and grace. Plus it was a lot of fun.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Chris says:
1910′s
It must have been a revelation with the development of gramaphones reaching the home- the start of hifi?
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Nick Petty says:
My favourite decade of British music would have to be the 2010′s. The satisfying thought of the thousands of songs that will be released and the excitement of hearing that incredible track for the first time. Fast forward ten years and speak to everyone who has been influenced and affected by the decade’s outstanding tracks, new bands, and those times moulded around the music you love and hate. Forgive me for being offbeat.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Paul Johnston says:
The 90s – By process of elimination…
I wasn’t born in the 50s or 60s but according to Billy Connelly before the Beatles, the Stones and that Elvis fella, ‘How much was that Doggy in the Window’ was number 1.
In the 70s, we tend to remember the magical, timeless disco tracks, like ‘Le Chic’ and ‘Lost in Music’ but if you look deeper the decade is responsible for the formation of ‘Wings’ and ‘The Carpenters’ – need I say more?
The 80s to me were a musical write-off. Evidence: Look at your 40 year old uncle dancing to ‘Culture Club’ or ‘Duran Duran’ at a wedding.
The Naughties (don’t like that word) were far too ‘R&B-e’…so we are left with the 90s…
They kicked off with blokes at School discos standing in circles making funny hand dances to ‘The Farm’ and ‘The Stone Roses’…
then pushed on to new Electronic levels with ‘The Prodigy Experience’…
culminating in the band of a Generation in ‘Oasis’. I know it’s not cool to wax lyrical about the Gallachers but in their day, have you ever known a bad with such a deep (obviously in numerical rather than philosophical terms!) and quality collection of both singles and hidden gems: ‘Talk Tonight’, ‘The Masterplan’ and ‘Wonderwall’
…We’ll be talking about them for years.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Tony says:
70′s to Present, there is always favourites in all decades and genres that impress.
Just keep good recorded songs coming so we can all enjoy.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Steve Forster says:
The 70′s WHY?? THE ROLLING STONES,THE WHO,THE STOOGES,THE MC5,THE GRATEFUL DEAD.HOT TUNA,EARLY GENESIS,KING CRIMSON,BOWIE,DEEP PURPLE,T-REX,BLACK SABBATH,PINK FLOYD,YES,AC/DC,VANHALEN,BOB MARLEY,THE DISCO SCENE,THE RAMONES,THE JAM,THE SEX PISTOLS,JOY DIVISION(CBGB’S) LOU REED,AEROSMITH………THAT’S WHY.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Dave Newton says:
The 60′s because so many British bands were at the forefront of musical development as simple pop music developed into ‘event albums’ led by icons such as The Beatles, Rolling Stones and The Hollies these musicians also led the worlds fashion from Mod to Hippy and helped drive a change in political thinking on liberalisation, peace and equality, then as the pop decade bagan to fade it heralded the start of the British Rock invasion with Led Zeppelin sowing the seeds of heavy metal and hard rock for the next generaton to develop.
Posted: Thursday, 29 July 2010
Jack Kotlyn says:
In the mid to late 60′s the musicians were able to think outside of the box. They were pioneers in new found territory. There music made a statement and had meaning. The 70′s brought about a new found confidence in the musicians and they were able to build upon the efforts of the pioneers of the 60′s. Vinyl was king back then and you could listen and feel every pick of the guitar and beat of the drum in the comfort of your living room.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Colin Waterworth says:
The Best decade for Music has always got to be the one you’re in!
Only then can you enjoy all that is fresh, exciting, innovative & wonderful about this aural marvel we call Music. Plus All of the amazing Music already in existence is but a click away!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Russell Paul Cobb says:
It is simply the 60′s for me. Having two older sisters and a brother, that constantly played 45′s with artist such as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, T-rex, The Who, and many many more. What really makes it special too me though is every time I hear a beatles tune, or some Who or T-rex, it instantly takes me back to the good feelings I shared with all my siblings during that time period. Sadly, I have lost my brother and a sister to cancer in this last decade. Because of this, it makes it that much sweeter when I hear I wanna hold your hand.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Craig Karle says:
60′s 60′s60′s!!! Not only did the decade run the gamut in emerging musical styles, but engineers had to create new sounds and techniques from scratch, and their own creativity. Sure, mono, 2, and 4 track consoles seem primitive compared to today’s slick studios, but they provided the platform for all recording advancements to follow. As the British studios began to loosen up (pre Abbey Road EMI anyone? ) all manner of previously forbidden recording experimentation was allowed to evolve. London was the home to all of this, and while the rest of the world began to catch on, Brits went from “allowing” to encouraging new exploration in recording techniques.Those early consoles and the creative engineers of the day created “recording laboratories” to capture and extend the vision of new musicians and the very new music that would thrive with these recording advancements. If only I’d had my 803D’s then to listen to it all.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Josh says:
The 60s, of COURSE! Come on, the Beatles, The Stones, The Who, The Kinks, The Dave Clark 5, Cream, Clapton, Hendrix, The Moody Blues, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood, etc., etc., etc. These greats had the greatest influence on rock and popular music which filter through today’s music and will always be there. Whoever said 60′s music was technically immature is just plain WRONG. Listen to Abbey Road or Let it Be on a high end vinyl rig and tell me the production doesn’t compare with today’s well produced music and I’ll tell you to stop smoking that stuff you using when you listened to 45 rpm singles on an leatherette portable phonograph with a 12 lb arm and ceramic cartridge!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Robert Luke says:
60′s can’t be bettered. I remember listening to the Bob Dylan on an old Phillips tape recorder, with a huge reel which used to twist at the wrong moment! Returning from an Ante-Vietnam War demonstration, my faithul tape recorder would play Stones music and I would feel OK with the world.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Steve Crawford says:
The 70′s
Because the music world celebrated itself and what it could do without taking itself too seriously and just did what felt good, No need to name names cos everyone was at it, just for the ride. Before the 70′s things were too regimented, after wards became too interesting to the money men and their formulas for success…
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Daniel says:
The 80′s for the broad move into synthesised music and the variety of well known and recognisable sounds from different genres of music that are often celebrated even today.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Nic Drew says:
The 70′s – Led Zeppelin – nuff said!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
bobby morris says:
The 70′s for me. My teenage years. Playing a new record over and over again to learn the lyrics. playing an album over and over again until you DID like it. Going to pied piper record store in halesowen and asking to hear the record you were about to buy on vinyl before you bought it.Album sleeves, and funny shaped vinyl with colourful pictures on.Wearing out an album.Happy days.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Raymond Viola says:
While there are several worthy contenders, my “favorite” decade of British cool would have to be the 1960′s. The saying goes that “if you can remember the 60′s, then you were never there, man”. But, Yanks like me first became aware of British rock music & fashion during this heady time. For many of us, the 60′s are fondly remembered as a watershed era in British pop culture.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Jonathan says:
60′s 70′s 80′s 90′s 00′s
Isnt it the diversity of the genres and the quality of the music that makes especially british music timeless and so popular whatever the decade.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Jeremy Aston says:
I know the question is what is my favourite decade for music but it’s a question I could never answer as I simply don’t have one. For me every decade has absoulte gems of innovation and evolution. The blues/jazz masters of the 30′s and 40′s were instrumental (no pun intended!) in laying the ground work for the explosion of rock ‘n’ roll in the 50′s. The 60′s had genuine innovation and many of the great inspirations for later greats such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Hendrix, T-Rex, The Doors etc.were born at this time, even if some of them had more commercial success later. I would agree with many of the posters regarding the range of music in the 70′s and for me artists such as Brian Eno and Kraftwork stand out for being absolutely years ahead of their time. I really discovered music as a youth in the 80′s and much of the music then has immense sentimental value. The 90′s were excellent for me as well – Radiohead, Oasis, Pulp, The Verve etc. etc. as well as the growth of fantastic electronic music. Plastikman and Biosphere provided the soundtrack to many a long night of coding at that time! This latest decade has absolute stand out moments as well. The sheer scale and availability of music due to the technological advances has been unprecendented. The rapid consumption of music perhaps has made it less likely that people will indulge themselves in a single album for long periods of time as I did when I was younger but it has given people an acceptance of a far wider range of music – just consider the range of artists at Glastonbury now. I find myself listening to far more bands and musicians than I ever did – and for that reason alone the past 10 years have to represent as good a showing for music as any of the others.
Ultimately, every decade has seen the best of it’s contemporary music pay homage to the past and flash forward to the future. I could never choose a single block of 10 years in which to live my musical life – I can only appreciate each period for what it has to offer and count myself privilaged to find such pleasure in music.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Carola says:
End 60ies… to mid 70ies ! Definitely. Music turned the world upside down – it was made to cheer one up, give you an instant smile, to forget misery in life… even ‘peace messages’ got sent out with a happy message ! Can anyone imagine a world without those fabulous tunes ?
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Mike Terry says:
It has to be the sixties. I was a teenager living ina world that was rapidly changing. In 1964 the offshore stations arrived and the airwaves lit up with superb music, jingles, even the adverts were fab!
The likes of Kenny Everett and John Peel on Wonderful Radio London on 266 metres were some of the greatest ever innovators in British Radio. It was the greatest radio station ever and was cruelly closed by a draconian Government Act in 1967.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
D. H. Ellis says:
The 1960s
The decaded started with distinctive sound of The Shadows & moved on to the early raw music 0f the Rolling Stones, The Who, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, The Yard Birds (who became Led Zeppelin in around 1968), Jethro Tull, Cream, & the, great, great John Mayall
Nearly every thing since has either been copies of the 1960s or rather insipid except for the Sex Pistols & The York Dolls.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
marcus harbord says:
Swing music, as it reflects many aspects of emerging music styles. First appering in the 30′s it is today widely covered and remains the best groove, rhythm and uplifting music of the century and beyond.
It combines melody and improvised vocal over the arrangement. Great voices and dancable vibes.
Get into the swing you know it makes sense!!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
chris pearson says:
Did the great bands of the 60s and 70s etc dream only of the fantastically rich musical heritage that preceded them? No, from Elvis to Hendrix to the Sex Pistols, they all lived in the moment and made inspired music and culture that spoke about their generation.
Celebrate the Great British cultural past but let’s create our own ‘cool Britannia’ in our own decade and make it a time to remember.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Ellen Silva says:
The 80′s.
Most lyrics actually told an important message to society overall and as a listener I used to stir away from songs that had too cheesy repetitive chorus that added nothing to one’s intellect.
Musicians were much more adventurous in trying different tunes.
Most songs in the 80s really striked a cord inside everyone and explored important issues in society. There was less fear of singing about politics and unfairness in society.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Panks says:
The Nineties Revolution in Music!
Britpop and the Indie crossover, being able to witness the birth of Blur, Oasis and getting lost in a field to sound of Prodigy and Orbital….
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Ez says:
End of 60′s – 70′s, the Beatles had galvanised what we might call pop, rock music had come of age, stars were born and revered, scope and creativity was endless, tracks that will be forever repeated, revisioned and remixed were created. For examples read all very valid comments above and below, although I personally want to list Bowie and Floyd, Doors, Hendrix. And then there’s James Brown and acid sound from Chicago that I love for the birth of Acid and House which isn’t music its mental. Whatever will rip the next genre?
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Roger says:
The 50′s of course – music to fall in love to and music to be heartbroken to – it was all there!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Paul Reeds says:
For me, it has to be the Nineties. The whole Brit Pop era pulled British music out of the dole-drums, gave it a big shake and voila, the music scene in this Country had direction once more. Not just the big bands who everyone remembers (Oasis, Blur, etc), but the smaller, one album wonders, all gave the Country a buzz, and created what one could really call a ‘movement’ of which won’t be seen again for many a year to come.
Plus the fact that i bought my first pair of real speakers, some DM601′s, which are now living in my loft as i won’t throw them away, (no matter what the wife says).
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Conor Whelan says:
For me it has to be the 80′s. I grew up in Wales & we didn’t get to see much TV in the mountains so all I had was my radio & sony walkman. The earphones didn’t leave my head and the new sounds were fantastic – quite a difference from Choir’s & sheep!
The 80′s was the year I discovered Music!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Thorsten V says:
No doubt, it’s the 80′s …. and this for a singular phenomenon: The Smiths.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Tuppence Lewis says:
Oh! It has to be the 80′s – there was such diversity and anything went, things felt very NEW! From Level 42 to Kraftwerk, Soft cell to Madonna, Prince was totally awsome, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Grand Master Flash and The Beastie Boys, The Clash and The Specials, Public Image LtD (one of the first singles I ever bought), The Beat, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Killing Joke, Sisters of Mercy, Violent Femmes, Blondie, The Art of Noise,The Human League, Lena Lovich and Laurie Anderson (remember them – so cool ?), Ultravox, Gary Newman (bless him),The Cure (Killing an Arab, the first album I ever bought – still play it) and Duran Duran, Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’ , Elvis Costello, New Order, Peter Gabriel, Talking Heads- oh my the list is endless – I’m just gonna have to go and dig out the old Viynal’s now – where is my old ‘Turn Table’!?
The revival of the 80′s has been going on for he past 10 year’s and continues to do so, that say’s it all!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
sarah whiteley says:
the 80′s before my mum fell ill we had the best house parties i remember sitting in the kitchen with a snowball listening to the goings on in the street with the sound of the best mixes of music everyone from abba, bruce springsteen everybody dancing and siging along to aga do do do ha ha what a time o and then a bit of phil collins to shake everyone up loved it happiest memories i try to recreate but its not the same ::-(( but loving my new zepplin the tunes are rocking in it !!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Andrew Blake says:
The long 1960s – c.1963 and the early Beatles to c.1975 and prog-rock’s pompous suicide (when the limited pop ambitions of punk and disco took over). Lots of great soul, rock, jazz and first wave metal, but this was also the last high point of European classical music with Stockhausen in his prime, and Boulez conducting the BBC symphony orchestra and making them play as if it mattered.
Runners-up prize to everyone who has tried to make electronic dance music interesting since 1987! Well done Autechre in particular.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Paul Riordan says:
’00′s – there continues to b e great music coming out (thankfully) and I can still listen to all of the fantastic music produced before……
Favourite bands at the moment include UNKLE and Alice Russell.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Neil Donnan says:
It has to be the current decade. New great music is being produced all the time and ‘World’ music is becoming more accessible thanks to sites such as B&W. Sound reproduction is also better today. I loved vinyl and still listen to my old albums on my Linn LP12, but digital streaming with FLAC is a whole new dimesion to music listening pleasure. I have a Linn Klimax DS and it has unlocked my reripped CD collection. Internet radio now also brings music to my ears that I would never have heard in previous decades. This is the most exciting time for new music, and we still have all our history to enjoy.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Edward Clark says:
For me the 60′s. It held such promise of all things new. Anything was possible! Even the world state seemed achievable and so much music!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
SusieBillo says:
How can I choose? I love music from all eras – except maybe Punk! I was born in the 50′s so learned to rock ‘n roll as a toddler, then came the 60′s as a teenager – wow – the twist, the Beatles, Stones – then the 70′s – all the fab colourful outfits that went with ABBA and co. The 80′s brought the new romantics, the shoulder pads, oxford bag trousers, and then the 90′s, which took themselves far too seriously in my view. Now in the 00′s anything goes, including a mixture of all of the above. And digital technology has come along to make it all so accessible and sound so great!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Jeremy Rogers says:
the 1960s………….were so innovative, and we wanted our music to be part of the change taking place in the world, and we all had such fun, particularly at the new festivals. (The first Glastonbury 40 years ago..!) My best moments – Hendrix playing in Alum Bay as the summer sun came up, and, the Grateful Dead playing three different three hour sessions at Ally Pally on consecutive nights.
Jeremy Rogers
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Graham says:
70′s = Led Zeppelin
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Martin Lambe says:
The 90’s – to be more precise the golden age of music hall the 1890’s. With the incontrovertible influence of Ragtime sweeping across the western world and changing popular music forever, you can see the 1890’s in the foundation of all the music genres that followed. It was also the decade of Elgar, who left us the legacy of the Enigma Variations and the influence on Gustav Holst, the last great composer. The 1890’s was the first decade the 7” Gramophone Record was produced, the ancestor of the 78 rpm, 45 rpm, 33⅓ rpm, and all other analogue disc records popular for use in sound recording through the 20th century.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
James says:
For me, it has to be the 60′s. Even though the 70′s were MY formative years, it was the 60′s which were the formative years for modern Western music culture. The Beatles defined the 60′s but, though they were the catalyst, they were not alone in the explosion of innovation. New technology was a vehicle for musicians and not just a gimmick (think of drum machines) as it was in the 80′s. Pop music was a craft in the 60′s in a way it never was before and never has been since. Pop music since the 60′s has come to stand for “simple music for the masses”. In the 60′s, Pop music was creative, intelligent, innovative, and significant. It “spoke” to the people. It encouraged cultural and political change. It challenged the norm and tore down boundaries between cultures. The Beatles, The Who, The Stones, Pink Floyd, The Beachboys, etc were embraced from London to Tokyo and spoke to each culture individually. Only a handful of artists (Bob Marley for example) since then speak to all humanity.
Finally, you just have to look at it’s longevity to realise it’s universality. Fifty years on and it still commands air time on radio stations all over the world. No offence to them, but I doubt a single X-Factor star or boy band will still be on the air in 2060!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Bavers says:
Its so difficult to choose, but the 80′s stands out to me as the decade that Paul Weller made the transition from ‘new wave’ to ‘song smith’ ETBG broke through. The New Romantics went mainstream and Bowie was at his all time best, Queen rocked ‘Live Aid’ and Acid Jazz was founded.
All musical genres across this sceptered Isle found a peak from Goth Rock [The Cure] to the Ska Revivalists [Madness et al] and from Joy Division to The Police through Jazzie B’s unique blend of ‘Soul II Soul’ to Courtney Pine’s Jazz.
And we even won the Eurovision song contest thanks to Bucks Fizz!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Roger Nicholls says:
It has to be the 60s, the development from R&R through Psychedelia to Prog was fantastic. The ambition of artists to explore not only musical boundaries but technical ones as well, the development of phasing, backwards tracks, guitar sounds etc was a significant influeence on the sounds produced. The people developing the electrontics, the engineers and producers all played their part. There was also something very special about the vibe then that reflected changes in society as a whole.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Sharon Fairhurst says:
This is a difficult one with every decade of music there is history of iconic sounds and not forgetting great fashion …..the 60′s was a fanatastic ‘revolution’ in music and being born when Hard Days Night (Beatles) was at number one (hey 46 years today) what more can I add. Of course there were also other briliant sounds such as Bowie and Elvis was rock and rolling. Then came the 70′s with a real mix of sounds from the greats such as Bowie, Queen, Rollings Stones, Abba, George Harrison, Eagles Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Wonder and The Eagles……Moving into the New Romantics era of the 80′s with Spandau Ballt and Duran Duran and the punk movement and the synthesizes sounds of Soft Cell. The 90′s gave us Kylie. Madonna, Beautiful South and Take That.
Now well we still have all the greats of past times and great cover versions, mixes with bits taken of other songs and put into new songs ad great new talents. icons of yesteryear are still playing and the music of those that are no longer with us still played.
So I would go with the 00′s as I can listen to all the music of yesteryear and the present on my Bowers and Wilkins Zepplin and look forward to the new music of the coming decade.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Stephen Taylor says:
I think the sixties Changed music forever but for me the seventies had it all, it took what musicians/artists did in the sixties & just ran with it.
The seventies has to have the most diverse styles of music of any decade it seemed as if our eye’s were opened to the whole world of music not just from the USA & the UK like in the sixties but from all round the world.
I have to admit I did struggle with punk at it’s height,But I love music in all it’s guises even Japanese watermusic (my wife has to leave the house it drives her mad).
Lastly I have searched all my adult life for true hifi & I think your 802d speakers have finally given me just that combined with linn Klimax pre/power & missing link cables they sound stunning & look fantastic. Thanks. Steve T.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Lilly Hunter says:
I liked the 1960′s, for the British Blues wave. John Mayall, Eric Clapton and you know the others! Superb music and sound quality.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Andrew says:
So many decades to choose from………
I laways love the music of the decade I’m in.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
sharath says:
the 80′s
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Mr South - AcidHeadz says:
The 80′s – Acid House the revolution, the music, the people, dancing all night long with new friends and lovers and still growing strong today.
Every time I hear a house track it takes me back, in the middle of field in 89, take back take back to 89 ( Back To 89 – AcidHeadz)
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Martin McDonnell says:
The first decade of the 21st Century has for me been a revelation in terms of the quality of music, particularly in the loosely “pop” genre. From the Killers to Katie melua to Paulo Nutini this is evident.
Albeit that I am a child of the late 50′s, I feel that the last decade has drawn from the best of the 60′s through 90′s, added benefits of technology and added some real individuality and talent. An added bonus has been the lack of “cheesy” music e.g. Benny Hills Ernie!!
The availiblity/visibility of music developed in this period with the internet and has been the catalyst to influence talent that otherwise might have gone unnoticed. Long may it continue!!
The second 10 years is looking good as well.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
paul donaghy says:
It has to be the 70′s …
Although I came of age in the 80′s essentially with Hip Hop and House .. the 70′s had everything … the acceptance of Reggae (my major love), the urgency and anti authoritarianism of Punk and the surprising convergence of the two genres ….
The emergence of Two Tone from Coventry (The Specials, The Beat, The Selecter, etc) … Northern Soul, you name it the 70′s had it all …
Let’s not forget The Jam, one of the greatest bands alongside The Specials in my book to come out of the UK.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Barry Singleton says:
I have always and still do enjoy soul, motown, funk music
I have a great collection of vinyl and play my music every day
Fantastic sounds
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Simon says:
The 90′s because it was when I was growing up and started listening to a lot of music.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
richard says:
For me it has to be the seventies. What a great ecletic mix of music and fashion. T rex, james Brown, Slade, Abba flaresand tank tops. Everything just seemed to be more innocent and above all fun. People sometimes look back and laugh at the seventies but if you were there it was just a more relaxed decade, especially as a teenager i think i was really lucky to be able to listen to such a great variety of music and a lot of it live as well, with groups happy to play smaller venues.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Susie says:
The 60′s without a doubt is my favourite.
Why – The Beatles – Rolling Stones – Small Faces – Sandie Shaw – Lulu – Kinks – Long John Baldry – Animals – Georgie Fame – Tom Jones – The Who – Pink Floyd – The list goes on and on, need I say more?
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Dog of the Bay says:
For me it has to be the Sixties – not just because I grew up then – but it was a moment in time between the dour Fifties and the cynical Seventies when we dared to hope that everything might be fixable.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
suzie says:
For me, it was the 80′s for the creativity, experimental (including the corny songs), colourful music, and the same can be said with the fashion and the adverts that changed the world.
and to top it all, for the tunes to remind me of my happy childhood, with lots of laughter and when all my siblings were the best of friends!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
karma says:
As Andrew says… so many decades to choose…. But I think I choose the 70′s:Bowie, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac , enesis ,The Eagles,Stevie Wonder. Peter Gabriel. Carol King. The Police. Queen. The Beatles. The Rolling Stones. Bob Dylan. The Who. The Jam. Led Zepplin. Sly & The Family Stone. James brown. Jackson 5.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
P. Bellinghausen says:
I will not choose a decade that starts and ends in arbitrary noughts. If we pretend Jesus was born in -6BC, if at all (apparently a more likely date than that which our particularly revised calendar would lead us to believe) then I am allowed to pick my decade with a year with 4, in which case I choose the 1964-1973 decade, which tells the most perfect tale of birth and evolution of an art form that has remained the UK’s most characteristic, successful, and important cultural export since Romantic poetry.
In 1904 the British Isles were called Das Land Ohne Musik – the Land Without Music – by a particularly caustic German critic. He was, in many ways, spot-on. The Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras, with their characteristically uptight moral values, saw music as an social, upper class pastime, deeply mingled with politics. The true rebels, the individualists, were all writers; music required all-too-large organisations and orchestras to be in any way innovative. Patriotic, bombastic, relatively simple music works (Elgar’s marches and Holst’s The Planets are good examples) were the reflection of everything that was imposed on the British public, instead of having sprung from it.
The first decades of the 20th century didn’t improve the situation much. There was Britten, but he was practically the only one, nothing fancy compared to the dozens of highest calibre German or Austrian composers creating opposing camps, developing neoclassical, atonal and serial doctrines, mingling with the French and the Russian virtuosos, and altogether having a jolly good time.
Then something started happening across the pond. African-american musicians had been pouring their soul into their art for years, but something clicked; the white started listening. And from soul to swing and trad jazz, everything paved the way to the explosion of rock and roll halfway through the century. The UK started paying attention, but for at least another ten years, this new, young music was american by definition.
Then, the Brits got it.
1964 brought the wave of music every kid in Britain knows still. The Beatles had already released two albums, but it was A Hard Day’s Night which brought them into real superstardom across the pond, along with many of the most influential bands of years to come. I could namedrop. In fact, I will. The Rolling Stones’ debut album. The Kinks’ “You Really Got Me”. The Animals. And also, The Fourmost, the Irish band Them, The Hollies, The Hermits, Freddie and the Dreamers, all shined around 1964. And the British Invasion kept on going. Mods and Rockers waged wars, and somehow youth became the centre of culture.
What I consider particularly interesting is what happened after that time. A faster musical evolution had never seen before, and arguably never seen since.
The appropriation of Blues by UK bands started as a youthful game. Real bluesmen were old. Their lyrics were cynical, wise, a far cry from the first musical efforts of their UK disciples. But that started to change very quickly, and musicians all across the Isles started stepping up to the plate. The Beatles arguably led this movement, but they weren’t the only ones. More musically accomplished bands started emerging from the pool of talent. The Who’s My Generation displayed an anger seldom heard before, and bands like Cream and later the Nice starting pushing the boundaries of what could be done with this new musical format. London-based The Jimi Hendrix Experience expanded on the blues into new, amazing sounds. The Beatles, however, let the way until their breakup in 1968. By that time, their music had stopped being a teenage fancy and had become experimental, intelligent, and mature. BBC Radio 1 had began broadcasting, and John Peel was already in the rota.
Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Black Sabbath all started that year. The creators of hard rock and metal were legends in their own right, spawning musical subgenera around the globe for decades to come. David Bowie, Roxy Music and T. Rex sowed, and later reaped, the seeds of a very English glam revolution which would dictate the music in the 80′s and the so-called indie music that still dominates UK and US radio stations to this day.
And finally, bands that had started just before the Beatles’ breakup started shining in their own right, bringing forth a kind of music that had little to do with rock and roll. Pink Floyd, Procol Harum, Genesis, Jethro Tull and The Moody Blues were quickly joined by King Crimson and Yes, all quickly branded with that much maligned 4-letter word. What many people do not realise is that so-called prog rock was the first British music that seamlessly brought together both that newly-found musical freedom and the country’s historical and cultural heritage, instead of breaking away from it. Early sixties music was, however British in spirit, completely based on music across the pond. The early progressive scene, however, brought together rock and classical music with British folk music, British literature and British visual arts, and despite all the debauchery, exhibitionism, and musical pointlessness that would inevitably taint the movement forever, up until 1973 progressive rock was, in many ways, an apex of inventiveness and ingenuous elegance in popular music, concluding the decade and that insane explosion of creativity with a strange little peak of imagination and originality. Tubular Bells, Starless and Bible Black, Thick as a Brick, Close to the Edge, Selling England by the Pound and The Dark Side of the Moon, all released in that year, were finally proof that the Brits could be as ambitious, intelligent, talented and innovative as the Germans. Land without music, my arse.
…And of course, along came punk and new wave and more amazing music. Still, the explosion itself, the birth and adolescence of the music we listen to today happened then. I certainly wasn’t alive at the time, but I appreciate and cherish that music for what it was, and still is.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Simon S says:
There is simply no argument for any other decade than the 60′s.
Until the 60′s children had listened to the same music as their parents and grandparents. The 60′s saw the arrival of the “teenager” and they had their own music for the first time ever. They wanted to be different, and have their own sense of self. That’s why most parents were scared of “That evil rock & roll” because they didn’t like the effect on their kids.
You have only got to look at the bands, films and fashion of the 60′s to know it was the best bar none.
The Beatles, The Stones, Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. What more could you ever want or need to listen to ? Now you throw in a little free love, mini skirts and mini’s, now everyones a winner ;-)
If Doc Brown ever does get around to inventing his time machine, I know where i’ll be headed. London 1960.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
andy novak says:
the 60′s of coarse,,,the stones and the beatles did it all ,,,big A
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Ian Upton says:
Best decade? 1970′s
Why?
As with many others, it was the decade of my teenage years. Starting with Glam Rock (eg T-Rex and, sadly, Gary Glitter!) then swiftly onto more serious stuff with my first ever ‘proper’ gig to see Roxy Music at the Brighton Dome. Then to David Bowie, Talking Heads, Genesis, Bob Marley and Joni Mitchell (a rather eclectic mix for one so young!). Playing air guitar to Deep Purple at the Top Rank Ballroom and seeing Stuart Copeland, pre-Police, drum with Curved Air at Chichester Festival Theatre (Squeeze were the support but we’d never heard of them so went back to the bar!). Finally turning punk’ish in 1997 as a student in Bristol – the Stiff Live Stiffs tour with Ian Dury, Elvis Costello et al, The Jam, Stranglers and Clash.
The topped the decade with Bruce Springsteen at the Brighton Conference Centre.
Just a few examples – there are many, many others and much more since as my music tastes have widened and new stuff introduced to me by my sons as they have gone on their own similar voyage of discovery.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Gary says:
It has to be the Naughties.
Because you can appreciate all the past decades now, I can listen to anything from the 40′s all the way through to the 00′s.
If i had picked 1 decade i would have missed out other great artists who weren’t around.
Even though many great artists have died they’re still around now in greatly re-mastered tracks.
My playlists are always randomly skipping the decades, so although I grew up in the 80′s and was around in the 90′s I can’t really make a judgement to say that one is better than the other. How could you if you weren’t there living through that decade?
My grandparents love stuff from 40′s and 50′s.
My parents love stuff from the 60′s and 70′s.
The greatest attribute of this decade is you can listen and appreciate all of these now.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
grahame newell says:
The 80”s did it for me with such a variety of music from Roxy Music, Heaven 17, Specials to Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet and Simple Minds.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
wobbly jelly says:
The best decade is… well the one you either find music or school disco’s – only music you’ll ever dance to (convincingly). Just to fit me well will say the 70′s started in 77 – so you get punk, new wave, through The Fall and into C86 – best jangly indie pop. And then say look backwards to good stuff I missed and was introduced by big brothers and starting uni.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Rob McMillan says:
Has to be the 80′s for me – young at college not a care in the world – music summed up life at the time. A lot of innovation, in the music and the clothing (not that i went that far). End of punk, beginnning of electro synth, a good mix of music – ah to be 21 again (still , got the CD’s
think I’ll go home tonight and re- live my youth – 2 young sons might not see it that way but I’m educating them :-) )
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Big Martin says:
It’s the 70′s for me. I’m firmly stuck there 40 years later. Deep Purple, early (Gabriel) Genesis, Zeppelin, Steely Dan, Crosby Stills and Nash – the list goes on and on (and I’ve momentarily forgotten the rest) ah…here’s some more….Marc Bolan, Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn,Early Quo, The Stones………………..and cue the memory again………..
Anyway – it’s the 70′s – such originality, such volume, such melodies and great musicianship and………and this is the good bit………………..the music has stood the test of time and STILL gets airtime !
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Gary D says:
As I was a teenager in the 80′s, then it has to be the 80′s. The new sounds, the new sights, the hairstyles! But most of all, it was the era when analogue and digital started to really fight it out and when electronic music started to compete against the ‘real musicians’. I’m still not sure who has won out in the end – although I’m loving the new attention being paid to proper fidelity and to high quality production values – as exemplified by Bowers & Wilkins no less! A big fat synthesised cheer for the 80′s and for fabulously produced music in general!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Gary D says:
As I was a teeneager in the 80′s, it has to be the 80′s for me. The new sounds, the new sights, the hairstyles! It was the decade where analogue and digital started to fight it out and where electronic music was doing battle with ‘real’ musicians. Im not sure to this day who has won out – but I welcome the recent return to high fidelity and good production values as exemplified by Bowers & Wilkins no less! A big synthesized cheer to the 80′s then, and to fabulously reproduced music in general!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
PETER RYAN says:
THE60′S MY YOUTH AND I WAS IN LOVE WITH HELEN SHAPIRO!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
John says:
My musical awakenings came with the rock opera productions in the Seventiies. The energy and many musical references and diverse styles and characterisations widened my musical appetite and introduced me to a variety of vocalists and musicians. The Who (Tommy, Quadraphenia), Rice/Lloyd Webber (Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita). The original concept albums and the later soundtrack albums to the film productions broadened my catalogue of music styles.
There are mixed rock/classical influences in JCS and Evita including choral pieces and a further transfer to the visual medium of cinema was enhanced by the first time intorduction of Dolby encoded soundtracks (Tommy and Listzomania 1975 and 1977). Ken Russell (UK) directed these later two films and added his visual palette to the fundamental musical interpretation of these original compositions. Russell had earlier success with the film biopic of Gustav Mahler (Mahler) and The Music Lovers (Tchaicovsky). The combination of his Sound and Vision was an exciting period for music production and enjoyment.
These concept albums, theatrical presentations and cinema transfers with soundtracks attracted a diverse range of singers and performers. Ian Gillan (Deep Purple/Black Sabbath) lead vocal on original release of Jesus Christ Superstar. Colm Wilkinson/David Essex/Julie Covington on original album release of Evita. Roger Daltry/Elton John/Eric Clapton/Tina Turner/Ann Margaret on film soundtrack album to ‘Tommy’
The close of the decade saw the release of the concept album, THE WALL, (Pink Floyd). This was promoted initially by a single release with an animated promotional video by Gerald Scarfe which immediately secured the No. 1 spot. It was tantalising with a choral chorus by cockney school children delivering an anarchic anthem. It announced the concept double album by the Group and expanded their worldwide audience. The later touring live concert production was an aural experience of epic proportions.
The end of the decade heralded the mainstream arrival of promotional videos which consolidated in the inception of Music Television (MTV) within 18 months in 1981.
It was an interesting decade which touched on a wide range of artistic sources and styles and advanced the production qualities and reproduction medium for its audience.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
andrew parkes says:
the 60′s, i’m old enough that the music was still played commonly, but too young to have been lucky enough to have been there, all since i’ve been lucky enough to experience first hand, the sixties.i’m a “product ” but but not “part” of !
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Peter Woolly says:
It’s gotta be the sixties! From the first twang of Hank Marvin to the power riff of Jimmy Page that set a whole movement of rock music that still thrives today.
I mean, where would we be now without The Beatles, Bowie, Stones, Hendrix, Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Genesis, Nice, Who, Yes and of course Tom Jones!
Life begins at 40? – well my life really began in the 60′s…………..!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Lisa Gallagher says:
The 80′s were the best
Just think of Frankie in his vest!
Adam had his Ants
We all were wearing baggy pants!
Big hair was the fad
Yes, we were all mad!
The 80′s were the best years
Now I’m off to celebrate with a few beers!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
David Stooke says:
A Vintage Decade?
The 70′s – no competition!
For me, at least. Lost my virginity to a sublime punk rockette while taking in a John Bonham solo at Knebworth (August 1979, the last great festival of the decade).
Like I say – for me it’s no competition – The 70′s….(just).
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Norman says:
The 1970s is my favourite decade. The music of Pink Floyd and other rock bands from that period take me back to what I regard as the most interesting and innovative music of all time.
Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side Of The Moon” played through my pair of “B&W DM6” speakers still sound as good today as it did back in 1973.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Jimmy B says:
The eighties had it for me….
Although music will always be a reflection of the times. . The 80′ s with it’s materialism and economic boom generated some very image driven music. The extended use of electronic sounds and beats generated a feeling of something very clean & modern. Glad I was a part of it.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Nigel Johnson says:
The 90′s for the new inventive Brit pop scene – young, vibrant and energetic
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
John says:
It has to be the 70s or to be more accurate the last four years of the 70s. The music that came out then shaped so much of everything since. Joy Division, The Clash, The Damned, Gary Numan, Kraftwerk. There was so much in that time and a lot of it still sounds fresh today.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Francis Mulcahy says:
It was the 70′s for me. I was coming of age in the golden age of Pink Floyd. Everything seemed possible.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
charlie holmes says:
i’d say 60′s…so many huge huge stars were born out of that decade, and i’d say its the most influential decade, even today we’re still taking ideas from it!
as a music producer and sound engineer, the ability of the sound engineers in the 60′s really was incredible, for the equipment they had, the recordings are perfect, not just the sound quality, but the recordings had such atmosphere and character.
as for record producers…well…in my view the 60′s is where the role of record producer totally changed, with the likes of George Martin and Phil Spector. Those guys were genius’ and i don’t think there have been many producers since who have been anywhere near as influential and pioneering. one song says it all really…Tomorrow Never Knows – The Beatles…i cant think of another song from another decade that defies time quite as prolifically as that one song, not to mention it has probably inspired the majority of music producers and sound engineers worldwide, myself included!
also, for me, this is where the pop song really took hold…the majority of the motown songs from the 60′s still sound perfectly current and relevant today, lyrically and melodically. and its not as if i’m from the 60′s and am biased towards it…i was born in 1991!!
i probably dont need to mention a long list of artists, they’ll get listed a thousand times…but lets be honest, the majority of the greatest artists and bands probably of all time were from the 60′s! Way too many to mention. and lets not forget some of our biggest stars of the moment are based on a 60′s sound e.g Amy winehouse, mark ronson, daniel merriweather, john mayer, james morrison….its an endless list!
as someone who works in the music industry, i think i can safely say that the majority of musicians, artists, songwriters etc, who i have worked with and throughout the whole industry are heavily influenced by music written or made in the 60′s more than any other decade!
so…so re-cap….60′s!!!!
C.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Edward Leach says:
The 60′s was a world changing musical decade. The Beatles came on the scene and and changed the music style in America. The Stones, the WHO, the Kinks and all the British pop bands had a big influence on the culture of the world. Great music and still popular today.
My thanks to all those involved.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Mark says:
Of course it’s the 70′s. They don’t call them sensational for nothing! No other decade has had such an influence on everything that came afterwards and is cited by today’s musicians as such. What an era for great British rock guitarists – Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton, Ritchie Blackmore, Mark Knopfler, Gary Moore, Tony Iommi and of course, the best album of all time – Dark Side of The Moon. We even had truly influential DJs on Radio 1 – Noel Edmonds on the breakfast show, Fluff Freeman on Saturday afternoons and John Peel on late nights – it’s never been beaten.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Chris says:
It has to be the 70′s. Bold, loud and, alive with much experimental music. Sounds perfect through the B&W’s! the music was alive….much like the speakers!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Si says:
The 80′s was by far the best with Games Without Frontiers/ Dire Straits on Digital CD for the first time ever so I could really hear them just copared to my cheap scraty teenage turntable my first CD player was a revalation and got me onto the track for higher and higher HIFi from that day forward!!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Nick Carr says:
The 70′s were the best for the development of modern themes and the time to learn guitar! Bowie challenging how chart music could be explored, Zeppelin just rocked with Palmer and Page, Queen added to the theatrics in a time when nobody connected Freddie with Gay (figure that out). This era woke us all up!!! Of course there is great music across all decades but the 70′s broke to rules for everyday folk and made us want better music systems.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Stephen Fell says:
80′s – Right back into my teens, twenties and Kawasaki’s!
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
erica tomlinson says:
70′s just plain & simple the music was so much better you could understand all what was sang unlike now when half the time you dont have a clue what words are being sung,loved the sweet,mud,slade etc…..total class
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
Angela Fearon says:
I am a Music Lover.
Born in the 70′s, Grew up in the 80′s, Partied hard in the 90′s, during the first decade of the 20th Century I started to become the person I am, Married the man of my dreams and had 3 lovely children, and now as I enter the 2nd part of the 20th Century I can reflect on my life listening to all the fantastic music ever produced in British history exploring each decade at my leisure and create my own festival live in my own lounge with the newest member of my family “The Zeppelin” with its breathtaking sound quality and stunning design features.
So for me my favourite decade has got to be now, because its the technology of this decade that lets me listen to all the decades that have past at the press of a button and lets me get the most out of my music.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
michael says:
60′s just because Ihad to choose one.
Posted: Friday, 30 July 2010
simon says:
the 80s
the smiths reeled around the fountain
u2 were a garage band
new order made monday blue
the cure were in a forest
and all the stuff that still sounds fresh today
Posted: Saturday, 31 July 2010
Marcus B. says:
1910 – 1920 Those who would dismiss the works of Elgar and Holst as ” ..relatively simple music works” and then heap acclaim on 70′s prog rock beggars belief. Elgar and Holst are the architects of the concept album.
Posted: Saturday, 31 July 2010
James Potts says:
Just have to add a comment – many of you that list the 70′s as your favorite are filling it’s rosters with bands that were all from the 60′s! While this shows that everyone likes good music from the period, even bands like Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, and Led Zeppelin all became big in the 60′s, although they continued their careers well into the next decade. But please people, stop filling in your fav 70′s bands with products of the 60′s! The Beatles disbanded in 1970! Do your research.
I play in a band that covers music from the British Invasion to present, and I can tell you first hand that almost all pop and rock right to this day was evolved from the 60′s.
Posted: Saturday, 31 July 2010
Richard says:
The rapid change in style, sound and technology in the 60s was exciting and must make it the winner. The post-war years had been very grey and austere and the music industry had been dominated by large, conservative, American record companies with their resident string orchestras which I suppose they felt obliged to use.
Suddenly, teenagers were defined and recognised as having some money to spend . Our music came from Luxembourg, then the North Sea and finally Auntie gave us Radio 1.
It was the era of the guitar groups who wrote their own material. Television archives show the number of bands who could play well live. But there was aIso variety with folk, blues, jazz, rock and heavy metal. Additionally for me, there were joyful evenings with Caribean friends playing direct imports from home.
Yes, it has to be the 60s.
Posted: Saturday, 31 July 2010
Shaun says:
When I was growing up, I thought it was the 80s, then the 90s – but I know now it is ’65-’74….
The music I first loved, which got me hooked on music in the first place, was in the 1980s – Adam & The Ants, Duran Duran, Human League, Prince, U2, Guns N Roses, then into the 90s it was Oasis, Blur, Prodigy, Happy Mondays, Stone Roses, Suede, Pulp. Gradually I began to find out more about the bands that influenced my favourite acts – invariably The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Beach Boys, The Who, Led Zeppelin, The Zombies, Small Faces, The Kinks, Bob Dylan, Can, Kraftwerk, Bowie, Love etc.
In terms of influence, the greatest decade has to be the late 60s to early 70s – when these acts made their greatest albums, ones which continue to be enjoyed, and loved – but also influence other bands, who in turn will influence future generations. Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt Peppers, White Album, Let It Bleed, Exile on Main Street, Pet Sounds, Tommy, Quadrophenia, Led Zep I-IV, Odessey and Oracle, Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake, Village Green Preservation Society, Blonde on Blonde, Soundtracks, Tago Mago, Autobahn, The Man Who Sold the World, Ziggy Stardust, Forever Changes…. I could go on…. But, hey, not a bad 10 year period!
Posted: Saturday, 31 July 2010
Tom DImond says:
It has to be the 70′s this is when imagination clashed with technology. Guitars got faster, pianos got electric, and drummers were thankful if they survived. Revolution, fun, humour, trchnology and new found freedom were thrown together and allsorts burst out. Brilliant!
Posted: Saturday, 31 July 2010
Richard James says:
The Genre is Progressive Rock Era is late 1960′s to Early and into the 1970′s
King Crimson, Yes, Of Course Genesis, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Soft Machine, Electric Light Orchestra, Procol Harum, Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones which is mostly hard Rock, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Moody Blues, and countless others
These inspired and inspiring artists gave Rock music an elevated status amoung the more accepted and acceptable mainstream music and were the pathfinders that gave rise to the many and varied genres and musical forums without whos contributions we would not have today such as my favorites Progressive Jazz, and Jazz Fusion. To whom we will be forever greatfull for the fond memories given us by their musical expressions
Posted: Saturday, 31 July 2010
joanne harrison says:
It has to be the 80′s Duran Duran was my absolute first choice on my tape recorder! I love the decades because the fashion and music dictates the era. i had a small tape deck like a handbag I used to carry around with me, really dreadful sound but i did not care. The music reminds me of the fashion that was the early 80′s. I flew to australia in 1982 (had 12 years there listening to last years music, was so far behind then) at the airport there were ‘new romantic’ flowing dark hair, blouses with big attitude, and lots and lots of eye make up …… and that was the boy’s! Gosh know’s how they got through passport control! So it is the 80′s for me human league, huge shoulder pads, Bananarama, ABC, Madonna, Michael Jackson, the list goes on. Now where is my eyeliner!
Posted: Saturday, 31 July 2010
ericinLA says:
While I grew up in the 70s with Led Zep, Deep Purple, Yes and Genesis, I’d have to say that my favorite decade spanned the 80s and 90s, when raves started and techno and house began thumping in dark clubs. Love Chemical Bros, Orbital, and the guy that started it all (it seems), Alex Paterson and the Orb. Sure, Radiohead was deep, but Orbital? Deeper.
Posted: Saturday, 31 July 2010
Veronica says:
For me the excitement of the 60s music never fades. The fact that so many groups from the 60s still tour – and some have tribute groups as well! – show their groundbreaking music will never die.
Posted: Saturday, 31 July 2010
Jean Cole says:
The 60`s are the one for me
The reasons are quite plain to see
Cliff, Elvis and The Who
Dave Clarke Five , the Animals too
Tom Jones and Sandie Shaw
Adam Faith and many more,
The Beatles with their Rubber Soul
To me its all just ” Rock N Roll”
Posted: Saturday, 31 July 2010
Tracy says:
For me the 1970s had it all (even though some of the artists may have started their careers in the 1960s or even before!). No other decade seems to have had so much diversity with glam rock on the one hand – Marc Bolan, Wizzard, Slade and rocking tunes on the other Stones, Queen, Quo, Bowie, Elton John, Rod Stewart and please don’t forget Blondie – so hip today and many of which are still going strong.
With new wave and punk rock rearing their heads and Quadrophenia influening a new generation of mods and rockers, it was a great time to be a teenager!
So many real tunes, with real musicians (mostly). Whenever I’m on my own, it’s always the 70s records that I play (but on CD now of course, even thought I’ve still got the original vinyls in the garage!!)
Posted: Sunday, 1 August 2010
Ann Horne says:
I am 51; (just had to check from birthdate as I am still waiting to grow up) so predictably it has to be th 70′s. I discovered Genesis and was lucky enough to catch them together and then separately. Loved going back to Manchester again recently ( I know it wasn’t in the last few months; but time goes so quickly!) to see Phil Collins and then Genesis.
Also so much other good music from people who are still around.
I love playing them all on my Zeppelin, sorry do not mean to creep! (But it is fantastic, loud as you like and no distortion)
Posted: Sunday, 1 August 2010
Peter H says:
The 70′s. Because it was a decade of remarkable musical innovation and diversity …. and a lot of that music is still rattling around in my head, so it must have been good!!
Posted: Sunday, 1 August 2010
Laurie Joseph Gallant says:
I guess that would be the sixties for me. There was such an explosion of creativity all around Britain. Of course the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd … but also in the Classical field with Baroque music rejuvenated with authentic instruments and Classical music in general reaching new heights. Lots of fantastic orchestras and great performers. The sixties were fabulous in my opinion.
Posted: Sunday, 1 August 2010
Mrs SJ BRAN says:
Myself, I just loved Elvis in the ’60′s, I used to go all’ shivers down the backbone’ every time I heard him sing: , I was just a young teenager and very impressionable! : Cliff Richard came a close second to Elvis and when Elvis died on my Hubby’s birthday , I was very devastated
So, there you go, it is the 1960′s for me ……………………….
Posted: Sunday, 1 August 2010
Paul says:
Undoubtedly the 70s.
Long Summer days of adolescent exploration, a naive idealism and an innocent optimism ensuring that life would simply get better and better. All this set against a backdrop of music which fueeled those feelings.
A magical age of innocence never to be recaptured.
Posted: Sunday, 1 August 2010
Chris Overs says:
It can only be the SIXTIES…British music ruled the world, innovation and invention went hand in hand. Through that decade the British music industry set itself up to continue to go forward for the next four decades. It was simply inspiraional and the basis of the following decades of beautiful music. Bowers and Wilkins are the gateway to those fantasic sounds.
Posted: Sunday, 1 August 2010
Ann calland says:
The 80′s- Great music,big hair and fab clothes!
Posted: Monday, 2 August 2010
Greg Horton says:
The Seventies – Because there was so many new movements in music, including Punk, Heavy Rock, Electronic, Glam, Disco – It was all new, fresh and exciting. And yes I am over 40!
Posted: Monday, 2 August 2010
Conor O'Reilly says:
the 60′s – The decade before I was born.So rich in music that changed and influenced so much, Free, Cream, Hendrix, Zeppelin, the list goes on.
Posted: Monday, 2 August 2010
Carl says:
The 60s – Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, Kenny Burrell etc – brilliant jazz guitarists!
Posted: Monday, 2 August 2010
Adrian Stone says:
Oh come on it has to be the 70′s as they formed the modern pop and rock music styles…..
All that Glam – Bowie, T Rex, Slade etc as well and the end of the Beatles and the subsequent solo’s of Lennon, McCartney and Harrison. We had The Stones in their pomp and prime plus of course Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and the infancy of the other heavy metal bands. And of course there was all that disco fever and lest we forget the emergence of punk and the birth of modern rock and pop music. (The 80’s were but a shadow in comparison!)
Posted: Monday, 2 August 2010
pete shaw says:
You can’t disconnect the music from your life – what you were doing at the time is inextricably linked to the music you played and loved. For me, the 70s were the best – I was at university, freed from being at home home, and able to listen to the music that I liked, but my parents didn’t understand. Roll on Led Zeppelin, Genesis, Pink Floyd, David Bowie… Need I say more?
Posted: Monday, 2 August 2010
sarah Lazenby says:
As a music lover of all decades, and as I also own the incredible Zeppelin I-pod Dock which produces such a massive sound from such a tiny little thing. (I nicknamed mine Dusty after Dusty Springfield – tiny person — massive voice!) I have chosen the world-changing British dominated decade of the 1960s, as this was an era of groundbreaking new heights in music, fashion, inventions, inspirations and innovations. Even though I wasn’t even born, It’s a decade I would love to Take a trip on the Time machine in “Back To The Future” and experience . A decade of change, Free love, hippies and leaders. A decade that culminated in 1969 at one of the largest outdoor rock concerts ever performed – Woodstock. A festival I can only dream of having attended. Featuring incredible British artists,such as Joe Cocker, The Who, Graham Nash,and Mitch Mitchell,(Drummer in Jimi Hendrix’s band .)The Beatles couldn’t perform as John Lennon’s entry to the US was blocked by Nixon – Oh well! When I have friends drop by for dinner or just to listen to some tunes we make our flat into a mini Woodstock with the Zeppelin centre-stage. While we float around to Pink Floyd,The Beatles etc we get all the nuances, ebbs and flows and dynamics even when we turn it down the sound is crystal clear. Much like a Dusty Springfield performance.
My Fave band of the 60′s were the Beatles – who were far out not only for their incredible songwriting, music and image but for the atmospheric sound of their records, most still sounding relevant now and a gazillion times better than some of the over-manufactured pop of today,”Come Together” is in my top ten songs taken from the album “Abbey Road.” The sound of this album has a real magical quality to it and many bands record in Abbey Road today to try and recreate and capture the sound the Beatles had. When the Beatles first appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show,this marked the start of The British Invasion into the US and was named “Beatlemania” after the incredible band. Groovy Man! Hugely talented British acts that went and broke America during the 60′s included The Animals, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks and Dusty Springfield,the first non-beatle act to have a major US Hit. Artists from this decade still sell more records today from back catalogue than any other, and inspire many new artists. Which brings me to the Zeppelin, a classic in more ways than one and just like The Abbey Road album will stand the test of time and be an influence to other speaker dock designs. Innovative and imaginative like Joni Mitchell said — “We are Stardust, We are Golden” — anything is possible.
If I won the tickets and the Bell Tent ,Man Would I would turn the experience into my own summer of love, “Make Love Not War” would be my motto, whilst the music plays loud and with flowers in my hair I would dance around the campfire with my new friends in a purple haze.
Peace & Love xxx
Posted: Monday, 2 August 2010
Michael J. Amphlett says:
The 60′s; everything changed dramatically, with music being the most obvious, which spurred changes in all other areas such as art. I doubt we’ll see such fundamental changes in the near future and I don’t see or hear any Miles Davis or Jimi Hendrix equivalents in the current music scene…but I’m very happy to see the likes of Tinariwen and Bassekou Kouyate thriving!
Posted: Monday, 2 August 2010
Phil Penfound says:
Oh, it has to be the seventies… The music reflected the world. Capturing the moments that took us all along the journey from the innocence of ‘Peace and Love’ to ‘Anarchy’.
Posted: Monday, 2 August 2010
Jason says:
It has tfo be the 70′s
Which started with me discovering Elvis, then followed Glam rock , prog rock and finished with punk rock.
It started my 40 year (ongoing) love affair with music, saw me buy my first single Mama Weer All Crazee Now, my first album Ziggy Stardust, go to my first gig Focus New Theatre Oxford
Oh thnose halcyon days of MKIII Cortinas vinyl seats proper record shops with listening booths, flares with pockets big enough for your excercise books oh I could go on and on and on
Posted: Monday, 2 August 2010
Glen Manning says:
70′s for me, music got heavy, love started to cost more but not as much as petrol in 1973-74
Posted: Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Dan Rusby says:
The 80′s! Advances in technology enabled musicians to create new and exciting sounds which form the music of today. I love the electronic sounds that were pioneered back then. Turn it up… loud! How do I feel, tell me now how do I feel?!
Posted: Tuesday, 3 August 2010
Matt says:
The 60′s! No one would dispute that the world changed when the Beatles rose to greatness. I still love to listen to Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. With advances in sound staging, the best is still to come.
Posted: Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Charles M says:
It has to be the underated 70′s. Sticky fingers and Bowie at his best. Never bettered.
Posted: Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Sharon Hingley says:
It would have to be the sixties , Jimi Hendrix , Woodstock 1969 , it can’t get any better than this.
Posted: Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Steve says:
For me it has to be the 60s the decade when Rock USA move over to UK rocks the world. The world came to swinging Briton, when music concerts & love & Hyde Park concerts were free stones, Cream etc supergroups & super guitarists blossomed the list is endless .
Music mix was amazing the Who played at Leeds & then guested at bubbles in Brentwood (where) the bands were still connected. Mods, Hippies, Ska, Reggae, Paul Simon wrote in the UK not the USA, Mark Bowlan created the colorful music & set the foundations of Glam for the next decade the routes of the Music of today are firmly embedded in the 60′s. The Beatles were originally influenced by Soul Motown & blues & then when they found there UK edge the soul train came across the Pond & they became the Big fish in the US. The British Musical Magnet of the 60s attracted the world to our towns our cinemas. Concerts in the 60′s did not need Glastonbury because we had festivals in every town & university bands were plentiful & tireless, IOW, Clacton, Roundhouse, Rod in Newqay, Crazy world of Arthur Brown & Clapton Kings head Romford, Procol Harem & on & on still living & loving the 60′s Carnaby street & of course Abbey was not so shabby all still listened through My B&W DM2a’s
Posted: Wednesday, 4 August 2010
Gerard says:
It absolutely has to be the Eighties.
The technological developments that became available to musicians at the beginning of this decade opened up a whole new landscape to be explored and resulted in an explosion of creativity and energy.
Posted: Wednesday, 4 August 2010
P. Bellinghausen says:
Errata: the list of albums I compiled from memory was, it seems, slightly wrong. I meant Larks’ Tongues in Aspic (instead of Starless and Bible Black), with its experimental, Stravinsky-inspired title tracks. Also, Close to the Edge and Thick as a Brick were released in 1972, not 1973. It’s just a matter of changing “in that year” to “around that year” : )
Posted: Thursday, 5 August 2010
John Boyle says:
It has be the 80′s, such variety and expression not to mention live aid and the creation of MTV. At the age of 11 I first got into hi-fi when I listened to Mercy Street by Peter Gabriel on a Linn LP12 and some B&W speakers at a local hifi shop. It started my obsession with music and hifi I saved all my christmas, birthday and pocket money until I bought my 1st separates system. I have never looked back and still have B&W speakers today. Mercy Street is still one of my favorite songs of all time.
Posted: Thursday, 5 August 2010
SusannaGrant says:
Many thanks for all the brilliant answers, the competition is now closed and we’ll be announcing the winners and contacting them shortly.
Susanna
Society of Sound
Posted: Thursday, 5 August 2010
dee beynon says:
THIS COOL DUDE LOVES TO JUMP AND JIVE!
80′S POP MAKES ME COME ALIVE !!
WAITING FOR THAT EMAIL TO ARRIVE,
HURRY TO GOODWOOD FOR GREAT MUSIC LIVE!
Posted: Thursday, 5 August 2010
john pearce says:
Every decade offers music great,
a good boogie for me and my date
With The Wailers at Goodwood -I just can’t wait !!
Posted: Thursday, 5 August 2010
Gordon Newlands says:
The sixties. The Beatles, The Kinks, Small Faces and throw in some Motown and Stax. Innovative both musically and fashion wise there will never be a decade to touch this one.
End of discussion.
Posted: Friday, 6 August 2010
Paul Snape says:
Its got to be the early 70s Bad Company, Yes, Genesis, Pink floyd, Mike Oldfield all of who still give me great pleasure today. especially “Selling England by the Pound” got to be the all time Genesis classic.
Posted: Sunday, 8 August 2010
Andy M says:
Probably late 60′s, the Beatles and psychadelia because without that the high points of the early 70′s – Gabriel’s Genesis, Floyd’s Dark Side, Led Zep, Queen, Roxy Music etc couldn’t have developed
Posted: Sunday, 8 August 2010