I don’t think it’s possible to overrate the era of the Golden Oldies. The world was blessed with the British Invasion, new recording techniques, experimentations with weird instruments, and the emergence of bands that would end up influencing the music of today.
Unfortunately, the oldies have become rather commercialized. Forever 21 sells crop tops with the Fab Four and faded Rolling Stones logos. Vinyl has had a major resurgence with teenagers buying records of new artists from Urban Outfitters, instead of discovering the magic of used vinyl at local stores. Buying these things does not make you a “fan” of older music. There is so much more to the sixties and seventies than just rock and roll. I think it is possible to overlook bands that had immense talent, even if they don't end up on a Forever 21 shirt. Here are a underrated bands from the best decades in music.
America
In terms of singles, this band isn’t overrated. Most people love the song “A Horse with No Name,” perhaps “Ventura Highway” and “Sister Golden Hair” as well. But I doubt few people of my generation know about their iconic 1974 album, "Holiday." There’s not a track on this album I don’t love. Particularly, the song transition from “Miniature” to “Tin Man” is a beautiful moment in music; the harmonies in “Tin Man” are gorgeous enough on their own. If you’re a fan of Crosby, Stills, and Nash, then you’ll absolutely love America.
The Guess Who
Did you know Canada also has musicians? The land of ice hockey and maple syrup has also brought us notable music acts such as Neil Young and Men Without Hats. But there’s one band that you probably know the songs of but never really paid attention to: The Guess Who. No, I’m not making you guess their name. That’s actually what their band is called. Their track “Hand Me Down World” perfectly summarizes how all of young people feel about the problems of economic recession, international conflict, and climate change that are being “handed-down” to a generation who must find a solution. The Guess Who used to be a top-selling artist, so it's a shame to see fewer people giving them attention now. Their songs range from ballads like "These Eyes" to more upbeat songs like "Star Baby."
Bread
One of the most important aspects of a band, to me, is the vocals. Beautiful voices are half of the reason why I love Brian Wilson, Sufjan Stevens, and Ezra Koenig. So it disappoints me that so few people know about Bread. Amidst the sound of soft-rock guitar is the voice of David Gates, a voice that makes my heart melt, reassemble, and then melt again. Try "Guitar Man" for starters, then venture into his falsetto with tracks like "Aubrey" and "If." Or listen to the songs "Sweet Surrender" and "Make it With You" that can make you feel like you're in love, even if you're utterly single.
Unfortunately, rifts between band members lead to their eventual break up, leaving them with only six studio albums (compare that to the discography of the Rolling Stones!). But if you can’t get enough of Gates’ voice, then fear not: he released a handful of solo albums in the 70s as well. “Never Let Her Go” may be one of the greatest songs ever.
The Zombies
Before "The Walking Dead" was cool, there was the The Zombies. Although they're known for "Time of the Season," you should really listen to the entire album of "Odessey and Oracle". Aside from the awesome and trippy album cover art, the music itself is full of harmonies only the '60s could provide. Nothing makes you "feel so good" like the song "Care of Cell 44." If you were lucky enough to go to their recent tour showings, you would have heard this entire album played live. A once-in-a-lifetime experience for any fan of the oldies!
