Forgotten ’60s Rock Heroes: 4 Bands That Should’ve Been Huge
via Brigitte Clooney/ Youtube
The 1960s were a transformative decade for music. Many of the most significant innovations in rock and pop emerged during this short period, shaping the sounds we love today. Yet, despite their contributions, several bands from this era remain surprisingly underrated. Here are a few that deserve a closer listen.
The Pretty Things
Despite their playful name, The Pretty Things were a gritty, emotionally raw band that stood out amid the polished pop-rock acts of the 1960s. Formed in 1963, the group explored blues rock, beat, and even progressive rock. Their self-titled 1965 debut and later album Silk Torpedo (1974) are still considered classics.
A fun tidbit: in the late 1960s, The Pretty Things earned extra income by recording tracks for the music library company DeWolfe, some of which later appeared in films like Dawn of the Dead (1978).
Kaleidoscope
There were a few bands called Kaleidoscope in the 1960s, but the American group formed in 1966 stands out as a hidden gem. Though they disbanded by 1970, the band produced an impressive mix of psychedelic rock and folk-world music. Their 1967 album Side Trips is essential listening, showcasing a fusion style that few other bands were attempting at the time.
The Troggs
The Troggs are best remembered for their iconic hit “Wild Thing,” but their influence goes far beyond that one track. This garage rock band, with hints of proto-punk, also released memorable songs like “I Can’t Control Myself” and “Love Is All Around.” Despite their impact on mid-to-late 1960s rock, they remain underappreciated. Remarkably, the band is still active today, a testament to their enduring legacy.
Clear Light
This West Coast psychedelic band was ahead of its time, crafting a distinctive style that made them stand out in the late 1960s. Clear Light released only one self-titled album in 1967, which received moderate success and even landed them a spot in the film The President’s Analyst. Although the band broke up before the 1970s, tracks like “She’s Ready to Be Free” showcase why they deserve recognition among the era’s underrated acts.
