Now that the Beatles are out of the way, Rock and Roll Summer School can focus on the other important strands of rock music coming out of the 1960's. The Beatles were their own strand, not only because they set all the benchmarks for pop and rock bands coming after them (the possibilities of the recording studio and the importance of the album among them), but because their career is so self contained. The 8 albums released in the years after and including 1965 (starting with Rubber Soul) were for the most part miles ahead of the curve. I say 'for the most part' because 1966's Revolver is sometimes cited to be a response of sorts to the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds. Also, a few people have written that the album Let It Be fit nicely into a trend in the late 60's that pointed bands back to a rootsier sound, and featured slide guitars and close harmonies.

So, this week on the show, we'll look at Country Rock as a stylistic offshoot of an increasingly varied 1960's music scene. Artists of note include the the Byrds, the Beau Brummels, Bob Dylan, and Michael Nesmith (he used to be a Monkee).

Speaking of roots, tomorrow morning at 10AM, I'll be talking to local singer/songwriter Richard Garvey about music, and biking, and biking and playing music.

Tune in then and again on Thursday at 7PM for a lesson in country rock.

Talk to you then,

Ian