6 of the 60s: 1/22/14 (1966)...

Hey gang, it's time to head back to the 60s, and this week I'm back to 1966, the year that Robert Weaver became the first African-American member of the US Cabinet (as Housing and Urban Development Secretary). (I've included links to buy anything you see)...

Simon & Garfunkel - "The Sounds Of Silence"
from the album The Sounds Of Silence (1966)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #1
Songwriter: Paul Simon

This song, originally released as a stark acoustic number in 1964, got renewed life with a "remix" featuring drums and guitars, but in my book nothing beats the chilling version with just their voices.

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Johnny Rivers - "Secret Agent Man"from the album ...And I Know You Wanna Dance (1966)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #3
Songwriters: Steve Barri, P.F. Sloan

Americans tuning in to the British spy show Secret Agent (from Danger Man in the UK) heard this song in the opening credits.

The Mamas & Papas - "I Saw Her Again"
from the album The Mamas and The Papas (1966)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #5
Songwriters: Dennis Delaney, John Phillips

An awesome sunny song about a very dark subject, namely Doherty's fling with Phillips' wife and fellow member Michelle. Fleetwood Mac must have taken notes.

The Lovin' Spoonful - "You Didn't Have To Be So Nice"
from the album Daydream (1966)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #10
Songwriters: Steve Boone, John Sebastian

The song that Brian Wilson said inspired his classic "God Only Knows", it was one nugget from the band that needs to be remembered more.

The Young Rascals - "You Better Run"
from the album Groovin' (1967)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #20
Songwriters: Eddie Brigati, Felix Cavaliere

The light-hearted pop-rock titans got down and dirty with this blues-tinged number eventually covered by Pat Benatar.

The Yardbirds - "Happenings Ten Years Time Ago"
from the album Greatest Hits (1967)
Billboard Hot 100 peak: #30
Songwriters: Jeff Beck, Chris Dreja, Jim McCarty, Keith Rell, Jimmy Page

Jimmy Page's intro with the Yardbirds was that of bassplayer, as they already had Jeff Beck in the lineup. Wow.

That's all for this week's sixties trip...I'll be back tomorrow with seven more from 1976 and eight from 1986...