In the vibrant tapestry of modern music genres, the Paisley Underground stands out as a colorful thread that weaves together the sounds of the 1960s psychedelic rock with the sensibilities of the 1980s alternative scene. Originating in California, this genre is a fascinating study of how music can cycle through time, bringing past influences into new contexts. Here, we explore the definition, history, and key characteristics of the Paisley Underground, along with its impact on the music industry and legacy.
Definition
The Paisley Underground refers to a loosely associated group of bands from Los Angeles, California, in the early to mid-1980s. These bands shared a common interest in reviving the sounds and aesthetics of the 1960s, particularly the psychedelic and garage rock aspects. The genre is characterized by its melodic concoction of jangly guitars, rich vocal harmonies, and a penchant for exploring lyrical themes of love, mysticism, and existential contemplation. It merges the sonic exploration of psychedelia with the DIY ethos of the punk and new wave movements that preceded it.
History and Origin
- The term “Paisley Underground” was reportedly coined by Michael Quercio, the frontman of The Three O’Clock, one of the seminal bands in the scene. The “paisley” part of the name pays homage to the psychedelic patterns popular in the 1960s, suggesting a visual and auditory return to the era’s distinctive styles.
- The movement emerged in the early 1980s as a response to the prevailing music trends of the time. While mainstream rock leaned towards polished, highly produced sounds, and punk rock rebelled with its raw, aggressive energy, the Paisley Underground bands sought a middle ground. They looked back to the music of The Byrds, The Beatles, Love, and other 60s bands for inspiration, seeking to recapture the spirit of innovation and experimentation that characterized the psychedelic era.
Key Bands and Albums
Several bands were central to the Paisley Underground scene, each bringing its unique flavor to the genre:
- The Dream Syndicate: Known for their album “The Days of Wine and Roses,” they brought a Velvet Underground-influenced sound to the scene.
- The Bangles: Before achieving mainstream pop success, The Bangles’ early work, such as their debut EP and the album “All Over the Place,” showcased their jangly guitars and harmonious vocals.
- The Rain Parade: Their debut album, “Emergency Third Rail Power Trip,” is a quintessential Paisley Underground record, celebrated for its lush, psychedelic soundscapes.
- The Three O’Clock: Initially called The Salvation Army, their album “Sixteen Tambourines” exemplifies the genre’s pop sensibilities meshed with psychedelic influences.
Green on Red and The Long Ryders also contributed significantly to the scene, blending country rock elements with the Paisley sound.
Impact and Legacy
- The Paisley Underground’s influence was more cultural than commercial. While none of the bands achieved the level of mainstream success that some of their 60s predecessors did, they left a lasting impact on alternative and indie music. The genre’s emphasis on melody, craftsmanship, and a spirit of collaboration inspired a new generation of musicians. Bands like Mazzy Star, which included members of the Rain Parade, and later acts like The Brian Jonestown Massacre, show traces of the Paisley Underground’s influence.
- The genre’s revivalist approach encouraged a reevaluation of 60s psychedelia, garage rock, and folk-rock, highlighting these genres’ enduring relevance and inspiring a wave of reissues and compilations.
The Paisley Underground represents a fascinating moment in music history when a group of bands looked back to move forward. By reinterpreting the sounds of the 1960s through an 80s lens, they created something both nostalgic and fresh. While the movement may have been brief, its influence on the alternative music landscape and its contribution to the cyclical nature of musical trends are undeniable. The Paisley Underground remains a testament to the power of musical inspiration across generations, reminding us that good music, regardless of its era, resonates through time.
