In 1967 young people believed they could change the world. It was a naive dream as time would prove, but during that summer it seemed possible. Quickly spreading from its Haight Ashbury epicentre to Canada and the UK, where pirate radio broadcasted music to a new generation, the culture lived on for another few years, through Woodstock in 1969. But it was in 1967 that the hippie dream was at its most pure. It was a magical time for rock music which expanded in many directions aided by the use of LSD and pot, some muisic overtly political set against the grim reality of war in Vietnam, It was a clash between old and new, the 'beautiful people' firmly believing love could change everything, following Timothy Leary's exhortation to 'turn on. tune in, drop out'.This video hopefully gives a flavour of that heady time.
Music and clip details:
I have recorded with a dance beat Jeff Lynne's (ELO) lovely song 'One Summer Dream', as that title so neatly describes The Summer Of Love. Around 1967 Jeff Lynne (who lived just around the corner from me when young) was beginning his musical career with 'The Idle Race', A couple of years later my band 'Breakthru' would sometimes be on the same bill. I have used a couple of Idle Race and also ELO samples within this track. ('Idle Race' albums are availabe on re-release and much reccommended, Jeff Lynne's growing songwriting and production talents are very evident. See Amazon links below to buy both Idle Race albums and Breakthru!)
http://www.amazon.com/Back-Story-Idle-Race/dp/B000LE1EQE

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adventures-Highway-Breakthru/dp/B...

The clips and stills are drawn from various found online sources. (less info)