Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the '60s

21st Century Schizoid ManKing Crimson

King Crimson – 21st Century Schizoid Man (Including “Mirrors”)

Among the progressive rock genre, this is a signature song by King Crimson, a quintessential prog band that is especially popular in Japan.

Above all, its grand, large-scale composition—including a horn section—remains absolutely overwhelming even today.

The House of the Rising SunThe Animals

House of the Rising Sun

The Animals, a rock band that had a major impact on the psychedelic rock scene.

They’re known as one of the representative bands of the so-called British Invasion, the movement in which British culture became a sensation in America, and they gained even more popularity after coming to the U.

S.

One of their famous songs is The House of the Rising Sun.

Originally an American traditional folk song, it was given a gritty, cool atmosphere through their arrangement.

Dirty WaterThe Standells

The Standells – Dirty Water (Stereo)

An explosive track released in November 1965 by The Standells, the American garage rock band known for their gritty guitar riffs and rebellious spirit.

Inspired by producer Ed Cobb’s real-life experience of being robbed in Boston, the song masterfully weaves in social satire of the time.

The fusion of sharp guitar sounds and an energetic organ creates a defiant melody that captivated young listeners.

It became a major hit, reaching No.

11 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is still beloved today as a go-to victory anthem for the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Bruins.

A landmark of garage rock, this is a must-listen for all music fans with a rebellious streak.

Time Of The SeasonThe Zombies

The Zombies – Time Of The Season (Lyric Video)

The Zombies are a British rock band who raced through the 1960s music scene alongside groups like The Beatles.

Their signature song, “Time of the Season,” is striking for its sophisticated, moody arrangement.

It opens with an alluring bass line, followed by a mysterious tapestry of vocal harmonies.

The lyrics hint at the stirrings of romance, making it a song you want to hear as you take steps into adulthood.

It’s a great rock number that’s also been featured in films and commercials.

A Whiter Shade of PaleProcol Harum

A Whiter Shade of Pale (Extended early version – March 1967)

Procol Harum is a British rock band that was active from the 1960s to the 1970s.

Exceptionally distinctive for a rock band of the time, their music blended elements of Black music such as blues with classical music.

Their debut single, A Whiter Shade of Pale, released in 1967, made their name known worldwide.

It’s a classic noted for its striking keyboard-driven arrangement and soulful vocals.

Let’s Live For TodayThe Grass Roots

The Grass Roots – Let’s Live For Today – [STEREO]

This is a classic that distills the psychedelic allure of the American rock band The Grass Roots.

Released in May 1967, the song became a major hit, reaching No.

8 on the U.

S.

Billboard Hot 100 with its innovative sound that deftly fused folk rock and blue-eyed soul.

Rob Grill’s passionate lead vocals and exhilarating harmonies are deeply moving, and the track resonated with many as a work that voiced the feelings of young people living through the Vietnam War era.

Its message, singing of the bittersweetness and hope of youth, continues to possess a timeless, universal appeal.

Featured as the title track of the album “Let’s Live For Today” and selling over two million copies, this enduring masterpiece is an essential addition to any playlist.

Sunday MorningVelvet Underground

The Velvet Underground, Nico – Sunday Morning

This is the opening track of The Velvet Underground’s first album, whose cover—featuring a banana by Andy Warhol—is exceedingly famous.

Although the album was not a hit at the time of its release, its reputation grew steadily and it eventually secured its place as a rock classic.

It’s a song in which Lou Reed’s vocals convey a raw yet refined talent.