Sixty Years Later and Still Rockin'
“Just Thinking"
Well, I watched the US soccer team and was caught up in the hype, sitting by myself chanting USA, USA until the goal keep left the goal and kicked the ground instead of the ball giving Belgium a cheapie 3rd goal. I confess that I really don’t understand the game but am really impressed by the stamina and athleticism of the players. Now that the United Sates is out of the tournament, I am relieved that I don’t need to watch another match for 4 more years.
Well, I watched the U.S. soccer team and, like millions of other Americans, got caught up in the hype. There I was, sitting by myself in front of the TV, enthusiastically chanting, "USA! USA!"
Then came the moment when the goalkeeper left the net, took a swing at the ball, and kicked the ground rather than the ball itself, gifting Belgium a cheap third goal. At that point, even a soccer novice like me knew that couldn't be good.
I'll confess that I still don't fully understand the game. The rules remain somewhat mysterious, and I spend a fair amount of time wondering why everyone is suddenly waving their arms at the referee. But I am genuinely impressed by the stamina, skill, and athleticism of the players.
Now that the United Sates is out of the tournament, I am relieved that I don’t need to watch another match for 4 more years. In the meantime, I will suffer along with the rest of the Giant fans, game to game. Look forward to watching some of our boys in the All-Star game next week. And, on a positive note, the Niners report to camp in 2 weeks.
I saw a video the other day that showed classic songs from 1966 that changed music forever. It’s hard to believe, but many of the songs that defined the soundtrack of the 1960s are turning 60 years old in 2026. Yet somehow, they still sound fresh, powerful, and influential.
Whether blasting from a classic rock station, appearing in a movie soundtrack, or popping up on a streaming playlist, these songs continue to connect with new generations of listeners.
Looking back, 1966 was one of the most important years in rock history. Artists were moving beyond simple three-minute pop songs and experimenting with new sounds, deeper lyrics, innovative recording techniques, and the early foundations of psychedelic rock. The result was a remarkable collection of music that helped shape everything that followed.
Here is a list of some of the most influential rock songs that are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year: "Paint It, Black" by The Rolling Stones, "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys, "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas & The Papas, "Paperback Writer" by The Beatles, "Wild Thing" by The Troggs, "Good Lovin'" by The Young Rascals, "The Sounds of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel, "Sunshine Superman" by Donovan, "Summer in the City" by The Lovin' Spoonful, "Shapes of Things" by The Yardbirds, "Eight Miles High" by The Byrds, and "Substitute" by The Who.
A few more classics deserving recognition include "Eleanor Rigby" by The Beatles, "19th Nervous Breakdown" by The Rolling Stones, "Kicks" by Paul Revere & the Raiders, "Dirty Water" by The Standells, and "Bus Stop" by The Hollies. These songs may not always make the "greatest of all time" lists, but each helped define one of rock's most creative and transformative years.
After six decades, what makes these songs remarkable isn't simply their age, it's their enduring appeal. They continue to inspire musicians, fill playlists, and transport listeners back to a time when rock music was rapidly evolving from entertainment into a genuine art form.
If 1965 opened the door to rock's future, then 1966 kicked that door wide open. The year produced an extraordinary blend of innovation, experimentation, and unforgettable songwriting that continues to influence artists today. Sixty years later, these songs are still rocking and thankfully, they show no signs of slowing down.
Let me know what you think.
Comments
Post a Comment