Various Artists

“The British Invasion 1963-1967” (Hip-O)

It truly was an invasion, and a welcome one. When British artists conquered the American pop charts in the mid-‘60s, accounting for nearly half the number-one singles in the peak years of 1964-65, they fed back American rock ‘n’ roll to a homegrown audience that had grown out of touch with its own roots, adding a twist of English wit and sophistication in the process. This three-CD, 54-song set offers a terrific overview of the course of the invasion, from the slew of Beatles imitators like the Merseybeats and the Searchers to the harder-rocking groups like the Who, the Troggs and the Kinks to the bluesy, psychedelic bands such as the Yardbirds, Procol Harum and the Moody Blues. Plenty of lesser-known delights and surprises are included. [4/25/04 ]


[an error occurred while processing this directive]