1960s pop music was such a singular blend of rock, folk, soul, and jazz that few decades can compare, but these contemporary artists make the 2020s come pretty close. From their rich vocal harmonies to their expansive, reverb-laden arrangements, these bands and solo artists bring out the best of what we love about the 1960s.
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Whether your go-to ‘60s pop of choice leans toward the sunny sounds of the Beach Boys or the East Coast soul of the Ronettes, these contemporary artists come surprisingly close.
Shannon and the Clams
Have you ever wondered what Janis Joplin might have sounded like if she started the psychedelic equivalent of the Ronettes? Wonder no longer, reader. Shannon and the Clams continues to dominate the garage surf scene with that exact vibe. Frontwoman Shannon Shaw’s gritty, powerful vocals lead the band through romantic doo-wop to driving punk to whimsical psychedelia. The band has often cited the years between ‘50s oldies and ‘80s punk as being their strongest sonic influence, and they certainly translate those musical roots into their fantastic catalogue.
“Ozma” from their 2013 album, Dreams in the Rat House, is a great place to start if you’re looking for something akin to a 1960s girl pop group. For an even more contemporary spin, check out the band’s title track to their 2024 album, The Moon Is In The Wrong Place. Who said vocal harmonies need to be consonant to be catchy?
The Lemon Twigs
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times. If you consider yourself even a mild fan of the Beach Boys, then you’ll probably enjoy the musical stylings of Long Island rock band The Lemon Twigs. The band’s dreamy, feel-good pop features a nasal falsetto reminiscent of Brian Wilson’s distinct vocal timbre, adding to the band’s overall retro feel. The Beatles also served as a major musical influence, with the band even coming up with their own name for this combination of Beach Boys and Beatles: Mersey Beach.
If you were to tell us that “Corner of My Eye” from The Lemon Twigs’ 2023 album, Everything Harmony, was actually a song from 1968, it wouldn’t have required much stretching of the imagination to believe you. The band clearly honors 1960s pop music while still mixing in a bit of contemporary flair.
April March
Even if you don’t recognize the name April March, you’ve likely heard one of her most popular hits, a cover of France Gall and Serge Gainsbourg’s “Laisse tomber les filles,” or “Chick Habit.” Quentin Tarantino used March’s version in his 2007 film Death Proof. With vocals that flirt with sounding like a bratty whine in the best way possible, March’s music (whether in French or English) is full of moxie, attitude, and playfulness. Her 1995 EP, Chick Habit, has one banger of a song after another, including both the French and English versions of the title track.
“Chick Habit” is a great place to start for 1960s French pop, but we also recommend “Le Temps De L’Amour.” March also has an extensive professional career in illustration and animation. She’s written children’s books with Jack White and wrote episodes for the Nickelodeon cartoon, The Ren & Stimpy Show.
Foxygen
Calling back to 1960s pop while still keeping one foot firmly planted in modern music is no small feat, but California indie rock band Foxygen has undoubtedly figured out the magic trick. Of all the bands on our list of contemporary artists to listen to if you like 1960s pop music, Foxygen is by far the most experimental and modern-sounding. Nevertheless, their roots in psychedelia and midcentury avant-garde folk are obvious on albums like We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic.
Tracks like “San Francisco” and “Shuggie” combine elements of Lou Reed, the Zombies, the Doors, and the Beatles in an interesting and fresh way. Just when you think you’ve figured out what they’re doing, Foxygen cuts left and leaves you scrambling to settle into a new groove or melodic section. Similar contemporary bands would include Tame Impala and Dr. Dog.
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