Random Thoughts 64

My Generation[1]

That is the title of an excellent 2017 documentary narrated by Michael Caine that presents a good description of the 1960s and how the culture of that period affected England at that time, where innovative music and fashion trends originated and then from there spread to the rest of the world.

Using film clips of the period and also talks with famous people of that period, reflecting on their experiences and the moment, the viewer is given a good picture of the culture of that time and the attitudes of the young people who created the movement as well as attitudes of older generations who were critical of it.

Perhaps the most noticeable feature of that period was the music. It began with what has been called the Mersey Beat. That is the genre of music that originated in Liverpool, the most famous being The Beatles. From there that style of music quickly spread to London, which soon became a Mecca for young people, and then later to the United States in what has been called the British Invasion[2]. One of the bands considered to be part of it was Herman’s Hermits, a group formed in 1964. When I was studying in Kyoto in 1965 I went to one of their concerts held there.

Anyone who remembers and was influenced by that period, especially young people, is a member of that generation, so watching this movie narrated by Michael Caine is certain to bring back memories of one’s own youth. It’s hard to believe that it all started 60 years ago because it still sometimes seems like only yesterday to me.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3SVp1hFWtQ

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Invasion