Jangle Folk Rock
tagStarted 1965Peak 1983-1991Last big hit still active
Located in 2 routes
Bright, chiming guitar-pop folk rock built on clean, arpeggiated 12-string electric (often Rickenbacker) ring, brisk melodic verses, and harmony-laced hooks. It pairs the shimmer of 60s folk rock with concise, college-radio songcraft: melodic, mid-tempo, and instantly recognizable by its glittering, undistorted guitar 'jangle.'
History
The jangle began with The Byrds' Rickenbacker sound in 1965, but the named style flowered in the early-80s college-rock underground. R.E.M., The Smiths, and Let's Active revived 60s chime over post-punk drive, defining American college radio. Paisley Underground and Britain's C86 scene carried it forward as a lasting indie touchstone.
Defining artists
Essential listening
- Radio Free Europe — R.E.M.SpotifyYouTube
- So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star — The ByrdsSpotifyYouTube
- American Girl — Tom Petty and the HeartbreakersSpotifyYouTube
- Don't Tell Me — The BanglesSpotifyYouTube
- Every Word Means No — Let's ActiveSpotifyYouTube
- Looking for Lewis and Clark — The Long RydersSpotifyYouTube
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jangle_pop
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jangle
- https://www.allmusic.com/style/jangle-pop-ma0000012142