Space Age Rock

tagStarted 1958Peak 1958-1963Last big hit 1962

Located in 1 route

Futuristic, technology-besotted lounge-pop exploiting stereo, multitrack, and early electronics. Theremin swoops, wordless 'zu-zu' vocals, virtuoso piano runs, exaggerated dynamic swings, and lush brass build an otherworldly bachelor-pad atmosphere. The Space-Age cousin of exotica and surf's instrumental escapism aimed at the hi-fi era.

History

Tied to the Space Age fascination of the late 1950s-early 1960s. Mexican bandleader Juan García Esquivel, the 'King of Space Age Pop,' exploited new stereo tech (even recording two bands in separate studios on 1962's 'Latin-esque'). Theremin tracks and instrumental novelties like 'Telstar' fed the craze; the 1994 'Space Age Bachelor Pad Music' comp revived interest.

Defining artists

EsquivelSpotify YouTube
Les BaxterSpotify YouTube
The TornadosSpotify YouTube
Dick HymanSpotify YouTube
Russ GarciaSpotify YouTube
Ferrante & TeicherSpotify YouTube

Essential listening

Mucha Muchacha — EsquivelSpotify YouTube
Telstar — The TornadosSpotify YouTube
Sentimental Journey — EsquivelSpotify YouTube
The Moon Was Yellow — Les BaxterSpotify YouTube
Music to Watch Girls By — EsquivelSpotify YouTube
Theme from The Apartment — Ferrante & TeicherSpotify YouTube

← Explore Rock

Sources

Wikipedia: Space age pop
Wikipedia: Juan García Esquivel
Spaceagepopmusic.com