The underbelly of the swinging 60's

I went to a Motown tribute thing tonight and it really made me think. But before I tell you what I thought let me tell you a little bit about it. The seats were great but I felt highly exposed, like if they were to pick someone from the crowd they would pick me because I’m in their direct eye line and wearing a bright orange shift dress with circles on it (my sub-conscious told me to dress for the event). The male singers were amazing, the women too but I like to focus on the important things in life, they had some major moves. My little cupcake could hardly contain herself.

So now to my point...

When someone says “the 60’s” I instantly envision Edie Sedgwick, Andy Warhol, Brigitte Bardot, The Beatles, The Stones, Jackie O, Pirate Radio, Twiggy, polyester, short skirts and shift dresses. I imagine a time where everyone joins together in peace and love listening to Cream and talking about their new flares with flowers in their hair. For some reason I would never consciously connect Motown to that decade.

I mean, do you see The Supremes hanging out with The Beatles??

Whilst the Teddy Boys were going crazy for the girls in short, short skirts and the Mods were cleaning their Vespers; Whilst Twiggy and Edie were sending shivers down the World’s spine and Bob Dylan was hanging out with Mick and Keith; Whilst Vivienne Westwood was setting up shop and fashion was experiencing its metamorphosis; Whilst populations were high off life (or Acid) there was a whole different movement happening. The movement was record label Motown.

So why do we forget to associate these greats with their decade? I mean I have yet to meet a woman that doesn’t melt at the sound of Marvin Gaye’s voice or hasn’t sung Baby Love into her hairbrush!!

My theory is that they weren’t controversial enough. They were the good kids that sat in the front of class whilst Woodstock (thank-you Mr. Lang and co.) at the back. Keith Richards and John Lennon were making paper aeroplanes and launching them at Smokey Robinson!! Nobody wants to know that Stevie Wonder went to church last Sunday when Mick Jagger got arrested on Saturday. Nobody cared that The Supremes were experiencing some problems when Edie and Andy were at war.

Still, like all things from the 60’s they survived the test of time.  Shame my Nana's clothes didn't, I could have rocked some lovely vintage!!