Dream Pop - History and Artists

History and Artists

The development of the genre arguably began in the 1940s. A number of singles recorded by Frank Sinatra for Columbia Records featured sparkling arrangements, tender vocals and dream-like themes ("Stardust", "Put Your Dreams Away", "Dream"). Throughout the following decade, the genre would see further development through mainstream pop. Singles such as "In Dreams" by Roy Orbison, "All I Have To Do Is Dream" by The Everly Brothers and "Mr. Sandman" by the Chordettes displayed dream pop elements, in both arrangement and lyrical content. Early albums by jazz singer and trumpeter Chet Baker, dominated by gentle, androgynous vocals and dreamy instrumentation, have also been noted as an influence on the genre. A number of albums were released in the 1960s refining the genre further, among them Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys and The Velvet Underground's eponymous third album. In 1970, George Harrison released All Things Must Pass; the album's echo-drenched sound and fluid arrangements are considered a more direct influence on the genre. Other artists identified as an influence on the genre include Tim Buckley, The Cure, This Mortal Coil, Sonic Youth, the Cocteau Twins, Hüsker Dü, Spacemen 3, The Chameleons, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bauhaus, Galaxie 500 and Spiritualized.

From the 1980s to early 1990s, bands such as Pale Saints, Spoonfed Hybrid, Spirea X, early-period Seefeel, early-period The Verve, Kitchens of Distinction, The Church, The Sundays, Belly, The Ocean Blue, Bel Canto, Hum, Cranes, Frazier Chorus, Strange Boutique, Curve, The Dream Academy, Youth Lagoon and No-Man were representatives of the genre.

Concurrently, a number of more predominantly guitar-driven dream pop bands emerged in the United States, including Sentinel, Alison's Halo, BOBBY, Low, Mazzy Star, Velour 100, Fine China, Love Spirals Downwards, Tears Run Rings, Porcelain Raft, Ars Poetica, Duster, Warm Ghost, Azure Ray and Frownland. In Europe, some dream pop bands emerged, mixing more folk or electronic components, such as The Legendary Pink Dots and Hooverphonic.