Jangle pop is a type of pop rock and indie rock music that uses bright, ringing guitar sounds and melodies similar to those from the 1960s. The "jangly" guitar sound is clear, sparkling, and played in a flowing, melodic way, often using 12-string electric guitars. This style is usually linked to bands from the late 1970s and early 1980s who were part of the post-punk music scene. These bands were often inspired by 1960s groups like the Byrds. Well-known artists associated with jangle pop include Big Star, R.E.M., and the Smiths.

Etymology and characteristics

In the late 1970s and 1980s, well-known early jangle pop bands included Big Star, R.E.M., the dB's, 10,000 Maniacs, and the Smiths. In the early to mid-1980s, the term "jangle pop" was created to describe an American post-punk movement that sounded like "jangly" bands from the 1960s. Between 1983 and 1987, the term "jangle pop" was used to describe bands such as R.E.M. and Let's Active, as well as the Paisley Underground subgenre, which used psychedelic influences.

History

In 1979, the band Pylon from Athens, Georgia, began their music career with a unique and energetic sound called "jangle pop." This style later influenced other musicians in the same area. AllMusic describes modern jangle pop as a type of pop music that is not mainstream, often featuring lyrics that are intentionally unclear and a sound that feels rough and homemade. In the 1980s, many jangle-pop bands were inspired by 1960s folk rock groups like the Byrds. Richie Unterberger noted that bands such as R.E.M. and others in the 1980s alternative jangle-pop scene were heavily influenced by the Byrds' use of ringing guitars. By 1987, many bands tried to copy R.E.M.'s style, even though some had never heard the Byrds' music.

The Dunedin sound, a music scene in New Zealand, was an important part of the jangle pop movement. Bands like the Chills, the Clean, the Verlaines, the Bats, and Straitjacket Fits combined elements of 1970s alternative rock and post-punk with jangle pop. This scene later spread to other cities in New Zealand, such as Auckland.

Between 1983 and 1987, Southern-pop bands like R.E.M. and Let's Active, as well as a California-based group called the Paisley Underground, added psychedelic influences to their music. According to an article in Blogcritics magazine, besides R.E.M., the Bangles from Los Angeles were the only other jangle-pop band in the United States to achieve widespread success. While the Bangles are best known for polished songs like "Manic Monday," their first album and EP were more organic and closely followed the styles of the Byrds and Big Star, with some psychedelic elements.

Jangle pop played a role in shaping college rock during the early 1980s. In Austin, Texas, the term "New Sincerity" was used to describe a group of bands with a similar style, including the Reivers, Wild Seeds, and True Believers.