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The Second Summer of Love: A Cultural Revolution Sparked by Ecstasy and Acid House

Haruki Murakami

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Published in The Second Summer Of Love: How Dance Music Took Over The World

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A Vibrant Crowd Of People Celebrating During The Second Summer Of Love The Second Summer Of Love: How Dance Music Took Over The World The Second Summer of Love, a term coined by journalist and author Jon Savage, refers to a cultural phenomenon that swept across the United Kingdom in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This period was characterized by the emergence and popularity of acid house music, a style of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago in the mid-1980s. Acid house quickly spread to the UK, where it became a key part of the underground rave scene.

The Second Summer of Love was more than just a musical phenomenon; it was a cultural revolution that had a profound impact on British society. The rave scene brought together people from all walks of life, creating a sense of community and belonging. It also challenged traditional notions of morality and sexuality, and helped to bring about a new era of social tolerance.

The Second Summer of Love came to an end in the early 1990s, as the rave scene became increasingly commercialized and the government cracked down on illegal raves. However, the legacy of this period continues to be felt today in the form of the global electronic dance music scene and the ongoing popularity of acid house music.

The Second Summer of Love: How Dance Music Took Over the World

by Alon Shulman

4.5 out of 5

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The Origins of Acid House

Acid house music originated in Chicago in the mid-1980s, as a fusion of house music, disco, and techno. House music, which originated in New York in the early 1980s, is characterized by its repetitive four-on-the-floor beat, syncopated basslines, and soulful vocals. Disco music, which originated in the 1970s, is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melodies, and shimmering synthesizers. Techno, which originated in Detroit in the mid-1980s, is characterized by its repetitive, hypnotic rhythms and its use of synthesizers and drum machines.

Acid house music is typically characterized by its use of the Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer, which creates a distinctive squelching sound. Acid house tracks also often feature samples of other music, such as disco records, funk records, and even classical music.

The Roland TB-303 bass synthesizer was originally designed as a bass guitar emulator, but it was quickly adopted by acid house producers for its unique sound. The TB-303's squelching sound became one of the defining characteristics of acid house music, and it has been used on countless tracks over the years.

The Spread of Acid House to the UK

Acid house music first arrived in the UK in the late 1980s, and it quickly became popular in the underground rave scene. Raves were illegal, warehouse parties that were typically held in abandoned warehouses or other industrial spaces. They featured all-night dancing to acid house music, and they often attracted thousands of people.

The popularity of acid house music in the UK was due in part to the fact that it was a new and exciting sound. It was also due in part to the fact that it was associated with a sense of freedom and escape. The rave scene was a place where people could let loose and be themselves, and it offered a sense of community and belonging that was lacking in many other areas of society.

The Cultural Impact of Acid House

The Second Summer of Love had a profound impact on British society. It helped to bring about a new era of social tolerance, and it challenged traditional notions of morality and sexuality. The rave scene was a place where people from all walks of life could come together and celebrate their individuality.

The Second Summer of Love also had a significant impact on British fashion and culture. The rave scene was characterized by its own unique fashion style, which included bright colors, baggy clothes, and psychedelic patterns. This style was adopted by young people all over the UK, and it helped to create a sense of unity and belonging.

The End of the Second Summer of Love

The Second Summer of Love came to an end in the early 1990s, as the rave scene became increasingly commercialized and the government cracked down on illegal raves. The Criminal Justice Act of 1994 made it illegal to organize or attend raves, and this effectively put an end to the underground rave scene.

However, the legacy of the Second Summer of Love continues to be felt today in the form of the global electronic dance music scene and the ongoing popularity of acid house music. Acid house music is still played in clubs and at festivals all over the world, and it continues to inspire new generations of musicians and dancers.

The Second Summer of Love was a cultural phenomenon that had a profound impact on British society. It was a time of great change and upheaval, but it was also a time of great creativity and innovation. The rave scene brought together people from all walks of life, and it helped to create a sense of community and belonging. It also challenged traditional notions of morality and sexuality, and it helped to bring about a new era of social tolerance. The legacy of the Second Summer of Love continues to be felt today in the form of the global electronic dance music scene and the ongoing popularity of acid house music.

The Second Summer of Love: How Dance Music Took Over the World

by Alon Shulman

4.5 out of 5