Like the rest of the world, as the 1960’s crept in, Malta joined a musical and cultural revolution. The youth’s answer to all that was going on at the time was both expressive escape, and an escapist expression through music. Maltese Music became an incredibly powerful cultural force in an unprecedented way.
The Maltese Pop Music Scene
The same happened in Malta. Just think of ‘Viva Malta’ by The Malta Bums and ‘Xemx’ by The Tramps. Think of the amount of times you’ve listened to these songs in national events, on television and at weddings.
A very basic definition of a ‘classic’ is something that survives the test of time. A classic is replayed as the decades go on. We can in fact, quite easily name a good list of local songs from the 60’s and 70’s that have had this place in the cultural consciousness.
What Happened to These Songs?
Unfortunately, these classics and gems from the time are scattered on YouTube or in personal physical libraries of local collectors. Some of them were rerecorded later on with new different technology. That unfortunately took something away from them in my personal opinion.
When you listen to the original raw recordings you can really be transported to a time where newly-independent and post-colonial Malta produced songs influenced by its roots but also by the culture of its colonizers and the western world. In fact, some songs are in English, whilst others are in Maltese. The language question is a phenomenon that lives on in the Maltese music scene till this day.
Where Can I Listen to These Songs?
Recently a Maltese Berlin-based music label by the name of My Fair Lsdy has curated two volumes called ‘Mother Sun’. In total, they include around 30 songs from the time. This was done with the hope that if anyone wants a taste of the music of this time in Malta, they can turn to these two compilations and enjoy the variety of folk, garage and psych rock that was happening at the time.
Give it a go! From obscure names such as Cinnamon Hades, to more familiar names like Vanni Pule, Bayzo and Mary Rose Mallia, this selection gives a taste of the beginnings of the modern pop world on the islands.
Title image was cropped. Attribution: © Malta Tourism Authority, @ollygaspar @hayleabrown
