According to historians, the 1970s are known as the “pivot of change.” The post-war political dissatisfaction and focus on self-expression led to a surge of individualism and vested interest in bettering oneself, during this time. Fashion changed and rules were broken. Gender roles were bent as radical self-expression emerged and the arts absolutely flourished.
The “Me Decade” gave birth to an incredible music scene that combined new glamour, leftover 1960s psychedelia and folk with nu wave rock that is popular even today. But, let’s not forget our roots, or more specifically, The Grass Roots.
Originally founded by Lou Adler and songwriting duo P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri, the Los Angeles rock band had a successful decade-long run, but with many rotating members. Even with their band continually evolving, they produced a hip and groovy sound that made them famous.
The Grass Roots produced multiple hits during their career, but there’s one that sticks out. “Temptation Eyes” debuted in 1971 and found its way into the Top 40 chart. But, with all of the other more popular songs of the day, this one just doesn’t get as much airtime as it deserves on today’s classic rock stations.
This is the music video for “Temptation Eyes,” and if you’re a Grass Roots fan, you’ll immediately recognize Rob Grill’s voice. He was the longest standing member of the band and the lead vocalist who passed away in 2011. The video starts with a record player needle dropping on their Greatest Hits record as the camera pans over to the live band on stage in front of a trippy colored backdrop. The footage is wonderfully grainy and vintage, the perfect treatment for this classic rock ‘n roll tune.
The band is using real instruments, with real voices and pure, unadulterated talent. There is nothing synthesized, hyped up or auto-tuned. Even the lyrics are simple but paint the picture of an unrequited love story. Pay extra attention to the trendy coifs and beard styles of the day, paired with top-of-the-line men’s outfits. It’s a nostalgic blast from the past that captures a moment of time during the sunshine of the seventies.
Click on the video below to watch “Temptation Eyes.” I bet you’ll be humming the tune all day!
