Merseybeat

Merseybeat is a light, highly melodic style of Beat popular in the UK during the early 1960s, named due to the abundance of bands from Liverpool beside the River Mersey. Merseybeat groups characteristically had simple guitar-dominated line-ups, with close vocal harmonies and catchy tunes. The resulting sound is chirpy, bouncy and simplistic, drawing influences from Rock & Roll, British Rhythm & Blues and late 1950s/early 1960s singles by acts such as Buddy Holly & The Crickets and Cliff Richard & The Shadows. The release of The Beatles' "Love Me Do" in October 1962 is an important focal point for the huge popularity of the sound between 1963 and 1965 in the UK (and the early first 'British Invasion' in the USA), with bands such as Gerry and The Pacemakers, Billy J. Kramer With The Dakotas, The Searchers, The Merseybeats and The Fourmost achieving consistent success in the hit parade. The most popular line-up comprised of lead, rhythm and bass guitars with drums. It is typified by the synchronization of the bass guitar (usually playing only the root and fifth notes of the chords) and the bass drum. Unlike in rock & roll, Merseybeat groups often incorporate two and three-part harmonies, and even those with a separate lead singer will often sing both verses and choruses in close harmony; the Liverpool accent also has a major role in the distinctive overall sound, although Merseybeat can theoretically be made outside of the area. Although there are instrumental breaks, the focus is on the presentation of the song rather than instrumental prowess.