The 60's hippie scene appropriated a lot of cultural references into their "movement" while at the same time not really seeming to have more than an aesthetic or superficially philosophical interest in them. With the exception of maybe the Cuban revolutionary, none was more appropriated than Native American culture. While this passing interest in bygone lifestyles may not have actually improved the present day plight of the groups they took interest in it did present a few opportunities for members of the society to use their roots to expose their own talents. These are two of the better examples from this time.

	J.J. Light - Heya! J.J. was born Jim Stallings and though the stage name J.J. Light was applied to highlight his native heritage and bring more attention to him, it doesn't diminish his abilities as a song writer. Light hooked up with West Coast Pop Art
Experimental band producer Bob Markley (who suggested the name change) and crafted an album of sunny psychedelia that focused its majority on the current state of Native American issues. Ironically enough the album wasn't really marketed in America but scored at least one hit overseas. The album features some great session work from players that included Gary Rowles who played for a time in Love. There was a follow-up recorded but never really released and J.J. became Jim again, lending his talents to the Sir Douglas Quintet. Nevertheless this album certainly stands on its own as a great album from the late 60's. Download: [MP3] J.J. Light - Hey Yo Hanna Wa [MP3] J.J. Light - Na Ru Ka Support the artist. Buy it HERE
	Hamana - Hamana Mixing a sunny, West Coast, almost Dead vibe with a general strain of consciousness and a more practical take on the peace and love themes of the era. Bruce Hamana recorded this small press album while he attended college in the early 70's.
Hamana played pretty much every instrument on this album and given the limited resources involved in its creation his S/T album stands well alongside other pastoral rock from the same era. Aside from the Dead overtones there's a strong Byrds and a little bit of Quicksilver creeping into Hamana's work. As I mentioned this was run in an extraordinarily small pressing at the time which means it was heard by very few, but thankfully its been remastered and reissued, throwing a deserving spotlight on this unheralded songwriter. Download: [MP3] Hamana - Why Can't I Understand [MP3] Hamana - On The Road Support the artist. Buy it HERE