HARPERS BIZARRE Meaning and
Definition
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"Harpers Bizarre" refers to a musical band that emerged in the mid-1960s as part of the broader psychedelic and folk rock movement. The name "Harpers Bizarre" is a combination of the words "Harpers," which is a reference to the music publisher and magazine Harper's Bazaar, and "Bizarre," indicating the avant-garde and peculiar nature of their music. This amalgamation hints at their unique sound and style.
The band gained prominence for their whimsical and eclectic approach to music, characterized by lush harmonies, intricate arrangements, and a fusion of various genres including folk, pop, and psychedelic rock. Harpers Bizarre is well-known for their covers of popular songs, which they infused with their distinctive orchestral and Baroque pop elements.
During their active years from 1966 to 1970, Harpers Bizarre released several albums including their self-titled debut album "Harpers Bizarre" (1966), which featured their hit cover of Paul Simon's "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)." Their subsequent albums, "Feelin' Groovy" (1967), "Anything Goes" (1967), and "Harpers Bizarre 4" (1969) further showcased their ability to reinterpret popular songs in their fanciful and sophisticated style.
A notable aspect of Harpers Bizarre's music was their attention to detail and meticulous arrangements, often employing lush string sections and intricate vocal harmonies. Their unique sound, along with their signature vocal stylings and sophisticated musical approaches, has contributed to their enduring legacy as an innovative and distinct band within the landscape of 1960s popular music.
Etymology of HARPERS BIZARRE
The term "Harper's Bizarre" is actually a play on words and a deliberate misspelling of "Harper's Bazaar".
"Harpers Bazaar" is a well-known American fashion magazine that was first published in 1867. It focuses on providing information on the latest trends in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.
In the mid-1960s, a pop music group was formed in Los Angeles, California, and they decided to adopt the name "Harpers Bizarre" as a parody or whimsical variation of "Harper's Bazaar". The intentional misspelling added a touch of humor and uniqueness to their band name.
Harpers Bizarre gained popularity with their covers of popular songs, including the well-known "Feelin' Groovy" (originally by Simon & Garfunkel).
