The sexual revolution that kickstarted in the 1960s was gaining traction and second-wave feminism became more mainstream. The Watergate Scandal (1972-74) shook America, and the Vietnam War finally came to an end in 1975. Economic downturn led to political unrest in the UK, culminating in a series of power cuts across the nation. Disco was filling the dance floors and its ugly cousin punk was spitting and gobbing from across the bar.
Our mini-guide to the 1970s cult favourites will have your mates in awe of your pop culture knowledge.
Books
Post Office (1971) by Charles Bukowski – autobiographical tale of the anti-hero’s time as a postal worker who enjoys women, booze and gambling
Fear of Flying (1973) by Erica Jong – controversial novel due to its depiction of female sexuality. It was associated with second-wave feminism and brought the term ‘zipless fuck’ to the world
The Dice Man (1971) by Luke Rhinehart – ‘This book will change your life!’ Supercharge your cool factor and always carry a copy, preferably a secondhand one
The Stepford Wives (1972) by Ira Levin – no, not the dreadful Nicole Kidman movie. The novel is a chilling horror that satirizes the sexual politics of the day and men’s reaction to feminism. If you’d rather watch the movie than read the book, make it the 1975 original
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1971) by Hunter S. Thomson – more trippy driving about America in an altered state of consciousness. The novel was written in the gonzo journalist style, favoured by the likes of Lester Bangs. It was banned by schools across the US
Music
Ramones – Blitzkrieg Bop was destroyed by the AO advert
Dead Kennedys – one of the original hardcore punk bands, satirizing American culture and politics
The Congos – the 1970s was the Golden Era for reggae and these guys are the real deal
Led Zeppelin – Rock giants. Is that a ladder in your tights or a stairway to heaven?
The Runaways – All-girl rock band, launched the career of Joan Jett
Film
Quadrophenia (1979) – set around the mod subculture of the 1960s, it features stylish scooters and a soundtrack by The Who
Pink Flamingos (1972) – classic John Waters surrealism
Enter the Dragon (1973) – Bruce Lee stars as a Shaolin monk hired by a British Intelligence agent to bring down a drugs baron, who is also responsible for his sister’s death
The Exorcist (1973) – demonic possession with iconic puking and head swivelling
Eraserhead (1977) – nightmarish horror by David Lynch. Not one for parents-to-be