121. The United States of America - The United States of America

Release Date: 1968
Label: Columbia

Christ, I wasn't expecting that. If an album could be both awful and brilliant at the same time, it would be this. There were times when I was mesmerized by how great it sounded, but then again I thought half of it was shit. The album is all over the place, self-conscious and bloody marvellous if you're in the right frame of mind.



Rating 6/10

120. Big Brother and The Holding Company - Cheap Thrills

Release Date: 1968
Label: Columbia

I've been aware of 'Cheap Thrills' for a long time, without ever actually hearing it. In fact, in the seven years I worked at HMV, I can't even recall seeing it in stock. I'm not even sure if it's still available to buy. At the time of writing, it's £5.99/2 for £10. Of course, the main selling point of BBatHC has always been Janis Joplin. And while it's her vocals that carry this album, the quality of the music shouldn't be ignored. The only song I was disappointed with was probably the cover of 'Summertime' and I don't remember 'Turtle Blues' making an impression either.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Piece of My Heart

119. The Byrds - The Notorious Bird Brothers

Release Date: 1968
Label: Columbia

I've written earlier on this blog about my belief that The Byrds were much better at writing folk-rock than pyschedelia, and this album does nothing to disprove my theory. Of course, it may just be that I prefer the former genre. A lot of the music I've listened to from this book at the moment has been of the 'mind-bending' variety. As this latest offering from the high-flying Byrds got underway, I genuinely thought I was going to enjoy this, but my pleasure didn't last the length of the album - which, give that it's less than 30mins long, is nothing to be proud of.


Rating: 5/10
Favourite Track:  Old John Robertson

118. Blue Cheer- Vincebus Eruptum

Release Date: 1968
Label: Polygram

Other than knowing it was supposedly a precursor to Heavy Metal, I had no idea what to expect from this album. I'd guessed it wouldn't be quiet and introspective though. I liked this, though I can't imagine wanting to listen to it too often.

Rating: 6/10
Favourite Track: Summertime Blues

117. Aretha Franklin - Lady Soul

Release Date:1968
Label: Atlantic

The second of Aretha's albums in this book, and arguably the more accessible. The first is great and, although I've given them the same rating, this just edges it. Again, this is another album that I'll be looking to buy as soon as I get a chance.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Chain of Fools

116. Laura Nyro - Eli And The Thirteenth Confession

Release Date: 1968

Label: Columbia

The last time I 'discovered' and immeditely loved an artist I knew nothing about during these listening sessions was probably the time I heard The Louvin Brothers album. I knew I would want to buy this album about thirty-seconds into the opening track, and the rest of the album didn't disappoint. It's bold, brash and beautiful. It's also clearly an inspiration of Carole King's 'Tapestry' which is definitely a bonus.

Rating: 9/10

Favourite Track: Eli's Comin

114. Leonard Cohen - The Songs of Leonard Cohen

Release Date: 1968
Label: Columbia

I already own this album, so I wont bother listening to it again. Believe me when I tell you it's a great album though.

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Song: So Long, Marianne.

113. The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Electric Ladyland

Release Date: 1968

Label: Reprise

I've written before about Jimi Hendrix on this blog, and I tend to get the impression that his legacy outweighs the quality of his albums. Electric Ladyland is a sprawling mess with brilliant highs - Crosstown Traffic, Voodoo Chile, All Along The Watchtower - and embarrassing lows. It's better than 'Axis- Bold is Love' but it's just too long to maintain any interest.

Rating: 7/10

Best Song: Crosstown Traffic 

112. Os Mutantes - Os Mutantes

Release Date:1968
Label: Polydor

111. Ravi Shankar - The Sounds of India

Release Date: 1968

Label: Columbia