180. The Doors - Morrison Hotel

 

Release Date: 1970
Label: Elektra

After ignoring albums 2, 3 and 4 by Jim Morrison and co. we return to The Doors with album number 5. On first glance, the only song I was familiar with was the opening number - 'Roadhouse Blues' - although 'Peace Frog' is apparently well known? After enjoying their debut I had high hopes for this record, and it didn't dissapoint. There are those who find Morrison's lyrics poor, but overall the quality of the music overrides any issues one may have with the words.

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Blue Sunday

179. Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath

Release Date: 1970
Label: Warner Bros.

Seemingly included here due to its importance rather than its musical merit, Black Sabbath is considered the first Heavy Metal album. With that in mind, I thought I wouldn't enjoy this. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how good it sounded. There is certainly room for improvement, but it wasn't the horror I was expecting.

Rating: 7/10
Favourite Track: Evil Woman

178. Spirit - Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus

Release Date: 1970
Label: Epic

Let's start with the title - it's awful isn't it?! Yes, well I have never heard of Spirit and I was expected them to be a band in the same vein as the Incredible String Band (i.e. hippie-folk) but they are not at all like that. They're experimental, a bit jazz, a bit pyschedelic. The album itself was interesting and there were some good bits, but overall it wasnt very memorable.

Rating: 6/10
Favourite Track: Life Has Just Begun

177. Miles Davis - Bitches Brew

Release Date: 1970
Label: Columbia

Titled 'Ladies Tea' in the UK, this 94 minute record is perhaps the peak of Miles Davis's late career. You're either going to get it or not and I do. I already own it so I wont bother listening to it again.

Rating: 6/10
Favourite Track: Miles Runs The Voodoo Down.

176. Derek and the Dominos - Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs

Release Date: 1970
Label: Polydor

Derek Clapton and the Dominos are famous for recording a song about Beatle George's wife of the time, Layla to declare their undying love for her. You will be glad to know this song features on the album - the only one the band ever recorded - along with a host of other tracks. I've never been too sure about Eric Clapton. I enjoy some of his work - Cream for example - but can't get the hang of his solo stuff. Luckily, this was a very rewarding listen and I enjoyed it very much.

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Layla

175. Creedence Clearwater Revival - Cosmo's Factory

 

Release Date: 1970
Label: Factory

The 1970s begin with a familar face (or faces). Previously I have wondered whether CCR would be best served by a Best Of, however having heard this I am inclinced to think this is the peak of what I've heard by them so far. Of course, it doesn't feature any noticible singles (Proud Mary or Bad Moon Rising) for example, but it holds together as a whole.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Travellin' Band

1960s - What Have We Learnt?

Like a lot of people on this here internet, I have decided to try and listen to all 1001 albums before I die. This is a challenge I started in 2011 and I haven't always been good at keeping up with it - what with life getting in the way and all. I started listening to the albums from the 60s two years ago, and have only just finished. I also realise that by listening to albums only once, I'm probably not giving many of them a fair trial. But if they grab my attention on that first listen then they've got a good chance of being purchased!

Of the albums I hadn't heard (I haven't bothered listening to the ones I already own) only Nick Drake - Five Years Left received a 10/10 rating. Perhaps I'm being harsh on others, but I'm trying not to be too infectious with my praise. I have also been purchasing - when and where possible - any album that I''ve rated 8 or above (of course this score is applied after only one listen so my tastes may change over time). Perhaps I will listen to the albums marked 7/10 again one day and reevaluate them?

Anyway, let's hope it doesn't take me two years to listen to all of the albums from the 1970s. We're beginning with Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Here are a few 'awards' to keep things interesting

Best Album (excluding ones I already owned): Nick Drake - Five Years Left
Worst Album: Bee Gees - Odessa

174. Frank Zappa - Hot Rats

Release Date: 1969
Label: Bizarre

Finally, after two years - and many months of nothingness - I have come to the end of the 60s. We say goodybe with an instrumental album by Frank Zappa. Like his releases with the Mothers of Invention, this album isn't particularly radio friendly, but its songs are more accesible. The only disappointment is probably 'The Gumbo Variations' which takes up most of the second 'side'

Rating: 7/10
Favourite Track: Son of Mr Green Genes

173. Skip Spence - Oar

Release Date: 1969
Label: Columbia

We are nearly at the end of the 60s! This penultimate album of the decade is by none other than famous Australian TV personality, 'What's that Skip? Spence'. Fresh from his stints in Jefferson Airplane and Moby Grabe - both of whom I enjoyed - Spence released his only solo album of his career. I can't say I enjoyed this as much as any previous releases he's been involved in, but I will admit I liked the homemade style of the album, if not the actual content.

Rating: 4/10
Favourite Track: Lawrence of Euphoria

172. The Stooges - The Stooges

Release Date: 1969
Label: Elektra

Another proto-punk album in the style of MC5, The Stooges hailed from Detroit - famous for being the home of Motown. Having being rejected by Berry Gordy for being too similar to Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Iggy Pop and The Stooges decided to cash on the developing punk/insurance (punksurance) craze and restyle themselves. The result? This album and a subsequent sideline career as insurance salesmen.

Rating: 6/10
Favourite Track: I Wanna Be Your Dog

171. Scott Walker - Scott 4

Release Date: 1969
Label: Philips

Scott 4 continues the run of great albums that I've had the pleasure of listening to today. Like Scott 2 this record is a delight to listen to from start to finish. Walker's distinctive baritone is perfect for the baroque musical style.

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Hero of The War

170. Fairport Convention - Liege and Lief

Release Date: 1969
Label: Island

Recorded over five separate days in the autumn of 1969 and released at the end of the year (less than six months after 'Unhalfbricking', 'Liege and Lief' continues where the former left off. Again, Sandy Denny is the stand-out star of the record, the rest of the band merely pawns to her remarkable vocal talent. Alongside 'Meet on the Ledge' and 'Who Knows Where The Time Goes?', 'Matty Groves' is my favourite Fairport song - its rhythm and storytelling are especially compelling.

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Matty Groves

169. Leonard Cohen - Songs From A Room

Release Date: 1969
Label: Columbia

This is the second (of four) Leonard Cohen albums in this book, and the first I haven't heard - although I am familiar with a few of the tracks, namely 'Bird on the Wire' and 'The Partisan'. Of the ones I didn't know, 'Seems So Long Ago, Nancy' must surely rank among Cohen's finest work.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Seems So Long Ago, Nancy

168. King Crimson - In The Court of The Crimson King

Release Date: 1969
Label: Island

It's not often that this happens, but it appears as though this album isnt available on Spotify or Youtube. There are versions made up of 'live' recordings, but I thought it'd be cheating to listen to these. Onto the next album it is then

167. The Kinks - Arthur (Or The Decline and Fall of the British Empire)

Release Date: 1969
Label: Pye

The last essential album The Kinks recorded was this. Although they would go on to record great singles in the early 70s, their importance ended at the end of the decade. Like Tommy and S.F. Sorrow, this is another concept album, but by far the best. The songs stand apart on their own and aren't used to move the narration along. Highlights of the album are - for me - Victoria, Shangri-La, Some Mother's Son (with the repetitive refrain - 'all dead soldiers look the same' and Mr Churchill Says). After being disappointed with the first to Kinks albums in this book, I am pleased these latter two have reaffirmed my faith in them. The cover is terrible though.

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Victoria

166. The Grateful Dead - Live/Dead

Release Date: 1969
Label: Warner Bros.

Coming in at over 70 minutes, this record - containing only seven songs (one of which is just over thirty seconds) - is a bit of a task to listen to. However, whilst it isn't life changing, it isn't terrble either. To be honest, I thought it would be a lot worse than it actually was and only the penultimate track, 'Feedback' left me feeling cold. Unfortunately, I can't imagine a time where I'd choose to listen to this again. It seems there a lot of double-albums being released around this time, and unfortunately this is one of those that doesn't hold my attention.


Rating: 5/10
Favourite Track: Turn On Your Love Light

165. Isaac Hayes - Hot Buttered Soul

Release Date: 1969
Label: Stax

Comprising of just four tracks, this seminal album from future chef Isaac Hayes (hence the titular reference to butter) is recognised as a landmark record in the history of soul music. The album oozes sex, sophistication and style and contains a monumental twelve-minute version of the Atomic Kitten classic, 'Walk on By.'. Alongside Sly and the Family Stone, this album is proof that soul music was beginning to produce essential albums towards the end of the 60s - something that would continue with the likes of Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder in the next few years.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Walk On By

164. The Youngbloods - Elephant Mountain

Release Date: 1969
Label: RCA Victor

The Youngbloods are likely to be a band you've never heard of. This album - said to be their best - only reached 118 in the Billboard 200, and seemingly didn't chart here in the UK. Of course, this lack of exposure has its benefits and I came to this album having no expectations. The album itself is perfectly average. There are some good  songs here - 'Darkness Darkness' being one, 'Sunlight' another - but it isn't enough to hold your attention.

Rating: 6/10
Favourite Track: Sunlight

163. Fairport Convention - Unhalfbricking

Release Date: 1969
Label: Island

Unhalfbricking (a word invented by Sandy Denny) is the third release from the long-running folk band, and continues their move towards trad-English folk songs. I'm not ashamed to admit I really like a lot of what I've heard so far by this band, and this album didn't disappoint. The French version of 'If You've Gotta Go, Go Now' is beautiful, as is Denny's signature song 'Who Knows Where The Thyme Grows?'.

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Who Knows Where The Time Goes?

162. Chicago - Chicago Transit Authority

Release Date: 1969

Label: Columbia

Chicago were a band so famous they had an American city named after them. This was their first release and predates their softer rock style by a number of years. This is a double album, reminiscent of 'Blood, Sweat and Tears' but with a lot more variety - not all of which is pleasant. Of the better songs, I loved 'Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?', 'Someday', and 'I'm a Man'. Unfortunately the whole album is ruined by 'Free Form Guitar', a 'song' that makes 'Revolution 9' sound like the best song ever.

Rating: 5/10

Favourite Track: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

161. Tim Buckley - Happy Sad

Release Date: 1969
Label: Elektra

Back in July when I listened to Tim Buckley's first offering in this book, I described 'Goodbye and Hello' as gorgeous, impressive and meandering. This album is none of these. I had to turn it off half way through 'Gypsy Woman' because I didn't want to hear anymore. Of course this is where I find out the final track is a masterpiece.

Rating: 3/10
Favourite Track: Dream Letter

160. Sly and The Family Stone - Stand!

Release Date: 1969
Label: Epic

Clearly with these last two records we are at the dawn of funk here. Of the two I prefer this one, and I'd only be tempted to turn down the second track because of the lyrics. It's definitely a record worth exploring further, and even the 13+ minute 'Sex Machine' does not marr the quality.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Everyday People

159. The Temptations - Cloud Nine

Release Date: 1969
Label: Motown

Motown take drugs! Inspired by Sly and The Family Stone (more from him next) The Temptations were tempted to get funky with this record, the ninth in their series of cloud inspired LPs. The big hit is of course the title song, and if there were more tracks like that on the record we'd be all the better for it. Unfortunately the drugs have worn off by the time we get to side two and we are left with standard Motown filler.

Rating: 6/10
Favourite Track: Cloud Nine

158. MC5 - Kick Out The Jams

Release Date: 1969
Label: Elektra

The band, and especially that song have formed a reputation as punk/revolutionary pioneers. I'm not sure what a pre-teen Paul Weller and co ever did to upset MC5 (the MC stands for Michael Crawford) but nobody deserved this tripe.

Rating: 4/10
Favourite Track: Kick Out The Jams

157. Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin II

Release Date: 1969
Label: Atlantic

Coming fast after the debut album, the Top of the Pops theme and other songs make up the imaginatively titled 'Led Zeppelin II (pronounced 'too'). Both albums were released in the same year and the fact they are both very good - the second being slightly better - is testament to Plant, Page, Jones and Bonham.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Whole Lotta Love

156. The Band - The Band

Release Date: 1969
Label: Capitol

Bob Dylan's backing band released their second album, and like the first it's one I already own. It's difficult to choose one over the other, so for fairness I will rate them both the same.

Rating: 7/10
Favourite Track: The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

155. Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin

Release Date: 1969
Label: Atlantic

This is an album I already own.

Rating: 7/10
Favourite Track: Dazed and Confused

154. Quicksilver Messenger Service - Happy Trails

Release Date: 1969
Label: Capitol

QMS are one of those bands I have heard of, but never heard. Unfortunately they are now one of those bands I wish I'd never heard. My life is no better. The first 'side' of the album is a suite of song collectively entitled '... do you love?' and they range from acceptable to ghastly, and by the time the second side comes on, you're pretty much wishing you were listening to something else instead.

Rating: 3/10
Favourite Track: Mona

153. The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground

Release Date: 1969
Label: MGM

Having exhausted their list of album titles on their first two releases, The Velvet Underground were forced to release this third offering as a self-titled LP. John Cale left after the release of White Light/White Heat to pursue a career in Ergonomics and pigeon rearing. As far as this album is concerned it sits comfortably between 'Nico' and 'White Light' as the second best Velvets album. The songs are less discordant or chaotic and the record features some songs that are better than the ones on their acclaimed debut, in particular 'Candy Says' and 'Beginning to See The Light'

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Beginning To See The Light

152. Elvis Presley - From Elvis In Memphis

Release Date: 1969
Label: RCA

Having spent the majority of the 1960s starring in a plethora of mediocre films, Elvis returned to musical significance in 1968 with a 'Comeback Special'. Inspired by the success of this TV special, he decided to record an album in Memphis and, having passed Dusty Springboard at the studio door, set out recording a set of songs chosen specifically to promote the new Post Rock 'n' Roll/Pre-Vegas Elvis. The songs are soulful and their is a raw maturity in Elvis's performances

Rating: 7/10
Favourite Track: Only The Strong Survive

151. Dusty Springfield - Dusty in Memphis

Release Date: 1969
Label: Atlantic

Many moons ago I wrote on this blog of my confusion as to why Dusty Springfield was only represented by her debut album. Of course, dear reader, I was wrong. Memphis is often described as Dusty's best work and it's easy to see why. Not only do we have the soul-classic, 'Son of a Preacher Man', one of many songs which can be called Dusty's signature tune, but we also have such highlights as 'So Much Love' and 'Breakfast in Bed'

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Son of a Preacher Man

150. Nick Drake - Five Years Left

Release Date: 1969
Label: Island

I already own some Nick Drake (i.e. his other two albums) so I sorta knew what to expect from his debut. Even so, I was shocked at how good this was. It's difficult to listen to Nick Drake without also thinking about his life, and whether it's intentional or not - this beauty and sombreness is reflected in the songs here. I thought this album was pefect from start to finish.

Rating: 10/10
 Favourite Track:River Man

149. The Rolling Stones - Let it Bleed

Release Date: 1969
Label: Decca

I have often wondered if the Stones called this album 'Let it Bleed' in homage to The Beatles 'Let it Be' but I suspect I may be wrong. This is another album I already own so there was no need for me to listen to it again.

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Gimme Shelter

148. Pentagle - Basket of Light

Release Date: 1969
Label: Translatlantic

Following on from the horror that was Odessa, I approached this record with trepidation. Not because I thought it would be terrible - I'm partial to a little English Folk-revival (Fairport Convention) now and then. My doubts were soon banished though as I heard what was in fact a rather lovely collection of songs. Nothing spectacular, but something defenitely worth persuing. I did smile at the absurdity of having an extra track tagged on the end, followed by the same track (extended version) which was two seconds longer straight afterwards.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: The Hunting Song

147. The Bee Gees - Odessa

Release Date: 1969
Label: Polydor

I have a confession to make. I did not listen to all of this album. I couldn't stomach it, it was too awful. I'm sorry, I don't even hate the Bee Gees but this sounded like they were doing a bad impression of themselves. The songs were all over the place and lacked any spine or consistency. No! No! No!

Rating: 2/10
Favourite Track:

146. Miles Davis - In A Silent Way

Release Date: 1969
Label: Columbia

145. The Who - Tommy

Release Date: 1969
Label: Track

Rock's first concept album?? Rock's worst concept album?? Probably not, but it's certainly not the best. For a start, it's too self-indulgent, it's too long and it makes little sense.

Rating: 6/10
Favourite Track: Pinball Wizard

144. The Beatles - Abbey Road

Release Date: 1969
Label: Parlophone

Unless they've included 'Let it Be', which I doubt they have, this is the last Fab Four album I have to listen to before I go the same way as the Norwegian Blue. Luckily for me, it is a fantastic album so I am not at all upset. Yes it has Maxwells Silver Hammer (but that's not terrible) and it has Mean Mr Mustard and Polythene Pam, and Her Majesty but it also has Come Together, Something, I Want You Because, You Never Give Me Your Money etc etc . The album works so well as a whole. Sometimes I think this may be my favourite Beatles album

Rating: 10/10
Favourite Track: You Never Give Me Your Money

143. Creedence Clearwater Revival - Green River

Release Date: 1969
Label: Fantasy

Green River is the second album by CCR that I've listened to in the past few days, and the better. It is more rounded, more concise and clean, and direct. There's something putting me off getting the album though, and I'm leaning towards a career spanning best of instead.

Rating: 7/10
Favourite Track: Bad Moon Rising

142. Johnny Cash - At San Quentin

Release Date: 1969
Label: Columbia

The second of Johnny Cash's prison albums is, unsurprisingly, similar to the first. There were plans for JC to tour the prisons of England - Wormwood Scrubs, Parkhurst, Slade but the Man in Black couldn't stand the porridge. The album has less songs about murder and death, and more spiritual hymns.

Favourite Track: Peace in the Valley
Rating: 7/10

141. Flying Burrito Brothers - The Gilded Palace of Sin

Release Date: 1969
Label: A&M

This is better. Following on from the disappointing BS&T, we have the Flying Dorito Brothers. Like The Byrd latter albums - of which there are two here - this has a country flavour liberally sprinkled across the record. And I really liked it for the first ten songs. Then Hippie Boy popped up and it went a bit odd.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Dark End of the Street

140. Blood, Sweat and Tears - Blood, Sweat and Tears

Release Date: 1969
Label: Columbia

Following on from CSN we have another Supergroup trio consisting of Basil Blood (Needlework), Cyril Sweat (Idiot Boy) and Toby Tears (Peddlar). I had high hopes for this album - having noted it won the Album of the Year award at the Grammys - but was left ultimately disappointed. The best songs were the Satie Variations which tells you all you need to know.

Rating: 5/10
Favourite Track: Variations on a Theme by Erik Satie

139. Crosby, Stills and Nash - Crosby, Stills and Nash

Release Date: 1969
Label: Atlantic

CSN were another supergroup of the late 1960s, known for their close vocal harmonies. This is another album I've owned for a while and although I don't listen to it often, I always enjoy it when I do.

Rating: 7/10
Favourite Track: Marrakesh Express

138. Creedence Clearwater Revival - Bayou Country

Release Date: 1969
Label: Fantasy

Rating 7/10

137. Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band - Trout Mask Replica

Release Date: 1968
Label: Straight

I have The Coral to blame for my interest in Captain Beefheart. This is another album I own, and along with Astral Weeks by VM, it's arguably an album I regret buying. Perhaps I'm too square (notice how I use contemporary slang here!) to understand the significance of this album.

Rating: 4/10
Favourite Track:

136. Neil Young - Everybody Knows This is Nowhere

Release Date: 1969
Label: Reprise

And so we enter the final year of the 1960s. This is the year that gave us Woodstock; the year John Lennon left The Beatles (even if it was Paul who 'split' the band the following year); the year David Bowie released Space Oddity, and the year Sugar Sugar was sung all summer.

Neil Young kicks us off with his second solo album, but his first important release. Joining him on instrumental duties (i.e. other guitar, bass and drums) is contemporary Liverpool FC midfielder-cum-defender - and future TV quiz-show personality, Emlyn Hughes. I liked every track on this album, except for the penultimate one. I didn't love any though and the three best ones are already included on the Greatest Hits album I own.

Rating: 7/10
Favourite Track: Down By The River

135. Mothers Of Invention - We're Only In it For The Money

Release Date: 1968
Label: Verve

Twenty-four hours after listening to this album I'm still not sure how I feel about it. It was bizarre, brilliant and in parts unlistenable, but it seemed to work as a concept. It reminds me of the Bonzo Dog Band - which is a compliment and I'd like to hear it again sometime, but I think that, if bought, it would gather dust.

Rating: 6/10
Favourite Track: What's The Ugliest Part Of Your Body?

134. The Beatles - White Album

Release Date: 1968
Label: Parlophone

Can it really be four months since I listened to The Beatles? Of course not, I listened to 'With the Beatles' on my iPod the other week. Once again, I have no need to listen to this album for obvious reasons. I've heard it plenty enough times already.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Sexy Sadie

133. The Byrds - Sweetheart of the Rodeo

Release Date: 1968
Label: Columbia

Albums by this band seem to keep cropping up like a flock of .. well birds. And they never seem to get any better. I enjoyed their folk-rock debut, I thought their psychedelic era was patchy, but I had hoped I'd like them again when they went country. But I don't. It's making me wonder if I really did like the first record as much as I said I did? Anyway, I digress. I do have a 2CD Essential Byrds compilation in my collection, and that isn't bad, but it's going to be all I ever need.

Rating: 6/10
Favourite Track: Hickory Wind

115. Johnny Cash - At Folsom Prison

 

 Release Date: 1968
Label: Columbia

We're going back a few steps here because I forgot to post an entry for this album. This another album I've owned for a while, along with '... San Quentin'. It was probably bought at the same time Joaquin Phoenix played the title role in the Cash Biopic, 'Walk The Line'. I may have confessed before that I'm not often a fan of 'Live' albums (I'm thinking of James Brown and Jerry Lee Lewis here) but I think Johnny Cash excels at this. It probably helps that the acoustics are better, the sound clearer, and the songs stronger. Also, Johnny Cash has a way with audiences that means he seems to appeal to both the prisoners and the guards.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Jackson

132. Van Morrison - Astral Weeks

Release Date: 1968

Label: Warner Bros.

As with previous album. I've had this for a while now so I haven't bothered to listen to it again, and instead I've chosen to review it from memory. Now this is fine for a record such as the last one, but I have forgotten what Astral Weeks sounds like. I only know I'm not too keen on it, and never have been. For all it's reputation, it does nothing for me. I'm giving Van three stars, and that's partly because I've never been sure if he should be filed under V or M.

Rating: 3/10

Favourite Track: Sweet Thing

131. The Zombies - Odessey and Oracle

Release Date: 1968
Label: CBS

Following on from Scott 2, Odessey (sic) and Oracle is another Baroque-Pop classic. It's another album I've had for a while, having bought it on a whim whilst working at HMV. At first I was disappointed to discover 'She's Not There' wasn't on the album, but then again, it was released as a single four years previously, so I will let them off. It does, however, contain wonderful songs such as 'Time of The Season', 'A Rose For Emily', 'This Will Be Our Year' and 'Friends of Mine'.

Rating: 10/10
Favourite Track: This Will Be Our Year