211. The Who - Who's Next?

Release Date: 1971
Label: Decca

Finally we have a great studio album from The Who. After the relative disappointments of the previous releases, I have always approached The What with trepidation. 'Live at Leeds' is the first of their albums I wanted to buy and this one is even better. A lot of the songs are already familiar - 'Baba O'Riley', 'Won't Get Fooled Again' etc - but the unfamiliar ones are just as good. Only 'Going Mobile' felt as though it could've been scrapped.

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Behind Blue Eyes

193. The Who - Live at Leeds

Release Date: 1970
Label: Decca

Usually I'm not really a fan of live albums, prefering the polished studio version of a song over the slightly out-of-tune, chaotic live version. They often fail to replicate the 'magic' of being at said performance too. Live at Leeds is arguably one of the best (if not the most famous) live album of all time though and is included here as a representation of The Who's style/ability.

In previous times I've been slightly underwhelmed by The Who suggestions in this book. 'Sells Out' was fine but ran out of steam, and 'Tommy' was disappointing. This is probably the best of the three, although I could've done without the humour and the long version of My Generation.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Summertime Blues

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

107. The Rolling Stones - Beggars Banquet

Release Date: 1968
Label: Decca

In 1960s UK, there was an established hierarchy in pop-music. The Beatles were the kings of all they surveyed, untouchable and worshiped by most. On the rung below them were The Rolling Stones, led by the twin-talents of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards with support from Brian Jones, Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman.

Just as The Beatles were beginning their downward trajectory, the Rolling Stones were preparing to usurp their northern rivals. Beggars Banquet is the beginning of their golden age and features at least two of their best songs in 'Street Fighting Man' and 'Sympathy For The Devil'

Rating: 9/10
Favourite Track: Street Fighting Man

102. Loretta Lynn - Don't Come Home A Drinkin (With Lovin' On Your Mind)

Release Date: 1967
Label: Decca

I've confessed before that I enjoy country-music. Not when it seems to parody itself, but when it's authentic. This is the second of two recent Country records, and like the previous offering by Merle Haggard, LSD and feedback had yet to reach Nashville. What we have here are twelve very good songs sung by one of Country music's legends and I think I'd be rewarded by repeated listens.

Rating: 8/10
Favourite Track: Saint To a Sinner

73. John Mayall's Blues Breakers- Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton

Release Date: 1966
Label: Decca

70. Rolling Stones- Aftermath

Release Date: 1966
Label: Decca

46. The Rolling Stones- The Rolling Stones

Release Date: 1964
Label: Decca

Titled 'England's Newest Hitmakers' in the USA, this is The Rolling Stones debut album and was recorded a year after The Beatles entered the Abbey Road studios to record the remaining tracks for their debut LP. Unfortunately, a year is a long time in pop and by the time the Stones released this, the Beatles were already re-inventing the wheel. Having said that, despite it's flaws, the album goes along way to showing why the Stones were the 2nd biggest band of the decade. What they lack in originality, they make up for in passion and energy. Fun fact: This album peaked at number one in the UK charts, being bookended by 'With the Beatles' and 'A Hard Day's Night'.

Rating: 7/10
Favourite Track: Can I Get A Witness