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