Must Have Rock Albums of the 1960s and !970s, Part Two

In Part One of this essay we discussed and listed albums by the most influential and known artists of the early rock era. In this second part the focus is more on a short number of years than an entire era or group of artists. The years of 1968 through 1972 filled quite a few wish lists for music lovers. Rock music was also branching out, and from this period came most of today's well-known strains.

As 1968 ran its path the early influences of such powerhouses as the Beatles, the Stones, Bob Dylan, and others was being felt by many of those who would carry the torch. Such artists were expanding and multiplying exponentially, giving listeners too many choices to keep all of them prominent. One of the most controversial bands of that period was Jim Morrison and the Doors. Morrison put an exclamation point onto the growing field of artwork through his sensual and risky stage shows. The Doors made more than that. Several albums would clear the way for the legend of the Doors to grow. The first of these was "Waiting For the Sun". By the time the album was released many of Morrison's antics had become legendary. The album was a first of great musical achievement though, proving that they had what it takes to stay on top. A later album called "L.A. Woman" would be added to their list of artistic collections, giving fans something to listen to for all time.

Another group that made their claim to fame that year was The Band. Splitting from the coattails of Bob Dylan after his cycle accident, The Band decided to put their written material to good use, thus the record "Music From Big Pink", which would familiarize themselves to their growing fan base. In 1970 their second masterpiece would be released, "Stage Fright", and the rest would be history. Their sound was a rough, Americana-style takeoff of what Dylan had been doing, but for a full band. Both albums are solid collections of not only hits, but great listening pieces.

During this time full bands were being experimented with, including brass and the like. The results were: Blood, Sweat, and Tears and Chicago. B, S, & T's first album had been fairly received, but their second self-titled was a definite masterpiece. Several hits were taken from that album, especially "And When I Die", and they never did achieve the splendid mix of genius again as they did on that album. Chicago's first album had also been fairly well received, but their second one, "Chicago II" was as much of a masterpiece as The prior band's was. Several hits were spun off of that one, including 'Make Me Smile" and "Color My World", which was a prom favorite in those days. Chicago would continue to churn out great tunes, in spite of the unfortunate death of Terry Kath, their singer and guitarist.

One of the most sought after songs of the era became an anthem of its own kind and made Iron Butterfly, for a brief moment, one of the richest bands in history. "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" was a favorite, particularly on FM playing, and the album sold itself. Over seventeen minutes long, many bands tried to copy it, making it a cover choice in those days. The fact that the band never sold many albums after that does not diminish the popularity of the title track. To get it noticed on the AM radio a short rendition of the tune was created, and also sold well. Iron Butterfly was panned by many music critics, but they could laugh all the way to the bank.

Probably the most prolific 45rpm singles band to come about was hitting their stride at about this time. Creedence Clearwater Revival was fronted by John Fogerty, and the hits kept coming. Two albums are worth having in a collection of this sort; "Bayou Country" (1969) and "Cosmo's Factory" (1970). Many of their top hits are on these two albums, although they kept on coming with more. They are also one of the most legal-hassled bands in history, with court cases coming from every direction. Good thing they made their fame when they did.

Another highly controversial band of that period was Grand Funk Railroad. A fight over their name cause them to short it later to Grand Funk, but their greatest achievement was "Closer to Home" with the title track sometimes shortened to play on the radio. They would have many more hits, but this lp is worth having.

Through the period of 1968 to 1972 many guitarists can be found. None were as interesting and as tragic as Jimi Hendrix, who played a right-handed guitar left-handed. His untimely death puts him into the premature ending category with Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison, but the album arguably that proves his skills is "Electric Ladyland" Many guitarists would copy or at least assimilate his licks and lines into their playing, but none would do it like him. The earlier "Are You Experienced" is also a great album to put into an expanded library.

Speaking of guitar players, Deep Purple was filled with talented musicians. After a short phase as an AM radio group, Deep Purple put Jon Lord's organ playing and Ritchie Blackmore's guitar licks to good use. Their great selling lp and work of art was definitely "Machine Head". Several of the songs from that album were mainstays on the radio in those days, including the quick and churning "Space Truckin'". This was their best album, although they also would keep putting out some other good ones.

One of the great works of guitar recording was also coming from a rather obscure band of those days, Ten Years After, and their guitarist Alvin Lee. Although not getting the attention that many of his contemporaries got, his credit is well worth buying one of their records, especially "Cricklewood Green". Although perhaps not as melodic as Blackmore or Hendrix, his playing was just as hectic at times.

The strains of country and southern rock were just starting in those days. The band that put the term "rock" into the southern sounds of country was the Allman Brothers. Before one of the brothers, Duane, died in a terrible accident, he left his imprint on the guitar world with his playing on several tracks of the live "At Fillmore East". He also gave some of his licks to a few of the tracks on the next album, "Eat a Peach" the record of which he is remembered posthumously. It must also be remembered that he lent his skills to what arguably could be the greatest collection of guitar playing in music history, Derek and the Dominos' "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs" (1970) of which Duane dueled gloriously with Eric Clapton. The title cut, "Layla" has to be one of the best known as loved anthems of rock and roll history.

About this time progressive rock also was being explored with. Two bands left common marks on the music world since they shared the same lead singer, at least for a while. King Crimson's first lp, "In the Court of the Crimson King", is a necessary album to have in any collection, and Emerson, Lake and Palmer's "Trilogy" is another. They shared the singing and bass/guitar work from Greg Lake, who's smooth vocals can be heard throughout.

Finally, another must have from this period showcases another of the great guitar legends of the day, Pete Townshend of the Who. The album to have is "Who's Next" from which even the album cover is legendary, with the appearance of urinating on a wall. So many of this record's songs are recognized it is hard to keep this one from the list. The Who has had many great selling albums, but next to possibly their rock-opera "Tommy", this is a musical treat to sing along with. "Won't Get Fooled Again" was one of the top songs of the era.

There are several albums that could be placed on this list, especially from these years, but the list is already growing. It is sure to ruffle some feathers that some big sellers were not included such as "Piano Man", "Harvest", and "Nilsson Schmilsson" but they can be added at a suggestion. Part three will conclude the study with some of the biggest money makers of all time, including those by the Eagles, Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Still, it is a daunting task trying to narrow down a manageable collection of lps that can be purchased. Such is the life and dream of the typical music lover: you have to really love it all to continue to collect. Clearly, the sixties and seventies lent their sounds to the airwaves.

Sources: http://digitaldreamdoor.nutsie.com/pages/best_albumsddd.html

George-Warren, H., Romanowski, P., Pareles, J., The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll, Third Edition, Simon & Schuster, New York, 2001.