148. The Pentangle | Basket of Light (1969)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Light Flight
2. Once I Had a Sweetheart
3. Springtime Promises
4. Lyke Wake Dirge
5. Train Song
6. Hunting Song
7. Sally Go 'Round the Roses
8. The Cuckoo
9. House Carpenter

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Basket of Light is a beautiful album. The songs are folk, but they sound like something you'd hear at some village festival in England during the Middle Ages. Because of the strong presence of the bass and percussion, it's also one of the harder sounding folk albums that I've heard. What improves many of the songs greatly is the addition of the sitar. It's as if the Indian sitar were invented with Western folk music in mind.

I love this album. It's one of those albums where I knew right away that it would become one of my favorite albums. Everything about it is near perfect. I guess it's obvious from my reviews of folk albums that I like folk music. My subjectivity aside, I do think this is an album worth listening to, if not owning. As folk albums go, it's been the most accessible so far for non-folk listeners.

All the songs are worth listening to. All are stand outs because they all sound great and each is unique from all the others.

★★★★★★★★★★

147. Bee Gees | Odessa (1969)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Odessa (City on the Black Sea)
2. You'll Never See My Face Again
3. Black Diamond
4. Marley Purt Drive
5. Edison
6. Melody Fair
7. Suddenly
8. Whisper Whisper
9. Lamplight
10. Sound of Love
11. Give Your Best
12. Seven Seas Symphony
13. With All Nations (International Anthem)
14. I Laugh in Your Face
15. Never Say Never Again
16. First of May
17. The British Opera

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Odessa is a pretty album. Many of songs are melodic and have a big orchestral sound. The Gibb brothers have pleasing voices, but unfortunately their singing doesn't lend itself to singing along unless you can hit the high notes.

The album starts off strong, but peters out at the end. The three instrumentals right at the end are partly responsible for that. The Bee Gees play their instruments well, but the main reason for listening to the Bee Gees is for the singing. If it had been a single instead of a double album, it would be a strong effort from beginning to end.

Another problem is that it's a disorganized album which is a common problem with double albums. There's no coherent theme. Fortunately, the songs do sound good together.

I'm not sure the significance of this album with respect to the 1001 Albums list. It's a good album and I enjoy listening to it. I'd venture a guess that it's an early album heralding the soft rock genre that begins to develop during the early 1970s.

The stand out songs are Odessa (City on the Black Sea), You'll Never See My Face Again, Black Diamond, Marley Purt Drive, Edison, Melody Fair, Suddenly, Lamplight, I Laugh in Your Face and Never Say Never Again.

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

146. Miles Davis | In a Silent Way (1969)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Shhh/Peaceful
2. In a Silent Way/It's About That Time

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In a Silent Way is a novel album. Miles Davis, once again, has reinvented himself. Not only did he "go electric", but he also used the recording studio to as instrument for editing parts of pieces to form another piece. Those two things seem normal now, but was heresy to jazz purists at the time.

On the other hand, this album has been considered either rock or a fusion of rock and jazz. I just don't get that feeling when I listen to it. There aren't any rock and roll rhythms or structures from what I can tell. Nor is there a rock and roll style of jamming, as some have claimed. Miles was playing this way on Kind of Blue.

Of course, how the album was edited might be what everyone was referring to, but I don't see that as making this a rock and roll album. I don't think any rock and roll band that I've listened to up to this point edited their music like this. Sure, there were artists like the Beatles who used the studio as an instrument and made heavily layered songs, but that's not what Miles is doing. Or that's not what I hear with the end product. If anything, he took the idea, which may or may not be a feature of rock and roll, and made turned it completely into a jazz feature.

I like Miles' style on this album. The music is quiet and soothing. It has an airy, ethereal quality to it. There is a groove or two, but it doesn't dominate. In retrospect, this album is the mild-mannered and well-mannered sibling to the crazed and ill-mannered Bitches Brew.

The only problem I have with the album, is that I hate the sound of Joe Zawinul's organ. As far as I know, he's a great musician, but every time I hear his organ, I cringe. It's more tolerable on Bitches Brew than it is on this album. Maybe it's not more tolerable, it's just easier to ign

This album is enjoyable and it deserves to be on the 1001 Albums list for its innovation, but I don't think this is Miles' best work. It's not essential to own it, but both pieces are worth listening to.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

145. The Who | Tommy (1969)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Overture
2. It's a Boy
3. 1921
4. Amazing Journey
5. Sparks
6. Eyesight to the Blind (The Hawker)
7. Christmas
8. Cousin Kevin
9. The Acid Queen
10. Underture
11. Do You Think It's Alright?
12. Fiddle About
13. Pinball Wizard
14. There's a Doctor
15. Go to the Mirror!
16. Tommy Can You Hear Me?
17. Smash the Mirror
18. Sensation
19. Miracle Cure
20. Sally Simpson
21. I'm Free
22. Welcome
23. Tommy's Holiday Camp
24. We're Not Gonna Take It

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Tommy is a disappointing album. It starts out with a bang and then ends with a whimper. The first ten songs sound great. After that, there's only a handful of interesting songs among the last fourteen.

The story is odd. At first it makes some sense. Tommy sees someone get killed and is told he didn't see it or hear it and that he shouldn't even talk about it. From that Tommy becomes a blind and deaf mute. Obviously, it's a psychological condition. People try to cure him with sex and drugs, but a doctor recognizes that his condition is psychosomatic. Eventually, he is cured, but it is suggested that a miracle cured him. So, then he becomes a messiah figure and suggests his followers make themselves blind and deaf mutes to become enlightened.

If the story were just that it'd be better. There are some threads that just don't seem important and could have or should have been cut out. Although, some good music would have been lost.

Questioning Tommy's not being Christian on Christmas goes nowhere, but could've been important when Tommy becomes a messiah. Cousin Kevin bullies and tortures Tommy on Cousin Kevin is pointless and cruel.

Uncle Ernie molesting Tommy on Fiddle About and molesting other kids on Tommy's Holiday Camp are inconsequential. The former could have been good foreshadowing if the latter had any purpose. In fact, it seems Uncle Ernie gets away with his behavior and that seems to be the wrong message to send. Tommy's pinball prowess on Pinball Wizard goes nowhere. Sally Simpson getting cut on Sally Simpson also seem irrelevant. Couldn't Tommy have healed Sally or could he have been seen as a fraud for not being able to heal her.

I recommend the first half and only for the music. For the second half, you proceed at your own risk both musically and story-wise. Ultimately, I think The Pretty Things did a better job with S.F. Sorrow than The Who with Tommy. Tommy would have promise if it were shortened, streamlined and more emphasis was placed on Tommy after he became a messiah.

The stand out songs are Overture, It's a Boy, 1921, Amazing Journey, Sparks, Eyesight to the Blind (The Hawker), Christmas, Cousin Kevin, The Acid Queen, Underture, Pinball Wizard and I'm Free.

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

144. The Beatles | Abbey Road (1969)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Come Together
2. Something
3. Maxwell's Silver Hammer
4. Oh! Darling
5. Octopus's Garden
6. I Want You (She's So Heavy)
7. Here Comes the Sun
8. Because
9. You Never Give Me Your Money
10. Sun King
11. Mean Mr. Mustard
12. Polythene Pam
13. She Came In Through the Bathroom Window
14. Golden Slumbers
15. Carry That Weight
16. The End

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Note: When Abbey Road was first released, Her Majesty, the last song on the album, was not included on the track list. Later printings have listed it.

Abbey Road is mind-blowing album. This is the Beatles at their zenith. Compare this album to their first album and it's simply amazing how they keep re-inventing both themselves and rock and roll. While other bands and musicians have been incredibly creative and inventive, the Beatles are on a completely other plane of existence. I've probably said it before, but I'll say it again: whenever the Beatles come up on the 1001 Albums list I'm amazed by how different their music is from everything else being created during that time. I've alway liked the Beatles because their music is good, but after going through most of their catalog chronologically, I can see that they are gods among mortals. But, could they have sustained their creativity indefinitely had they not broken up? Probably not. Breaking up was probably a natural consequence of reaching their creative peak together.

Abbey Road was the first music album that I listened to regularly. The first time I listened to it, I was seven or eight years old and it was Christmas Eve. I listened to it over and over while I tried to stay up all night to see Santa. Alas, I fell asleep before Santa arrived, but I during those couple hours trying to stay awake I fell in love with the second side of the album. Carry That Weight will always be one of my favorite songs.

At first, I was surprised and disappointed that Abbey Road isn't the highest rated Beatles album, but I can understand the reasons why Revolver or Sgt. Pepper's would be considered better if better means more influential, more experimental or greatest amount of creative development. Abbey Road, however, is the point of convergence of all their talent, creativity and experimentation. It is a flawless album. It's inexcusable for any serious music collector not to have this album.

★★★★★★★★★★

143. Creedence Clearwater Revival | Green River (1969)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Green River
2. Commotion
3. Tombstone Shadow
4. Wrote a Song for Everyone
5. Bad Moon Rising
6. Lodi
7. Cross-Tie Walker
8. Sinister Purpose
9. The Night Time Is the Right Time

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Green River is a solid album. The songs are straightforward rock and roll with lyrics that give the songs a country or bayou feel.


This album is similar to Bayou Country, but just not as interesting. It's a good and reliable album; it just doesn't outperform its predecessor. It would be a career-maker for a lesser band.


I think this album could have been left off the 1001 Albums list or at least it could have been placed more distant on the list from Bayou Country to better conceal the similarities. Anyway, the songs are all quite good. The stand-outs are Green River, Commotion, Wrote a Song for Everyone, Bad Moon Rising, Lodi, Cross-Tie Walker and The Night Time Is the Right Time.


★★★★★★★★☆☆

142. Johnny Cash | At San Quentin (1969)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

Original Release

1. Wanted Man
2. Wreck of the Old 97
3. I Walk the Line
4. Darling Companion
5. Starkville City Jail
6. San Quentin
7. San Quentin
8. A Boy Named Sue
9. (There'll Be) Peace in the Valley
10. Folsom Prison Blues

Re-release

1. Big River
2. I Still Miss Someone
3. Wreck of the Old 97
4. I Walk the Line
5. Darlin' Companion
6. I Don't Know Where I'm Bound
7. Starkville City Jail
8. San Quentin
9. San Quentin
10. Wanted Man
11. A Boy Named Sue
12. (There'll Be) Peace in the Valley
13. Folsom Prison Blues
14. Ring of Fire
15. He Turned the Water Into Wine
16. Daddy Sang Bass
17. The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago
18. Closing Medley: Folsom Prison Blues/I Walk the Line/Ring of Fire/The Rebel-Johnny Yuma

Leagcy edition

1. Blue Suede Shoes
(performed by Carl Perkins)
2. Flowers on the Wall
(performed by the Statler Brothers)
3. The Last Thing on My Mind
4. June Carter Cash Talks To The Audience
5. Wildwood Flower
(perfored by the Carter Family)
6. Big River
7. I Still Miss Someone
8. Wreck of the Old 97
9. I Walk the Line
10. Medley: The Long Black Veil/Give My Love To Rose
11. Folsom Prison Blues
12. Orange Blossom Special
(performed by Johnny Cash)
13. Jackson
14. Darlin' Companion
(performed by Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash and Carl Perkins)
15. Break My Mind
(performed by The Carter Family and Carl Perkins)
16. I Don't Know Where I'm Bound
17. Starkville City Jail
(performed by Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins)
18. San Quentin
19. San Quentin
20. Wanted Man
(performed by Johnny Cash)
21. Restless
(performed by Johnny Cash)
22. A Boy Named Sue
23. Blistered
(performed by Johnny Cash)
24. (There'll Be) Peace in the Valley
(peformed by Johnny Cash, The Carter Family and Carl Perkins)
25. The Outside Looking In
(performed by Carl Perkins)
26. Less Of Me
(peformed by The Statler Brothers and Carl Perkins)
27. Ring Of Fire
(performed by Johnny Cash, The Carter Family and Carl Perkins)
28. He Turned The Water Into Wine
29. Daddy Sang Bass
30. The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago
31. Closing Medley: Folsom Prison Blues/I Walk The Line/Ring Of Fire/Folsom Prison Blues/The Rebel - Johnny Yuma/Folsom Prison Blues
(performed by Johnny Cash, The Carter Family, The Statler Brothers and Carl Perkins)

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Note: There are now three versions of At San Quentin: the original release, an extended re-release and the legacy version. The extended re-release nearly doubles the number of songs from the performance. Most of the songs left off are songs that were also performed on At Folsom Prison like Folsom Prison Blues, Orange Blossom Special and Jackson. Another song, Blistered, was also not included. The songs are also performed in the correct order that they were performed live. That is, the playlist is out of order to the actual performance. The legacy version is a complete, unedited, uncut version of the San Quentin performance that includes all songs Johnny Cash performed as well as songs performed by Carl Perkins, The Statler Brothers and The Carter Family. The original release was also censored for words like shit and son-of-a-bitch. The new releases are not censored. Out of the three, the legacy version is hands-down the best. Even if you are aren't into the other performers, the legacy release is still much better than the extended re-release.

At San Quentin is a messy album. This recording isn't as exciting, rowdy or upbeat as At Folsom Prison. It is somber, angry and downbeat. If anything, it's more personal. At Folsom Prison was a Johnny Cash performance; At San Quentin was Johnny Cash's life.

I think this album is good for its tone and Cash's performance. However, the album is censored in a not-so-subtle way, especially during A Boy Called Sue. It's also clear where the performance was edited. Also, the album could have been longer.

The first thing you notice when you listen to the legacy version of this album is that Johnny Cash is not completely on his game like he was on At Folsom Prison. His voice sounds like it did during the second Folsom Prison performance of the day. If you didn't know anything about Johnny Cash's personal life you'd just think he sounds like he is tired or that he's just having an off-day. Of course, it's probably combination of the toll his drug use had taken and Luther Perkins' death seven months prior to the performance.

Actually, several songs into the performance, Johnny Cash's voice improves and his energy picks up. The songs that didn't make the cut on the original release are mainly those first several songs. Unfortunately, many of those several songs were the most successful songs on At Folsom Prison like Folsom Prison Blues, Orange Blossom Special and Jackson. So, the question is: were the songs left off because of the lackluster performance or to avoid releasing another prison album with the same songs or both? I'd like to think the songs were performed for the inmates' enjoyment and were never going to be included in the release. But that doesn't take into consideration why At San Quentin is so much shorter than At Folsom Prison.

Lastly, it makes no sense why At San Quentin is censored and At Folsom Prison wasn't. I wasn't around when the two albums were released, but I've never heard anything about anyone being upset about the language used on At Folsom Prison. So, it would seem to be a non-issue.

All the songs are worth listening to and they are mostly classics, so it's not worth mentioning a list of stand-outs.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

141. The Flying Burrito Brothers | The Gilded Palace of Sin (1969)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Christine's Tune
2. Sin City
3. Do Right Woman
4. Dark End Of The Street
5. My Uncle
6. Wheels
7. Juanita
8. Hot Burrito #1
9. Hot Burrito #2
10. Do You Know How It Feels
11. Hippie Boy

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The Gilded Palace of Sin is a surprising album. If you didn't know Gram Parsons was the driving force behind the Flying Burrito Brothers, it would be pretty hard to figure out from the name of the band that this is a country, albeit a country rock, album. Maybe the album title would give it away, but I doubt it.

This is definitely a country album. It has the right rhythm, the right instruments and the right singing style, but it's not Johnny Cash or Bakersfield country, although their presence is felt. Gram Parsons was certainly forging a new path in the country music world that was dangerously close to rock and roll. He started this path with The Byrds' album Sweetheart of the Rodeo and continued with this album. Of course, Sweetheart was the worst selling album for the Byrds up to that point and Gilded Palace never reached gold. So, it would seem the public wasn't receptive to his new style. However, many country  musicians were according to the Wikipedia entry. Unfortunately, he died four years later to see if his idea would catch on.

I love Gram Parsons singing. It's a crying shame that Roger McGuinn replaced Gram's lead vocals on three Sweetheart of the Rodeo songs. Because of his singing and because of how well the music is played, I think it's a fantastic album. I'm not sure a country purist would agree.

This is definitely an album worth listening to and I'd recommend including it in the record collection. The stand out songs are: Christine's Tune, Sin City, Do Right Woman, Dark End of the Street, My Uncle, Hot Burrito #1 and Hot Burrito #2.

★★★★★★★★★★

140. Blood, Sweat and Tears | Blood, Sweat and Tears (1969)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Variations on a Theme By Erik Satie
2. Smiling Phases
3. Sometimes in Winter
4. More and More
5. And When I Die
6. God Bless the Child
7. Spinning Wheel
8. You've Made Me So Very Happy
9. Blues - Part II
10. Variations on a Theme By Erik Satie

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Blood, Sweat and Tears is an exciting album. The songs are a mix of rock and jazz. Thus, the songs are also described as jazz fusion. The music is well done and singer, David Clayton-Thomas, has one of the best voices I have ever heard. His voice is deep and powerful. On And When I Die, I think he sounds like Ray Charles.

I like this album and I seem to like it more and more; however, I think it's uneven. It's a mix of stunning songs and not-so-interesting songs. I also find Variations on a Theme By Erik Satie awkward and unnecessary to the album, even though it sounds really good. I think the great songs are worth making an effort to listen to, but I don't think the album belongs on a list of must hear albums.

The stand out songs are: Smiling Phases, More and More, Spinning Wheel and You've Made Me So Very Happy.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

139. Crosby, Stills and Nash | Crosby, Stills and Nash (1969)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Suite: Judy Blue Eyes
2. Marrakesh Express
3. Guinnevere
4. You Don't Have to Cry
5. Pre-Road Downs
6. Wooden Ships
7. Lady of the Island
8. Helplessly Hoping
9. Long Time Gone
10. 49 Bye-Byes

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Crosby, Stills and Nash is a pleasant album. The songs are a mix of rock and folk. The songs, except for Long Time Gone, are mellow and laid back. David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash do close harmony really well. The music sounds crisp and clear.

I like this album a lot. Although the songs have their roots in rock and folk, this album has a unique sound. It's also rare to hear such an upbeat album. I think songs complement each other really well.

The stand out songs are Suite: Judy Blue Eyes, Marrakesh Express, Guinnevere, You Don't Have to Cry, Pre-Road Downs, Wooden Ships and Long Time Gone.

★★★★★★★★★☆

138. Creedence Clearwater Revival | Bayou Country (1969)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Born on the Bayou
2. Bootleg
3. Graveyard Train
4. Good Golly Miss Molly
5. Penthouse Pauper
6. Proud Mary
7. Keep on Chooglin'

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Bayou Country is a heavy album. Most of the songs are a mix of blues and country with a lyrics that conjure images of life in the bayou. Hence, the apt album title. The music cuts a deep groove from slow, walking bass which gives many of the songs a haunting quality.

Creedence Clearwater Revival is another band to have decided to return to a simpler, more traditional form of rock and roll, although there are some psychedelic influences present. No matter, the band has done a wonderful job updating the rock and roll sound.

I didn't expect to enjoy this album that much. I was expecting vapid and superficial classic rock. (It's not their fault that subsequent bands would be inspired to produce that kind of music.) This album is far from it. It is some of purest and most honest rock and roll you'll ever hear. This album is worth listening to and is a must for any serious music collector.

I don't think there are any songs that are better than any other. All the songs are exceptional.

★★★★★★★★★★

137. Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band | Trout Mask Replica (1969)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Frownland
2. The Dust Blows Forward 'n the Dust Blows Back
3. Dachau Blues
4. Ella Guru
5. Hair Pie: Bake 1
6. Moonlight on Vermont
7. Pachuco Cadaver
8. Bills Corpse
9. Sweet Sweet Bulbs
10. Neon Meate Dream of a Octafish
11. China Pig
12. My Human Gets Me Blues
13. Dali's Car
14. Hair Pie: Bake 2
15. Pena
16. Well
17. When Big Joan Sets Up
18. Fallin' Ditch
19. Sugar 'n Spikes
20. Ant Man Bee
21. Orange Claw Hammer
22. Wild Life
23. She's Too Much for My Mirror
24. Hobo Chang Ba
25. The Blimp (mousetrapreplica)
26. Steal Softly thru Snow
27. Old Fart at Play
28. Veteran's Day Poppy

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Trout Mask Replica is an incomprehensible album. It's the insane man's "White Album". Most of the songs are based on the blues—a crazed mutation of the blues. The lyrics are impenetrable, perhaps incomprehensible, but at least they are grammatical.

Listen to this album once and it's a noisy mess. However, after some finite number of listenings, the melody and rhythm will reveal themselves and it will suddenly become a masterpiece. I had to listen to it five times for it to happen to me.

I highly recommend this album. This album is essential to own for any music collection to be taken seriously. Every song is worth listening to, but the truly exceptional songs are: Frownland, Dachau Blues, Ella Guru, Moonlight on Vermont, Pachuco Cadaver, Sweet Sweet Bulbs, Neon Meate Dream of a Octafish, China Pig, My Human Gets Me Blues, Well, Sugar 'n Spikes, Ant Man Bee, Orange Claw Hammer, Wild Life, Hobo Chang Ba, Old Fart at Play, Veteran's Day Poppy.

★★★★★★★★★★

136. Neil Young with Crazy Horse | Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (1969)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Cinnamon Girl
2. Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
3. Round & Round (It Won't Be Long)
4. Down by the River
5. The Losing End (When You're On)
6. Running Dry (Requiem for the Rockets)
7. Cowgirl in the Sand

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Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere is a somber album. The songs are stripped down rock and roll which feel like country rock. The album actually starts off upbeat, but after Cinnamon Girl it's all gloom.

I like this album a lot.  I don't know if it was intentional, but each song creates a darker mood than the one before it. Neil Young is also good for cutting away nonsense and idealism (of psychedelia) and singing about real people, real feelings in the here-and-now. This is definitely an album worth listening to. It's also definitely a worthy addition to any collection.

The songs are all great. Cinnamon Girl may the most recognizable song on the album, but it's the least solemn. The stand outs are Cinnamon Girl, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, Down By the River, Running Dry (Requiem for the Rockets) and Cowgirl in the Sand.

★★★★★★★★★★

135. The Mothers of Invention | We're Only in It for the Money (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Are You Hung Up?
2. Who Needs the Peace Corps?
3. Concentration Moon
4. Mom & Dad
5. Telephone Conversation
6. Bow Tie Daddy
7. Harry, You're a Beast
8. What's the Ugliest Part of Your Body?
9. Absolutely Free
10. Flower Punk
11. Hot Poop
12. Nasal Retentive Calliope Music
13. Let's Make the Water Turn Black
14. The Idiot Bastard Son
15. Lonely Little Girl
16. Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance
17. What's the Ugliest Part of Your Body? (Reprise)
18. Mother People
19. The Chrome Plated Megaphone of Destiny

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Note: The cover on the left was supposed to be the album cover of this album with the cover on the right. The reason for the change is explained in the Wikipedia Entry.

We're Only in It for the Money is a satirical album, as the name suggests. The Mothers of Invention take aim at hippies and left- and right-wingers—pretty much anyone who takes themselves too seriously. The songs are a mix of rock and roll and monologue.

Oftentimes, genius and insanity are one and the same. Frank Zappa suffers from that kind of genius. He is so creative and so far beyond the bounds of normal society that he can't take it seriously. Unfortunately, for us mere mortals it's sometimes too hard to take his music seriously.

In a later era, the music on this album would be fodder for Dr. Demento. I think if Frank Zappa had toned down the lyrical satire a notch his music would have been more accessible because the music is beyond reproach.

I do enjoy this album a lot, but it is certainly dated and there's only so much fun to have with mocking a groups of people that you have no connection with. I think it's worth listening to for the music and to get a  taste of Zappa's satire, but this album is definitely more of a historical piece. The stand out songs are Who Needs the Peace Corps?, Concentration Moon, Mom & Dad, Harry, You're A Beast, What's the Ugliest Part of Your Body?, Absolute Free, Flower Punk, The Idiot Bastard Son, Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance and The Chrome Plated Megaphone of Destiny.

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

134. The Beatles | The Beatles (a.k.a. The White Album) (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Back in the U.S.S.R.
2. Dear Prudence
3. Glass Onion
4. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
5. Wild Honey Pie
6. The Continuing Story of Bungalow Bill
7. While My Guitar Gently Weeps
8. Happiness Is a Warm Gun
9. Martha My Dear
10. I'm So Tired
11. Blackbird
12. Piggies
13. Rocky Raccoon
14. Don't Pass Me By
15. Why Don't We Do It in the Road?
16. I Will
17. Julia
18. Birthday
19. Yer Blues
20. Mother Nature's Son
21. Everybody's Got Something to Hide Except Me and My Monkey
22. Sexy Sadie
23. Helter Skelter
24. Long, Long, Long
25. Revolution 1
26. Honey Pie
27. Savoy Truffle
28. Cry Baby Cry
29. Revolution 9
30. Good Night

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The Beatles is a stunning album. Aside from Revolution 9, this is the Beatles' most straightforward rock and roll album in a while. Compare this album to With the Beatles and you get to see how much they have developed musically in five years. In general, the songs are louder and heavier, but the songs retain that signature Beatles melody. The music sounds leaner and less-layered than Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Revolver.

I don't think there's a bad song on this album. There are instant classics and there are songs that grow on you after repeated listenings. However, this album lacks a focus that other Beatles albums have had. It's more like a collection of great songs all made at the same time. The lack of focus is definitely a consequence of being a double album. Had they made just a single album, it would have been the most incredible album ever made.

I know I predicted that every Beatles album would be ten stars and musically this album is a ten-star album, but it gets nine stars for lacking focus. Actually, it deserves nine-and-a-half stars, but my ratings aren't that precise.

All the songs are worth listening to and they are all outstanding. The stratospherically exceptional songs are: Back in the U.S.S.R., Dear Prudence, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Happiness is a Warm Gun, Birthday, Helter Skelter and Revolution 9.

★★★★★★★★★☆

133. The Byrds | Sweetheart of the Rodeo (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. You Ain't Goin' Nowhere
2. I Am a Pilgrim
3. The Christian Life
4. You Don't Miss Your Water
5. You're Still on My Mind
6. Pretty Boy Floyd
7. Hickory Wind
8. One Hundred Years from Now
9. Blue Canadian Rockies
10. Life in Prison
11. Nothing Was Delivered

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Sweetheart of the Rodeo is n superb album. On this album, and with the addition of Gram Parsons who wanted to blend rock and roll and country, the Byrds decided to go country. Most of the songs are written by folk and country musicians like Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, the Louvin Brothers and Merle Haggard. However, Gram Parsons contributed two songs and Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman co-wrote one.

I don't have an ear for country music and I don't have a deep sense of the culture, but to me it's impressive that a folk rock/psychedelic rock band was able to pull this off as well as they did. To me, it's the real deal. In fact, I think of the five albums that the Byrds have on the 1001 Albums list, this is the best one by far. (Roger McGuinn snotty, smarmy singing is at a minimum.)

This album certainly deserves to be on the list and would be a great addition to any collection. The only negative thing I have is that, with this album, the Byrds probably helped usher in the easy-listening country rock music that emerged in the 1970s and continues to plague radio stations to this day.

All of the songs are excellent, but the stand outs are: You Ain't Goin' Nowhere, I Am a Pilgrim, The Christian Life, You Don't Miss Your Water, Pretty Boy Floyd, Hickory Wind, Blue Canadian Rockies and Life in Prison.

★★★★★★★★★★

132. Van Morrison | Astral Weeks (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Astral Weeks
2. Beside You
3. Sweet Thing
4. Cyprus Avenue
5. The Way Young Lovers Do
6. Madame George
7. Ballerina
8. Slim Slow Slider

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Astral Weeks is a sublime album. (I could have said it's an ethereal album, but that would just be a bad joke.) Without Van Morrison singing, this album would be a very strange jazz album. The double bass plays a significant role throughout each song to compensate for the more subtle presence of the drums and other percussion.

In some songs there's often a flute, strings or a guitar playing in the background without an obvious connection to the music. Van Morrison has an undulating singing style. It's hypnotic and would grow tiresome if he weren't so passionate. All together, it makes for a unique album.

I've never thought much of Van Morrison, but I think this album is wonderful. It certainly deserves to be on the list and is a must for any serious collector. All the songs are outstanding, but Astral Weeks, Sweet Thing, Cyprus Avenue, The Way Young Lovers Do, Madame George and Ballerina are the stand outs.

★★★★★★★★★★

131. The Zombies | Odessey And Oracle (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Care of Cell 44
2. A Rose for Emily
3. Maybe After He's Gone
4. Beechwood Park
5. Brief Candles
6. Hung Up on a Dream
7. Changes
8. I Want Her, She Wants Me
9. This Will Be Our Year
10. Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914)
11. Friends of Mine
12. Time of the Season

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Odessey And Oracle is a feel-good album. It's the musical equivalent of fluffy bunnies, rainbows and unicorns. The songs are mainly pop rock, but it's not the kind that leads to AOR hell. 

Everybody has heard Time of the Season which is a great song, but none of the other songs sound anything like it. It's easier to appreciate the other songs knowing that a priori. Furthermore, Time of the Season is out of place. Up to now, it's the only hit song that has disrupted the flow of an album. Fortunately, it's at the end.

I liked this album a lot which surprises me. When I first heard it, I didn't think I'd get through all the upbeat and positive music. I thought the songs were downright sappy. But while listening to it for the fourth time, I began to enjoy it. There's a lot of variety and the songs are really catchy.

This album is definitely worth listening to. I'd also think it would be an excellent addition to any collection. All the songs are great, but the stand outs are Care of Cell 44, A Rose for Emily, Beechwood Park, Brief Candles, Changes, Butcher's Tale (Western Front 1914) and Time of the Season.

★★★★★★★★★☆

130. Scott Walker | Scott 2 (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Jackie
2. Best of Both Worlds
3. Black Sheep Boy
4. The Amorous Humphrey Plugg
5. Next
6. The Girls from the Streets
7. Plastic Palace People
8. Wait Until Dark
9. The Girls and the Dogs
10. Windows of the World
11. The Bridge
12. Come Next Spring

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Scott 2 is an entertaining album. The music reminds me of a stage show. Scott Walker has a wonderfully dramatic voice that breathes life into each song. He is one of the best male singers on the 1001 Albums list up to this point.

Scott Walker performs songs written by a whole host of songwriters. Scott Walker assembled the songs well, though. The pacing is really good and the music maintains the album's continuity. In short, these songs work so well together as if they were all meant for each other.

I really liked this album. It certainly has breathed life into this part of the 1001 Albums list. There's only so much psychedelic rock a person can take and the year 1968, like its predecessor 1967, just continues without end. Of course, there's more to this album; it's smart, entertaining and has a nice sound.

The best songs were written by Jacques Brel. Those songs are devilishly clever. I'm not sure if Jacques Brel wrote the English lyrics or if they were translated. If they were translated, the translator is a genius.

The stand out songs are: Jackie, Best of Both Worlds, The Amorous Humphrey Plugg, Next, Plastic Palace People, The Girls and the Dogs and Windows of the World.

★★★★★★★★★★

129. Caetano Veloso | Caetano Veloso (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Tropicália
2. Clarice
3. No dia em que eu vim-me embora
4. Alegria, Alegria
5. Onde andarás
6. Anunciação
7. Superbacana
8. Paisagem útil
9. Clara
10. Soy loco por tí, América
11. Ave Maria
12. Eles

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Caetano Veloso is a playful album. The songs are a mix of tropicália and psychedelic rock, but there is much more tropicália than psychedelia.

I don't have a lot to say about this album. The music is pleasant enough, but it didn't capture my attention. The songs sound too similar to me and I'm still unable to understand Portuguese. And although the songs were melodic and had a variety of instruments, they lacked energy.

However, I can see why this album and Os Mutantes' album are on the 1001 Albums list. They both created a unique rock and roll sound. For that reason, I do recommend this album. Tropicália, Alegria, Alegria, Anunciação, Superbacana and Soy loco por tí, América are stand out songs.

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

128. Jeff Beck | Truth (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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1. Shapes of Things
2. Let Me Love You
3. Morning Dew
4. You Shook Me
5. Ol' Man River
6. Greensleeves
7. Rock My Plimsoul
8. Beck's Bolero
9. Blues Deluxe
10. I Ain't Superstitious

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Truth is an intense album. The rhythm section lays down a loud and deep groove. On top of that is Rod Stewart's powerful and raspy vocals and Jeff Beck's guitar-playing which is a mix of soloing and fuzz. Up to this point, Jeff Beck is the only one who even comes close to doing what Hendrix can do.


This album re-invents blues rock to be louder, deeper-sounding and more aggressive. This lyrics generously borrow from the blues. There are longer breaks for guitar soloing. This might be what Jimi Hendrix would sound like minus the psychedelic stuff.


This is an outstanding album. It's definitely worth listening to and it's a must for anyone who like 70s hard rock. It's apparent that this band was a direct influence on Led Zeppelin and that Jeff Beck was an influence on Jimmy Page. The songs are all worth listening to, but the stand outs are Shapes of Things, Morning Dew, You Shook Me, 'Ol Man River, Beck's Bolero and Blues Deluxe.


★★★★★★★★★☆

127. The Band | Music from Big Pink (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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1. Tears of Rage
2. To Kingdom Come
3. In a Station
4. Caledonia Mission
5. The Weight
6. We Can Talk
7. Long Black Veil
8. Chest Fever
9. Lonesome Suzie
10. This Wheel's on Fire
11. I Shall Be Released

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Music from Big Pink is a bittersweet album. The songs are a mix of country and rock and roll–a re-invention or re-interpretation of country music. Presumably, the musicians are quite capable seeing that they were Bob Dylan's supporting band for a time.

At first blush, the music is likable, but then I get a nagging feeling that the music is inauthentic and superficial. It's a feeling that won't go away. To me, it's a soulless re-invention of country music. I suppose I make it sound worse than it really is. However, this album is another foreshadowing of the dreaded adult-oriented rock that is soon to come.

I can see why it's on the 1001 Albums list, but it's a toss up whether it's worth listening to. There is a lot of filler, but the stand out songs: Tears of Rage, The Weight, Long Black Veil and Chest Fever are pretty solid.

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

126. Small Faces | Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake
2. Afterglow (Of Your Love)
3. Long Agos and Worlds Apart
4. Rene
5. Song of a Baker
6. Lazy Sunday
7. Happiness Stan
8. Rollin' Over
9. The Hungry Intruder
10. The Journey
11. Mad John
12. Happydaystoytown

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Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake is an unusual album. The first half of the album is a collection of hard rock and psychedelic rock songs. The second half is a fairy tale about a boy named Happiness Stan. The songs are a mix of psychedelic rock and progressive rock.

The music is good when it's not silly and unfortunately that silliness becomes a distraction. The narrator who narrates the Happiness Stan fairy tale is another distraction. It's never been clearer to me that English is no longer spoken by the English. Either that or the narrator using slang from the 1960s that didn't survive to the present day.

As the album stands, it's quite good, but I think if it had more focus, it would have been a lot better. Steve Marriott has a great voice, and should have been used to better effect on this album. The stand out songs are Afterglow (Of Your Love), Song of a Baker, Lazy Sunday, Happiness Stan and The Hungry Intruder.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

125. Simon and Garfunkel | Bookends (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Bookends Theme
2. Save the Life of My Child
3. America
4. Overs
5. Voices of Old People
6. Old Friends
7. Bookends
8. Fakin' It
9. Punky's Dilemma
10. Mrs. Robinson
11. A Hazy Shade of Winter
12. At the Zoo

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Bookends is an uninspiring album. Most of the songs are pseudo-intellectual folk or folk rock.

The music is good enough and Simon and Garfunkel sing well and they sound especially good when they sing close harmony. And, maybe I just don't get it, but I think the lyrics are pretentious crap pretending to unveil universal or personal truths. Maybe wit is confused with wisdom. If you are going to be smart with your lyrics then be smart, otherwise don't. There is no directive for rock and roll music to enlighten the masses.

I can see why this album is on the 1001 Albums list, though. It's paving the way to that Hell also known as Adult Contemporary Rock. So, if you like that kind of music, this will be perfect and if you must listen to this album, the better songs are Mrs. Robinson and A Hazy Shade of Winter. America is a popular song but it epitomizes the pretentious crap that Paul Simon writes.

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

124. The Pretty Things | S. F. Sorrow (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. S.F. Sorrow is Born
2. Bracelets of Fingers
3. She Says Good Morning
4. Private Sorrow
5. Balloon Burning
6. Death
7. Baron Saturday
8. The Journey
9. I See You
10. Well of Destiny
11. Trust
12. Old Man Going
13. Loneliest Person

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Note: The album cover on the left is from the UK release and the cover on the right is from the US release.

S. F. Sorrow is a brilliant album. The album is a rock opera about the life of a character named S. F. Sorrow. The songs are are frenetic and roll from one right into another. It is varied a mix of pop rock and heavy rock. For songs of short duration, they are quite detailed and intricate. Many of the songs are reminiscent of early psychedelic albums like Sgt. Peppers, but other songs really breaks ground deep into progressive rock territory.

I had never even heard of this album before embarking on this 1001 Albums challenge. However, it has now become one of my favorite albums of all time. It's disappointing that this album isn't more well-known. Not only is it worth listening to, I think it's also essential for anyone who takes their rock music collection seriously.

All of the songs are worth listening to and I'm hesitant to make a list of stand out songs, so I won't.

★★★★★★★★★★

123. Iron Butterfly | In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Most Anything You Want
2. Flowers and Beads
3. My Mirage
4. Termination
5. Are You Happy
6. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

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In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is a muti-faceted album. On the first listening, it may seem like a straightforward heavy rock and roll album, but there are power ballads, riff-heavy songs and an epic seventeen-minute jam. For just six songs, that's pretty good variety.

This album is significant because it's pushing psychedelic rock in a couple of new directions. It's riff-heavy and loud and it's got lyrics which contain fantastical imagery and it has a song that is almost twenty minutes in length. As we now know, one direction leads to heavy metal and the other leads to progressive rock. To me, that's why this album is on the 1001 Albums list.

I thought the album was good, but nothing great. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is a tiresome and tedious song. However, because it's so self-indulgent, there's no doubt it's precursor to prog rock. The first five songs aren't terrible, but the organ needs to sound more sinister. As it is, it sounds pretty cheesy. Also, Flowers and Beads and My Mirage are perfect power ballad material, but flowery hippie imagery and heavy metal riffs don't work well together.

The stand out songs are: Most Anything You Want, Termination and Are You Happy. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is worth listening to at least once.

★★★★★★★★☆☆

122. Dr. John, The Night Tripper | Gris-Gris (1968)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya
2. Danse Kalinda Ba Doom
3. Mama Roux
4. Danse Fambeaux
5. Croker Courtbullion
6. Jump Sturdy
7. I Walk On Guilded Splinters

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Gris-Gris is a unique album. This is what Captain Beefheart's music might sound like if it were filtered through the bayous of Louisiana.

I like this album. The New Orleans style of rhythm and blues creates an eerie sound and mood. It's an interesting sound, but too much of this type of music would get old quickly. It's certainly worth listening to simply for its unique style.

The stand out songs are: Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya, Mama Roux, Danse Fambeaux and I Walk On Guilded Splinters.

★★★★★★★★★☆