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Album Chart of the Decade: 1960s (part 4) |
The Hollies
Parlophone PMC-7008 (1966)
“Decent enough” Cerebral Pop; Folk Rock / Americana
Jukebox picks: “That’s How Strong My Love Is [mono version]” (8.4) • “I Am A Rock [mono version]” (7.6) • “I’ve Got A Way Of My Own [mono version]” (7.0)
They were never the greatest band for a left-field music lover like myself, but they had their moments here and there wi...more → THE ELECTRIC PRUNES
The Electric Prunes
Reprise Records RS-6248 (1967)
“Decent enough” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Psychedelia
Jukebox picks: “I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)” (8.4) • “The King Is In The Counting House” (7.0) • “Sold To The Highest Bidder” (6.9)
These Garage Rockers out of L.A. were introduced to producer Dave Hassinger who believed they had talent, but lacked abi...more → A MAN NEEDS A WOMAN
James Carr
Goldwax Records GW-3002 (1968)
“Decent enough” Soul Ballad; Soul
Jukebox picks: “You’ve Got My Mind Messed Up” (7.3) • “A Man Needs A Woman” (6.7) • “I’m A Fool For You” (6.7)
Hangs on to “new album” status although 2 tracks are repeated from last years debut LP (hence the part “comp” tag), “The...more → ABBEY ROAD
The Beatles
Apple Records PCS-7088 (1969)
“Decent enough” Pop; Songwriter; Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “Come Together” (8.3) • “Mean Mr. Mustard” (7.4) • “Here Comes The Sun” (7.2)
The last Beatles album to be recorded, and regarded by many as one of the all-time greats. Notable for McCartney “doing ...more → FIFTH DIMENSION
The Byrds
Columbia CS-9349 (1966)
“Decent enough” Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “Eight Miles High” (7.9) • “What’s Happening?!?!” (7.3) • “Mr. Spaceman” (6.6)
Group tensions had led to the departure of principal songwriter Gene Clark in February 1966. It would be Roger McGuinn a...more → NINA SIMONE SINGS THE BLUES
Nina Simone
RCA Victor LSP-3789 (1967)
“Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Backlash Blues [1967 album version]” (8.6) • “Do I Move You?” (6.7) • “House of the Rising Sun [1967 album version]” (6.2)
Classed as an A-list album since only 1 track had appeared before - “House Of The Rising Sun”, which was played live...more → A GIRL CALLED DUSTY
Dusty Springfield
Philips BL-7594 (1964)
“Decent enough” Pop
Jukebox picks: “Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa” (8.5) • “When The Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes” (7.2) • “Mockingbird” (7.0)
With this LP, Dusty broke free of the shackles that came with being a singer with the Springfields; her solo debut was b...more → KINDA KINKS
The Kinks
Pye Records NPL-18112 (1965)
“Decent enough” Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “Tired Of Waiting For You” (8.1) • “Got My Feet On The Ground” (6.4) • “Naggin’ Woman” (6.3)
After the raucous debut of 5 months earlier, the rush-released follow up was, to a certain extent, anti-climactic, lacki...more → ODESSEY AND ORACLE
The Zombies
CBS S-63280 (1968)
“Decent enough” Pop
Jukebox picks: “This Will Be Our Year” (7.4) • “Time Of The Season” (7.4) • “Care Of Cell 44” (6.9)
Decent second LP from the St Albans 5-piece, retrospectively hailed as a British psychedelic classic by fans and critics...more → SONG OF INNOCENCE
David Axelrod
Capitol Records ST-2982 (1968)
“Decent enough” Film Score / Incidental; Cerebral Pop
Jukebox picks: “Urizen” (7.2) • “The Mental Traveler” (6.5) • “The Smile” (6.4)
The restless multi-genre producer turns artist on his all-instrumental debut album, “Songs Of Innocence”, named after, a...more → THE SPIRIT OF ’67
Paul Revere and The Raiders
Columbia CL-2595 (1966)
“Decent enough” Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “Undecided Man” (8.5) • “1001 Arabian Nights” (7.6) • “Why? Why? Why? (Is It So Hard)” (7.1)
The Spirit of ’67? In ’66? Listen, you cannae make pea and ham soup out of chicken, don’t try and kid me sonny boy. Paul...more → SURFIN’ SAFARI
The Beach Boys
Capitol Records T-1808 (1962)
“Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Rock n Roll / Rockabilly; Pop
Jukebox picks: “Moon Dawg” (7.4) • “Surfin’ Safari” (7.2) • “409” (7.0)
Murry Wilson was father to Dennis (17, drums, backing vocals), Carl (15, lead guitar, vocals), Brian (20, bass, organ, v...more → REVOLUTION!
Paul Revere and The Raiders featuring Mark Lindsay
Columbia CL-2721 (1967)
“Decent enough” Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “Him Or Me (What’s It Gonna Be?)” (8.7) • “Reno” (6.9) • “Tighter” (6.6)
A lot of session musicians are involved with this one, as they continue to experiment in a vaguely Sgt Pepper style; thi...more → TRIP THRU’ HELL
C.A. Quintet
Candy Floss CF-7764S (1969)
“Decent enough” Psychedelia
Jukebox picks: “Underground Music” (6.8) • “Smooth As Silk” (6.6) • “Trip Thru Hell, Pt. 1” (6.5)
Neat mini-album of psychedelic psyche with added quirk via trumpet from the band’s leader and main songwrier, Ken Erwin....more → HERE COMES… FATS DOMINO
Fats Domino
ABC-Paramount ABC-455 (1963)
“Decent enough” Pop; Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Can’t Go On Without You” (7.8) • “Red Sails In The Sunset” (7.5) • “Just A Lonely Man” (7.3)
His first non–Imperial album and doesn’t it show – with none of the notorious Imperial vault–digging, it’s an all-new, s...more → SINGS RAW SOUL
James Brown
King Records 1016 (1967)
“Decent enough” Soul
Jukebox picks: “Don’t Be A Dropout” (8.2) • “Money Won’t Change You, part 1” (7.6) • “Money Won’t Change You, part 2” (7.5)
Released April 1967 (King K1016). This was all-new JB, with 2 tracks recompiled from 1964’s still-born “Out Of Sight” LP...more → MIRIAM MAKEBA
Miriam Makeba
RCA Victor LSP-2267 (1960)
“Average” Africana
Jukebox picks: “Iya Guduza” (8.5) • “Mbube” (7.5) • “The Retreat Song” (7.2)
Debut album from the 28-year-old Johannesburg lass who, somehow, had the guile and the talent to break free, go see the ...more → DAVID BOWIE [1969]
David Bowie
Philips SBL-7912 (1969)
“Average” Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Space Oddity” (8.4) • “Memory Of A Free Festival” (7.1) • “Unwashed And Somewhat Slightly Dazed” (6.8)
A marked improvement on his strange-variety debut of two years previously, although he might have come up with an actual...more → PASTEL BLUES
Nina Simone
Philips PHM 200-187 (1965)
“Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out” (7.4) • “Be My Husband” (6.8) • “Sinner Man” (6.5)
Classed as a new album since only 1 track had appeared before – “Chilly Winds” (which is the only live track on the ...more → THE SOUND OF JOHNNY CASH
Johnny Cash
Columbia CL-1802 (1962)
“Average” Country
Jukebox picks: “Lost On The Desert” (7.9) • “Let Me Down Easy” (6.4) • “I’m Free From The Chain Gang Now [1962]” (6.3)
Things look promising from the off; Johnny’s looking kinda mean, all in black, on the front cover. Opening salvo “A bu...more → DUSTY IN MEMPHIS
Dusty Springfield
Philips SBL-7889 (1969)
“Average” Pop Ballad; Soul
Jukebox picks: “Son Of A Preacher Man” (9.5) • “Breakfast In Bed” (7.4) • “No Easy Way Down” (6.6)
It's not easy for a pop girl to hold my affections, but Dusty seems to hold up rather well. “Dusty In Memphis” was her f...more → EVERYBODY LOVES A NUT
Johnny Cash
Columbia CL-2492 (1966)
“Average” Country; Folk
Jukebox picks: “Joe Bean [1966]” (7.4) • “Cup Of Coffee” (7.3) • “Austin Prison [1966]” (6.1)
The first of two JC albums in 1966 sees him continue down the concept line, this one opting for the comedic “Saturday...more → SHUT DOWN VOLUME 2
The Beach Boys
Capitol Records T-2027 (1964)
“Average” Pop; Rock n Roll / Rockabilly
Jukebox picks: “Don’t Worry Baby” (9.2) • “Fun, Fun, Fun” (8.5) • “Louie, Louie” (6.5)
So named as a follow-up to Capitol’s 1963 Hot Rod compilation, “Shut Down”, which included “409” and “Shut Down” but was...more → GOOD N COUNTRY
Jim Reeves
RCA Camden CAS-784 (1963)
“Average” Country
Jukebox picks: “Bottle, Take Effect” (8.9) • “Lonely Music” (7.8) • “Little Ole Dime” (7.0)
Another semi-decent set from the unlikeliest character ever to find his way into Rebel affections. When he steps away fr...more → SURREALISTIC PILLOW
Jefferson Airplane
RCA Victor LSP-3766 (1967)
“Average” Folk Rock / Americana; Psychedelia
Jukebox picks: “White Rabbit” (9.2) • “Somebody To Love” (7.7) • “Embryonic Journey” (6.2)
The procurement of Grace Slick as lead vocalist worked wonders for Jefferson Airplane; her distinctive tremor gave the g...more → WITH THE BEATLES
The Beatles
Parlophone PMC-1206 (1963)
“Average” Pop; Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “You Really Got A Hold On Me” (8.1) • “All My Loving” (7.9) • “Money (That’s What I Want)” (6.6)
Calculatingly released in late November to coincide with the declining sales of “Please Please Me”, which was duly and p...more → THE CRAZY BEAT OF GENE VINCENT
Gene Vincent
Capitol Records T-20453 (1963)
“Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Crazy Beat” (7.4) • “Rip It Up” (6.7) • “I’m Gonna Catch Me A Rat” (6.6)
Since the Blue Caps disbanded in a blaze of acrimony, Gene had spent much of his time in Europe, especially the UK where...more → PLAY MAS’ WITH KITCH
Lord Kitchener
Tropico TMI-2004 (1967)
“Average” Caribbean
Jukebox picks: “The Wrecker” (6.5) • “Mama Have Papa Have” (6.3) • “No Hurricane In Trinidad” (6.3)
Opens up with “Miss Tourist”, the song which would win him the coveted top song award at the Carnival Road March in ...more → I STAND ALONE
Al Kooper
Columbia CS-9718 (1968)
“Average” Cerebral Pop
Jukebox picks: “Song And Dance For The Unborn, Frightened Child” (8.7) • “Hey, Western Union Man” (7.0) • “One” (6.7)
First fully solo album from the 24-year-old New Yorker, immortalized for his organ parts in Dylan's “Like A Rolling Ston...more → IN-A-GADDA-DA-VIDA
Iron Butterfly
ATCO Records SD 33-250 (1968)
“Average” Psychedelia; Rock
Jukebox picks: “Flowers And Beads” (6.9) • “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida [long version]” (6.5) • “Most Anything You Want” (6.2)
A monster of an album which went on to sell more than thirty million copies, veering from the peppy psychedelic pop of “...more → CARRYIN’ ON
Johnny Cash and June Carter
Columbia CL-2728 (1967)
“Average” Country
Jukebox picks: “Oh, What A Good Thing We Had” (7.7) • “It Ain’t Me Babe” (6.7) • “Long Legged Guitar Pickin’ Man” (6.5)
Bright and shiny without ever being cheesy - boyfriend and girlfriend in perfect harmony. 1 track repeats from the back ...more → SMILEY SMILE
The Beach Boys
Brother Records T-9001 (1967)
“Average” Cerebral Pop
Jukebox picks: “Good Vibrations” (8.4) • “Heroes And Villains” (7.5) • “Gettin’ Hungry” (6.9)
Wow. What a bummer after the glory of “Pet Sounds”. Yet rated as perfection by many critics. Do they realise that “Goo...more → TRY TOO HARD
The Dave Clark Five
Epic LN-24198 (1966)
“Average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “I Really Love You” (7.0) • “I Never Will” (6.7) • “Looking In” (6.6)
The LP "Try Too Hard" (Epic LN 24198) was released in the USA in March 1966. A 20 minute album which leads off with it’s...more → LIQUIDATOR
Harry J All Stars
Trojan Records TBL-104 (1969)
“Average” Reggae
Jukebox picks: “Liquidator” (10) • “The Dog” (7.9) • “Spyrone” (7.3)
The 24-year-old producer Harry Johnson was riding the wave of success at home and abroad by the tail end of the 60s, the...more → FOLKSY NINA
Nina Simone
Colpix Records CP-465 (1964)
“Average” Folk
Jukebox picks: “The Young Knight [live ny ’63]” (8.8) • “Erets Zavat Chalav [live ny ’63]” (6.6) • “When I Was A Young Girl [live ny ’63]” (6.3)
Nina’s final LP for Colpix Records was, for me, her best yet. For the fifth time, her latest offering was recorded all-l...more → BOTH SIDES OF AN EVENING
The Everly Brothers
Warner Bros. Records W-1418 (1961)
“Average” Pop Ballad
Jukebox picks: “Chloe” (6.8) • “Love Is Where You Find It” (6.7) • “The Wayward Wind” (6.5)
The murky old world of the music biz ensured that, due to a fall out with Wesley Rose, their manager and publisher, the ...more → ALICE’S RESTAURANT
Arlo Guthrie
Reprise Records RS-6267 (1967)
“Average” Folk
Jukebox picks: “Alice's Restaurant Massacree [live '67]” (8.7) • “Chilling of the Evening” (6.2) • “Highway in the Wind” (6.0)
His debut album was released in September, 1967, just a few weeks before his Daddy died. Ol’ Woody got to hear a demo ve...more → NIGHT LIFE
Ray Price
Columbia CS-8771 (1963)
“Average” Country
Jukebox picks: “A Girl In The Night” (7.2) • “If She Could See Me Now” (7.1) • “Lonely Street” (6.7)
Ray and his Cherokee Cowboys are knockin' on your record player once more as the man himself tells in his spoken word in...more → HARLEM STREET SINGER
Blind Gary Davis
Prestige Bluesville BVLP-1015 (1961)
“Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Pure Religion” (6.4) • “Goin’ To Sit Down On The Banks Of The River” (6.2) • “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” (6.0)
The full session for this album was recorded on August 24th, 1960, with the blind Reverend taking just three hours to la...more → COAST TO COAST
The Dave Clark Five
Epic LN-24128 (1965)
“Average” Pop; Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “Any Way You Want It” (8.2) • “When” (7.1) • “Say You Want Me” (6.3)
Arriving in January, this was the first Dave Clark Five album of 1965. Again, no release for Britain. It’s a noticeable ...more → SILK AND SOUL
Nina Simone
RCA Victor LSP-3837 (1967)
“Average” Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Turning Point” (8.5) • “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free” (6.5) • “Cherish” (6.0)
After having switched labels recently, Nina Simone wasn't hanging about - already she was onto her second LP for RCA in ...more → BROADWAY-BLUES-BALLADS
Nina Simone
Philips PHM 200-148 (1964)
“Average” Crooner / Cabaret
Jukebox picks: “Don’t Take All Night” (8.3) • “Our Love (Will See Us Through)” (7.2) • “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” (6.9)
She could deliver something approaching album-of-the-year if only she'd focus on the blues and drop the broadway ballads...more → MIGHTY GARVEY!
Manfred Mann
Fontana STL-5470 (1968)
“Average” Psychedelia
Jukebox picks: “The Mighty Quinn (Quinn The Eskimo)” (9.2) • “Ha! Ha! Said The Clown” (7.5) • “Every Day Another Hair Turns Grey” (6.7)
A bizarre album - like a Monty Python sketch crossed by The Kinks “Preservation” sound via Beach Boys harmonies. Individ...more → ROCKIN’ WITH WANDA
Wanda Jackson
Capitol Records T-1384 (1960)
“Average” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly
Jukebox picks: “I Gotta Know” (7.1) • “Mean Mean Man” (6.8) • “Fujiyama Mama” (6.6)
“Well I've been to Nagasaki, Hiroshima too, the thing I did to them, baby, I can do to you”. Lord have mercy! “Fujiy...more → ANOTHER PLACE ANOTHER TIME
Jerry Lee Lewis
Smash SRS-67104 (1968)
“Average” Country
Jukebox picks: “What’s Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made A Loser Out Of Me)” (7.0) • “Another Place, Another Time” (6.6) • “All The Good Is Gone” (6.0)
By 1968 Rock n Roll was long out of fashion and Jerry Lee Lewis decided it was time to hone in on his second love - coun...more → AFTER BATHING AT BAXTER’S
Jefferson Airplane
RCA Victor LSO-1511 (1967)
“Average” Psychedelia; Rock
Jukebox picks: “Rejoyce” (8.0) • “Two Heads” (7.8) • “A Small Package Of Value Will Come To You, Shortly” (6.1)
As with their preceding LP, the set is dominated by two tracks from the Slick pen, the progressive “Rejoyce” twistin...more → LOVE ME FOREVER
Wanda Jackson
Capitol Records ST-1911 (1963)
“Average” Country; Pop Ballad
Jukebox picks: “What Am I Living For” (8.5) • “Since I Met You Baby” (8.4) • “Little Things Mean A Lot” (7.0)
For this LP, Wanda turned her hand to a full set devoted to cover versions of love ballads. Not the most appealing prosp...more → DANCE TO THE MUSIC
Sly and The Family Stone
Epic BN-26371 (1968)
“Average” Soul; Disco / Funk
Jukebox picks: “Dance To The Music” (7.9) • “Dance To The Medley : Music Is Alive / Dance In / Music Lover” (6.5) • “I Ain’t Got Nobody (For Real)” (6.0)
The second LP from the soulful and funky San Franciscan ensemble with the core line up: Sly Stone (vocals, multiple inst...more → IS IT TOO LATE?
Duke Edwards and The Young Ones
Prestige PR-7590 (1968)
“Average” Jazz
Jukebox picks: “Is It Too Late?” (9.4) • “Man: Don't Cry Baby / Why? / Reach For A Star” (5.8) • “Black Elephant” (2.0)
Eddie “Poppa Duke” Edwards was a renowned recording artist who performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, an...more → NINA SIMONE AT NEWPORT
Nina Simone
Colpix Records CP-412 (1960)
“Average” Jazz
Jukebox picks: “Trouble in Mind [live newport ’60]” (8.2) • “Flo Me La [live newport ’60]” (6.9) • “You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To [live newport ’60]” (6.2)
The 5-day 7th annual Jazz festival at the millionaires playground spawned quite a few LPs – it’s quite noticeable that a...more → HIGHLAND FLING
The Alexander Brothers
Pye Golden Guinea Records GGL-0093 (1961)
“Average” Folk
Jukebox picks: “A Scottish Soldier” (9.2) • “Scotland The Brave” (9.2) • “Bonnie Wee Jeannie McCall” (7.0)
Tom and Jack offer the auld scotch sangs with an authentic delivery and I approve. Given their “shortbread tin” image I’...more → FRIENDS
The Beach Boys
Capitol Records ST-2895 (1968)
“Average” Cerebral Pop; Pop
Jukebox picks: “Be Still” (7.5) • “Little Bird” (7.4) • “Transcendental Meditation” (7.3)
A psychedelic pop affair and, somewhat befittingly, the first Beach Boys album to be released only in stereo. “Friends” ...more → 5 BY 5
The Dave Clark Five
Epic LN-24236 (1967)
“Average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “Something I’ve Always Wanted” (8.7) • “Nineteen Days” (6.4) • “You Don’t Want My Loving” (6.3)
The American LP “5 By 5” (Epic LN 24236) opens with the album’s sole hit single - the rocky “Nineteen Days” (#48 in ...more → THE BLACK SAINT AND THE SINNER LADY
Mingus
Impulse! A-35 (1963)
“Average” Jazz
Jukebox picks: “Track A – Solo Dancer” (6.3) • “Track B – Duet Solo Dancers” (6.0) • “Track D – Trio And Group Dancers” (5.8)
“One of the greatest achievements in orchestration by any composer in jazz history” said Steve Huey at All Music. Th...more → I PUT A SPELL ON YOU
Nina Simone
Philips PHM 200-172 (1965)
“Average” Crooner / Cabaret; Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Feeling Good” (9.7) • “I Put A Spell On You” (8.2) • “You’ve Got To Learn” (5.7)
A pop concession of sorts for Nina, dominated by two exceptional cuts. Side one opens with a fantastic cover of “I Put...more → RECKLESS LOVE AFFAIR
Wanda Jackson
Capitol Records ST-2704 (1967)
“Average” Country
Jukebox picks: “What Have We Done [duet version]” (7.9) • “The Box It Came In” (7.0) • “This Gun Don’t Care” (6.8)
Released in March 1967, “Reckless Love Affair” was a bit of a hit-and-miss affair, with all the best action coming in th...more → THE ZOMBIES
The Zombies
Parrot PAS-71001 (1965)
“Average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Pop
Jukebox picks: “You Really Got A Hold On Me / Bring It On Home To Me” (7.7) • “She’s Not There” (7.4) • “Can’t Nobody Love You” (6.0)
In January, 1965, the debut Zombies album was rush-released in America by Parrot Records, anxious to capitalize on the s...more → A SPONTANEOUS PERFORMANCE RECORDING!
The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem
Columbia CL-1648 (1961)
“Average” Folk
Jukebox picks: “Brennan On The Moor [live with studio audience]” (7.9) • “Haul Away Joe [live with studio audience]” (7.0) • “The Old Orange Flute [live with studio audience]” (6.9)
Not as earthy as my beloved Dubliners, but The Clancy Brothers have their moments – “Brennan On The Moor” and “Hau...more → FRESH BERRY’S
Chuck Berry
Chess LPS-1498 (1965)
“Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Rock n Roll / Rockabilly
Jukebox picks: “Every Day We Rock And Roll” (6.5) • “It’s My Own Business” (6.4) • “It Wasn’t Me” (6.3)
Fresh? That’s debatable. Chuck Berry starts to run out of ideas right about here on this uninspiring affair. Although th...more → SWEETHEART OF THE RODEO
The Byrds
Columbia CS-9670 (1968)
“Average” Country
Jukebox picks: “Life In Prison” (6.5) • “Nothing Was Delivered” (6.4) • “You’re Still On My Mind” (6.3)
The Byrds attempt to make Country hip on this highly rated but rather sedate affair which bobs along in a manner which i...more → THE BARBARIANS
The Barbarians
Laurie Records LLP-2033 (1965)
“Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Pop
Jukebox picks: “Memphis, Tennessee” (7.0) • “House Of The Rising Sun” (6.7) • “What The New Breed Say” (6.7)
The one and only album from the Massachusetts garage poppers wasn’t bad, but there was nothing too remarkable onboard ei...more → THE WAILING WAILERS
The Wailers
Studio One S-1001 (1965)
“Average” Ska / Rocksteady; Soul
Jukebox picks: “Simmer Down” (9.9) • “Rude Boy” (8.1) • “Put It On” (7.2)
When this LP was released in late '65, it's doubtful that anyone realised it would stand as such an iconic historical do...more → FATS IS BACK
Fats Domino
Reprise Records RS-6304 (1968)
“Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Pop
Jukebox picks: “Honest Papas Love Their Mamas Better” (8.3) • “Lovely Rita” (6.8) • “Lady Madonna” (6.5)
Reprise 6304. Later issued in Great Britain in July 1970 on Valiant VS 107. All new, but with 2 reworkings onboard - “...more → FRED NEIL
Fred Neil
Capitol Records ST-2655 (1966)
“Average” Folk Rock / Americana
Jukebox picks: “Faretheewell (Fred's Tune)” (7.9) • “Cynicrustpetefredjohn Raga” (7.7) • “The Dolphins” (6.8)
n.b. Borderline year of release, variously reported between December 1966 and February 1967. I can find no concrete evid...more → DON’T COME A-DRINKIN’ (WITH LOVIN’ ON YOUR MIND)
Loretta Lynn
Decca DL-74842 (1967)
“Average” Country
Jukebox picks: “I'm Living In Two Worlds” (7.7) • “Saint To A Sinner” (7.0) • “I Really Don't Want To Know” (6.5)
“Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)” had recently given Loretta her first Country #1 and this LP ...more → TALL TALES AND SHORT TEMPERS
Jim Reeves
RCA Victor LPM-2284 (1961)
“Average” Country
Jukebox picks: “The Streets Of Laredo” (9.8) • “It’s Nothin’ To Me” (6.6) • “Rodger Young” (6.5)
I don’t know what got into Jim in 1961 but both of his LPs from this year took an amazing turn for the better; sweetly s...more → NINA SIMONE AND PIANO
Nina Simone
RCA Victor LSP-4102 (1969)
“Average” Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “I Think It’s Going to Rain Today [1969 album version]” (7.2) • “Everyone’s Gone To The Moon” (7.0) • “Who Am I?” (6.5)
Simply Nina Simone and her piano all the way, with all material being new to her album discography. Highly regarded by f...more → THE YARDBIRDS
The Yardbirds
Columbia SCX-6063 (1966)
“Average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Psychedelia
Jukebox picks: “The Nazz Are Blue” (6.6) • “He’s Always There” (6.5) • “Hot House Of Omagarashid” (6.2)
Thought of as a bit of a classic in rock circles, the third Yardbirds album proper was a solid affair, the emphasis bein...more → SWEETWATER
Sweetwater
Reprise Records RS-6313 (1968)
“Average” Psychedelia; Folk Rock / Americana
Jukebox picks: “Come Take A Walk” (7.9) • “My Crystal Spider” (7.0) • “For Pete’s Sake” (6.6)
Debut album from the Jefferson-Airplane-inspired Los Angeleans. Uniquely for their type, they refused to allow electric ...more → SOLOMON BURKE’S GREATEST HITS
Solomon Burke
Atlantic 8067 (1962)
“Average” Pop
Jukebox picks: “Cry To Me” (7.5) • “I’m Hanging Up My Heart For You” (7.0) • “Looking For My Baby” (6.2)
Atlantic quickly “counter-attacked” the preceding, opportunistic Apollo compilation LP release, by labelling Solomon’s d...more → LET’S DANCE WITH DOMINO
Fats Domino
Imperial LP-9239 (1963)
“Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Pop
Jukebox picks: “Ain’t That A Shame [album version ’63]” (8.6) • “Don’t You Know I Love You” (7.7) • “Oh Ba-a-by ["let’s dance" album version ’63]” (6.9)
Released in May 1963. Qualifies as a new album, although it is a bit of a hodge-podge release from Imperial Records. Cha...more → THE MANCHESTER ANGEL - TRADITIONAL ENGLISH SONGS
Ewan MacColl with Peggy Seeger
Topic Records 12-T-147 (1966)
“Average” Folk
Jukebox picks: “We Poor Labouring Men” (7.1) • “Barbara Allen” (6.9) • “Homeward Bound” (6.2)
Ewan MacColl's recording career began in 1950 with Topic Records, and his connection with the label was extended in 1966...more → LOVE IS
Eric Burdon and The Animals
MGM Records SE-4591-2 (1968)
“Average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “The Madman (Running Through The Field)” (6.7) • “I’m An Animal” (6.3) • “To Love Somebody” (6.1)
Bassist Danny McCulloch and guitarist Vic Briggs left after “Every One Of Us”, with Zoot Money taking on bass and his ol...more → SCOTT 2
Scott Walker
Philips SBL-7840 (1968)
“Average” Crooner / Cabaret; Pop Ballad
Jukebox picks: “Jackie” (9.5) • “Next” (8.0) • “The Girls And The Dogs” (7.4)
The second LP from the 25-year-old is dominated by his three Brel interpretations; “Jackie” (9.5), “Next” (8.0) ...more → WANDA JACKSON SINGS COUNTRY SONGS
Wanda Jackson
Capitol Records ST-2438 (1965)
“Average” Country
Jukebox picks: “Slippin’” (8.4) • “Kickin’ Our Hearts Around” (6.7) • “My Destiny” (6.4)
Arriving just in time for Christmas '65, “Sings Country Songs” consists mainly of Capitol sides released in the last few...more → THE MANY MOODS OF WANDA JACKSON
Wanda Jackson
Capitol Records ST-129 (1968)
“Average” Country; Pop
Jukebox picks: “Fever” (7.6) • “I’d Do It All Over Again” (6.2) • “I’m A Believer” (5.7)
Wanda's second LP of 1968 continued the recent recovery in form and included a brilliant reading of “Fever” in the s...more → SCOTT 4
Scott Engel
Philips SBL-7913 (1969)
“Average” Cerebral Pop; Crooner / Cabaret; Pop Ballad; Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “The Seventh Seal” (8.6) • “Duchess” (6.8) • “Hero Of The War” (6.3)
His 5th LP “Scott 4” (Philips SBL-7913) was released in November, 1969. The quote “a man’s work is nothing but this sl...more → RICHARD P HAVENS, 1983
Richie Havens
Verve Forecast FTS-3047-2 (1969)
“Average” Songwriter; Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “I Pity The Poor Immigrant” (7.5) • “Putting Out The Vibration And Hoping It Comes Home” (7.5) • “She’s Leaving Home” (7.0)
With half an eye on Orwell's “1984”, Richie Havens third LP for Verve wasn't easily digested artistically or physically,...more → GROOVIN’
The Young Rascals
Atlantic SD-8148 (1967)
“Average” Pop
Jukebox picks: “Sueño” (7.2) • “Find Somebody” (7.1) • “Groovin'” (6.8)
The third Young Rascals LP delivered good value for album buyers with eight of the eleven cuts featuring single sides fr...more → LINSTEAD MARKET
Sugar Belly Combo
Port-O-Jam LP-107 (1966)
“Average” Caribbean
Jukebox picks: “Wings Of A Dove” (7.3) • “Slide Mongoose” (6.7) • “Linstead Market” (6.5)
The liner notes tell: “The name of Sugar Belly has been associated with most Calypsonians for over a decade now. It wa...more → SATISFIED WITH YOU
The Dave Clark Five
Epic LN-24212 (1966)
“Average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Pop
Jukebox picks: “Look Before You Leap” (7.6) • “Good Lovin’” (6.9) • “It’ll Only Hurt For A Little While” (6.2)
Satisfied With You (Epic LN 24212) was the band’s second album in 1966 - and once again it was Stateside only. On the ...more → THE SHIRELLES AND KING CURTIS GIVE A TWIST PARTY
The Shirelles and King Curtis
Scepter Records LP-505 (1962)
“Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Welcome Home Baby” (6.8) • “Ooh Poo Pah Doo” (6.1) • “New Orleans” (5.6)
Shirelles in R n B roots territory with the ace saxophonist of “Yakety Yak” fame and occasional singer; it’s a brassy an...more → MR. FANTASY
Traffic
Island Records ILPS-9061 (1967)
“Average” Psychedelia
Jukebox picks: “Utterly Simple” (7.6) • “Giving To You” (6.2) • “Berkshire Poppies” (5.8)
My 22 track compile has the UK album (tracks 1-10) then the US version (11-22). The US would’ve scored slightly better (...more → CHEAP THRILLS
Big Brother and The Holding Company
Columbia KCS-9700 (1968)
“Average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock
Jukebox picks: “Turtle Blues” (7.0) • “Ball And Chain” (6.0) • “Summertime” (5.7)
They've got Janis, but don't always make the most of her soulful voice, preferring to rawk out all-too-often. Annoyingly...more → COME THE DAY
The Seekers
Columbia SCX-6093 (1966)
“Below average” Folk; Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Come The Day” (8.4) • “Turn, Turn, Turn” (8.0) • “California Dreamin’” (6.5)
A full turn to the contemporary from the Melbourne 4-piece who were in a good place in 1966, as the liner notes tell: “...more → HOT BUTTERED SOUL
Isaac Hayes
Enterprise ENS-1001 (1969)
“Below average” Soul Ballad
Jukebox picks: “Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic” (7.2) • “Walk On By” (6.9) • “By The Time I Get To Phoenix” (4.4)
Created as a fundraiser for the beleaguered Stax label, “Hot Buttered Soul” boasted a tight production across the 4 exte...more → OGDENS’ NUT GONE FLAKE
Small Faces
Immediate IMSP-012 (1968)
“Below average” Psychedelia; Pop; Rock
Jukebox picks: “The Journey” (6.9) • “Lazy Sunday” (6.6) • “Happydaystoytown” (6.2)
The fourth LP from the increasingly complex East Londoners, now more psychedelic than ever before. The front-cover was a...more → WONDERFUL WANDA
Wanda Jackson
Capitol Records ST-1776 (1962)
“Below average” Country; Pop
Jukebox picks: “You Don’t Know Baby” (8.6) • “Is It Wrong” (7.3) • “I Don’t Wanta Go” (7.1)
Following on from the success of her “Right or Wrong” single from last year, Wanda’s inclination was back towards the co...more → CALL ME BURROUGHS
William S. Burroughs
The English Bookshop LAGF-1 (1965)
“Below average” Storytelling
Jukebox picks: “Uranian Willy (Rewrite)” (6.6) • “Where You Belong (Rewrite)” (6.0) • “The Fish Poison Con” (5.5)
Recorded in Paris, at the behest of an English Bookshop owner there, this was an unusual album of Burroughs reading extr...more → CLOUD NINE
The Temptations
Gordy GS-939 (1969)
“Below average” Soul
Jukebox picks: “Run Away Child, Running Wild” (7.9) • “Cloud Nine” (6.4) • “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” (6.2)
Anything Sly and the Family Stone can do, we can do better say The Temptations, as they delve headlong into the all-new ...more → HAPPY SAD
Tim Buckley
Elektra EKS-74045 (1969)
“Below average” Moodcore
Jukebox picks: “Buzzin’ Fly” (7.9) • “Sing A Song For You” (5.5) • “Love From Room 109 At The Islander (On Pacific Coast Highway)” (5.3)
The album is a moody, proggy, jazzy affair and doesn’t do much for me – with the exception of “Buzzin’ Fly”, which i...more → WILD IS THE WIND
Nina Simone
Philips PHM 200-207 (1966)
“Below average” Moodcore; Songwriter
Jukebox picks: “Break Down And Let It All Out” (7.4) • “I Love Your Lovin’ Ways” (6.8) • “Four Women” (6.8)
2 of the 11 get a 1966 rework - “Black Is The Colour” and “Wild Is The Wind” which had originally appeared on 19...more → TOMMY
The Who
Track Record 613 013/4 (1969)
“Below average” Cerebral Pop; Rock; Pop; Prog
Jukebox picks: “Pinball Wizard” (7.1) • “Overture” (6.9) • “We’re Not Gonna Take It” (6.9)
A rock opera you say? Groan. Thankfully, there were no shrill pantomime dames to deal with, so I console myself with the...more → FOR CERTAIN BECAUSE
The Hollies
Parlophone PMC-7011 (1966)
“Below average” Pop; Folk Rock / Americana
Jukebox picks: “Stop, Stop, Stop” (7.0) • “Suspicious Look In Your Eyes” (6.9) • “Peculiar Situation” (6.2)
The fifth Hollies album was fully written by group members Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, and Tony Hicks, so fair play to th...more → VANILLA FUDGE
Vanilla Fudge
ATCO Records SD-33-224 (1967)
“Below average” Psychedelia
Jukebox picks: “Ticket To Ride” (6.5) • “STRA (Illusions Of My Childhood - Part One) / You Keep Me Hangin’ On” (6.0) • “Eleanor Rigby / ELDS” (5.9)
Debut album from the young New York rockers who lined up: Mark Stein (20, lead vocals, keyboards), Vince Martell (21, gu...more → CREAM OF THE CROP
Wanda Jackson
Capitol Records ST-2976 (1968)
“Below average” Country
Jukebox picks: “Little Boy Soldier” (8.0) • “There Stands The Glass” (7.1) • “Don’t Touch Me” (6.1)
A step back in the right direction after a couple of poor efforts, the “cream of the crop” referring to the songwriters ...more → A LITTLE MORE FAITH
Reverend Gary Davis
Prestige Bluesville BVLP-1032 (1961)
“Below average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “You Got To Move [1961 recording]” (6.4) • “There’s A Bright Side Somewhere” (5.8) • “Crucifixion [album version ’61]” (5.7)
His second LP for Prestige Blueville in 1961. “You Got To Move” and “Motherless Children” had been done on his d...more → HIGH PRIESTESS OF SOUL
Nina Simone
Philips PHM 200-219 (1967)
“Below average” Soul
Jukebox picks: “He Ain’t Comin’ Home No More” (6.4) • “The Gal From Joe’s [1967 album version]” (6.3) • “I’m Going Back Home” (5.8)
2 of the 12 get a 1967 rework - “Work Song" from “Forbidden Fruit”, 1961 and “Gal From Joes” from “Sings Ellingt...more → CLEAR LIGHT
Clear Light
Elektra EKS-74011 (1967)
“Below average” Rock; Psychedelia
Jukebox picks: “Mr. Blue” (8.4) • “Night Sounds Loud” (6.2) • “Street Singer” (6.0)
An interesting, if not essential, psychedelic rock album from the double-drumming ensemble from Los Angeles, managed by ...more → AMERICAN TOUR
The Dave Clark Five
Epic LN-24117 (1964)
“Below average” Pop; Blues / Rhythm n Blues
Jukebox picks: “Ol’ Sol” (6.7) • “Come On Over” (6.4) • “I Want You Still” (6.1)
“American Tour” (Epic LN 24117) was released in the USA in July 1964. They’re catching up with themselves now, with 12 b...more →
see also: (B-list) Album Chart of the Decade: 1960s |
Album Charts by year
“A-list”
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“B-list”
1943 1945 1946 1950 1951 1952 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Album Charts by decade
“A-list”
1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s