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10 Vinyl LPs that Defined an Era

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An Incomplete List of Killer Vinyl LPs from the 60s and 70s

What era? Well, in my opinion the late 60s and early 70s mark an era of highly fertile rock music creation. It depicts rock in its most assorted flavors, from classic and progressive to psychedelic and glam.

It is an era of concept albums, experimental forays, and bold statements. If I ever wish I were older (I'd have to be 20 years older) it is so that I could have experienced the release of these albums, and been present at their live performances.

On this lens I share an incomplete selection of my favorite albums (originally released as vinyl LPs) from this era.

Their Satanic Majesties Request

1967, Rolling Stones

The title is a play on the text that appears inside a British passport "Her Britannic Majesty requests and requires...". This Rolling Stones' psychedelic concept album is considered to be a response to The Beatles Sgt. Pepper's album. It sounds nothing like The Stones, but in my opinion that's exactly what gives the album its charm.

My favorite song from this album is "She's a Rainbow".

Get "Their Satanic Majesties Request"

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The Beatles AKA "The White Album"

1968, The Beatles

"The Beatles" is commonly referred to as "The White Album" as the cover has no graphics or text other than the band name. In my opinion this album represents the peak of The Beatles' art, which of course is highly debatable as it generated a lot of debate. The album contains a very eclectic mix of songs, and its reviews are equally mixed.

My favorite song from this album is the experimental montage "Revolution 9". Yep, the avant garde experimental montage.

Get "The White Album"

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Tommy

1969, The Who

This rock opera tells the story of the "deaf, dumb and blind kid" who became famous due to his pinball prowess. He develops a cult following and attains messianic status.

The story became much clearer to me after I watched the musical film based on the album.

My favorite song from this album is "Sparks".

Get "Tommy"

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After the Gold Rush

1970, Neil Young

This is a classic album from Neil Young's career and features his traditional guitar solos, as well as some really neat piano work. It includes the famous rocker "Southern Man" which has a great jam at the end. (Neil is famous for his song endings, with jams that will sometimes last longer than the song itself, especially when performed live).

My favorite song from this album is "When You Dance I Can Really Love"

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The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

1972, David Bowie

Ziggy Stardust is probably Bowie's most famous album, a work of portentous title that was conceived during a highly creative period of his career. Ziggy Stardust is also Bowie's most famous persona, the ultimate rock star, and pretty much the most detached and theatrical.

This album is one of the very few reasons I sometimes wish I were older. It must have been quite an experience to watch its live performances.

My favorite song from this album is the title cut, "Ziggy Stardust"

Get "Ziggy Stardust"

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Watch Ziggy Stardust

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Thick as a Brick

1972, Jethro Tull

Thick as a Brick consists of just one song, of the same name. It is 45 minutes long, what I consider a phenomenal indulgence in progressive rock. It is based on a poem written by a fictitious kid, "Little Milton" with the album cover featuring a spoof newspaper front page reporting on the story of the boy's epic poem, "Thick as a Brick".

My favorite part of this song is part I, originally side 1 of the vinyl LP.

Get "Thick as a Brick"

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Rock: Classic or Modern?

So what do you prefer, classic rock or modern rock?

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Classic rock, it is timeless!

bjslapidary says:

Classic rock any day.

DickeyDido says:

I love you taste in music!

reasonablerobinson says:

I like both and the originality of classic rock I suppose shades it for me

sandyspider says:

I like them both, but I guess I am a bit more into the classic rock.

Modern rock, it gets better with time!

jjaysmoker says:

It depends on what modern rock actually is, Does Progressive rock qualify as modern rock? Artist like Yes and Pink Floyd Sound like a combination of the two, With use of electronic instruments playing a prominent roll. I lean toward Symphonic Prog. But I can with the stones and Beatles anytime.

raphaelo says:

I love all kind of rock. I've chosen to be this modern rock side because of its empty. Love for balancing :)

 

A Wizard a True Star

1973, Todd Rundgren

A Wizard a True Star (AWATS, as it is known among Todd fans) is a spectacular psychedelic progressive rock experience. The material is dense, and should be digested slowly...

Reviews on this album are mixed, with opinions ranging from "masterpiece" to "musical blasphemy".

In my opinion AWATS is the finest expression of Todd's talent. My favorite song from this album is "International Feel".

Get "AWATS"

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Dark Side of the Moon

1973, Pink Floyd

Dark Side of the Moon is a concept album that explores the nature of human existence, conflict, greed and madness. It continues to be an exercise in experimentation. As every piece from the band, no corners are left unexplored. The wicked sound effects, the laughter, everything in this album seems to be an orchestration for a greater purpose. The goal of providing an experience of connection, a timeless connection with the band and with all listeners.

My favorite song from this album is "Breathe".

Get "Dark Side of the Moon"

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Tales from Topographic Oceans

1973, Yes

Tales from Topographic Oceans is another indulgence in progressive rock (considered an "excess" by some). The album consists of four sidelong pieces, which symbolize the concepts of Truth, Knowledge, Culture, and Freedom.

It is rich, meditative and brilliant; one pulsating, breathing thing.

My favorite song from this album is "Ritual (Nous sommes du soleil)"

Get "Tales from Topographic Oceans"

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The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway

1974, Genesis

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway tells the story of a juvenile delinquent living in New York City that embarks on a search for his brother. It turns out to be some sort of existencial experience, with the protagonist actually searching for a missing part of himself.

The album is long and consists of 23 songs that make references to advertising and consumerism, mythology, the bizarre and nightmarish, with sexual undertones.

My favorite song from this album is "Back in NYC."

Get "The Lamb"

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Which One is the Best?

How do these vinyl LPs stack up?

1

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The White Album

3 points

2

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Ziggy Stardust

3 points

3

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Dark Side of the Moon

2 points

4

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Their Satanic Majesties Request

1 point

5

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After the Gold Rush

1 point

6

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Thick as a Brick

1 point

7

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Tommy

0 points

8

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A Wizard a True Star

0 points

9

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Tales from Topographic Oceans

0 points

10

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The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway

0 points

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What are some of your favorite albums from this era?

  • rauspitz Mar 29, 2012 @ 8:29 pm | delete
    First Leon Russell album, Byrds Untitled, Humble Pie - Rockin' the Fillmore, Abbey Road, Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Derek and the Dominos - Layla, Delaney and Bonnie and Friends on Tour, Renaissance - Island (the original lineup for Renaissance), Allman Brothers - Eat a Peach, Kinks - Arthur, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Who's Next, Big Brother and the Holding Company - Cheap Thrills, Jefferson Airplane - Volunteers, Mott the Hoople - All the Young Dudes, Doors - LA Woman, Electric Flag - A Long Time Coming, Butterfield Blues Band - East West, Rolling Stones - Begger's Banquet.and a bunch more.
  • raphaelo Apr 4, 2011 @ 4:03 am | delete
    So wonderful top 10 Vinyl LPs lens .. dearest Natalia. No more comment. Just feel fall in love with this lens and you.. my dearest friend :) Have wonderful times ;)
  • reasonablerobinson Dec 2, 2010 @ 1:45 am | delete
    Ziggy Stardust was one of my first albums - brilliant, Dark Side OTM - well what can I say that hasn't been said already, the Stones and well Jethro Tull - one of the first singles I had was Living in the Past which a friend got me for my 14th birthday. Just got it up on Youtube as I write this!!
  • sandyspider Nov 23, 2010 @ 9:00 am | delete
    Great selection of the vinyl records.
  • Tim Zager Nov 18, 2010 @ 8:15 am | delete
    Awesome list! Every one a winner. I was fortunate to see Genesis live with the Lamb tour. Incredible.
  • GabrielaFargasch Nov 18, 2010 @ 7:08 am | delete
    Nattie, you know me............ I only like cheesy songs from the 80's and 90's......... Lol But you did excellent work here!! generate
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About Natalia

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fargasch

My name is Natalia and I live in SoCal. Here's a short compilation of what I consider the best Rock albums created in the late 60s and early 70s.

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