As we approach the tenth and final year of the 1960's, It's still amazing to reflect on just how much music changed in just one decade. Look back on some of the earlier reviews I did from 1960 and 1961 - Lots of white-bread pop and dance-specific music with mundane lyrics. Now compare this to the best hits of 1968 and 1969 - It's a diverse melting pot of styles, cultures, and themes. If the 1960's are often considered to be the renaissance era of pop music, then 1969 is where all of this innovation reached its zenith.
1969 saw many of the formerly psychedelic artists push the limits on innovation. One of these new genres was Progressive Rock, and King Crimson were the genre's harbingers with In The Court Of The Crimson King. Another group that would soon become key players in the prog scene was the band Yes. Their 1969 self-titled debut remains highly underrated, overshadowed by their peak work in the early 1970's.
While the idea of a "Rock Opera" wasn't anything new, it was The Who with their Tommy album that not only set the wheels in motion for theatrical rock, but also launched the band into international superstar status. With 24 songs, much of which were written by Pete Townshend alone, the album remains a fascinating listen.
The hard rock genre was another style that had its roots in psychedelic rock. Led Zeppelin released their first two albums this year, both of which featured some of the heaviest guitar playing for the time. Towards year's end, the blues-influenced Black Sabbath recorded their entire debut album in one day. Upon its release the following year, it would pave the way for the heavy metal genre.
In California, Jefferson Airplane released the highly political Volunteers album, which showcased the confrontational side of the counterculture. The Grateful Dead evolved this year from an experimental group to the rootsy jam band that we are all familiar with today. Also, 1969 saw the recording and release of Crosby, Stills & Nash's harmony rich self-titled debut album. It is unquestionably one of the top debut albums of all time.
R&B music had changed dramatically beginning in 1968. Gone was the classic Motown sound, now replaced with the funkier psychedelic soul genre. The actual "Funk" genre itself became a force to be reckoned with, thanks in part to artists like James Brown. There was also plenty of classic soul music made during 1969. Aretha Franklin, Issac Hayes, and Marvin Gaye all gave us some of their best work.
While The Beatles may have been on the brink of splitting, they managed to release one of their finest albums, Abbey Road. Featuring a mix of hard rock, introspective ballads, and strong lyrics, it really makes one wish that the group continued to make music with each other. The Rolling Stones were also at their peak, musically and creatively. Their 1969 album Let It Bleed contained some of the most timeless music ever recorded. Sadly, 1969 also brought along the early death of their founding member Brian Jones.
Finally, there was the Woodstock Music Festival. Four days of peace, love, rain, mud, and of course, the finest artists of the period. As a contrast, there was the Altamont Free Concert in December. A single day of chaos, violence, Hell's Angels, and a fatal stabbing. It was a grisly way to end the year, the decade, and the counterculture in general.
Regardless of any Altamonts, Manson Families, or Vietnam's, these dark moments can't overshadow the fact that this year was a great one musically, and of course, music is best for getting people through hard times. I'm hoping that this goodness transposes over to what songs actually reached #1. We'll soon find out...
First Up For 1969 - "Crimson And Clover" by Tommy James And The Shondells.
Until Next Time, I'm Dr. Rock and it's the time of the season, for more reviews!
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