Author Archives: tacopepper

     Today we come back to Van Morrison for his next released album, “Moondance”.  This album was recorded and structured for a greater commercial appeal than the highly regarded “Astral Weeks”, and he was definitely successful with that goal.  This album is rated #120 on Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.  AsContinue reading “Van Morrison “Moondance” (1970)”

     The 1970s kick off with one of the most successful duos of the 1960s, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.  Despite growing differences and conflict between the two that ultimately led to their dissolution as an act not long after this album was released, they recorded and released what I and most others consider toContinue reading “Simon & Garfunkel “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (1970)”

     One more album slipped in under the wire before I move forward to 1970.  In late 1969, New Orleans funk masters The Meters released their second album, “Looka Py Py”.  Like their first album, this is another instrumental collection of Louisiana funk that really hits the mark.  It is rated as album #415 onContinue reading “The Meters “Looka Py Py” (1969)”

     Here we are at the end of the 1960s, the last album I have listened to from this remarkable decade of musical transformation and evolution.  Every decade has its moments of greatness, but I don’t know if anything will ever match the cultural and musical revolution of the 1960s.  We wrap up with aContinue reading “The Rolling Stones “Let It Bleed” (1969)”

     Nearing the end of 1969, we have our first encounter with another timeless act from that era, as well as another act who performed at Woodstock.  Today we look at the album “Willy and the Poor Boys” by Creedence Clearwater Revival.  This album, which was their fourth album released as this band (even thoughContinue reading “Creedence Clearwater Revival “Willy and the Poor Boys” (1969)”

     Another all-time personal favorite of mine comes next, the second album from Led Zeppelin, aptly named “Led Zeppelin II”.  Released just nine months after their first album was recorded as the band toured non-stop across America, quickly building their brand and reputation.  By 1970, they surpassed the Beatles as the most popular band inContinue reading “Led Zeppelin “Led Zeppelin II” (1969)”

     Today we discuss one of my favorite, and most highly significant albums ever recorded.  “Abbey Road”, by the Beatles, is the last album they ever recorded as a group.  Based on some unusual circumstances with the start and stop of “Let It Be”, that was actually the last full album they released, but chronologicallyContinue reading “The Beatles “Abbey Road” (1969)”

     Today we return to the highly acclaimed act of musicians from Canada and the United States, known as “The Band”.  As noted previously, this group formed out of a backing gig with Bob Dylan, and built on his folk-rock sound with a variety of vocalists, harmony styles and compositions.  This album, like most ofContinue reading “The Band “The Band” (1969)”

     Another round of the Doors today, and this album, “The Soft Parade”, really showcases the vocal talents of Jim Morrison.  Like the last two releases from the Doors, this album isn’t quite the hit factory of the first album, but it does have its moments, and I find it impressive the band kept recordingContinue reading “The Doors “The Soft Parade” (1969)”

     I’m running a bit behind, but will play catch up over the next several days.  The main reasons for my delay are two that are related in a unique way.  This week, I have been in Colorado, spending time with my family for the most part, and the occasional old friend.  What better soundtrackContinue reading “Merle Haggard “Down Every Road 1962-1994” (1969)”