Author Archives: tacopepper

     It actually took me two albums to get through today’s album, “Bookends”, by Simon and Garfunkel.  I had originally added The Graduate soundtrack (another movie I have never seen), which came out several months ahead of Bookends, but I realized that album was much more “soundtracky” and not a really complete work.  In contrast,Continue reading “Simon & Garfunkel “Bookends” (1968)”

     Today is one of the 10 albums that didn’t otherwise make my list that were selected by my son for inclusion.  A really great album, the self-titled album “Taj Mahal” presented a fresh and energetic new take on traditional blues songs, with one original.       Track #2, “Statesboro Blues”, by Blind Willie McTell, wasContinue reading “Taj Mahal “Taj Mahal” (1968)”

     As I listen to each album every day, there are certain practices I like to deploy.  I try listening in the car if I have a decent drive to make, or when I’m out for a walk or run.  Also, I never look at the song titles ahead of time to know what I’mContinue reading “Aretha Franklin “Lady Soul” (1968)”

     We move into 1968 with an eclectic album, the debut from New Orleans piano master Dr. John.  My family lived in the New Orleans area for 10 years when I was younger, and I gained a tremendous appreciation for the unique sounds of the city, and you will see that influence bleed through inContinue reading “Dr. John “Gris Gris” (1968)”

     Today’s album is an interesting selection.  Imagine the Beach Boys doing Hall and Oates, or some beach-fried version of R&B.  The album “Wild Honey” is #410 on Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Albums of All Time, but I have to say I’m not sure why.  On this album, the band is partially escaping the creativeContinue reading “The Beach Boys “Wild Honey” (1967)”

     I have to give it to The Who, they definitely liked to push the boundaries for format and concept as they matured as a band.  Their latest album, “The Who Sell Out”, is a concept album that effectively presents as an hour-long audio stream (complete with adverts, as the Brits would call them) fromContinue reading “The Who “The Who Sell Out” (1967)”

     We have discussed the many direct and indirect influences that followed The Beatles legendary album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”.  There probably isn’t a more blatant and misguided attempt than the next album by the Rolling Stones, “Their Satanic Majesties Request”, which is unfortunate, as they are a much better band than thisContinue reading “The Rolling Stones “Their Satanic Majesties Request” (1967)”

     As we near the end of 1967, the psychedelic one-upmanship continues with the second album from the Jimi Hendrix Experience, “Axis: Bold As Love”.  Continuing to push onward in every direction, this album is rated as #92 on Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Albums of All Time.      As big of a Hendrix fan asContinue reading “The Jimi Hendrix Experience “Axis: Bold as Love” (1967)”

     Even the Beatles themselves felt the pressure to build upon their success and top their landmark album, “Sgt. Pepper”.  Approximately six months after the release of that album, they released their next album, “Magical Mystery Tour”.  Musically there are some great moments on this album, even if it was ultimately compiled in somewhat ofContinue reading “The Beatles “Magical Mystery Tour” (1967)”

     Today feels like a bit of a travel back in time, earlier than 1967, as we take a listen to Chicago blues artist Magic Sam.  Interestingly enough, with all of the blues legends we have covered already, his 1967 album “West Side Soul” is the #2 rated blues album of all time by digitaldreamdoors.com. Continue reading “Magic Sam “West Side Soul” (1967)”