Rock Evolution – The History of Rock & Roll - 1985 - (page 203)

Black&White&BlueMoon Town said:
At the risk of getting another potential selection relegated to the end of the list like "Miracles" was, I'm going to complete my selections now.


And #2 would be off of this album with the same title. Without @PragueBlue to potentially nominate this one, I certainly will for needed representation. Lead singer and producer Maurice White really shines on this song that I remember enjoying on the radio during the hot summer of 1975.

I'll let Stephen Curwood of the Boston Globe describe this best: "The title cut comes into your consciousness the way a cool air-conditioned breeze rushes over your face when you've been out in the sticky heat. Sometimes the cool goes too dry for our taste, but then, that's a form of sophistication."

"That's the Way of the World" - Earth, Wind & Fire

And given Rob and I have been enjoying watching Wimbledon this past week, 1975 could not pass without the great Elton John contribution of this song honouring his friend and pioneer of women's tennis, BIlly Jean King, who was part of the Philadelphia Freedoms professional tennis team. The song was a singles and radio hit in 1975 but wouldn't be released on an album until 1977's Greatest Hits Volume II release.

When John asked songwriter Bernie Taupin to write a song for King, Taupin said, "I can't write a song about tennis" - and he didn't. The lyrics bear no relation to tennis, Philadelphia soul, or even flag-waving patriotism. Nonetheless, in the US, the lyrics have been interpreted as patriotic and uplifting. Given the timing of the release, ironically a year before the bicentennial celebration, that's how it was received by the masses.

Growing up during that time in Philly and in hearing this all over the various stations that this was played on (rock, pop... you name it), that's certainly how I looked at this song. The orchestral arrangement by Gene Page that includes flutes, horns and strings was always the part of the song that really would make me smile when I heard it come on for instant recognition.

"Philadelphia Freedom" - Elton John
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I have a story about BJK and Elton. A few years ago we were at the Royal Albert Hall to watch some charity tennis. It had some big stars there and was GB vs Rest of the World, Billie Jean was captain of the ROTW team and Elton, GB. The captains role was to sit beside the umpires chair and encourage whoever was playing from their team. During a break when Elton was sharing his wealth of knowledge of Tennis tactics with Heather Watson he continued talking to her as he headed back to his seat, still not looking, slumped backwards into it and the seat collapsed and he went heels over arse in the middle of the RAH. Laugh? I damn near fell out our box. Even BJK stifled a giggle. Elton on the other hand was far from amused and after a hissy fit or two recovered sufficiently to bow to all corners who were still hooting with merriment.
 
Saddleworth2 said:
The best version of this song ever by the high priestess of NY punk, Patti Smith off the wonderful Horses album.
Gloria - Patti Smith
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Great Patti Smith choice from an underrated and mostly forgotten album. My choice is the twisted bizarre epic track from that album. Punk & poetry.

Land - Patti Smith
 
Mancitydoogle said:
There goes Rhymin’ OB1, another fantastic write up and some great choices.As we’ve already had nominations for my favourite albums of this year BTR and BOTT I won’t add any more.

Gotta have an Ian Hunter track though ,from his debut solo album, I’m going for the epic ‘BOY’ reputedly about Bowie.I’ve met Ian a number of times lovely bloke along with the late Mick Ronson who I’m also going to nominate as he was a great sideman for Ian and Bowie but never really made it on his own. ‘PLAY DON’T WORRY’

The next track was a big hit and I had the single but never listened to the album its nearly all keyboards but stills sounds great today,
Gary Wright ‘DREAM WEAVER’

Last but definitely not least ,an artist who I would’ve never listened to back then but got into much later when I fell in love with Americana.Like Townes Van Zandt he was a mentor for Steve Earle and a brilliant story telling songwriter.His debut album ‘Old No 1 was released this year and contains some of his best and well known songs.The late Guy Clark ‘LA FREEWAY’

It could’ve been worse I was going to nominate a track from Lou Reed’s
‘Metal Machine Music’ but as each track is over 16 minutes I don’t think Rob or anyone else would’ve approved !
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My favorite Guy Clark song is also from Old No. 1 and has been covered by numerous artists, but I love Clark's version. Beautiful and moving storytelling.

Desperadoes Waiting for a Train - Guy Clark

Staying with Alt Country/Americana, 1975 saw the release of the album Dreaming My Dreams by Waylon Jennings. Jennings had broken away from the Nashville establishment and was one of the leaders of the outlaw country movement. My pick from this album was one of the outlaw anthems that takes on the Nashville sound of the times while paying homage to the great Hank Williams Sr.

Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way - Waylon Jennings

1975 also saw the first solo release from Emmylou Harris, Pieces of the Sky. Influenced by the late Gram Parsons, Harris had immersed herself in country music. Pieces of the Sky featured some terrific covers of country standards including the Louvin Brothers classic, "If I Could Only Win Your Love." But my selection is her original ode to Parsons, one of the saddest songs ever penned. Still brings me to tears.

Boulder to Birmingham - Emmylou Harris
 
Though not household names the mid 70s saw toasters like Dillinger and Big Youth become an integral part of the UK sound systems scene, through this they would go on to influence not just individual bands but genres as diverse as Lovers Rock and Grime, not to mention most of the 2 Tone bands.

Big Youth - Natty Dread She Want
 
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It was only recently that I discovered that The Pointer Sisters were quite good before they went in for all that 80s pop nonsense. Still a bit hit and miss but also capable of being pretty funky, from 1975...

The Pointer Sisters - How Long (Betcha' Got A Chick On The Side)
 
OB1 covered my stand out in 1975 namely The Tubes - White Punks on Dope , on stage they were more than captivating so hats off to OB1.

I understand the year is shut and I have been AWOL since OB's exquisite introduction and beyond and covered Jethro Tull's Minstrel in the Gallery a fine album and being a Math's Junkie contains my favorite title of any song released in the 1970's namely One White Duck/ 0^10 = Nothing at All.

I will try to do better next year.
 
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Notes on the 1975 playlist

Another comprehensive and well researched write-up from @OB1 that threw up quite a few interesting finds.
Much like 1973, it's a Springsteen-Floyd double that provides the best of the year.
Bruce Springsteen's Born to Run album was the main album from this year although IMO, it's only his third best album of the 1970s.
Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here is one of their best and the two best tracks are in this playlist.

Best tracks that were new to me

1. "Journey of the Sorcerer" - Eagles. Why have I not heard this before? An absolutely epic track that I can see me playing more.
2. "Crazy on You" - Heart - cracking acoustic guitar intro and good song overall
3. "Suite Madame Blue" - Styx - As usual, I enjoyed a song that goes through a few changes of style and tempo.
4. "Green Grass & High Tides" - The Outlaws - I like this is a lot better than the Gram Parsons stuff last week. Some brilliant guitar on show here.

Also new and enjoyed

- "Man on the Silver Mountain" - Rainbow
- "Stranglehold" - Ted Nugent. Can't remember if this was one of the Ted Nugent tracks that appeared on our playlist thread but if not, like the others, I enjoyed this one.
- "Tower" - Angel
- "Gloria: In Excelsis Deo" - Patti Smith
- "Cortez The Killer" - Neil Young - I'm familiar with the title but I don't think I've heard the song before.
- "Seeland" - NEU! - A chilled instrumental.
- "Dream Weaver" - Gary Wright
- "Rhayader" - Camel - an even better instrumental.
- "Slow Ride" - Foghat - some nice slide guitar on an extended jam at the end.
- "Miracles" - Jefferson Starship - I don't know how many of the band's songs didn't feature Grace Slick on vocals, but I enjoyed this; it has a great laid-back vibe.


Tracks I knew that I enjoyed revisiting

- "Down Down" - Status Quo - haven't heard this for years but it's one of their best
- "Trampled Under Foot " & "Kashmir" - Led Zeppelin
- "Tush" - ZZ Top
- "By-Tor And The Snow" - Fly By Night is not a Rush album I listen to often but this is a good track.
- "Walk This Way" - Original or the vs Run DMC version, both are great. Incidentally, when this "video" plays on the background on the Spotify player, I noticed that it has an image of a cinema front with "Young Frankenstein" displayed. One year late but kudos to whoever added that.
- "Low Rider" - War
 
Great to see AC/DC on the playlist - "It's a long way.." is an absolute top class rock song. I adore AC/DC, there's no 'funny business' with them, it's just absolute fun. Rock'n'roll at it's finest and "It's a long way..." is one of those songs that every one loves. I'd also nominate 'High Voltage' from the same album for the same reason. The rhythm section in AD/DC is one of the best I've heard - the drums, bass and rhythm guitar are always 100% rock solid and allow Angus and Bon Scott/Brian Johnson to build on it. Easily one of the best gigs I've seen, they put on a show and just pump out classic after classic. I wish there were more AC/DCs about!

My favourite song of the year though is 'In France They Kiss On Main Street'. Poetry. I wish I'd wrote that song. Every single bit of that song is incredible - the bass, the production, musicianship, the singing and the lyrics. I genuinely have no idea how anyone could 'hear' this in their heads, let alone get someone else to understand it. An utter genius.

I've heard it before obviously, but the original of 'Walk this Way' just sounds so flat compared to the Run DMC version.

'Still Crazy After All These Years' - what a great album that is.

Finally, it's still incredible to hear the energy in any Led Zeppelin album. Physical Graffiti is one of my favourites and whilst Kashmir has been overplayed, it's an incredible track. But the whole album is stuffed with brilliance.

What a great year for music!
 
GoatersLeftShin said:
Great to see AC/DC on the playlist - "It's a long way.." is an absolute top class rock song. I adore AC/DC, there's no 'funny business' with them, it's just absolute fun. Rock'n'roll at it's finest and "It's a long way..." is one of those songs that every one loves. I'd also nominate 'High Voltage' from the same album for the same reason. The rhythm section in AD/DC is one of the best I've heard - the drums, bass and rhythm guitar are always 100% rock solid and allow Angus and Bon Scott/Brian Johnson to build on it. Easily one of the best gigs I've seen, they put on a show and just pump out classic after classic. I wish there were more AC/DCs about!

My favourite song of the year though is 'In France They Kiss On Main Street'. Poetry. I wish I'd wrote that song. Every single bit of that song is incredible - the bass, the production, musicianship, the singing and the lyrics. I genuinely have no idea how anyone could 'hear' this in their heads, let alone get someone else to understand it. An utter genius.

I've heard it before obviously, but the original of 'Walk this Way' just sounds so flat compared to the Run DMC version.

'Still Crazy After All These Years' - what a great album that is.

Finally, it's still incredible to hear the energy in any Led Zeppelin album. Physical Graffiti is one of my favourites and whilst Kashmir has been overplayed, it's an incredible track. But the whole album is stuffed with brilliance.

What a great year for music!
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Not sure I accept your assertion about “Walk This Way” but not listened to Run DMC version recently. Very different production styles though.

Joni’s song is great, my favourite on that album and only not on the original playlist because I was limited.

“Kashmir” is one of the songs that I refer to as my favourite i.e. there are in truth songs I like as much (not many) but none that I like more. Obviously, I put it at the end of the list for a reason.
 
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OB1 said:
Not sure I accept your assertion about “Walk This Way” but not listened to Run DMC version recently. Very different production styles though.

Joni’s song is great, my favourite on that album and only not on the original playlist because I was limited.

“Kashmir” is one of the songs that I refer to as my favourite i.e. there are in truth songs I like as much (not many) but none that I like more. Obviously, I put it at the end of the list for a reason.
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It's definitely a "horses for courses" on Aerosmith v Run DMC @OB1 and can understand anyone who prefers either version. Ultimately if you have a great song it's very hard to do a bad cover of it!
 
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Some thoughts on the 1975 playlist, the bits I didn't pick.

A fair few of the tracks not selected by me are on albums I own, including the ones by Steve Hackett, 10cc & Horslips, which were one's I had listened to many times so it was good to become more familiar with them. The Horslips one is a gem that has the kind of 70's vibe I am very fond of.

Bob aside, I have never been big on Reggae so it was good to actually hear Buring Spear, a name I recall but hand never heard.

I have no recollection of hearing the Pointer Sisters track but that was funky and groovy.

Neu were new to me; again knew the name but not the music. I have ordered the album.

I know the song Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way well from the Chequered Past (featuring singer/actor Michael Des Barres, Sex Pistol Steve Jones and Blondie's rhythm section) cover off their 1984 eponymous album. However, hadn't heard the original Outlaw Country version.

Wildfire and LA Freeway, were enjoyable soft rock songs I also did not know.
 
GoatersLeftShin said:
Finally, it's still incredible to hear the energy in any Led Zeppelin album. Physical Graffiti is one of my favourites and whilst Kashmir has been overplayed, it's an incredible track. But the whole album is stuffed with brilliance.

What a great year for music!
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One for 1976 - "Achilles Last Stand" from Zep's "Presence" album. Loved that track at the time and still sounds good almost fifty years later (Jesus does typing that make me feel old!)
 
The History of Rock & Roll - 1975

It's a hell of a start, it could be made into a monster, if we all pull together as a team...

Sorry if this sounds similar to @RobMCFC's notes above, but that's what happens when you have two members with a pretty big overlap in their musical enjoyment circles. I'd encourage others with a different take to chime in, or at least tell me why you either cringe or shed a tear to "Wildfire". ;-)

I will say some of the songs that are new to Rob are surprises to me ("Crazy On You", "Miracles"), and I'm sure he'd feel the same way on a few of mine (Status Quo coming up). Still, we both have Born To Run and Wish You Were Here as tops of the year, and I'll add in Physical Graffiti while we're at it. Hard to beat those, though I will maintain that BTR is Springsteens' best as there isn't a meh song on it and it continues to age better than others (Born in the USA, as much as I love you, I'm looking at you). Darkness to me is a close 2nd in the 70's, but much more on that later...

But first, we'll get to the playlist and thank @OB1 for putting it together. Since this was the last "Super Sized" starter, I'll give the guru and wise 1 of 70's rock and overall obscure music that I enjoy his own category here.

OB1 "Kenobi's" Super Sized Heaping Helping of Songs I Enjoyed
  1. "Journey of the Sorcerer" - Eagles, yes a new one to me too, what a fantastic instrumental to start things off. And yes, I do blame top selling GH Vol 71-75 for me missing this.
  2. "Love Is The Drug" - Roxy Music, a song I have always enjoyed since hearing this on FM radio in the early 80's, where it was still rightfully popular. Love that bass line and vocals are top notch.
  3. "Miracles" - Jefferson Starship, a favourite of my childhood from the radio at this time, Marty Balin's best song, solo or otherwise. Always a special place for this song from one of the greatest vocalists of this era, IMO. This song crossed many FM formats to be played often.
  4. "Man On The Silver Mountain" - Rainbow, probably the first song from this band that got me into them in the late 70s and into their various lineups. Lift my spirit higher, indeed!
  5. "Freeway Jam" - Jeff Beck, been a while since I heard this guitar powered instrumental, nice!
  6. "Down Down" - Status Quo, new to me as UK staples. Never made it in the US after they abandoned psychedelia for heavy boogie rock, heard here.
  7. "Spirits Of Ancient Egypt" - Wings, very cool song I had never heard. Had I not known who it was leading this off, I'd eventually say it was nice for Paul to help this band out on the backing vocals.
  8. "Wild Dogs" - Tommy Bolin, another new glam rock powerhouse that was quite enjoyable
  9. "Blue Red and Grey" - The Who, not one I was as familiar with, an acoustic gem off that lesser known album. Pete Townshend had very nice vocals here on his chance to shine as he does.
  10. "Lady" - Supertramp - "Album, What Album?" that I missed in between their classic ones. Similar sounds heard as on their other hits, but I liked how this one was keys dominated like many.
  11. "Tower" - Angel, saving the best new find for last in my Spinal Tap 11 list. A hard rock and glam rock band discovered by Kiss on a song that I thought really was fantastic. Reminded me of a Canadian band that hasn't yet been heard here, and maybe only few (including the OB1 here) would likely know.
The Big Winner
"The Snakes' Farewell to the Emerald Isle" - Horslips, I loved the flute in this chill instrumental by this Irish progressive folk-rock band we've heard before, but I didn't know this song either. Contenders in the Jethro Tull and early Genesis sound, I see they were big in Ireland and the UK, just not as familiar with in the US. One I'll be checking more out of given my enjoyment of similar sounding bands.

Top New Songs
  1. "The Salmon Song" - Steve Hillage, a classic 70's prog rocker I really liked from @mancity2012_eamo who is snagging some top spots this week here. Thanks!
  2. "Julia" - Pavlov's Dog, nice prog rock song offered by @Blue2112, which shows another US band I had missed, but sounded close to another Canadian band I well enjoy!
  3. "Play Don't Worry" - Mick Ronson, a great song from the glam guitarist with some nice vocals here adding to his usual strong guitar riffs.
  4. "Marcus Garvey" - Burning Spear, very nice chill Rastafarianism piece from a Jamaican legend
  5. "Rhayader" - Camel, great keys and flute interworking on this instrumental prog rock song
  6. "Seeland" - NEU!, as Rob noted, another nice instrumental track from a band that was neu to me
Top Songs I knew quite well
  1. "Cortez the Killer" - Neil Young, Crazy Horse, still have memories of seeing this performed live on their 1996 tour from the near front row, very powerful - hail 70's grunge inspiring the 90s!
  2. "Magic" - Pilot, I considered nominating this myself as a favourite singalong FM radio song from this time period
  3. "Dream Weaver" - Gary Wright, another song that was given new life thanks to Wayne and Garth
  4. "Fight the Power, Pts. 1&2" - The Isley Brothers, great funk song from that time period from a band still going strong
  5. "Tangled up in Blue" - Bob Dylan, don't know why, but I'm still a sucker for this song as one of my favourites from him
 
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Really_here said:
One for 1976 - "Achilles Last Stand" from Zep's "Presence" album. Loved that track at the time and still sounds good almost fifty years later (Jesus does typing that make me feel old!)
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PSA while Rob is traveling - 1976 starts on Tuesday as will be introduced by threespires.

If it isn't part of the first 10, then you can have at it. I'm thinking it won't (good thing OB1 has just gone!), but a great track off an underrated album with perhaps Plant's best vocals during the 7-9 minute mark?

An over 9 minute alert for one too!
 
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BimboBob said:
I'm quite upset that a lot of you had no idea about The Journey of the Sorcerer!

Does no one remember Hitchhikers Guide?
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If I admitted I hadn't seen it, does that excuse me, or am I in even more trouble?

I think even if I did, I wouldn't have recognized that song from Eagles either. At least it is getting high marks here!
 
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