BILLY COBHAM - "Spectrum" (1973)

 

One of the most intense records of 1973, and maybe any year for that matter, was this album by Percussionist Billy Cobham titled "Spectrum." Joining Billy is Jan Hammer on Keyboards, Lee Sklar on Fender Bass, and the phenomenal Tommy Bolin playing guitar. You might want to sit down before listening to this, because it just might make you dizzy!

BILLY COBHAM - "Quadrant 4"

 

JULIE DRISCOLL/BRIAN AUGER & THE TRINITY - "Open" (1968)

 

This album by Julie Driscoll/Brian Auger & The Trinity titled "Open," was too cool in back in 1968, and it's just as cool to this very day. The sound, the arrangements, the selection of tunes, were all choice. 57 years later, I still have this album, and for good reason. Soulful and funky, this record has stood the test of time but is appreciated by so few.

 

 Here's a song that was written by Roebuck "Pops" Staples of The Staples Singers, and Auge and Jools with the help of Clive Thacker on Drums, and Dave Ambrose on Bass, do it up right!

JULIE DRISCOLL/BRIAN AUGER & THE TRINITY - "Why (Am I Treated So Bad)

THE INCREDIBLE STRING BAND - "The 5000 Spirits Or Layers Of The Onion" (1967)

 

I bought this album by The Incredible String Band titled "The 5000 Spirits Or The Layers Of The Onion" back in 1967 or 1968, and to this day I still remember where it came from, and that's because I don't think I've ever heard another album quite like this one in my whole life.

From the incredible album cover to the incredible songs within, this record is just something else, and I don't even know what that something is, it's that baffling!

So many crazy songs, it was really hard to choose just one, but this one I've never gotten tired of listening to, something we've all experienced at one time or another,

THE INCREDIBLE STRING BAND - "No Sleep Blues"

THE STANDELLS - "Dirty Water" (1966)

 

I always thought that "Dirty Water" from 1966 was the first album released by The Standells, but they actually had an earlier record in 1964 called "In Person At P.J.'s" that was mostly all the standard cover tunes of the time that a whole lot of bands recorded like "Louie, Louie," and/or "Money."

 

The Standells are one of those bands that I can't for the life of me figure out why they are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On this album alone, they had two of the most iconic songs of the 60's that people still listen to today, "Dirty Water," and "Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White," and just like Paul Revere and the Raiders, it just doesn't make sense. 

The lead off song on this album is one that you don't hear often, or even at all, and I think it's a good one!

THE STANDELLS - "Medication"

 

Cool tune, but I think I like this instrumental version better! 

THE STANDELLS - "Medication" (Instrumental Version)

THE YOUNGBLOODS - "Elephant Mountain" (1969)

 

The Youngblood's 1969 album "Elephant Mountain" is one of those kinds of records I never get tired of listening to. It's happy, well played, goofy, and serious all at the same time. It's just a lot of fun to listen to, and here's a beautiful example of what I'm talking about.

THE YOUNGBLOODS - "Beautiful"

THE REEKERS - "Don't Call Me Flyface" (1964)

 

Even though this record came out sixty-one years ago, I just found out about it a couple of years ago.The band was from Garret Park, Maryland, and they were called The Reekers, and because they wanted a hit, they decided to release this song called "Don't Call Me Flyface."

This song is a truly maniacal and fascinating instrumental, and what I like to call the ultimate chase song that will just reach out a grab you, so enjoy.... 

THE REEKERS - "Don't Call Me Flyface"

 

DAN HICKS & HIS HOT LICKS - "Where's The Money?" (1971)

 

One of the most talented and underrated artists of all time has got to be Dan Hicks. I was fortunate enough to see Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks right after this album came out, and it was a night of pure magic. The songs, the vocals, the musicians, the harmonies and arrangements were all brilliant.

There's not a bad song on this album, so why not go with the title tune?

There's Dan on vocals and guitars, and then you have the amazing Maryann Price and Naomi Ruth Eisenberg on vocals, the incredible Sid Page on violin and mandolin, and, the oh so solid Jaime Leopold on bass.

I love this record!

DAN HICKS & HIS HOT LICKS - "Where's The Money?"