“Unfinished Music No. 1: Two Virgins” John and Yoko Apple Records 1968

With all due respect, this is a true cultural touchstone. Imagine, 40 years ago, the leader of the most famous musical group in the world and one of the leading social, political and creative voices of his generation releasing an album with a cover of himself and his new girlfriend posing for a full-frontal nude . The Beatles had the freedom to do whatever they wanted and the whole world was watching. (This was just the second record released on their own Apple label after George Harrison’s solo Wonderwall soundtrack.) With this radical “artistic” statement, (looped bits and pieces of music and conversation recorded one night prior to John and Yoko “consummating” their relationship), the Beatles of old were clearly no more. Perhaps it took this kind of “up yours” statement to tear himself from the group and his public image and begin his journey as a solo artist. The response to it, and Yoko, from the press and the fans was vitriolic and unkind.

(131 votes, average: 2.98 out of 5)

 Loading ...

Fred Emney on UK Decca. From Lp cover lover Henk who writes: “I like everything about this EP. The type is great, the artist looks like he’s going to explode with rage. He’s big and mean.” I love the monocle too.

(60 votes, average: 4.35 out of 5)

 Loading ...

“An Evening With Eddie Heywood and Billie Holiday” Commodore Records.   A 1960 release of recordings from 1944 sessions and an exquisite Chuck Stewart cover photo!

(37 votes, average: 3.46 out of 5)

 Loading ...

The Mitzvah Tree Original Songs for Young Jewish Children.   (1972)

(41 votes, average: 2.93 out of 5)

 Loading ...

Conway Twitty   “To See My Angel Cry” Decca Records   1970

(48 votes, average: 3.71 out of 5)

 Loading ...

“El Gitano Groseron”   Gildardo Montoya Y Su Conjunto   (Para Majores)   Victoria Records.

(57 votes, average: 3.91 out of 5)

 Loading ...

The Squires “Jesus, What A Name”   (Shoulda been the “squares”)

(43 votes, average: 2.95 out of 5)

 Loading ...

Vince Taylor et ses Play-boys. A French Odeon Ep. “Brand New Cadillac,” Pledging My Love, “I Like Love” “Right Behind You Baby” This guy was pretty cool and “Brand New Cadillac” is a certified classic. This is circa 1960. Check him out “Shakin’ All Over” on Youtube.

Strange side note: When he was seven years old, Taylor emigrated to America and settled in New Jersey where his father took work in a coal mine. Around 1955, his sister married Joe Barbera of Hanna-Barbera productions, the great animation and cartoon production company. As a result of the marriage, the family moved to California where Vincent attended Hollywood High. Joe became his manager and took him back to England where his career took off.

(49 votes, average: 3.63 out of 5)

 Loading ...

Orchestra Harlow   “Heavy Smokin'”   Larry Harlow, piano and leader with Felo Brito, solo voice; Julian Priester and Marc Weinstein, trombones; Luis Bonilla, conga; Ralph Castrello and Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros, trumpets; Monguito, maracas; etc.   Musical Director Johnny Pacheco.   Fania Records. (1965)   Cover photo: Lee Kraft.   Art Director: Izzy Sanabria

(45 votes, average: 3.27 out of 5)

 Loading ...

“Salty Songs for Underwater Listening”   Sung by Ruth Wallis   Arranged and conducted by Jimmy Carroll.

(42 votes, average: 4.05 out of 5)

 Loading ...