Best Albums of the 1960s

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261.

Oar 

 Alexander Spence

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"This is an album which I've felt many ways about at many different times. When I first heard it I thought it was an emperor's new clothes situation. I heard all the glowing reviews, heard the story of Skip Spence, the way this ramshackle, indescribable album influenced a lot of my favorite artist...""This is an album which I've felt many ways about at many different times. When I first heard it I thought it was an emperor's new clothes situation. I heard all the glowing reviews, heard the story of Skip Spence, the way this ramshackle, indescribable album influenced a lot of my favorite artists like Uncle Tupelo and Tom Waits, and then I heard the album and I was like "Man, this is just sloppy.". Then I came back to it, Something was calling me. There was something going on here. I just couldn't put my finger on it. I listened and I liked it! Then I listened again and I liked it more! Then, that moment came when it was 2am, I couldn't sleep, and the day was long behind and before me, I was a bit down and lost in my own head. I sat in my livingroom with almost no light outside of that emanating from my computer screen, and I just listened to this record. It was glorious. There is something here especially in tracks like "Weighted Down" and "Grey/Afro" and "Diana" which is low and so deeply broken hearted and lost that I just can't wrap my head around how Spence managed to capture such feelings. And on other tracks, like the constantly off kilter, sweetness of the opener "Little hands", there is something weird happening. Like the music isn't where I would ever expect it to be, the drums and the guitars are doing things at weird times which don't make sense! But the result is something special and strange and peerless. The record, again, is sloppy. And it is not a normal record at all. But the state of mind that the record captures is so rare, and its so unique and insightful into Spence's mental state that the album is just too good to ignore. Oh and a few quick thoughts: its super cool that spence recorded everything by himself here. Or at least almost everything, I'm pretty sure he literally plays everything himself here. His voice is all over the place, and the interesting throughout, it makes me sad that a 22 or 23 year old can wheeze out lines like "Diana, I am in pain" with such heartbreak and realness. I mean the kid was a kid. But already was dredging up the ugliest realities of life that I wouldn't expect anyone to feel at all or if ever until much later in life. Another random rapid fire thought: the guitar playing in "War In Peace" is so sharp and screaming and intense its really jawdropping. "weighted Down" is the deepest blues you'll hear from anyone not named Blind Willie Johnson, or Tommy Johnson, or Blind Lemon Jefferson,e tc. Its on this track that I can hear some roots to similar ramshackle americana veins mined by Waits in albums like Mule Variations and Bone Machine. Okay, that's all. This is an album almost sure to rise in my mind, due to just digging its claws deep into my psyche, until I can't listen to anything else. That inevitability hasn't happened yet. Still this is crazy good and probably should be higher than other albums on my list. Rating: 9.1/10"  [+]  Reply

- Mercury | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +2 votes (2 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1969

Appears in:

148 charts

Rank Score:

519

Rank in 1969:

68

Rank in 1960s:

261

Overall Rank:

2,965

Average Rating:

 75 (127 votes)

Comments:

8

262.

Free For All 

 Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers

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"This album is mentioned as a prime example of "What Rudy Van Gelder Did 'Wrong'" in an article under that title at the Reverb com site, which is a gear trading site all musicians go to. I recommend doing a search for that title and checking out the article for a brief but excellent discussion of ...""This album is mentioned as a prime example of "What Rudy Van Gelder Did 'Wrong'" in an article under that title at the Reverb com site, which is a gear trading site all musicians go to. I recommend doing a search for that title and checking out the article for a brief but excellent discussion of RVG (the superstar recording engineer for Blue Note records as I'm sure you know if you're here) and his recording techniques that he tried to keep secret, including comments from those who hate this kind of recording. On this album, the article says "Blakey’s drums are like a series of explosions, nearly blowing out the microphones and thoroughly drowning out Cedar Walton’s piano and Reggie Workman’s bass." It also says, and I agree, that this album is "some of the most visceral and exciting jazz you’ll ever hear in your life.""  [+]  Reply

- | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +2 votes (2 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1965

Appears in:

85 charts

Rank Score:

517

Rank in 1965:

23

Rank in 1960s:

262

Overall Rank:

2,973

Average Rating:

 77 (76 votes)

Comments:

1

263.

Shine On Brightly 

 Procol Harum

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"My favourite Procol Harum album. Every song is brilliant and it works so well as an album. Very underrated."  Reply

- clarkejames94 | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +2 votes (2 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1968

Appears in:

97 charts

Rank Score:

515

Rank in 1968:

47

Rank in 1960s:

263

Overall Rank:

2,987

Average Rating:

 77 (113 votes)

Comments:

3

264.

12 x 5 

 The Rolling Stones

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"First of all boys, nothing like this LP was ever released by Decca in the UK. It is a mish-mash of an EP, Singles, a UK B-side, and random album tracks put together this way only because of the greed of London Records. An album was supposed to be released that contained only tracks recorded at th...""First of all boys, nothing like this LP was ever released by Decca in the UK. It is a mish-mash of an EP, Singles, a UK B-side, and random album tracks put together this way only because of the greed of London Records. An album was supposed to be released that contained only tracks recorded at the infamous Chess Studios but it never came to be. Every comment on this site completely misses the boat on this album except for one. The treasures are the Chess songs recorded in true stereo. The real Stones, with Brian Jones, only recorded at Olympic Studios, London, RCA Studios, Hollywood, and Chess Studios, Chicago. Only the studio and engineers at Chess were able to capture the Stones at their best. This LP contains 6 tracks from I believe two Chess sessions. These are the true gems. These tracks were not "rushed", since many of the musicians they idolized, Howlin' Wolf, Chuck Berry, Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters, etc recorded primarily at Chess. They were challenged to play Chicago Blues as competently as they could. "Congradulations" is an enjoyable cut but is a pedestrian effort from the Glimmer Twins along with "Grown Up Wrong". The Stones cover of Bobby Womack's "It's All Over Now" hit #1 in the UK. This album contains the version of "Time Is On My Side" that was recorded at Olympic, not the superior version laid down at Chess but it still hit #1 in the UK. The other track of note is the cover of The Drifters "Under the Boardwalk" which actually hit #1 in Australia. As one can see from reading the aforementioned remarks, this LP is ranked abysmally low on this site."  [+]  Reply

- DrRoberts99 | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +3 votes (3 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1964

Appears in:

147 charts

Rank Score:

507

Rank in 1964:

23

Rank in 1960s:

264

Overall Rank:

3,025

Average Rating:

 74 (271 votes)

Comments:

15

265.

Scott 2 

 Scott Walker

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"Although it's not quite as inventive as his later records, this is my personal favorite of Scott Walker's albums. His voice stands out as an incredible force that very few can compare to. Many of the best songs are from the Jacques Brel catalog that Walker borrowed from so often early on, and his...""Although it's not quite as inventive as his later records, this is my personal favorite of Scott Walker's albums. His voice stands out as an incredible force that very few can compare to. Many of the best songs are from the Jacques Brel catalog that Walker borrowed from so often early on, and his selections are excellent. "  [+]  Reply

- meccalecca | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +3 votes (3 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1968

Appears in:

127 charts

Rank Score:

500

Rank in 1968:

48

Rank in 1960s:

265

Overall Rank:

3,054

Average Rating:

 76 (164 votes)

Comments:

5

266.

The Kink Kontroversy 

 The Kinks

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"The Kinks' classic 1965 album "The Kink Kontroversy" has now also been released in a deluxe edition. The original mono album comprises CD 1 while CD 2 is an exciting mix of singles, demos, outtakes and BBC liverecordings. The original album ought not require a detailed presentation, one can only ...""The Kinks' classic 1965 album "The Kink Kontroversy" has now also been released in a deluxe edition. The original mono album comprises CD 1 while CD 2 is an exciting mix of singles, demos, outtakes and BBC liverecordings. The original album ought not require a detailed presentation, one can only affirm that it is one of the most important early Kinks albums; not least because of strong songs like "To the End of The Day", "I'm on an Island, "Where Have All The Good Times Gone" and "Ring the Bells" The same raw unpolished sound that characterizes the album is present on the contemporary single-tracks "Dedicated Follwer of Fashion," "Sitting On My Sofa" and "I'm Not Like Everubody Else" - all three well-known Kinks classics which are all included on CD 2 . "Mr. Reporter" was at a certain point considered for Dave Davies never released solo album, but here you have a fine version with Ray Davies as lead singer. Alternative versions of "Dedicated Follwer of Fashion" and "I'm Not Like Everybody Else" are found too - especially the former is very interesting. "Time Will Tell" is a nice out-take, which probably never got the final touch - could easily have fitted the original album. "And I Will Love You" is an unreleased EP number, which also sounds a little unfinished and sonically more would fit into "Kinda Kinks" "All Night Stand" is a demo of a fine little song that was never used for any release. Second half of the CD are BBC liverecordings, of which two have not been previously released. All in all a nice release, where the sound is definitely better than on most previously issued CD versions of the album."  [+]  Reply

- Rovers | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +2 votes (3 helpful | 1 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1965

Appears in:

167 charts

Rank Score:

498

Rank in 1965:

24

Rank in 1960s:

266

Overall Rank:

3,061

Average Rating:

 76 (236 votes)

Comments:

13

267.

Muddy Waters At Newport 1960 
Live

 Muddy Waters

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"Blues doesn't hold my interest for long, but this is a clear master doing his thing live."  Reply

- planetneutral | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +3 votes (3 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1960

Appears in:

176 charts

Rank Score:

494

Rank in 1960:

9

Rank in 1960s:

267

Overall Rank:

3,083

Average Rating:

 77 (175 votes)

Comments:

6

268.

Song For My Father (Cantiga Para Meu Pai) 

 Horace Silver Quintet

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"Tracks 1 (reprised at 6), 2, and 5 are especially strong. A nice blend of traditional and modern styles (at least modern by 1964 standards). Still sounds fresh and dynamic all these years later. The middle two tracks are excellent as well, but not up to the level as the bookends. 9.5/10!"  Reply

- alexandermause | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1965

Appears in:

163 charts

Rank Score:

493

Rank in 1965:

25

Rank in 1960s:

268

Overall Rank:

3,094

Average Rating:

 79 (141 votes)

Comments:

1

269.

Miles Smiles 

 Miles Davis Quintet

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"The people rating this album are smoking dope. This is the highest form of high art. The most gifted band in Jazz, performing the most inspired music, live to a recording device. Nothing short of unbelievable what they pulled off here. This is one of a few albums that had every member at top form...""The people rating this album are smoking dope. This is the highest form of high art. The most gifted band in Jazz, performing the most inspired music, live to a recording device. Nothing short of unbelievable what they pulled off here. This is one of a few albums that had every member at top form, pushing one-another to stretch the boundaries of music, and Tony Williams was indeed the "creative spark." Miles could take any tune and make it evil, and this work starts out threatening, foreboding, and out of perfect step with the heavy tune titled Orbits. A historic tune on its very own. Then what do they lay down, but another gem in "Circles," and Herbie delivers a historic solo piece. Then "Footprints" rocks the world. If every song other than Footprints sucked, the album would still be required listening among jazz fans. They pull of voodoo magic with timing in that song, and Miles proves to the world that he could arrange like none other. Check Waynes version on Adam's Apple...he missed the boat with the direction and time changes, and Miles hit the nail on the goddamned head. As did the whole band. Dolores fits like a key in this album. But then, what do they lay down? They kill it with two of the hardest-driving tunes they could possibly produce. THE ENERGY in those tunes! You are littering in the Grand Canyon. You are filling Yosemite with a lake. YOU are blaspheming against God and Nature by not reckoning just how brilliant this album is. This album is one of the few 5 stars. "  [+]  Reply

- Patrickmcconnell | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +5 votes (5 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1967

Appears in:

155 charts

Rank Score:

492

Rank in 1967:

40

Rank in 1960s:

269

Overall Rank:

3,097

Average Rating:

 80 (175 votes)

Comments:

3

270.

Walk Away Renée / Pretty Ballerina 

 The Left Banke

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""Walk Away Renee/Pretty Ballerina" reviews itself. Walk Away Renee and Pretty Ballerina are absolutely fantastic tracks, and the rest, although not bad, aren't worth a mention."  Reply

- Xavygravy | Helpful?  (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful) A maximum of 5 top-voted qualifying comments are selected for each album. To provide the best experience for visitors, comments are excluded if they refer to data corrections, contain excessive profanity, are written in all caps, are non-English, are too short, consist of conversations between users, or contain lists of best tracks etc.

Year of Release:

1967

Appears in:

102 charts

Rank Score:

491

Rank in 1967:

41

Rank in 1960s:

270

Overall Rank:

3,103

Average Rating:

 76 (92 votes)

Comments:

6

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Total albums: 1,000. Page 27 of 100

Best Albums of the 1960s composition

Top 1,000 Top 500 Top 250 Top 100

Year	Albums	%
1960	58	6%
1961	66	7%
1962	50	5%
1963	52	5%
1964	69	7%
1965	89	9%
1966	97	10%
1967	140	14%
1968	189	19%
1969	190	19%

Artist	Albums	%
The Beatles	17	2%
The Beach Boys	15	2%
The Rolling Stones	14	1%
John Coltrane	13	1%
Miles Davis	12	1%
Bob Dylan	10	1%
Nina Simone	10	1%
Show all

Country	Albums	%
	636	64%
	200	20%
	38	4%
	23	2%
	23	2%
	17	2%
	11	1%
Show all

Compilation?	Albums	%
No	971	97%
Yes	29	3%

Live?	Albums	%
No	960	96%
Yes	40	4%

Soundtrack?	Albums	%
No	979	98%
Yes	21	2%