Album Chart of 1971

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Album Chart of 1971

info.png 68 tracks, runtime 5h 15m. The playlist features the highest-rated track from each album (subject to what's available on YouTube) in chart order, with a minimum individual track-rating of 6.5 required for inclusion. To view the full tracklist, access shuffle-play or avoid in-play interruption due to territorially blocked videos, it might be best playing directly via YouTube external-link.png
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THEY WERE ONLY 27

Following the recent tragic losses of Brian Jones, Al Wilson, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison becomes the latest in a freakish line of 27 year-olds to suffer deaths by mis-adventure, all being linked to some sort of substance abuse. Just 10 weeks had passed since the release of “L.A. Woman” when he was found dead in July, in his new Parisian apartment by his girlfriend, Pamela Courson. What was it with these young people? Playing dice with your life through hard drugs – it doesn’t get much un-cooler than that.

A wiser old head, John Lee Hooker, paid a tribute to Hendrix and Joplin on this years “Hooker n Heat” LP. His “Kick Hit 4 Hit Kix U (Blues For Jimi And Janis)” doubled-up by firing a warning shot to the kids of the day:

“Lookey here, I'm gonna tell you a story about two friends whom I known, and the whole world knowed 'em, the one and only Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin, who passed on from the needle… Stop shootin' those needles, and stop swallowin' in those pills, that needle's too heavy man, your heart can't take it none. Hey, hey, I know, so many young folks, they're hooked, they're doomed to die”

The Doors finally delivered the blues-heavy album that Jim Morrison had been hankering to make for a long time. Likewise, Janis Joplin finally realised her own soulful blues vision with her own group, and arrangements done her way; “Pearl” was quite the parting gift to the world. Al Wilson's star continued to shine, with Canned Heat’s collaboration with John Lee Hooker, “Hooker n Heat” finally seeing release. Further to the May '70 sessions, Hooker had called him “the greatest harmonica player ever” – quite some tribute from a seasoned, well-travelled bluesman.

Meanwhile, in the land of the living, Leonard Cohen continues his impressive streak of delivering an awesome LP every 2 years, Mr Fox maintain the high standards they had set in 1970, and the little known Usizwe Namatshitshi ensemble from South Africa deliver two sets which both nestle in to my Top 10 of the year. At this time, there’s a hugely unique and exciting jive scene going down in the townships which is bypassing the rest of the world.

Led Zeppelin continue to rock majestically, whilst Marc Bolan’s T Rex vision continues to get bigger and bolder with every passing year.

Singer-songwriters seem omnipresent in 1971, and Loudon Wainwright III, John Prine, Bridget St. John, Rodriguez, Karen Dalton, Melanie and Joni Mitchell prove themselves to be amongst the very best of ‘em.

The Jukebox Rebel
27-Mar-2016

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L.A. WOMAN
The Doors
Elektra EKS-75011
the USA
9.17 “A masterpiece” Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “L’America” (10) • “Love Her Madly” (10) • “The Wasp (Texas Radio And The Big Beat)” (9.8)
TJR says“L.A. Woman” is a true masterpiece; a fierce celebration of the group’s punk-blues sensibilities. Mr Mojo Risin and his ...more →

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SONGS OF LOVE AND HATE
Leonard Cohen
Columbia C-30103
Canada
8.70 “A classic” Folk; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Diamonds In The Mine” (10) • “Avalanche” (9.8) • “Dress Rehearsal Rag” (9.4)
TJR says“Well I stepped into an avalanche, it covered up my soul” said the grotesque hunchback in a resigned, world-weary mo...more →

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THE GIPSY
Mr. Fox
Transatlantic Records TRA-236
England
8.11 “Excellent” Folk

Jukebox picks: “The Gipsy” (8.9) • “House Carpenter” (8.4) • “Mendle” (8.3)
TJR saysHaving lost the strings and wind of Andrew Massey and John Myatt (on financial rather than artistic grounds) it might ha...more →

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PEARL
Janis Joplin
CBS S-64188
the USA
7.98 “Brilliant” Soul Ballad; Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Cry Baby” (9.2) • “Mercedes Benz” (9.0) • “Move Over” (8.8)
TJR saysDespite the trials and tribulations of her personal life, Janis Joplin was at the peak of her powers at the turn of the ...more →

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YITHI SIFIKILE
Usizwe Namatshitshi
CBS LAB-4029
South Africa
7.79 “Brilliant” Africana

Jukebox picks: “Siyobohla Manyosi” (9.2) • “Ungamthembi Umuntu” (8.8) • “Sithunyiwe Bakithi” (8.5)
TJR saysIn South Africa ’71, Rupert Bopape’s Mavuthela Music had some serious album market competition from Hamilton Nzimande’s ...more →

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LED ZEPPELIN IV
Led Zeppelin
Atlantic 2401012
England
7.58 “Brilliant” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Going To California” (8.7) • “The Battle Of Evermore” (8.6) • “When The Levee Breaks” (8.1)
TJR saysSo you get a folk group and a rock group on the same top value package? And they’re brilliant in both genres? Yes please...more →

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ALBUM II
Loudon Wainwright III
Atlantic SD-8291
the USA
7.33 “Really good” Folk; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Old Paint” (9.2) • “I Know I’m Unhappy / Suicide Song / Glenville Reel” (8.7) • “Be Careful, There’s A Baby In The House” (8.0)
TJR saysThe second LP from the 24 year-old purveyor of humour-laden singer-songwriter gloom, sometimes devoid of humour, was rel...more →

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NOMA UNGAYAPHI BAKHALA NGATHI
Usizwe Namatshitshi
CBS LAB-4022
South Africa
7.31 “Really good” Africana

Jukebox picks: “Uyangizungeza Lombemu” (8.9) • “Madoda Sesikhathele” (8.2) • “Emakhuzeni” (8.0)
TJR saysBy the dawn of the seventies, there was more to the vibrant South African music scene than just Gallo Music. The popular...more →

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ELECTRIC WARRIOR
T. Rex
Fly Records HIFLY-6
England
7.18 “Really good” Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Mambo Sun” (9.2) • “Lean Woman Blues” (8.6) • “Get It On” (7.5)
TJR saysStraight from the off on “Mambo Sun” Dr. Strange has me howling like a loon beneath the bebop moon. His new group ar...more →

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JOHN PRINE
John Prine
Atlantic SD-8296
the USA
7.11 “Really good” Country; Folk; Folk Rock / Americana

Jukebox picks: “Pretty Good” (9.1) • “Sam Stone [original album version]” (8.0) • “Far From Me [original abum version]” (7.8)
TJR saysA product of Chicago’s country-folk revival of the late 60s, Prine was offered a recording contract by Jerry Wexler of A...more →

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TAGO MAGO
Can
United Artists Records UAS 29 211/12 X
Germany
6.99 “Good” Trance Rock

Jukebox picks: “Halleluhwah” (9.2) • “Oh Yeah” (7.9) • “Aumgn” (7.3)
TJR saysArriving in February 1971 was this boundary-pushing double-album set from Köln’s repetitive groove monsters. With Japane...more →

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SCHOOL DAYS
Scotty
Crystal Records 1006
Jamaica
6.97 “Good” Reggae; Ska / Rocksteady

Jukebox picks: “Draw Your Brakes” (9.8) • “Sing Along” (8.7) • “Jam Rock Style” (8.0)
TJR saysAlready 4 years in the business, the debut LP from the 20-year-old showman arrived mid-way through 1971, produced by Der...more →

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SONGS FOR THE GENTLE MAN
Bridget St. John
Dandelion Records DAN-8007
England
6.78 “Good” Folk; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Back To Stay” (8.3) • “Seagull-Sunday” (7.9) • “The Lady And The Gentle Man” (7.2)
TJR saysBridget St. John only ever sings songs that she can relate to; songs that mean something to her; songs that come from he...more →

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COMING FROM REALITY
Rodriguez
Sussex SXBS-7012
the USA
6.66 “Good” Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Cause” (9.8) • “Sandrevan Lullaby Lifestyles” (7.4) • “A Most Disgusting Song” (6.9)
TJR saysOn his second album, there’s a general sense that his bitter stories of bad drugs, broken dreams and ghetto struggles ha...more →

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HUNKY DORY
David Bowie
RCA Victor LSP-4623
England
6.55 “Good” Pop

Jukebox picks: “Queen Bitch” (8.9) • “Changes” (8.3) • “Life On Mars?” (8.0)
TJR saysEach passing album has been getting better since 1967 – “Hunky Dory” is the first proper good ‘un. Previous bass player ...more →

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MUSWELL HILLBILLIES
The Kinks
RCA Victor SF-8243
England
6.55 “Good” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Rock

Jukebox picks: “20th Century Man” (8.6) • “Holiday” (7.6) • “Muswell Hillbilly” (7.5)
TJR saysMusically, another uniquely Kinks affair, marrying trad English brass with American country rock. The brass section incl...more →

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SOUL REVOLUTION PART II
Bob Marley and The Wailers
Upsetter
Jamaica
6.53 “Good” Reggae; Soul

Jukebox picks: “Keep On Moving [album version '71]” (8.0) • “Sun Is Shining [album version '71]” (7.5) • “Duppy Conqueror [album version '71]” (7.3)
TJR saysThe Wailers early 70s mission to deliver a new soulful brand of reggae moves on from last years’ part I (“Soul Rebels”) ...more →

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IN MY OWN TIME
Karen Dalton
Just Sunshine Records PAS-6008
the USA
6.50 “Good” Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Something On Your Mind” (9.7) • “Same Old Man” (8.2) • “Katie Cruel” (7.7)
TJR saysThe Karen Dalton album story ends here – although it doesn’t quite have the strength in depth of her 1969 debut, it’s an...more →

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THE GOOD BOOK
Melanie
Buddah Records BDS-95000
the USA
6.48 “Decent enough” Songwriter; Folk

Jukebox picks: “Babe Rainbow” (8.9) • “Good Book” (7.9) • “The Saddest Thing” (7.2)
TJR saysThis was the final newly conceived album on Buddah Records from the 24 year-old New Yorker, what with the label attempti...more →

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GARDEN IN THE CITY
Melanie
Buddah Records BDS-5095
the USA
6.48 “Decent enough” Folk Rock / Americana; Folk

Jukebox picks: “People In The Front Row” (8.8) • “Garden In The City” (8.1) • “Stop! I Don’t Wanna Hear It Anymore” (6.4)
TJR saysBy the time of this release in November 1971, Melanie had left Buddah Records and signed with Neighbourhood. In a move w...more →

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BLUE
Joni Mitchell
Reprise Records MS-2038
Canada
6.45 “Decent enough” Songwriter; Folk Rock / Americana

Jukebox picks: “Carey” (8.4) • “All I Want” (7.4) • “This Flight Tonight” (7.2)
TJR saysShe wants to have fun and shine in the sun but personal politics are making the lady blue on her 4th LP. The brave lass ...more →

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RAT ON!
Swamp Dogg
Elektra EKS-74089
the USA
6.44 “Decent enough” Soul; Soul Ballad

Jukebox picks: “That Ain’t My Wife” (8.0) • “I Kissed Your Face” (7.4) • “Remember I Said Tomorrow” (7.2)
TJR saysThe cover features the black man, Swamp Dogg, riding on the back of an oversized white rat – unusual! He’s an off-the-wa...more →

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STICKY FINGERS
The Rolling Stones
Rolling Stones Records COC-59100
England
6.42 “Decent enough” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Folk Rock / Americana

Jukebox picks: “Moonlight Mile” (8.1) • “Brown Sugar” (7.9) • “You Gotta Move” (7.7)
TJR saysFor their first of the new decade, released in the springtime of ’71, the Stones now lined up: Mick Jagger (27, lead voc...more →

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HISTOIRE DE MELODY NELSON
Serge Gainsbourg
Philips 6397 020
France
6.37 “Decent enough” Cerebral Pop

Jukebox picks: “Cargo culte” (8.3) • “Melody” (8.1) • “Valse de Melody” (6.7)
TJR says“Histoire de Melody Nelson” is regarded by many critics and fans to be Gainsbourg's magnum opus. The concept album has a...more →

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ENDLESS BOOGIE
John Lee Hooker
ABC LP-720
the USA
6.36 “Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “House Rent Boogie [1970 version]” (9.3) • “Kick Hit 4 Hit Kix U (Blues For Jimi And Janis)” (7.5) • “(I Got) A Good ’Un” (6.5)
TJR saysThe 53 year-old journeyman lands with ABC for his latest offering – a highly polished full-group effort, but a highly re...more →

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SHOOT YOU FULL OF LOVE
Wilbert Harrison
Juggernaut JUG STLP-8803
the USA
6.33 “Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Down On The Corner” (7.9) • “Near To You” (7.2) • “Things I Used To Do” (7.1)
TJR saysFollowing on from his revival success with “Let’s Work Together”, Wilbert recorded two albums for Juggy Murray – “Let’s ...more →

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THERE’S A RIOT GOIN’ ON
Sly and The Family Stone
Epic KE-30986
the USA
6.29 “Decent enough” Disco / Funk

Jukebox picks: “Family Affair” (7.5) • “Luv n' Haight” (7.0) • “Africa Talks to You 'The Asphalt Jungle'” (7.0)
TJR says“What’s going on?” asked Marvin. “There’s a riot going on” replied Sly. Slow and low, these stark and dark urban grooves...more →

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TEENAGE HEAD
The Flamin’ Groovies
Kama Sutra KSBS-2031
the USA
6.26 “Decent enough” Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “High Flyin’ Baby” (7.2) • “Doctor Boogie” (7.2) • “Teenage Head” (6.8)
TJR saysDecent fourth album from the gritty Californian power rockers, running a full range of Rock n Roll which digs dirtily al...more →

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SURF’S UP
The Beach Boys
Reprise Records RS-6453
the USA
6.22 “Decent enough” Psychedelia

Jukebox picks: “Take a Load Off Your Feet” (7.8) • “Surf's Up” (7.2) • “Don't Go Near the Water” (7.1)
TJR saysThe Beach Boys ironically titled 1971 LP stands in contrast to the group’s reinvention as a socially conscious unit. Alb...more →

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HOOKER ’N HEAT
John Lee Hooker and Canned Heat
Liberty LP-35002
the USA
6.20 “Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “The World Today” (8.1) • “Whiskey And Wimmen [1970 version]” (7.4) • “Burning Hell” (7.3)
TJR saysRecorded in L.A. in May 1970, 17 John Lee Hooker songs. Reworks several tracks from the Hooker back-albums, but all trac...more →

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A NICKEL AND A NAIL AND ACE OF SPADES
O.V. Wright
Back Beat BLP-70
the USA
6.20 “Decent enough” Soul Ballad; Soul

Jukebox picks: “Eight Men, Four Women” (7.3) • “Ace Of Spades [main version]” (6.7) • “Afflicted” (6.7)
TJR saysHelping to plug the gap left by the demise of Otis Redding, O.V. Wright was keeping the Southern Soul flag flying proudl...more →

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MACKA FAT
Jackie Mittoo
Studio One SOL-1120
Jamaica
6.17 “Decent enough” Reggae

Jukebox picks: “Ghetto Organ” (7.5) • “Lazy Bones” (7.4) • “Whoa Whoa” (7.2)
TJR saysA tidy all-instrumental set from the 23-year-old keyboardist, produced by Clement Dodd at Studio One. Features only two ...more →

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STRANGE LOCOMOTION
Siren
Dandelion Records DAN-8001
England
6.03 “Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Some Dark Day” (7.7) • “Soon” (7.4) • “Relaxing With Bonnie Lou” (6.5)
TJR saysArriving at the beginning of '71 was the second and final LP from the Peel favourites who lined up: Kevin Coyne (guitar,...more →

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LIQUID ACROBAT AS REGARDS THE AIR
The Incredible String Band
Island Records ILPS-9172
Scotland
6.02 “Decent enough” Folk

Jukebox picks: “Darling Belle” (7.2) • “Talking Of The End” (6.5) • “Here Till Here Is There” (6.4)
TJR saysArriving in October was the second LP of the year from the Incredible String Band. Having split with Mike, Rose Simpson ...more →

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THE BRAND NEW Z.Z. HILL
Z.Z. Hill
Mankind 201
the USA
5.94 “Average” Soul; Soul Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Faithful And True” (7.3) • “Second Chance” (6.5) • “Choking Kind” (6.5)
TJR saysArriving in October, 1971, “The Brand New Z.Z. Hill” was the second full-length from the 36-year-old soul man, now recor...more →

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FATS
Fats Domino
Reprise Records RS-6439
the USA
5.90 “Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Soul

Jukebox picks: “I’m Going To Cross That River” (7.6) • “These Old Shoes” (6.7) • “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” (6.4)
TJR saysRecorded in 1970 and produced by Dave Bartholomew. 2 reworkings onboard - “Wait Till It Happens To You” (Fats Is Bac...more →

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TONY JOE WHITE
Tony Joe White
Warner Bros. Records WS 1900
the USA
5.90 “Average” Rock

Jukebox picks: “I Just Walked Away” (7.5) • “Five Summers For Jimmy” (7.3) • “A Night In The Life Of A Swamp Fox” (6.4)
TJR saysHis stint at Monument now over, Tony Joe White signed with Warner Bros. in an attempt to propel his status further upwar...more →

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SHE USED TO WANNA BE A BALLERINA
Buffy Saint-Marie
Vanguard VSD-79311
Canada
5.88 “Average” Songwriter; Folk Rock / Americana

Jukebox picks: “Song Of The French Partisan” (7.8) • “Helpless” (6.8) • “Soldier Blue” (6.5)
TJR saysThe experimental goth-folk tones of the preceding “Illuminations” had not sold well, and Buffy was under label pressure ...more →

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AQUALUNG
Jethro Tull
Island Records ILPS-9145
England
5.86 “Average” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Wond'ring Aloud” (7.9) • “Mother Goose” (6.7) • “Cheap Day Return” (6.2)
TJR saysTheir fourth long-player “Aqualung” was released in March, 1971. Considering the acclaim, their reputation for being ove...more →

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SAN FRANCISCO DUES
Chuck Berry
Chess ‎CH-50008
the USA
5.86 “Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “Lonely School Days [1966 version]” (6.5) • “Oh Louisiana” (6.4) • “Let’s Do Our Thing Together” (6.2)
TJR saysNot too bad, but not too great either. Another kinda predictable set of “Chuck by numbers”, all penned by the man himsel...more →

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PIECES OF A MAN
Gil Scott-Heron
Flying Dutchman FD-10143
the USA
5.79 “Average” Jazz; Disco / Funk

Jukebox picks: “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised [album version ’71]” (9.9) • “Home Is Where The Hatred Is [original album version]” (7.0) • “When You Are Who You Are” (6.5)
TJR saysHad I been there at the time, after the hard-hitting rap debut I'd have been kinda hoping that Scott-Heron might have de...more →

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TUPELO HONEY
Van Morrison
Warner Bros. Records WS-1950
Northern Ireland
5.76 “Average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Country

Jukebox picks: “(Straight To Your Heart) Like A Cannonball” (6.7) • “Starting A New Life” (6.7) • “Wild Night” (6.6)
TJR saysA Top 30 album in the States, but a bit of a flop in Britain and Europe where it failed to chart; deemed too American pe...more →

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LINK WRAY
Link Wray
Polydor 24-4064
the USA
5.75 “Average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Soul

Jukebox picks: “Rise And Fall Of Jimmy Stokes” (6.9) • “Fallin' Rain” (6.7) • “Juke Box Mama” (6.6)
TJR saysLink's self-titled released of '71 is probably best described as a homemade bluesy brand of southern rock, recorded in h...more →

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EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY
Rod Stewart
Mercury 7142 042
England
5.74 “Average” Folk Rock / Americana

Jukebox picks: “Mandolin Wind” (7.2) • “Seems Like A Long Time” (6.4) • “Maggie May” (6.1)
TJR saysMassive album for the 26-year-old AOR star, number one on both sides of the Atlantic, regarded as his pièce de résistanc...more →

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LET THE BOSSMAN SPEAK
Jimmy Reed
Blues On Blues BOB-10001
the USA
5.69 “Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Help Me At Dinnertime” (6.8) • “Bright Lights, Big City [1971 version]” (6.6) • “Cold Chills” (6.4)
TJR saysJimmy's second LP of the 70s was issued on his old pal Al Smith's new label, Blues on Blues. By this stage, the 45-year-...more →

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BE GLAD FOR THE SONG HAS NO ENDING
The Incredible String Band
Island Records ILPS-9140
Scotland
5.63 “Average” Folk

Jukebox picks: “All Writ Down” (7.4) • “Waiting For You” (6.1) • “The Song Has No Ending, Pts. 1-9” (5.4)
TJR saysThey line up: Robin Williamson (bass, claves, fiddle, finger cymbals, gimbri, guitar, keyboard, mandolin, piano, sarangu...more →

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TEASER AND THE FIRECAT
Cat Stevens
Island Records ILPS-9154
England
5.62 “Average” Folk; Folk Rock / Americana; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Changes IV” (6.8) • “Moonshadow” (6.5) • “Tuesday’s Dead” (6.4)
TJR saysA consistently likeable singer-songwriter, even if he sometimes veers towards the drippy a la “Morning Has Broken”. ...more →

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WHITE LIGHT
Gene Clark
A&M Records SP-4292
the USA
5.53 “Average” Folk Rock / Americana

Jukebox picks: “For A Spanish Guitar” (7.8) • “Where My Love Lies Asleep” (6.9) • “The Virgin” (6.8)
TJR saysFourth album from the 26-year-old former Byrd, critically acclaimed in the country rock / folk rock realms, although it ...more →

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BAVON MARIE MARIE ACCOMPAGNE PAR JULES CELESTIN AND L’ORCHESTRE VOX-ACTION
Bavon Marie Marie accompagne par Jules Celestin and L’orchestre Vox-Action
Ngoma J-33-012
the D.R. Congo
5.53 “Average” Africana

Jukebox picks: “Ba Famille Bakoti” (7.6) • “Succes Ya Ba Ndombe” (6.6) • “Sala Lokola Mobali” (6.4)
TJR saysThe younger brother of Franco Luambo Makiadi, one of Africa’s greatest musical icons, Bavon Luambo Siongo (more commonly...more →

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ELECTRONIC MAGNETISM
Solomon Burke
MGM Records SE-4767
the USA
5.50 “Average” Soul; Soul Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Bridge Of Life” (8.4) • “Together We’ll Light Up The World” (8.2) • “PSR 1983” (6.1)
TJR saysThe 1st of 3 albums for MGM. 2 back album tracks get a reworking - “You Can Run But You Can’t Hide” and “No Man Wa...more →

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MAGGOT BRAIN
Funkadelic
Westbound Records WB-2007
the USA
5.46 “Below average” Disco / Funk

Jukebox picks: “Maggot Brain” (7.0) • “Wars of Armageddon” (6.1) • “Hit It and Quit It” (5.9)
TJR saysNicely crafted album from the cultish psychedelic rock groovers, if a bit dull in the middle. Ten minute opener “Maggo...more →

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PERCY
The Kinks
Pye Records NSPL-18365
England
5.45 “Below average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Cerebral Pop; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Dreams” (8.9) • “Completely” (6.4) • “Moments” (6.2)
TJR saysThe soundtrack album for the 1971 British comedy film based on a novel of the same name by Raymond Hitchcock. Plot: “E...more →

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HERE COMES THE SUN
Nina Simone
RCA LSP-4536
the USA
5.36 “Below average” Cerebral Pop; Pop Ballad; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Just Like A Woman” (6.6) • “My Way” (6.5) • “Mr. Bojangles” (5.8)
TJR saysIn the RCA studios for a fully orchestrated covers set, simultaneously middle-of-the-road but nonetheless imaginative wi...more →

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IMAGINE
John Lennon
Apple Records PAS-10004
England
5.28 “Below average” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Pop Ballad; Rock

Jukebox picks: “Imagine” (7.7) • “Gimme Some Truth” (6.8) • “I Don't Want To Be A Soldier” (5.8)
TJR saysI find it's best not to expect much from the ex-Beatles, and the latest from the 30-year-old John Lennon certainly doesn...more →

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SHAFT
Isaac Hayes
Enterprise ENS-2-5002
the USA
5.28 “Below average” Disco / Funk; Cerebral Pop; Pop Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Do Your Thing” (7.1) • “Theme From Shaft” (6.9) • “Walk from Regio's” (6.6)
TJR saysThere's not too much to get excited about on this sprawling, almost inevitably patchy, double album set. Largely ins...more →

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QUICKSILVER
Quicksilver
Capitol Records SW-819
the USA
5.24 “Below average” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Rebel” (8.5) • “I Found Love” (7.0) • “Fire Brothers” (5.5)
TJR saysMembership of the group continued to fluctuate; John Cipollina and Nicky Hopkins left after the chaotic recording experi...more →

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KING FLOYD
King Floyd
Cotillion SD-9047
the USA
5.23 “Below average” Soul

Jukebox picks: “Groove Me” (7.6) • “Messing Up My Mind” (6.9) • “Let Us Be” (6.2)
TJR saysPatchy album from the 26-year-old New Orleans soul singer and songwriter, commendable for featuring his great Top 10 hit...more →

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MASTER OF REALITY
Black Sabbath
Vertigo 6360-050
England
5.11 “Below average” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Into The Void” (6.2) • “Sweet Leaf” (5.4) • “Lord Of This World” (5.4)
TJR saysThe 3rd Sabbath is mostly comprised of slower and heavier songs, interspersed with quieter acoustic songs written by Ton...more →

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A NOD IS AS GOOD AS A WINK… TO A BLIND HORSE
Faces
Warner Bros. Records K-56006
England
5.08 “Below average” Rock

Jukebox picks: “That's All You Need” (6.6) • “Stay With Me” (5.7) • “Love Lives Here” (5.5)
TJR saysThird album from the London five-piece who lined up: Rod Stewart (lead vocals, harmonica), Ronnie Lane (bass, acoustic g...more →

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TAPESTRY
Carole King
Ode Records SP-77009
the USA
5.04 “Below average” Pop; Pop Ballad; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Way Over Yonder” (7.2) • “You've Got a Friend” (6.2) • “I Feel the Earth Move” (6.0)
TJR saysThe second album from the newly turned 29-year-old singer-songwriter arrived in February, 1971. She's obviously an amazi...more →

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IF I COULD ONLY REMEMBER MY NAME
David Crosby
Atlantic SD-7203
the USA
4.94 “Poor” Soft Rock / A.O.R.

Jukebox picks: “What Are Their Names” (6.3) • “Laughing” (5.6) • “Music Is Love” (5.3)
TJR saysListed second on the Vatican's “Top 10 Pop Albums of All Time”. THIS REALLY HAPPENED. In 2010, the official newspaper of...more →

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WHO’S NEXT
The Who
Track Record 2408 102
England
4.89 “Poor” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Won’t Get Fooled Again” (6.5) • “Baba O'Riley” (6.5) • “Bargain” (5.4)
TJR saysPower Rock! Yeah! Not really. Some of this noodling and screaming does my nut in tbh. Popular opinion holds that The Who...more →

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GUILTY!
Eric Burdon and Jimmy Witherspoon
MGM Records SE-4791
England
4.86 “Poor” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “I’ve Been Driftin’ / Once Upon A Time” (5.3) • “Have Mercy Judge” (5.3) • “Steamroller” (5.1)
TJR saysIn September 1970, Jimi Hendrix died after a jam session with Eric Burdon & War at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London. T...more →

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I’VE GOTTA SING
Wanda Jackson
Capitol ST-669
the USA
4.81 “Poor” Country

Jukebox picks: “Those Were The Days” (6.5) • “Love Of The Common People” (6.3) • “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (5.9)
TJR saysThe latest from the 33-year-old country star arrived in February, 1971, and was “packed with power-sales power” acco...more →

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AMERICAN PIE
Don McLean
United Artists Records UAS-5535
the USA
4.78 “Poor” Folk; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Till Tomorrow” (6.4) • “The Grave” (6.1) • “Babylon” (5.5)
TJR saysDon McLean's luck was in when Mediarts was taken over by United Artists Records; the “promotion” was just the shot-in-th...more →

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FRAGILE
Yes
Atlantic 2401019
England
4.76 “Poor” Prog

Jukebox picks: “The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)” (7.2) • “Mood for a Day” (6.5) • “Heart of the Sunrise” (6.3)
TJR saysArriving in November, 1971, was the second album of the year from the ambitious and hard-working Yes. Spurred on by the ...more →

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COAT OF MANY COLORS
Dolly Parton
RCA Victor LSP-4603
the USA
4.74 “Poor” Country

Jukebox picks: “My Blue Tears” (6.9) • “Here I Am” (5.9) • “She Never Met A Man (She Didn't Like)” (5.1)
TJR saysDolly's status and reputation was undoubtedly boosted by this key release, all originals, including the hit singles “M...more →

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A LEGEND IN HER OWN TIME
Doris Duke
Mankind 200
the USA
4.74 “Poor” Soul; Soul Ballad

Jukebox picks: “If She’s Your Wife (Who Am I)” (5.3) • “It Sure Was Fun” (5.1) • “He’s Everything I Need” (5.0)
TJR saysBy the fall of 1970 independent producer Jerry Williams had moved from the Capricorn Studios team to Quin Ivy’s Quinvy S...more →

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HANDFUL
Betty
Thin Man Records AFP 703 1-2
the USA
4.70 “Poor” Rock; Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Learn How To Boogie” (6.8) • “Just For Fun” (6.2) • “Harley Perdoo” (5.9)
TJR saysBetty were blues rockers from Los Angeles who made 200 copies of “Handful” just for a lark! Got to love that. They’re no...more →

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OTHER VOICES
The Doors
Elektra EKS-75017
the USA
4.66 “Poor” Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Tightrope Ride” (6.5) • “Down On The Farm” (5.1) • “In The Eye Of The Sun” (5.0)
TJR saysJust 3 months after Jim Morrison’s death from a heart attack in Paris, the trio of Ray Manzarek (vocals, keyboards), Rob...more →

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HIGH TIME
MC5
Atlantic SD-8285
the USA
4.59 “Poor” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Skunk (Sonicly Speaking)” (6.2) • “Gotta Keep Movin'” (5.5) • “Baby Won't Ya” (5.2)
TJR saysAny promise that was shown on the preceding “Back In The USA” is all but gone here on this wholly RAWK affair; their rev...more →

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TARKUS
Emerson, Lake and Palmer
Island Records ILPS-9155
England
4.56 “Poor” Prog

Jukebox picks: “Bitches Crystal” (7.5) • “Infinite Space (Conclusion)” (7.3) • “Jeremy Bender” (4.1)
TJR saysJohn Peel once famously described them as “a waste of electricity” which was probably true more often than not. Howe...more →

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HISTORICAL FIGURES AND ANCIENT HEADS
Canned Heat
United Artists Records UAS-5557
the USA
4.55 “Poor” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Rockin’ With The King” (5.8) • “Long Way From L.A.” (4.7) • “Cherokee Dance” (4.6)
TJR saysThe first Canned Heat record without Al Wilson and, boy oh boy, the formulaic boogie blues here is sure missing his char...more →

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THE YES ALBUM
Yes
Atlantic 2400101
England
4.35 “Lame” Prog

Jukebox picks: “I've Seen All Good People: Your Move / All Good People” (5.3) • “The Clap [live '70]” (5.0) • “Starship Trooper: Life Seeker / Disillusion / Würm” (4.9)
TJR saysBreakthrough third album from the London prog rockers who line up: Jon Anderson (vocals, percussion), Chris Squire (bass...more →

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THE LOW SPARK OF HIGH HEELED BOYS
Traffic
Island Records ILPS-9180
England
4.32 “Lame” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Hidden Treasure” (6.2) • “Rainmaker” (6.0) • “The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys” (4.3)
TJR saysThe fifth album in five years from Traffic arrived in November, 1971. The bookend pieces “Hidden Treasure” and “Ra...more →

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WHAT’S GOING ON
Marvin Gaye
Tamla TS-310
the USA
4.24 “Lame” Soul

Jukebox picks: “What’s Going On” (6.0) • “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” (5.2) • “Save The Children” (4.7)
TJR saysDoes (modern day) R n B start right here with this record? If so, the genre peaked early as this would be as good as it ...more →

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NILSSON SCHMILSSON
Nilsson
RCA Victor LSP-4515
the USA
4.02 “Lame” Pop; Pop Ballad; Soft Rock / A.O.R.; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Jump Into The Fire” (7.4) • “Early In The Morning” (4.5) • “Gotta Get Up” (4.4)
TJR saysThe eighth album from the 30-year-old singer-songwriter arrived in November, 1971, and would prove to be the most succes...more →

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ELVIS COUNTRY (I’M 10,000 YEARS OLD)
Elvis Presley
RCA Victor LSP-4460
the USA
3.99 “Terrible” Country; Blues Rock / Soul Rock

Jukebox picks: “Tomorrow Never Comes” (5.8) • “There Goes My Everything” (4.5) • “Make The World Go Away” (4.5)
TJR saysAlmost entirely devoid of appeal for jukebox rebels, the new Presley '71 LP was recorded in Nashville and pitched for so...more →

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NURSERY CRYME
Genesis
Charisma CAS-1052
England
3.89 “Terrible” Prog

Jukebox picks: “The Musical Box” (5.2) • “Harlequin” (4.2) • “For Absent Friends” (4.1)
TJR saysGenesis came close to calling it quits when co-founding guitarist Ant Phillips packed it in midway through 1970, just af...more →

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PLAYS YOUR ALL-TIME PARTY HITS
Joe Loss and his Orchestra
Music For Pleasure ‎MFP-5227
England
3.87 “Terrible” Orchestra Dance

Jukebox picks: “I Came, I Saw, I Conga’d” (7.9) • “March Of The Mods (Finnjenka Dance)” (6.0) • “The Charleston” (5.5)
TJR saysWell, hey if you’re going to have a tea-party you might as well get the grandmaster’s lot on. They do a superb conga! Of...more →

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PLAY GOOD OLD ROCK N’ ROLL
The Dave Clark Five
Starline ‎SRS-5090
England
3.86 “Terrible” Blues Rock / Soul Rock; Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” (5.5) • “Reelin’ And Rockin’” (5.2) • “Good Old Rock n Roll Medley: Good Old Rock ´N Roll / Sweet Little Sixteen / Long Tall Sally / Chantilly Lace / Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On / Blue Suede Shoes” (4.7)
TJR saysHaving split the previous year, the UK LP “Play Good Old Rock N’ Roll” (EMI Starline SRS 5090) was a “final squeeze of t...more →

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PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION
Emerson, Lake and Palmer
Island Records HELP-1
England
3.65 “Terrible” Prog

Jukebox picks: “The Curse Of Baba Yaga [live '71]” (6.1) • “The Hut Of Baba Yaga [live '71 i]” (5.8) • “The Hut Of Baba Yaga [live '71 ii]” (4.8)
TJR saysNot as entertaining as the preceding “Tarkus”, their second long-player of 1971 was an ambitious set at Keith Emerson's ...more →

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WHERE I’M COMING FROM
Stevie Wonder
Tamla ‎TS-308
the USA
3.58 “Terrible” Pop Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Do Yourself A Favor” (6.2) • “Look Around” (4.0) • “If You Really Love Me” (3.8)
TJR saysHis last album for Motown before his contract ran out, all co-written with his then-wife, Syreeta Wright. There's an eve...more →

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LOVE LETTERS FROM ELVIS
Elvis Presley
RCA Victor LSP-4530
the USA
3.51 “Terrible” Pop Ballad

Jukebox picks: “It Ain’t No Big Thing (But It’s Growing)” (5.0) • “Love Letters ’71” (4.8) • “Got My Mojo Working” (4.5)
TJR saysThe third of the LPs pooled from his middle-of-the-road Nashville recording sessions of June, 1970, all of which adhere ...more →

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MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER
Elton John
DJM Records DJLPH-420
England
3.43 “Terrible” Soft Rock / A.O.R.

Jukebox picks: “Holiday Inn” (4.7) • “Indian Sunset” (4.5) • “Madman Across the Water” (4.2)
TJR saysFifth album from the 24-year-old soft-rocker, dullness personified from beginning to end....more →

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LOVE IT TO DEATH
Alice Cooper
Warner Bros. Records WS-1883
the USA
3.41 “Terrible” Rock

Jukebox picks: “Black Juju” (5.3) • “Sun Arise” (4.0) • “Second Coming” (3.9)
TJR saysThe third album of seven from Alice Cooper as a band sees them move away from psychedelic obscurity into the rock mainst...more →

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TRAFALGAR
Bee Gees
Polydor 2383 052
Australia
3.15 “Terrible” Pop Ballad

Jukebox picks: “When Do I” (5.8) • “Somebody Stop The Music” (4.3) • “Israel” (3.7)
TJR saysTheir 60s output wasn't too objectionable to me; I actually liked a good few of their tunes even though I knew they were...more →

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BLACK MOSES
Isaac Hayes
Enterprise ENS-2-5003
the USA
2.82 “Dire” Soul Ballad; Pop Ballad; R n B

Jukebox picks: “Medley: Ike’s Rap II / Help Me Love” (4.4) • “Going In Circles” (4.2) • “Good Love” (4.2)
TJR saysI'm completely disgusted with much of this hellish double album set - the former funk dude has become a middle-of-the-ro...more →

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CHIRPY CHIRPY CHEEP CHEEP
Middle Of The Road
RCA Camden CDS-1141
Scotland
2.77 “Dire” Pop

Jukebox picks: “Fate Strange Fate” (5.0) • “Tweedle Dee, Tweedle Dum” (3.6) • “Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep” (3.3)
TJR saysThe proto-Abba pop quartet from Glasgow were: Sally Carr (lead vocals), Ian McCredie (guitar), Eric McCredie (bass) and ...more →

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SINGS ASSORTED SOUNDS
Jerry Butler
Mercury SR-61320
the USA
2.70 “Dire” Soul; Pop Ballad

Jukebox picks: “How Did We Lose It” (4.4) • “Strong Enough To Take It” (3.7) • “Going Back To My Baby’s Love” (3.6)
TJR saysThere’s just a flicker of hope in the choppy funk opener, “How Did We Lose It”, however, it’s immediately betrayed b...more →

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DISTANT LIGHT
The Hollies
Parlophone PAS-10005
England
2.48 “Dire” Soft Rock / A.O.R.

Jukebox picks: “Pull Down The Blind” (3.6) • “What A Life I’ve Led” (3.3) • “Hold On” (3.0)
TJR saysA poor man's Creedence Clearwater Revival, who're a horrible proposition in the first place. In 1971, The Hollies are in...more →

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THE SAGITTARIUS MOVEMENT
Jerry Butler
Mercury SR-61347
the USA
2.08 “Dire” Soul Ballad

Jukebox picks: “The Girl In His Mind” (5.1) • “Sail Away” (3.1) • “Windy City Soul” (2.6)
TJR saysNotable for housing Jerry’s last million seller, the pathetic warbling warblers ballad “Ain’t Understanding Mellow”,...more →

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ELVIS SINGS THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF CHRISTMAS
Elvis Presley
RCA Victor LSP-4579
the USA
1.96 “An embarrassment” Pop Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Merry Christmas Baby” (3.9) • “Winter Wonderland” (3.0) • “On Snowy Christmas Night” (2.4)
TJR saysElvis delves headlong into Max Bygraves / Val Doonican territory - a devastating new low. Beloved by many, but easily hi...more →

see also: (B-list) Album Chart of 1971



Album Charts by year

“A-list”

1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

“B-list”

1943 1945 1946 1950 1951 1952 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Album Charts by decade

“A-list”

1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s

“B-list”

1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s

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