Monday, January 13, 2014

Five Rock Albums That Changed the World

Five Rock Albums that Changed the World

Stephen Pinder
The second half of the 1960s turned out to be a watershed moment in the world of rock music and the world in general. That tumultuous part of world history was marked by societal and political changes in America. The backdrop of civil unrest and opposition to the war in Vietnam was reflected by the more progressive musicians of the day. These are some of the albums that still influence the forward thinking artists today.
Revolver - The Beatles
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is the album that's most commonly associated with the pinnacle of The Beatles creative output but, Revolver is really the template of the more complex and innovative musical direction the group was moving toward. The song Tomorrow Never Knows was a quantum leap for the group and was the start of the psychedelic rock movement.
Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin
Zeppelin's first album is often cited as heavy metal's coming out party. There's no doubt that the songs Good Times, Bad Times, You Shook Me and Communication Breakdown inspired generations of hard rock and heavy metal bands and continue to do so but, the incredible diversity of the album's music is what makes it so influential to so many.
The long form Jimmy Page masterpiece Dazed and Confused with its multiple time signatures and innovative sonic layers was one of the first examples of what an electric guitar was actually capable of. A sprinkling of classical and Indian inspired music on the album hinted at the band's future musical pathways.
Tommy - The Who
The first rock opera that served as a showcase for Pete Townsend's amazing song writing range is still one of the best examples of a true concept album. The album was a semi autobiographical account of Townsend's coming of age in post World War II Britain and influenced many of his contemporary musicians who lived through that period as they were becoming musicians.
David Bowie - David Bowie
Bowie's first album is a scattered, uneven record of an artist trying to find his own innovative voice and direction. Space Oddity showcased his unique understanding of using a somewhat complex musical composition to tell a compelling story. The long form Cygnett Committee influenced many progressive rock performers for years to come.
Are You Experienced? - The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Hendrix ushered in psychedelic rock with his fascinating guitar playing and by using innovative techniques allowed by the updated equipment that was starting to show up in recording studios at the end of the decade. The album was a roadmap of where he had been with the blues song Red House and where he was going with the classics Foxy Lady and The Wind Cried Mary.
Published by Stephen Pinder
Stephen loves travel and travel writing. He also enjoys sports and golf with old friends and new ones he meets on the road.  View profile

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