The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967)

It would be difficult to write about The Velvet Underground without acknowledging their deep roots in drug culture. With one of their best known tracks, Heroin, taking the listener through a turbulent high with the band members. The band has often insisted they, by no means, glorified the use of heroin. To me, it would be difficult to dispute this after listening to their songs, which often allude to desperation, nihilism, and loneliness within the context of drug addiction.

The Velvet Underground were well before their time, laying the ground work for “alternative” music with their unique use of the electric viola, hypnotic rhythms from both guitar and percussion and unapologetic attitude. I’ve posted their classic track I’m Waiting for the Manfor your listening pleasure, a song about the painful wait every addict experiences when waiting for the guy with the stuff. It comes from the 1967 album The Velvet Underground & Nico, that is full of classic tunes from this ground breaking group. You may remember Nico from the depiction of her in the 1991 Oliver Stone film The Doors. She was the lovely lady who gave Jim Morrison some special attention in the elevator after Andy Warhol’s party.

Let it Bleed (1969)

For those of us that weren’t around through the 60s and 70s it’s difficult to believe that The Rolling Stones deserve the huge acclaim, fame, and credibility that they have. Sure Start Me Up is a pretty good song, but there’s got to be more, doesn’t there? Yes! The Stones released a wealth of stunning material through their early career, including a handful of classic tracks that will likely never be forgotten. Gimme Shelter is one of these tracks. Released during the Vietnam War, the song embodies both the fear and the rebellious nature of the time. A classic track representing both the tremendous talents of The Rolling Stones, and the turbulent times they were in.

While I’m of the opinion that it’s long past the time that The Stones should be moving on to being producers, where they can share their wealth of experience with the young up and comers from behind the scenes, I’ll admit that their back catalog is well worth sifting through. If you are looking to find some old gems, I suggest checking out December’s Children, Let it Bleed, and Sticky Fingers.

Ziggy Stardust (1972)

Ziggy Stardust comes from Bowie’s 1972 masterpiece The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, a concept album about the alien rock star Ziggy Stardust, who has come to earth to share his message of peace and love with the Earthlings who quickly worshiped him. The story turns tragic when Ziggy falls to the rock star life style of drugs and excess. A must listen that comes to us from the beginnings of the glam rock era.

Shake Rattle and Roll – Elvis Presley
Best to start with the beginnings of modern white people music… The great Elvis Presley. I don’t want to give the impression that Perfect some how got to adulthood without hearing of the King of Rock & Roll. He certainly knows of Elvis Presley, but he lacks an appreciation of the great contributions from The King. Bringing the rhythm and melodies of the African American music of the time to the North American masses, Elvis fused the sounds of rockabilly, rhythm & blues, country, & gospel into a very new and unique sound that changed the landscape of music forever.

Below is the video of Elvis Presley’s first performance on TV, on The Dorsey Brothers Stage Show on January 28th 1956. From the times when metaphors had to be used to say the dirty things that was on everyone’s minds.

I’m like a one eyed cat peeping in a seafood store.
Well I can look at you tell you ain’t no child no more
…
Shake, rattle and roll

Yikes! No wonder Elvis was always getting in trouble! Enjoy:

Yellow matter custard, dripping from a dead dog’s eye.
Crabalocker fishwife, pornographic priestess,
Boy, you been a naughty girl and you let your knickers down.
I am the eggman (woo), they are the eggmen (woo), I am the walrus,
Coo coo, kachoo.

What does does it mean?!?! Apparently, the song, written by Lennon, was a combination of 3 separate song ideas. One of which was some nonsense to throw off his old grade school teacher, who, he had heard, was getting his students to analyze Beatles lyrics for class. The Video for “I am the Walrus” that dates back to 1967 (They made music videos back then?) is posted below for your enjoyment.

Physical Grafitti (1975)

The influence of Led Zepplin will be felt for many years through the great chain that grows as emerging bands show the influence of their influencers’ influences. Led Zepplin certainly did their part to bring the long-haired, skinny jean rocker image into popularity, but they backed it up with pure talent and skill, recording dozens of master pieces through their 11 year reign.

Another song ripe with dirty metaphors, “Trampled Under Foot” comes from Led Zepplin’s double album release in 1975, Physical Grafitti. I recall dancing to this track at a small family gathering in honour of my turning of age. One of my sisters turned to me and said: “Imagine, they released this record when we were your age”. How amazing it must have been! The thick rhythms kept by the late John Bonham chase the catchy keyboard melodies of John Paul Jones around this track, with the accompaniment of Jimmy Page’s masterful guitar playing and Robert Plant’s enticingly filthy lyrics:

Come to me for service every hundred miles
Baby, let me check your valves, fix your overdrive

Yikes… this post is getting a little too steamy!