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.