Top 10 Rock Albums Of 1969 

HONORABLE MENTIONS: TOMMY- THE WHO GOODBYE- CREAM SANTANA- SANTANA FREE- FREE THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND- THE ALLMAN BROTHERS

You hit another one out of the park, and I'm not surprised.

So glad I found your channel. One of the best I have listened to and watched. Please keep it coming. Thank you!

I was 19, when the year started, still in VietNam, back home in LA before the middle of the month. I bought the new Led Zep album based on the cover, more than anything, although I knew of Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones. It was amazing, and I quickly added the 8-track for the car. I saw Chicago Transit Authority (the band's name at the time) open for Jimi Hendrix, in Charlotte NC, in May. I came back to LA, in time for Newport '69, where I saw Jethro Tull (new line-up, playing Stand Up), Love, Poco (brand new), Creedence (their 1st headlining tour), Ike & Tina, Joe Cocker, Spirit (pimping The Family that Plays Together), Taj Mahal, Lee Michaels, Steppenwolf (minus Mars Bonfire, no joy), Booker T, the Chambers Brothers (the first of two times, that year), the Byrds (running on fumes), and Three Dog Night, over three days. I hooked up with friends, and went to Denver, a week later, for Denver Pop. Three weeks after that, the Doors were at the Aquarius Theatre. I hadn't seen them since before they'd become famous, at the Whisky, but I wasn't thrilled with where the band was, that night (I saw the second show). The performance had none of the vitality of the Whisky performances (I saw three). A month later, I was sitting in the 3rd row, center, for Blind Faith, at the Forum. I still listen to the first Led Zep, but I rarely listen to the second, except for the same 2-3 songs. It didn't move the dial for me, in 1969, and hasn't improved with age. I like III better, IV even more, and Houses of the Holy, best, after all these years. I admit to copping a few licks from Jimmy, off the album, and some production ideas, but my copy of the (vinyl) record is still in pristine condition. I was at the Aug 9 show in Anaheim, at the Convention Center, a boomy hall not particularly suited to concerts. Tull opened, but I was with a gang of friends, and we got there late, catching only part of Tull's last number, and the encore. Led Zeppelin made up for it, though, putting on an incredible performance, the hall booming echoes of Page's guitaristrionics. I saw Steve Miller, at the same venue, with the Chambers Brothers Band (and Kaleidoscope), and the same bad acoustics. In November, the Stones returned to the US. I'd seen them in '65, when they did about 29 minutes, to screaming that would have embarrassed the Beatles, so loud I could barely hear the band, much less Mick Jagger. Ike and Tina opened the show, improving on the earlier performance at Devonshire Downs. I was at the second show, that night, too, as was Rene Russo, who was "discovered" (she was 15, I think). I met a guy from Texas, gave him a ride home, spent the rest of the night playing guitars, making up joke lyrics to songs we knew. A little more than a month after that, we were on the road, working on our own rock 'n' roll dreams. In 1969, Rock moved off Top 40, to FM, where longer songs were eagerly welcomed, and music changed from three-minute-slices, to lengthier compositions. In November, Let It Bleed, and Abbey Road, arrived, the Stones' second great album in a row, and the Beatles last. By December, the writing was on the wall, the 'Sixties were over. Rock 'n' roll would never be the same, Roots Rock had run its course, and the new decade seemed like the hangover from hell. VietNam was grinding on, sharks were out in force, and, boy, could I relate to John Fogerty's prophetic Ramble Tamble: "There's garbage on the sidewalk Highways in the backyard Police on the corner Mortgage on the car Mortgage on the car Move Down the road I go They're sellin' independence Actors in the White House Acid indigestion Mortgage on my life Mortgage on my life" Down the road I went. There was so much good stuff, that year, limiting the list to only ten doesn't do justice to all the bands who excelled in those twelve months. Even also-rans released great songs, if not albums. We thought we were the cutting edge, on the cusp of a brand new day. Turned out, things were as bad as they'd been before, but for a few moments, it seemed as if the world was on the brink of breaking through to the other side, where no one ages, gets wrinkles or flab, and every day brings a new song to sing. Reality bites, after all. Best of 1969, the Top 40 01 A B B E Y R O A D the Beatles 02 L E T I T B L E E D the Rolling Stones 03 T H E B A N D ( I I ) the Band 04 S T A N D U P Jethro Tull 05 T H E A L L M A N B R O T H E R S B A N D ( I ) the Allman Brothers Band 06 B A Y O U C O U N T R Y Creedence Clearwater Revival 07 N A S H V I L L E S K Y L I N E Bob Dylan 08 C R O S B Y , S T I L L S , & N A S H Crosby, Stills, & Nash 09 L E D Z E P P E L I N ( I ) Led Zeppelin 10 E V E R Y B O D Y K N O W S T H I S I S N O W H E R E Neil Young 11 I N T H E C O U R T O F T H E C R I M S O N K I N G King Crimson 12 S A N T A N A ( I ) Santana 13 B O Z S C A G G S ( I ) Boz Scaggs 14 T O M M Y the Who 15 T H E N P L A Y O N Fleetwood Mac 16 T H E S O F T P A R A D E the Doors 17 L E D Z E P P E L I N I I Led Zeppelin 18 T O W N A N D C O U N T R Y Humble Pie 19 S T A N D ! Sly & the Family Stone 20 S P O O K Y T W O Spooky Tooth

that is a kick as top 10. watched the vid twice... that isolated vocal was really nice to hear, probably my favorite stones tune. i'm still dreaming of that cinnamon girl who's going to come live with me the rest of my life...haha.... looking forward to 1968.

Another incredible year in rock music!! Your list is awesome, even though I'm not a big Neil Young fan (and I'm Canadian!) or CSN fan. All your other choices are spot on for me. Chicago Transit Authority, Led Zeppelin II, Stand Up, Green River, Abbey Road, In the Court of the Crimson King and Let It Bleed would all be on my list. ALL masterpieces! Beginnings is also my favourite Chicago song from their debut, and is probably my favourite Chicago song overall. I love the changes in it, especially the extended percussion section. From Stand Up I also love Back to the Family and Look into the Sun, but especially Reasons for Waiting, one of the most beautiful love songs ever written, in my view. Songs I love or that touch my soul from the other albums mentioned are Ramble On by Zeppelin, Wrote a Song for Everyone by CCR, Something by The Beatles, The Court of the Crimson King by King Crimson (though Epitaph doesn't suck either) and Gimme Shelter by The Stones. Other astounding 1969 albums for me are: Santana: Santana The Moody Blues: On the Threshold of a Dream The Moody Blues: To Our Children's Children's Children Grand Funk Railroad: On Time Spooky Tooth: Spooky Two Steppenwolf: Monster Frank Zappa: Hot Rats CCR: Willy and the Poor Boys The Who: Tommy Deep Purple: Deep Purple

Gosh! I've got all these albums!!!!

I’m not a musician but love rock & soul music of this era. Really enjoyed this video and will certainly watch for others.

My grandma who passed away 3 years ago at 103 years old loved the song bad moon rising.

Another great yr for music to be the soundtrack of my young teen life... I was particularly amazed by CourtOfTheCrimsonKing, and GregLake made me an instant fan of ELP going fwd. Saw THAT band 4 times in the early to mid-70s, and was blown away by KeithEmerson's stage presence! Thanx for the memories Mike!!!

You always have great picks and informative commentary. A couple of others for me are the self titled ' Johnny Winter ' album. It maybe more blues but with that rock edge. The other one is again self titled ' The Band ' ( aka the Brown album ). I'm looking forward to your 1968 picks and maybe I'll learn a lick or two as well.

That's the way to hit the ground running tackling the 60s man. Good job

Your channel is amazing, pure rock and pop culture entertainment ❤

Loved the love for Chicago!

thanks Mike,, saw Led Zeppelin "the New yardbirds" in Gothenburg Sweden 15/9 1968,, great! also Chicago here in my town late 1969, only gig in Sweden, that was amazing in a small club called Cue Club,, remember that the electricy went out but they still played with everything they had,,the it came back with a roar,, shit,,

Another brilliant presentation of a fantastic year in (rock) music. All these albums are part of my life and I had the pleasure of playing most of these on a terrific sound system in a bar I worked in in the mid seventies which is something I really miss.

Yet another great video, Mike. I really enjoyed the Gimme Shelter section. I learning to play this one and I struggle a bit with the timing of the intro - you've really helped me with that. And you've made me late for work 😁 Again!

A most excellent selection, Sir......... brought back so many memories!

Awesome work Mike . Wow ! What a year . Thank you

The 60's!, great video Mike, can't really argue with this 10 ( maybe the Band are a bit unlucky ) look forward to '68

This was an absolutely phenomenal list! Really like your taste and breakdown of the songs. Thanks. Just subscribed!

Wow🤩 Fantastic! I just came upon your chanel and love the way you approach the well worn best of year x theme👍 Furthermore you are able to show certain music parts on guitar and piano👏 A thousand thanks! Concerning your top 10 of 69 I fo miss my favourite Album of that year : Jefferson Airplane "Volunteers"!! Also Nick Drake's " Five leaves left " and Quicksilver Messenger Service's " Happy Trails" would feel happy in 69's Top 10. Other fascinating LPs include Love "Four Sail", Doors " Soft Parade", Fairport Convention "Liege and Lief" and James Taylor's first album on Apple❤ Keep up the good work and many thanks for your fascinating and interesting video😊

Nice list…no real arguments, which is rare for me. Love Abby Road. Tull’s Stand Up is an incredible album, perhaps their best. Cudos on King Crimson….69 was a great year for music.

love the song demo's and chord info. i remember you guys doing cinnamon girl in one of your bands.

Wow , Mike u nailed it. My favorite tune is Gimme Shelter. Haunting intro . Thanks brother

The one thing that finally occurred to me after many year about Gimme Shelter is that for such a hard rocking song (perhaps the best of all times) is that the guitars are not hammering away like you might expect but rather a pretty relaxed strumming by Keith Richards and Charlie Watts is playing a measured but solid beat yet the end result is a song that just makes the hair on the back of your neck rise up. In 1969 I was in a (head shop) and Gimme Shelter came on the shop's sound system and that place was rocking.

Excellent!

you have great voice!!!

You didn't mention any of Zep's singles. ..oh, never mind....I was a Freshman in HS when that album arrived. It changed me forever, from a geeky kid, to a wild man! Great post, Mike! At 69, it seems I prefer those times to now! And my neighbors know that as well whenever I turn up my music! I think they see me as a Doc Brown type, which thrills me! A lot wacky, but so lovable....at least I'm not 'eyeing little girls, with bad intent(with snot running down my nose!)!

Great list! All my choices with your honorable mentions except … …where’s Blind Faith?

You are the real school of rock!👏👏👏 You knew there would be a Tommy outcry so hence the honorable mention. Highlight of Woodstock: Pete Townsend throwing Abby Hoffman off stage.

FREAK OUT was another one of the few double debut albums as well. Chicago kicks brass!. Both Zeppelin albums needed to be on here. That's right man. Keep that going. Can't wait for 68.

It's tough to argue with your choices for 1969. Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere is my favorite Neil Young album! I love the guitar interplay by Neil and Danny Whitten. Green River is also my favorite Creedence album. The only album I would substitute for sure is The Gilded Palace of Sin by The Flying Burrito Brothers. The album is full of classic songs with my favorites being Sin City and Wheels.

Wow! What a year! I was almost brought to tears when you played "Helplessly Hoping" ..... i borrowed that album from the library & recorded it on cassette. The first rock album i brought was "Abbey Road" . It's still my favorite Beatles' album. Best use of a song in a movie is "Bad Moon Rising" in American Werewolf In London. I am amazed at your work on guitar! Stellar! Thank you brother! PS. I always hated the coral opening of "you can't always get what you want". I have the CD singles versions and it starts with the guitar which is much preferred. Then as the song progresses the coral comes in and builds and builds.

My top twenty vocal albums of 1969: 01 - KICK OUT THE JAMS (MC5) 02 - THE SOFT PARADE (The Doors) 03 - TROUT MASK REPLICA (Captain Beefheart And The Magic Band) 04 - WITCHCRAFT DESTROYS MINDS AND REAPS SOULS (Coven) 05 - NEAR THE BEGINNING (Vanilla Fudge) 06 - SPACE HYMN (Lothar And The Hand People) 07 - PRETTIES FOR YOU (Alice Cooper) 08 - BALL (Iron Butterfly) 09 - AORTA (Aorta) 10 - VOLUNTEERS (Jefferson Airplane) 11 - CLEAR (Spirit) 12 - HAPPY TRAILS (Quicksilver Messenger Service) 13 - THE PROGRESSIVE BLUES EXPERIMENT (Johnny Winter) 14 - STAND (Sly And The Family Stone) 15 - CRIMSON AND CLOVER (Tommy James And The Shondells) 16 - THE STOOGES (The Stooges) 17 - CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY (Chicago) 18 - THE HOWLIN' WOLF ALBUM (Howlin' Wolf) 19 - THE AMERICAN METAPHYSICAL CIRCUS (Joe Byrd And The Field Hippies) 20 - SANTANA (Santana)

It’s hard to know where to begin regarding this monumental year, but arguably, it’s the greatest year ever in the history of rock. 1969 was seemingly endless in its release of highly treasured albums, just one after another. I’d have no problem putting Abbey Road at the very top. And it’s really cool that you began your breakdown of it with that spine chilling, electric harpsichord solo from ‘ Because. ‘ For the longest time, I never knew George Martin was actually the one who played that. But I could go on all day in regard to the enormous list of legendary albums from ‘69. It makes me want to write a book about all of the music and events that went on. Great topic, and excellent song demos as always !

I have 8 of your selections, so pretty good for me I guess. But would add Arthur by the Kinks. Great l.p.

This is really cool. One of my RU-vid cohorts mixed SOMETIME IN THE MORNING with Mickey Dolan's and Carole King doing the second verse! Wow cool. Will Monkees albums be on your '60s lists?

I remember first hearing 'Whole Lotta' on a friends family stereo console. It was top quality. But it was also at the time a status symbol. I never got into it. I questioned authority and status in my youth- but loved the rest of the album. I went on to purchase Led Zep 3 and learn the great acoustic tracks.. I also groaned when people asked me to later teach them Stairway. But honestly, Whole Lotta was monotonous.

I am compelled to add It's A Beautiful Day to this excellent list. I consider this a perfect album first note to last, only one o' three I give that distinction...

Such a great year for music, i could name 25 albums but here's 10 favorite albums: 10. Blood, Sweat and Tears - Blood, Sweat and Tears 9. Hot Buttered Soul - Isaac Hayes 8. Led Zeppelin II - Led Zeppelin 7. The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground 6. Stand! - Sly and the Family Stone 5. Crosby, Stills and Nash - Crosby, Stills and Nash 4. Let It Bleed - The Rolling Stones 3. Abbey Road - The Beatles 2. In the Court of the Crimson King - King Crimson 1. Chicago Transit Authority - Chicago

Another debut double album - Frank Zappa Freak Out. Btw, very nice Tele deluxe plus, I had that exact one brand new in the early 90's, same color etc.

More great stuff. I guess you started in '68 but '67 was one fantastic album year. 1 Forever Changes - Art Lee's Love One of the best albums ever. 2 Buffalo Springfield Again - Buffalo Springfield Mr Soul, Hung Upside Down, Expecting to Fly. A top 10 all-time for me. 3 Velvet Underground - Banana album. 4 Are You Experienced - The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Revolutionary. The first hard rock album. 5 The Doors - The Doors By far their best album. Before excesses set in for Jim - musically and otherwise. I guess I'm being tough on Jim, not even up on most of their albums. 6 The Who Sell Out - The Who This is my fav album by them. Concept albums can be forced, coerced, compelled, constrained, and obligated to crap but I really like this one. 7 Axis: Bold As Love - Jimi Hendrix Experience. Little Wing is a fav. The Move join Jimi on 'You Got Me Floating'. 8 Mr. Fantasy - Traffic 9 Reach Out - 4 Tops 10 Magical Mystery Tour - Beatles I like it as much as St Peppers. 11. Days of Future Past Moody Blues. 12 Sgt. Peppers - Beatles. I dont like Within Without you/ Lovely Rita/Benefit of Mr Kite/ It's getting Better. But a fine album that in other years would be ranked in my top 3. 13 Walk Away Renée/Pretty Ballerina album - The Left Banke whatever album

How can you have two LPs by Zep and forget Blind Faith, acknowledged as the first super-group filled with classics is beyond me

Yeah 69! One of the great years for music for sure....the Woodstock year....literally the bridge year between the 60s and 70s. So many great and special albums released. Some of my all time favorite albums like Abbey Road and In a Silent Way by Miles Davis. Other gems you mention like CSN debut, Stand Up by Tull, Led Zep 2, In the Court of the Crimson King... Other top albums from 69: Blind Faith, Then Play On by Fleetwood Mac, Hot Rats by Zappa, As Safe As Yesterday Is by Humble Pie.

cool video man.... last one was '79 and thought we're going into '80 but then back to '69.... as you say "sus" 😉

1969 is probably my favourite year in music ever ! Here's a few not mentioned I also love: Frank Zappa - Hot Rats Velvet Underground - S/T Miles Davis - In A Silent Way MC5 - Kick Out The Jams Santana - S/T Who - Tommy Sly& Family Stone - Stand Bob Dylan - Nashville Skyline Jefferson Airplane - Volunteers So many to choose from tho

The Mothers of Invention debuted with a double album 3 years earlier.

Wow. What a year this was. I was 13 turning 14 in Nov. Just graduated from grammar school, starting high school in Sept. All my income came from babysitting jobs and yet, I count 4 of your picks in my album collection. Buying 45's and albums was a big thing back then. A Saturday trip to the record store to get the newest releases. You could get previously used 45's with a hole in the label for cheap as they had been in a juke box somewhere. Zeppelin, Neil Young, CSN, and Beatles Abbey Road still in my stacks. And as others have mentioned Blind Faith. Do you remember the rumor that Ginger Baker was on his deathbed? Of course he wasn't but the rumor took hold. (Probably perpetrated by Ginger himself! Haha) Born & raised in Chicago it seemed like a must to embrace the CTA, but frankly I'm not a fan of the brass. I did see them in concert some yrs later though, a good show. As for CCR-couldn't relate to the bayou stuff, anymore than I could relate to surfer music of the Beach Boys, as a midwesterner. And I've never heard a King Crimson song. Ever. Local radio stations played a good mix but not them, I'm guessing? I dunno. Final note: No fan of the Stones but I loved the story about Mary Clayton, had no idea of who did that vocal part but what a voice! A knockout. Thanks for telling it Mike❣️

Disappointed that you didn't mention I Want You (She's So Heavy) from Abbey Road. Such a meticulously composed song and one of Lennon's masterworks. The last song that all four Beatles participating in making. One of their greatest ever.

Well, what can you say, a cracking list of absolutely arse kicking, seminal records. Some folks 1969 lists might vary a little from this one but I doubt any could better it. I was 14 in 1969 and by 1971 I owned all ten of them playing them all to death much to my mother's annoyance I might say. Thing that stands out for me is Led Zep managing to put two records like that in one year. Who else can claim to have made two whole LP's of that groundbreaking quality in one year? CS&N and Let it Bleed are my personal favourites though.

Great list. Also, great honourable mentions. My own list would be slightly different I would have included Blood Sweat and Tears in the Top 10 and moved Chicago Transit authority into the honourable mentions. But that is simply my preference. Maybe I would have included The Kinks as an honourable mention?

HOFFEN KING ORIGINS Herman's Hermits perform the best loved version of this song this is the first one from Earl Jean, of the cookies

The Band’s Brown album deserves a shoutout

Is there a song of the last 50 years you can't play ??! You get my youth back and all the records I owned and stil love. Don't forget Alice Cooper's Killer and Genesis' Selling england. Zep was great, sure. But Sabbath' first album...THAT made me learning guitar. I never got to the point where I could play Bodhisatva solos or other jazzy stuff, but man, the 70s made me creative !

Mothers of Invention debut was a double album.

👍

WHAT! Tommy doesn't make the cut? Damn

Also….The Velvet Underground - The Velvet Underground.

I'm sorry. The way I learned suite Judy Blue eyes and have Open the eyes of some of my guitar mentors is a straight EEEEBE. TRY IT AND YOU'LL REALIZE THAT'S THE HOOK. YOU'LL NEVER HEAR A FIFTH IN THE ENTIRE GUITAR PART.

I know you are a big Who fan so where's TOMMY? My others are Let it Bleed, The Band, Yhe Kinks masterpiece Arthur, agree on CCR, Beatles and Tull