The Mojo Collection: The Ultimate Music Companion

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Tommy James and the Shondells - Cellophane Symphony (1969)

Not sure why a greatest albums/core collection that allows greatest hits/comps would not choose a nice Tommy James greatest hits instead of this wildly inconsistent album. That being said it is quite the interesting failure with James getting more socially conscious in his lyrics - some worthwhile tracks like the trippy "Changes" and the psychedelic instrumental title tracks; does include the great pop song "Sweet Cherry Wine". Too many unremarkable tracks (or goofy ones like "Papa Rolled His Own").

 

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Dusty Springfield - Dusty in Memphis (1969)

The best album by my favorite female musical voice - Love this album. Every time I listen, I hear something new.

 

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The Youngbloods - Elephant Mountain (1969)

 

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The Who - Tommy (1969)

 

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Richie Havens - Richard P. Havens (1969)

A fascinating and wonderful pick by Mojo - first listen to the album as a whole though certainly I have heard several of these numbers on comps before. And really, does anyone still break out original Havens albums anymore - if so kudos but most, if they remember him, would I suspect rely on compilations or just spin "Freedom" from Woodstock. But this double album (while, like most double albums, has a bit too much) is a winner mixing studio and live tracks, originals and (of course with Havens) plenty of covers (lots of Beatles, Dylan, Leonard Cohen) but brims with energy, great delivery. Happy to have experienced it.

 

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Neil Young - Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (1969)

 

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Burt Bacharach - Make It Easy on Yourself (1969)

If Mojo wanted to highlight Bacharach as a great songwriter, they would have been better served with a Dionne Warwick compilation than this album which is a mixed of instrumentals (filled with the "bah bah bah" background singers) and vocals (including one track with Burt himself). Very easy listening. Great songs done better by different artists. Not essential

 

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Creedence Clearwater Revival - Bayou Country (1969)

 

[axolotl]

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Bayou Country (1969)

I played the wheels offa this one, bitd.

 

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Crosby, Stills & Nash - Crosby, Stills & Nash (1969)

 

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Judy Henske & Jerry Yester - Farewell Aldebaran (1969)

First listen of this psychedelic folk album describes by AMG and other reviewers as "eclectic". It is a bit different, quite the kitchen sink of styles.
On RYM reviewer:

Acid sea shanties, baroque ballads, psychedelic electric rock -,a bizarre choral, religious satire, jazz balladry and an avant-garde synth track indicates the kind of imagination on show.

 

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Kaleidoscope - Incredible Kaleidoscope (1969)

Another first listen for me - Mojo included the UK band Kaleidoscope in 1967 but now here's the US band Kaleidoscope from LA. Good set here with the inclusion of Middle Eastern/Turkish music and instruments like the oud and baglama as well as folk stylings using banjo, mandolin and fiddle.

 

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The Jeff Beck Group - Beck-ola (1969)

While I would definitely include Truth in a "core collection", not sure Beck-Ola packs the same wallop. Still, solid album and reinforces the forgotten concept that Rod Stewart was a great British blues singer.

 

[axolotl]

Judy Henske & Jerry Yester - Farewell Aldebaran (1969)

Acid sea shanties, baroque ballads, psychedelic electric rock -,a bizarre choral, religious satire, jazz balladry and an avant-garde synth track indicates the kind of imagination on show.

Sounds like the early genesis of The Decemberists.

Or, the December before early Genesis.

 

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Fairport Convention - Unhalfbricking (1969)

Yes, yes! A million times, yes!

 

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Procol Harum - A Salty Dog (1969)

I know @axolotl has been waiting for this - although probably feels an album or two late for the appearance of Procol Harum here
Still remember picking this on CD probably 30 years ago - haven't played it in years so glad to revisit

 

[axolotl]

Procol Harum - A Salty Dog (1969)

I know @axolotl has been waiting for this - although probably feels an album or two late for the appearance of Procol Harum here
Still remember picking this on CD probably 30 years ago - haven't played it in years so glad to revisit

Alas, there is too much between us by now. In fact, boredom has set in.

This is pilgrim's progress, nevertheless. I recognize the milk of human kindness. I will take all this and more.

 

[Zeeba Neighba]

Alas, there is too much between us by now. In fact, boredom has set in.

This is pilgrim's progress, nevertheless. I recognize the milk of human kindness. I will take all this and more.

Nice

 

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Elvis Presley - From Elvis in Memphis (1969)

This album gets more attention as the pinnacle of the later third of The King's career (and it's good), but if I had to choose the best album from this era it would be That's The Way It Is from the next year.

 

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Jethro Tull - Stand Up (1969)