My favorite era of rock and soul music is roughly 1965-73- specifically ’67-’73.  All of those years are outstanding but I had always thought that 1972, my birth year, was the weakest of those six years.  After three weeks or so of living musically in ’72 I’m not so sure.  But then again, I’m not sure I could place any of the other years below it either.  1972 has it all though- peak years for soul music, funk as well as in the burgeoning heavy metal and prog rock scenes.  And ’72 was a touchstone for reggae as Jimmy Cliff’s “The Harder They Come” marked the true introduction of reggae music to music of the western world, minus a few stray singles in the 60’s that crossed over.  Glam Rock was absolutely dominant in the U.K., though much of it didn’t carry over in the U.S.   ’72 has some monster albums- namely “Exile On Main Street” by the Rolling Stones (my absolute fave of theirs) and “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars” by David Bowie.  But the year is incredibly deep as well- take a look at some of the absolute gems that didn’t even make my 20 favorites for the year-  Deep Purple “Machine Head”, Yes “Close to the Edge”, Miles Davis “On the Corner”, Neu! “Neu!”, Steely Dan “Can’t Buy a Thrill”, The Grateful Dead “Europe ’72”, Bob Weir “Bob Weir”, War “The World Is A Ghetto”, Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band “Clear Spot”, Stevie Wonder “Music Of the Mind”, Paul Simon “Paul Simon”.  In a weaker year most of those albums make it and many are considered undisputed classic of their respective genres.  Along with the slew of great full lengths there are a ton of amazing singles as well- many of them coming from the Soul, which experienced one of its greatest years in 1972.

Though Glam Rock dominated the scene in the U.K., America was still well in the throes of the singer-songwriter movement.  Many of the hippies were growing up and raising families and were embracing more soothing sounds after the turbulence of the sixties.  The more sensitive music often also spoke more to women, many of whom were in the midst of declaring independence from increasingly outdated customs and social mores.  The biggest artists in the movement, James Taylor, Carole King, Carly Simon & Joni Mitchell seemed, at least on the surface, to be similar but the talent and styles were much more wide ranging.  Randy Newman, Nick Drake, Todd Rundgren, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, J.J. Cale, Van Morrison, Paul Simon, Neil Young & Elton John (along with the previous four) all made outstanding musical contributions in ’72 to varying degrees of commercial success.  Drake remained largely undiscovered until well after his early death, Newman under-appreciated until later, Cale much more successful as a writer for others than as a recording star in his own right.  But the others all had blockbuster chart hits.  Paul Simon’s self-titled debut showed that he could be nearly as big outside of the Simon & Garfunkel team.  Neil Young took the success of his last two albums to his career’s largest heights with “Harvest”.  Rundgren wrote, played & recorded nearly everything on his genre hopping double album “Something/Anything”.  Elton John was in the middle of his best musical and commercial run and released one os his best albums “Honky Chateau” in ’72.  He was likely the biggest pop star in the world at the time.  Drake’s third album “Pink Moon” was sadly his last as he would die by suicide before its release.

For whatever reason, possibly American homophobia, Glam Rock never really crossed over.  We certainly hear some of its greatest tracks on classic rock radio today such as “All the Young Dudes” by Mott the Hoople, “Rock and Roll Part 2” by Gary Glitter (played at every sports arena near you), “Walk On the Wild Side” by Lou Reed, “Ziggy Stardust” and “Suffragette City” by Bowie and “Get It On” by T. Rex, but very few of others gained any traction and most were only minor hits in the U.S.  In England these tracks, among many others, were massive #1 hits and the fey subversiveness captured the public’s imagination.  Glitter, Mott & T. Rex were all one hit wonders in the U.S., while each had a run of chart hits in the U.K.  Slade & later the Sweet would also go on the big things under the glitter rock banner.  Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” album is still the one he’s most known for after a long career and various twists and turns and more than a handful of classics.  The massively underrated (at least in the U.S.) T. Rex’s “Slider” album along with the previous year’s “Electric Warrior” are their two best.  Roxy Music also released their debut album, one of two where genius Brian Eno was still in the band.  Likely no coincidence, the group’s first two albums were their most indebted to the glam movement.  One of their greatest songs “Virginia Plain” led off the album and announced their presence with authority.

Progressive Rock and Heavy Metal were largely U.K. based in the early 70’s as well.  In many ways their music was the opposite of Glam- where Glam focused on attitude, style & songwriting and was an obvious precursor to punk, Metal & Prog’s main focus was on stellar musicianship.  All three genres could get loud, making them an oasis for heavy rock fans of the sixties who were bored by the music quieter singer-songwriter stuff.  It was also much appreciated by teenage boys, full of energy and rebellion and mostly unable to relate to the adult subject matter of the neo-folkies.  The biggest of the Metal bands, Led Zeppelin, was between albums but the next two in line, Deep Purple & Black Sabbath released two great ones.  Sabbath’s “Volume 4” was their fourth classic album in a row but perhaps their last.  Some of the most popular prog groups at the time were the Moody Blues, who had been around as a garage band since the mid 60’s, switching up their sound to a hybrid of classical music and rock for 1967’s “The Days of Future Passed”.  Though they often sound dated today, Emerson, Lake & Palmer were huge in the early 70’s- they took the classical/rock hybrid to an extreme including many elements of heavy rock and metal.  Their quiet acoustic ballad “From the Beginning” is still my favorite of theirs.  Jethro Tull, which including the flute as one of its most prominent instruments, released their “Thick As a Brick” album made up of just 1 track.  Yes, maybe the most enduring prog groups, released their two finest albums “Fragile” and “Close to the Edge”, the former of which includes classic tracks like “Heart of the Sunrise” & “Roundabout”.  Though not specifically under the prog rock banner, German groups like Can & Neu! were also pushing the boundaries of rock music.  Both would soon be known as Krautrock, which would become a huge influence on the post-punk of the late 70’s/early 80’s and continue to be a touchstone on music of the indie & outsider music made today- particularly groups often classified as post-rock like Slint & Tortoise.  Can’s “Ege Bamyasi” is probably their best full length release and Neu!’s debut is their most well known and beloved.  Musical genius Captain Beefheart had been making outsider music in the California desert since the mid 60’s.  In ’72 he released perhaps his pair of most accessible records “The Spotlight Kid” and “Clear Spot”.  Both had great moments but neither were his best.  More accessible or not Beefheart remained too weird for the general public and both releases were commercial failures.

Much of what we hear on Classic Rock radio today comes straight from the early 70’s and like the singer-songwriters listed above, the music that is thought of as straight ahead rock casts a very wide net.  The Rolling Stones “Exile On Main Street” is a murky, drug-addled masterpiece.  There are elements of blues, country, weirdo-folk, New Orleans jazz.  If it released today it would almost surely fall under the alternative music banner.  The Allman Brothers popularized Southern Rock down in Florida combining country, blues & psychedelic rock.  Their “Eat a Peach” album in ’72 was their best and most successful release.  In San Francisco the Grateful Dead released their double live album “Europe ’72”, which contains a bunch of previously unreleased songs.  Though opinion varies greatly among Deadheads, I think it’s their best official live release.  The Dead also released solo albums from key members Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir & Micky Hart.  Weir & Garcia’s albums introduced future Dead live standards like “Sugaree”, “Playin’ In the Band” & “Cassidy”.  Chicago, formerly Chicago Transit Authority, played jazz rock influenced by Blood Sweat & Tears & the Soft Machine and released probably their last good album containing classic hit “Saturday In the Park” before going on to become more of the most cloying groups of the late 70’s-through the late 80’s.  L.A. band America was hugely popular in the early 70’s.  Many thought them a mere inferior copy of Crosby, Stills & Nash, but they did manage some fine & enduring hits like “Ventura Highway”, “Sandman” and “Horse With No Name”.  In a homage back to the great rock n’ roll of the mid 60’s groups like Badfinger, the Raspberries, Big Star & the Flamin’ Groovies all released music that would eventually be known as Power Pop.  The music was short & sweet, accessible & rockin’ with an emphasis on harmony & melody.  Though Badfinger & the Raspberries did manage several big hits each the music was thought of as out of fashion and remains underheard today but still beloved, mostly by fanboys and rock critics.  Big Star, along with the Velvet Underground before them and maybe the Stooges, really helped define cult or alternative music as a genre.  Big Star’s debut “#1 Record” is a wonder that everyone should hear.

Soul music in ’72 was in the middle of a massive sea change.  After Marvin Gaye had huge success What’s Goin’ On” album in ’72, it gave other similar artists the push to get out from under the thumb of their record labels and start doing their own thing.  Musical genius Stevie Wonder was the best example- his “Music Of My Mind” and “Talking Book” albums began probably the best five album run in the history of soul music to this day.  Motown music was becoming more and more psychedelic and funky.  60’s producers like Holland/Dozier/Holland were losing influence to people like Norman Whitfield.  The epic length “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” by the Temptations was a prime example.  Speaking of Funk, the Godfather of Soul, who essentially invented Funk, had a number of classic tunes in ’72 as well including “Get On the Good Foot” and “Talkin’ Loud and Sayin’ Nothing”.  L.A.’s interracial group War released the stellar “The World Is A Ghetto”.  George Clinton’s Funkadelic released the double “America Eats Its Young” and other groups both popular, the Isley Brothers, and one/none/or few hit wonders like the Jimmy Castor Bunch, Cymande & the Chakachas added classic funk tunes to the mix as well.  James Brown affiliates Lyn Collins with her classic “Think (About It)” and the JB’s with “Pass the Peas” added to Brown’s legacy as well.  Atlantic Soul was thriving as well.  Aretha Franklin was nearing the take end of an insanely great run of singles and albums.  Her 1972 album “Young Gifted and Black” was one of her very best.  Roberta Flack re-released an early single “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” for the Clint Eastwood movie “Play Misty For Me” and it became a smash, kick starting her career and becoming her signature song.  She made a duets album in ’72 with Donny Hathaway which was a huge success.  The Philly Soul movement was perhaps the most dominant soul sound of 1972 though.  It took elements from funk and added lush instrumental string arrangements and abundant horns, laying the groundwork for both disco and “Quiet Storm” in the middle of the 70’s.  The Spinners, the O’Jays & the Stylistics all had some of their biggest and best hits that year and were all among the biggest Philly Soul acts.  Chicago’s Chi-Lites & the Staple Singers were a close cousin of the movement and also enjoyed big success that year.  Fellow Chicagoan Curtis Mayfield released his amazing soundtrack to the Blaxploitation movie “Superfly”, which stands as one of 1972’s best albums and THE best soundtrack of the blaxploitation era.  Other soul artists of 1972 include Bill Withers who released his debut “Just Bill” containing two of his biggest hits “Lean On Me” and “Use Me”, and the incomparable Al Green.  His two ’72 albums “Let’s Stay Together” and “I’m Still In Love With You” are two of his best and include many of his best numbers.  On top of all this were other great soul music one off’s by the likes of Timmy Thomas, Billy Paul, Mel & Tim, the Main Ingredient, Otis Clay & the Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose.  None may be household names but each released at least one standout soul cut in ’72.

 

 

NICK DRAKE- PINK MOON

Buy Pink Moon (Remastered) – Nick Drake
Buy Pink MoonAmazon

 

 

 

RANDY NEWMAN- SAIL AWAY

Buy Sail Away (Remastered) – Randy Newman
Buy Sail Away (US Release)Amazon

 

 

 

 

JIMMY CLIFF- THE HARDER THEY COME SOUNDTRACK (FEATURES VARIOUS ARTISTS)

Buy The Harder They Come (Remastered) – Jimmy Cliff
Buy The Harder They Come – Original SoundtrackAmazon 

 

 

 

CURTIS MAYFIELD- SUPERFLY (SOUNDTRACK)

Buy Superfly (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture) – Curtis Mayfield
Buy Superfly: Deluxe 25th Anniversary EditionAmazon

 

 

 

ARETH FRANKLIN- YOUNG GIFTED AND BLACK

Buy Young, Gifted and Black – Aretha Franklin
Buy Young, Gifted And BlackAmazon

 

 

 

 

AL GREEN- LET’S STAY TOGETHER

Buy Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
Buy Let’s Stay TogetherAmazon

 

 

 

YES- FRAGILE

Buy Fragile (Remastered) – Yes
Buy Fragile [Expanded]Amazon

 

 

 

NEIL YOUNG- HARVEST

Buy Harvest (Remastered) – Neil Young
Buy HarvestAmazon

 

 

 

TODD RUNDGREN- SOMETHING/ANYTHING

Buy Something/Anything? – Todd Rundgren
Buy Something/AnythingAmazon

 

 

 

BIG STAR- #1 RECORD

Buy #1 Record Radio City (Bonus Track Version) – Big Star
Buy #1 Record/Radio CityAmazon

 

 

DAVID BOWIE- THE RISE AND FALL OF ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS

Buy The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (Remastered) – David Bowie
Buy The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (40th Anniversary Edition) [Remastered] (Remastered)Amazon

 

 

 

LOU REED- TRANSFORMER

Buy Transformer – Lou Reed
Buy TransformerAmazon

 

 

CAN- EGE BAMYASI

Buy Ege Bamyasi (Remastered) – Can
Buy Ege Bamyasi (2004 – Remaster)Amazon

 

 

BLACK SABBATH- VOL. 4

*Not available via iTunes
Buy Black Sabbath, Vol.4Amazon
ROXY MUSIC- ROXY MUSIC

Buy Roxy Music – Roxy Music
Buy Roxy MusicAmazon

 

 

 

ELTON JOHN- HONKY CHATEAU

Buy Honky Château – Elton John
Buy Honky ChâteauAmazon

 

 

THE ROLLING STONES- EXILE ON MAIN STREET

Buy Exile On Main St. (Deluxe Version) [Remastered] – The Rolling Stones
Buy Exile on Main StreetAmazon

 

 

T. REX- THE SLIDER

Buy The Slider – T. Rex
Buy The SliderAmazon

 

 

 

STEVIE WONDER- TALKING BOOK

Buy Talking Book (Reissue) – Stevie Wonder
Buy Talking BookAmazon

 

 

 

AL GREEN- I’M STILL IN LOVE WITH YOU

Buy I’m Still In Love With You – Al Green
Buy I’m Still In Love With YouAmazon

Best of 1972 Volume 1  (2/24/02)

1.  Gary Glitter- Rock and Roll Part 2

Buy Rock And Roll, Part 2 – The Hey Song (The Greatest Hits)
Buy Rock and Roll (Part 2)Amazon

 

2.  David Bowie- Sugragette City

Buy Suffragette City – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (Remastered)
Buy Suffragette City (1999 Digital Remaster)Amazon

 

3.  Mott the Hoople- All the Young Dudes

Buy All the Young Dudes – All the Young Dudes (Legacy Edition)
Buy All The Young DudesAmazon

 

4.  Bill Withers- Use Me

Buy Use Me (Single Version) – Still Bill
Buy Use Me (Single Version)Amazon

 

5.  Timmy Thomas- Why Can’t We Live Together

Buy Why Can’t We Live Together – Why Can’t We Live Together
Buy Why Can’t We Live TogetherAmazon

 

6.  Al Green- Let’s Stay Together

Buy Let’s Stay Together – Let’s Stay Together
Buy Let’s Stay TogetherAmazon

 

7.  Randy Newman- Sail Away

Buy Sail Away – Sail Away (Remastered)
Buy Sail Away (Remastered LP Version)Amazon

 

8.  Jimmy Cliff- Many Rivers to Cross

Buy Many Rivers to Cross (From “Harder They Come”) – The Harder They Come (Remastered)
Buy Many Rivers To CrossAmazon

 

9.  Nick Drake- Pink Moon

Buy Pink Moon – Pink Moon (Remastered)
Buy Pink MoonAmazon

 

10.  Lou Reed- Walk on the Wild Side

Buy Walk On the Wild Side – Transformer
Buy Walk On The Wild Side (2003 Remaster)Amazon

 

11.  Neil Young- The Needle and the Damage Done

Buy The Needle and the Damage Done – Harvest (Remastered)
Buy The Needle And The Damage DoneAmazon

 

12.  Big Star- The Ballad of El Goodo

Buy The Ballad of el Goodo – #1 Record Radio City (Bonus Track Version)
Buy The Ballad Of El GoodoAmazon

 

13.  Elton John- Mona Lisa’s and Mad Hatters

Buy Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters – Honky Château
Buy Mona Lisas And Mad HattersAmazon

 

14.  Curtis Mayfield- Superfly

Buy Superfly – Superfly (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture)
Buy Superfly (LP Version)Amazon

 

15.  The Spinners- I’ll Be Around

Buy I’ll Be Around – The Very Best of the Spinners
Buy I’ll Be AroundAmazon

 

16.  The Rolling Stones- Tumbling Dice

Buy Tumbling Dice – Exile On Main St. (Deluxe Version) [Remastered]
Buy Tumbling DiceAmazon

 

17.  Black Sabbath- Supernaut

*Track not available via iTunes or Amazon

 

18.  Stevie Wonder- Superstition

Buy Superstition – Talking Book (Reissue)
Buy SuperstitionAmazon

 

19.  The O’Jays- Backstabbers

Buy Back Stabbers – The Ultimate O’Jays
Buy Back StabbersAmazon

 

20.  The Temptations- Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone

Buy Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone – Number 1’s: The Temptations
Buy Papa Was A Rolling StoneAmazon

 

21.  Johnny Nash- I Can See Clearly

Buy I Can See Clearly Now – The Best Of Johnny Nash
Buy I Can See Clearly Now (Single Version)Amazon

Best of 1972 Volume 2 (2/25/02)

1.  The Staple Singers- I’ll Take You There

Buy I’ll Take You There – Be Altitude: Respect Yourself (Remastered)
Buy I’ll Take You ThereAmazon

 

2.  The Female Preacher, Lyn Collins- Think (About It)

Buy Think (About It) [Single Version] – James Brown’s Original Funky Divas
Buy Think (About It)Amazon

 

3.  James Brown- Talkin’ Loud and Sayin’ Nothing’ (Parts 1 & 2)

Buy Talkin’ Loud and Sayin’ Nothing – Star Time
Buy Talkin’ Loud And Sayin’ NothingAmazon

 

4.  David Bowie- Ziggy Stardust

Buy Ziggy Stardust – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (Remastered)
Buy Ziggy Stardust (1999 Digital Remaster)Amazon

 

5.  Roxy Music- Virginia Plain

Buy Virginia Plain – Roxy Music
Buy Virginia Plain (1999 – Remaster)Amazon

 

6.  Big Star- In the Street

Buy In the Street – #1 Record Radio City (Bonus Track Version)
Buy In The StreetAmazon

 

7.  Deep Purple- Highway Star

Buy Highway Star – Machine Head
Buy Highway Star (LP Version)Amazon

 

8.  The Rolling Stones- Rip This Joint

Buy Rip This Joint – Exile On Main St. (Remastered)
Buy Rip This JointAmazon

 

9.  Curtis Mayfield- Freddie’s Dead

Buy Freddie’s Dead (Theme from ‘Superfly’) – Superfly (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture)
Buy Freddie’s Dead (LP Version)Amazon

 

10.  Jimmy Cliff- Many Rivers to Cross      *Originally released 1969

Buy Many Rivers to Cross (From “Harder They Come”) – The Harder They Come (Remastered)
Buy Many Rivers To CrossAmazon

 

11.  Toots & the Maytals- Pressure Drop    *Originally released 1970

Buy Pressure Drop (Single Version) – The Harder They Come (Remastered)
Buy Pressure DropAmazon

 

12.  Neil Young- Harvest

Buy Harvest – Harvest (Remastered)
Buy HarvestAmazon

 

13.  Al Green- I’m Still in Love With You

Buy I’m Still In Love With You – I’m Still In Love With You
Buy I’m Still In Love With YouAmazon

 

14.  The Stylistics- Break Up to Make Up

Buy Break Up to Make Up – The Very Best of the Stylistics…And More!
Buy Break Up to Make UpAmazon

 

15.  Aretha Franklin- Daydreaming

Buy Day Dreaming – Young, Gifted and Black
Buy Day DreamingAmazon

 

16.  Todd Rundgren- Hello It’s Me

Buy Hello It’s Me – Something/Anything?
Buy Hello It’s Me [LP Version]Amazon

 

17.  The Allman Brothers Band- Melissa

Buy Melissa – Eat a Peach
Buy MelissaAmazon

 

18.  Joni Mitchell- You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio

Buy You Turn Me On I’m a Radio – For the Roses
Buy You Turn Me On I’m A Radio (LP Version)Amazon

 

19.  Paul Simon- Me & Julio Down by the Schoolyard

Buy Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard – Paul Simon
Buy Me And Julio Down By The SchoolyardAmazon

 

20.  Scotty- Draw Your Brakes

Buy Draw Your Brakes – The Harder They Come (Remastered)
Buy Draw Your BrakesAmazon

Best of 1972 Volume 3 (9/22/03)

1.  The Rolling Stones- Rocks Off

Buy Rocks Off – Exile On Main St. (Remastered)
Buy Rocks OffAmazon

 

2.  T. Rex- Solid Gold Easy Action

Buy Solid Gold Easy Action – Classic Hits – A Celebration of Marc & Mickey
Buy Solid Gold Easy ActionAmazon

 

3.  The Raspberries- Go All the Way

Buy Go All the Way – Raspberries
Buy Go All The WayAmazon

 

4.  Todd Rundgren- I Saw the Light

Buy I Saw the Light – Something/Anything?
Buy I Saw The LightAmazon

 

5.  David Bowie- Starman

Buy Starman – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (Remastered)
Buy Starman (1999 Digital Remaster)Amazon

 

6.  Elton John- Rocket Man (I Think It’s Gonna Be a Long, Long Time)

Buy Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long Long Time) – Honky Château
Buy Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going To Be A Long Long Time) Amazon

 

7.  The Allman Brothers Band- Blue Sky

Buy Blue Sky – Eat a Peach
Buy Blue SkyAmazon

 

8.  J.J. Cale- Call Me the Breeze

Buy Call Me the Breeze – Naturally
Buy Call Me The BreezeAmazon

 

9.  James Brown- I Got Ants In My pats (Part 1)

Buy I Got Ants In My Pants, Pt. 1 (Mono Version) – The Singles, Vol. 8: 1972-1973
Buy I Got Ants In My PantsAmazon

 

10.  The Chakachas- Jungle Fever

Buy Jungle Fever – Eso Es el Amor – Single
Buy Jungle FeverAmazon

 

11.  The Isley Brothers- Work To Do

Buy Work to Do – The Ultimate Isley Brothers
Buy Work To DoAmazon

 

12. The Chi-Lites- Oh Girl

Buy Oh Girl – The Chi-Lites: 20 Greatest Hits
Buy Oh GirlAmazon

 

13.  Al Green- Love and Happiness

Buy Love and Happiness – I’m Still In Love With You
Buy Love and HappinessAmazon

 

14.  Chicago- Saturday in the Park

Buy Saturday In the Park – Chicago V (Remastered)
Buy Saturday In The ParkAmazon

 

15.  Steely Dan- Reelin’ in the Years

Buy Reelin’ In the Years – Can’t Buy a Thrill
Buy Reelin’ In The YearsAmazon

 

16.  Neil Young- Old Man

Buy Old Man – Harvest (Remastered)
Buy Old Man Amazon

 

17.  War- The World Is a Ghetto (Single Version)

Buy The World Is a Ghetto – Best of War
Buy The World Is A GhettoAmazon

 

18.  Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band- Grow Fins

Buy Grow Fins – The Spotlight Kid
Buy Grow FinsAmazon

 

19.  Lou Reed- Perfect Day

Buy Perfect Day – Transformer
Buy Perfect DayAmazon

 

20.  Stevie Wonder- I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will be Forever)

Buy I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Be Forever) – Talking Book (Reissue)
Buy I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)Amazon

Best of 1972 Volume 4 (9/27/03)

1.  Big Star- Feel

Buy Feel – #1 Record Radio City (Bonus Track Version)
Buy FeelAmazon

 

2.  Black Sabbath- Snowblind

*Track not available via iTunes or Amazon

 

3.  Curtis Mayfield- Pusherman

Buy Pusherman – Superfly (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture)
Buy Pusherman (LP Version)Amazon

 

4.  Deep Purple- Space Truckin’

Buy Space Truckin’ – Machine Head
Buy Space Truckin’ (Album Version)Amazon

 

5.  Roxy Music- Remake/Remodel

Buy Re-Make / Re-Model – Roxy Music
Buy Re-Make/Re-Model (1999 Digital Remaster)Amazon

 

6.  Lou Reed- Vicious

Buy Vicious – Transformer
Buy Vicious (2003 Remaster)Amazon

 

7.  James Brown- Get On the Good Foot

Buy Get On the Good Foot, Pt. 1 (Single Version) [Stereo] – Number 1’s
Buy Get On The Good Foot, Pt. 1Amazon

 

8.  The O’Jays- Love Train

Buy Love Train – Back Stabbers
Buy Love TrainAmazon

 

9.  Jimmy Cliff- You Can Get It If You Really Want It

Buy You Can Get It If You Really Want – The Harder They Come (Remastered)
Buy You Can Get It If You Really Want (Album Version)Amazon

 

10.  Todd Rundgren- Couldn’t I Just Tell You

Buy Couldn’t I Just Tell You – Something/Anything?
Buy Couldn’t I Just Tell YouAmazon

 

11.  T. Rex- Telegram Sam

Buy Telegram Sam – The Slider
Buy Telegram SamAmazon

 

12.  The Spinners- Could It Be I’m Falling in Love

Buy Could It Be I’m Falling In Love – Spinners
Buy Could It Be I’m Falling In Love (Remastered LP Version)Amazon

 

13.  The Stylistics- I’m Stone In Love With You

Buy I’m Stone In Love With You – The Very Best of the Stylistics…And More!
Buy I’m Stone in Love With YouAmazon

 

14.  Stevie Wonder- You Are the Sunshine Of My Life

Buy You Are the Sunshine of My Life – Talking Book (Reissue)
Buy You Are The Sunshine Of My LifeAmazon

 

15.  Billy Paul- Me & Mrs. Jones

Buy Me & Mrs. Jones – Me & Mrs. Jones
Buy Me And Mrs. JonesAmazon

 

16.  The Main Ingredient- Everybody Plays the Fool

Buy Everybody Plays the Fool – Everybody Plays the Fool: The Best of The Main Ingredient
Buy Everybody Plays The FoolAmazon

 

17.  Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band- Clear Spot

Buy Clear Spot – Clear Spot
Buy Clear SpotAmazon

 

18.  The Rolling Stones- Sweet Virginia

Buy Sweet Virginia – Exile On Main St. (Remastered)
Buy Sweet VirginiaAmazon

 

19.  The Kinks- Celluloid Heroes

Buy Celluloid Heroes – Celluloid Heroes (The Kinks’ Greatest)
Buy Celluloid HeroesAmazon

Best of 1972 Volume 5 (10/1/06)

1.  T. Rex- Metal Guru

Buy Metal Guru – The Slider
Buy Metal GuruAmazon

2.  David Bowie- Moonage Daydream

Buy Moonage Daydream – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (Remastered)
Buy Moonage Daydream (1999 Digital Remaster)Amazon

3.  Can- Spoon

Buy Spoon – Ege Bamyasi (Remastered)
Buy SpoonAmazon

4.  Neu!- Negativland

*Track not available via iTunes or Amazon

5.  The JB’s- Pass the Peas

Buy Pass the Peas (Single) – Pass the Peas: The Best of the J.B.’s
Buy Pass The PeasAmazon

6.  Paul Simon- Mother and Child Reunion

Buy Mother and Child Reunion – Paul Simon
Buy Mother And Child ReunionAmazon

7.  War- The Cisco Kid

Buy The Cisco Kid – The World Is a Ghetto
Buy The Cisco KidAmazon

8.  Curtis Mayfield- Little Child, Running Wild

Buy Little Child Runnin’ Wild – Superfly (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture)
Buy Little Child Runnin’ Wild (LP Version)Amazon

9.  Badfinger- Baby Blue (Single Mix)

Buy Baby Blue (US Single Mix) [2010 – Remastered] – Straight Up
Buy Baby Blue (2010 – Remaster)Amazon

10.  Big Star- Thirteen

Buy Thirteen – #1 Record Radio City (Bonus Track Version)
Buy ThirteenAmazon

11. Syreeta Wright- I Love Every Little Thing About You

12. Bill Withers- Kissing My Love

13.  Alice Cooper- School’s Out

Buy School’s Out – School’s Out
Buy School’s OutAmazon

14.  The Grateful Dead- Jack Straw (Live)

Buy Jack Straw – Europe ’72 (Live) [Bonus Tracks]
Buy Jack Straw (Live in Paris 1972 Remastered Version)Amazon

15.  The Flatlanders- Tonight I Think I’m Gonna Go Downtown

Buy Tonight I Think I’m Gonna Go Downtown – Jimmie Dale Gilmore and the Flatlanders: Unplugged
Buy Tonight, I Think I’m Gonna Go DowntownAmazon

16.  The Rolling Stones- Loving Cup

Buy Loving Cup – Exile On Main St. (Remastered)
Buy Loving CupAmazon

17.  Bob Weir- Cassidy

Buy Cassidy – Ace
Buy Cassidy (Album Version)Amazon

18.  Nick Drake- Which Will

Buy Which Will – Pink Moon (Remastered)
Buy Which WillAmazon

19.  Lou Reed- Satellite Of Love

Buy Satellite of Love (2003 Remaster) – Lou Reed: NYC Man – The Collection
Buy Satellite Of Love (2003 Remaster)Amazon

Best of 1972 Volume 6 (10/3/06)

1.  The Allman Brothers Band- One Way Out (Live)

Buy One Way Out (Live) – Eat a Peach
Buy One Way OutAmazon

 

2.  America- Ventura Highway

Buy Ventura Highway – Homecoming
Buy Ventura Highway (Album Version)Amazon

 

3.  The Rolling Stones- All Down the Line

Buy All Down the Line – Exile On Main St. (Deluxe Version) [Remastered]
Buy All Down The LineAmazon

 

4.  The Edgar Winter Group- Free Ride

Buy Free Ride – They Only Come Out At Night
Buy Free RideAmazon

 

5.  Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose- Too Late to Turn Back Now

Buy Too Late to Turn Back Now – Heart of Soul: Too Late to Turn Back Now
Buy Too Late To Turn Back NowAmazon

 

6.  Mel & Tim- Starting All Over Again

Buy Starting All Over Again – Stax 50 – 50th Anniversary Celebration
Buy Starting All Over AgainAmazon

 

7.  Steely Dan- Do It Again

Buy Do It Again – Can’t Buy a Thrill
Buy Do It AgainAmazon

 

8.  Stevie Wonder- Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You)

Buy Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You) – Music of My Mind (Reissue)
Buy Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You)Amazon

 

9.  Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway- Where Is the Love

Buy Where Is the Love – The Very Best of Roberta Flack
Buy Where Is The Love (Remastered Version)Amazon

 

10.  Al Green- Look What You Done For Me

Buy Look What You Done for Me – I’m Still In Love With You
Buy Look What You Done for MeAmazon

 

11.  The Stylistics- Betcha By Golly Wow

Buy Betcha By Golly, Wow – The Best of the Stylistics
Buy Betcha By Golly, WowAmazon

 

12.  Big Star- Watch the Sunrise

Buy Watch the Sunrise – #1 Record Radio City (Bonus Track Version)
Buy Watch The SunriseAmazon

 

13.  Nick Drake- Things Behind the Sun

Buy Things behind the Sun – Pink Moon (Remastered)
Buy Things Behind The SunAmazon

 

14.  T. Rex- The Slider

Buy The Slider – The Slider
Buy The SliderAmazon

 

15.  Dr. John- Junko Partner

Buy Junko Partner – Dr. John’s Gumbo
Buy Junko PartnerAmazon

 

16.  Bob Weir- Mexicali Blues

Buy Mexicali Blues – Ace
Buy Mexicali Blues (Album Version)Amazon

 

17.  Jerry Garcia Band- Sugaree

*This version not available via iTunes or Amazon

 

18.  Townes Van Zandt- Poncho & Lefty

Buy Poncho & Lefty – High, Low & in Between
Buy Poncho & LeftyAmazon

 

19.  Randy Newman- Lonely At the Top

Buy Lonely At the Top – Sail Away (Remastered)
Buy Lonely At The Top (Remastered LP Version)Amazon

Best of 1972 Volume 7 (6/23/12)

1.  ELP- From the Beginning

Buy From the Beginning – Trilogy
Buy From The BeginningAmazon

2.  Jimmy Castor Bunch- It’s Just Begun

Buy Just Begun (original) – School Yard Breaks
*Track not available via Amazon

3.  Cymande- Bra

Buy Bra – Renegades of Funk
*Track not available via Amazon

4.  Funkadelic- Loose Booty

Buy Loose Booty – America Eats Its Young
Buy Loose BootyAmazon

5.  David Bowie- John, I’m Only Dancing

Buy John, I’m Only Dancing – The Singles Collection
Buy John, I’m Only Dancing (1990 Digital Remaster)Amazon

6.  T. Rex- Children of the Revolution

Buy Children of the Revolution – Classic Hits – A Celebration of Marc & Mickey
Buy Children Of The Revolution Amazon

7.  The Rolling Stones- Soul Survivor

Soul Survivor – Exile On Main St. (Deluxe Version) [Remastered]
Buy Soul SurvivorAmazon

8.  Black Sabbath- Tomorrow’s Dream

*Track not available via iTunes or Amazon

9.  Jimi Hendrix- Izabella

Buy Izabella – First Rays of the New Rising Sun
Buy IzabellaAmazon

10.  Edgar Winter Group- Frankenstein

Buy Frankenstein – They Only Come Out At Night
Buy FrankensteinAmazon

11. Babe Ruth- The Mexican

12. Can- Vitamin C

Buy Vitamin C – Ege Bamyasi (Remastered)
Buy Vitamin CAmazon

13.  Jethro Tull- Thick As a Brick (Edit 1)

Buy Thick As a Brick (Edit No. 1) – The Very Best of Jethro Tull
Buy Thick As A Brick (Edit No 1) (2001 Digital Remaster)Amazon

14.  The Allman Brothers Band- Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More

Buy Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More – Eat a Peach
Buy Ain’t Wastin’ Time No MoreAmazon

15.  Neil Young- Alabama

Buy Alabama – Harvest (Remastered)
Buy AlabamaAmazon

16.  Nick Drake- Parasite

Buy Parasite – Pink Moon (Remastered)
Buy ParasiteAmazon

17.  Randy Newman- Political Science

Buy Political Science – Sail Away (Remastered)
Buy Political Science (Remastered LP Version)Amazon

18.  Aretha Franklin- All the King’s Horses

Buy All the King’s Horses – Young, Gifted and Black
Buy All The King’s HorsesAmazon

19.  Stevie Wonder- Maybe Your Baby

Buy Maybe Your Baby – Talking Book (Reissue)
Buy Maybe Your BabyAmazon

20.  Otis Clay- Trying to Live My Life Without You

*Track not available via iTunes or Amazon

21.  Al Green- I’m Glad You’re Mine

BuyI’m Glad You’re Mine – I’m Still In Love With You
Buy I’m Glad You’re MineAmazon

Best of 1972 Volume 8 (6/23/12)

1.  Neu!- Hallogallo

*Track not available via iTunes or Amazon

2.  Roxy Music- Ladytron

Buy Ladytron – Roxy Music
Buy Ladytron (1999 Digital Remaster)Amazon

3.  David Bowie- Five Years

Buy Five Years – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (Remastered)
Buy Five Years (1999 Digital Remaster)Amazon

4.  The Moody Blues- I’m Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)

Buy I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band) – Seventh Sojourn
Buy I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band)Amazon

5. Elton John- Honky Cat

6. Little Feat- Easy To Slip

7.  Bob Weir- Playing in the Band

Buy Playing In the Band – Ace
Buy Playing In The Band (Album Version)Amazon

8.  The Grateful Dead- He’s Gone (Live)

Buy He’s Gone (Live In Amsterdam) – Europe ’72 (Live) [Remastered]
Buy He’s Gone (Live in Amsterdam 1972 Remastered Version)Amazon

9.  The Flamin’ Groovies- Slow Death

Buy Slow Death – Groovies Greatest Grooves
Buy Slow DeathAmazon

10.  Can- Sing Swan Song

Buy Sing Swan Song – Ege Bamyasi (Remastered)
Buy Sing Swan SongAmazon

11.  Van Morrison- Jackie Wilson Said (I’m in Heaven When You Smile)

Buy Jackie Wilson Said (I’m In Heaven When You Smile) – Still On Top – The Greatest Hits
Buy Jackie Wilson Said (I’m In Heaven When You Smile)Amazon

12.  T. Rex- Mystic Lady

Buy Mystic Lady – The Slider
Buy Mystic LadyAmazon\

13. Joni Mitchell- Blonde In the Bleachers

14.  The Rolling Stones- Torn & Frayed

Buy Torn and Frayed – Exile On Main St. (Deluxe Version) [Remastered]
Buy Torn And FrayedAmazon

15. Steely Dan- Dirty Work

16.  Neil Young- Heart of Gold

Buy Heart of Gold – Harvest (Remastered)
Buy Heart Of GoldAmazon

17.  Nick Drake- Place to Be

Buy Place to Be – Pink Moon (Remastered)
Buy Place To BeAmazon