The Association - Greatest Hits. 1968 Warner Bros-Seven Arts (LP). From a large garage sale buy in Monument (Jul). It retails at a dollar even today, so bought it only because I was curious. I always think I like The Association more than I do. Their hits sometimes appear as a soundtrack to various shows, and they sound great there. But as an album, even a collective of their best tracks, don't transcend that Free Design, Beach Boys, Strawberry Alarm Clock bar of harmony based popsike greatness.
*The Doors - Absolutely Live. 1970 Elektra (2xLP). From a large garage sale south collection buy (Jul). Worth keeping for this album's version of 'When the Music's Over' which sounds like a crazed Krautrock track with psychotic vocals from Morrison. Both Krieger and Manzarek go off the rails with their respective guitar and organ solos. Densmore is very active on the drum kit as well. Much more kinetic than the also great studio version. There's plenty of other moments like that interspersed throughout. They front load the blues tracks which is my least favorite aspect of The Doors, so they get most of that out of the way early.
The Mama's and the Papa's - If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears. 1966 Dunhill (LP). Thrift shop find (Jun). Early pressing but not the toilet bowl cover. Any album with 'California Dreamin'' is worth hearing. What a great track for its era. 'Monday, Monday' is the other hit here, and sure enough it's the second best track. The rest is rather typical mid 60s folk pop with slight psychedelic overtones. I have a CD comp that cover the best tracks here, so I can move this out.
*various artists - Psych-Out soundtrack. 1968 Sidewalk (LP). Nice score from a local antique mall priced well under going rates (May). The Strawberry Alarm Clock cuts are featured on their albums, so for me the highlight is the The Storybook, who have a similar songwriting style. Also one track each from The Seeds and Boenzee Cryque.
The Grateful Dead - Aoxomoxoa. 1987 Warner Bros (1969) (CD). Thrift shop find (May). For the most part this is rambling country rock. The music doesn't match the image or the reputation. They will always be known as a live act. And much better for their legacy because of it.
* - Keeping for the collection
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