1970's Stoner Rock Playlist #1
Not intended to summarize or typify 1970's hard rock, this is just a bad-ass playlist of mostly underdog cuts from this wonderful decade, with some tastefully interspersed more popular tunes.  Hope you enjoy it.

 This playlist was 23.5% Tommy Bolin (guitar on tracks 9, 12, 15 & 17).  
Until next time...

-ULTRA

TOTALLY RANDOM POST!!!

Where were you in 1973?

Kindergarten for me I believe.  Definitely was not aware of this drum solo then:

In his late 60's, I think Tommy Aldridge is still playing rock to this day.  

So many great albums!

-Later -ULTRA

1975

Another Flashback post; why not?  Here are a few greats from 1975;  If I left off a favorite of yours, it's inevitable - there was too much great rock this year to give fair credit to here.  But I'm picking some stuff that has an extra special place in my heart.

First, if I could keep only one of my Led Zeppelin albums, Physical Graffiti would be the one.  Not just because it's the longest, but because I truly love each tune on it.  

Next, some classic RUSH.  This band was truly bad-ass.  This whole album's great;  Was tempted to go with "By-Tor and the Snow Dog", but here's the lead-off track from "Fly By Night", "Anthem."  At about 2:25, check out Alex's soloing.  So tasteful!

Aerosmith's "Toys In The Attic" had the title track, "Sweet Emotion" "Big Ten-Inch", and this one; "Round And Round":

Budgie was starting to evolve in '75, but put out their fifth quality release in a row with "Bandolier".  Here is "Breaking All The House Rules":

Next, Uli Jon Roth ripping it up on guitar as well as handling the vocals for a track on the Scorpions' third album "In Trance".  Here is "Sun In My Hand":

Now, two by guitar legend Tommy Bolin.  First, a track from his very underrated album as Ritchie Blackmore's replacement in Deep Purple.  If you look for this album to sound like the Deep Purple you know, you will be disappointed, but if you just listen to it for what it is, I think you'll agree it's one of the best albums released in 1975.  Here is "Love Child", from the album "Come Taste The Band".

Tommy also managed to put out his first solo album in 1975, and it's also among the best the year had to offer.  Here is "Homeward Strut", from Tommy Bolin's "Teaser" album.

Finally, if you still have some time (roughly twelve and a half minutes), RUSH managed to release not one, but two classic rock albums in 1975.  Here is "The Necromancer", from RUSH's "Caress of Steel".  Precursor to heavy metal, for sure.

Jumping back up to 2016 with another album review next weekend; until then, stay heavy!

-ULTRA

1971

1971

Am going away for a week so I thought I'd do a larger post.  When people use the term "Stoner Rock" they always reference the 1970's.  To me, stoner rock is just rock that still emphasizes the fundamental recipe of guitar, bass and drums.  Today we're reminiscing on some sounds from 1971.  First with some more obvious choices, and then with some more obscure ones.  What truly historic rock music was released in '71!!

No discussion of 1971 rock music can exist without Led Zeppelin IV.  I overdosed on this album long ago so heavily that I am not posting any tunes here.  But it's influence and greatness cannot be denied.  Every single track is great,

First listen is a reminder of how awesome Pink Floyd's "One of These Days" from the Meddle album is:

Now let's move towards the more usual realm of this site:  Master of Reality came out in 1971, and is quite possibly even more influential today than it was then.  I probably wore this one out as much as I did Led Zeppelin IV, but I still listen to this album:

Now let's start getting more obscure:  Thin Lizzy's self-titled first album.  Forget U2, this is the greatest Irish rock band of all time.  This is "Ray Gun."

Legendary guitarist Tommy Bolin was just breaking into the rock scene with the band Zephyr in 1971.  Here is "Showbizzy" off the album Going Back To Colorado:

Many of today's stoner rock bands cite Leaf Hound's album Growers of Mushroom as an influence.  It has quite a few cool tunes.  Here is "Stagnant Pool:"

Uriah Heep released two albums in '71:  Look At Yourself and Salisbury.  Here is "Bird of Prey" from Salisbury, set to a fake viral video of an eagle snatching up a child:  

And did any of you know about the Japanese band Blues Creation?  They released Demon and Eleven Children in 1971.  Here is "Brain Buster", one of my favorites from this album.  (whoever posted this on You-Tube did not pass spelling)

Also noteworthy:  

-  Budgie released their first album in 1971.  Metallica popularized two of Budgie's later tunes, "Breadfan" and "Crash Course In Brain Surgery."  I own Budgie's first five albums and love them all, but would say they are an acquired taste.

-  The infamous Lemmy was the singer for Hawkwind, who released their second album in 1971, In Search Of Space.

 Anyhow, let me know if I pissed you off by leaving something out from this year;  I have a few guesses as to what those complaints might be but will be curious to hear what comes up.  

I would say that the rock that I love today is indeed rooted in the 1970's, but couldn't have happened without the 50's and 60's.  It was around but obscured in the 80's and 90's, and has been flourishing since 2000.  I am currently convinced that 2015 will turn out to be one of the greatest years ever for the genre known as stoner rock. 

I will be back with more reviews in a couple of weeks.  In the meantime, stay heavy and keep reading Grownman's posts; he's been lighting it up.  Over and out   -   ULTRA

1978

Just felt like going old-school.  If you're old like me, you're gonna say "Love that tune .. haven't heard that one in forever!"  If you're young and you know these tunes, you know your rock.  In any event, enjoy these treasures from rock history:

The Scorpions' "Sails of Charon".featuring Ulrich Jon Roth.  Uli was a true Hendrix worshipper; even having a relationship with Monika Dannemann, Jimi's last girlfriend.  The Scorpions were still awesome after Uli, but were definitely an entirely different product after he left the band.  This track is Uli's most well-known with the band.

Next, Rainbow with "Kill The King."  This album ("Long Live Rock'n'Roll"), is one of the best rock albums ever recorded.  Possibly my favorite Ronnie James Dio album as well. Every tune on this album is a classic, but I think this track is my favorite.  

Ritchie Blackmore had turned in another masterpiece with his distinctive sound. 

Tear him down!....Got to take his crown!!!!

Ultra Out