Day 53 - Country Joe & The Fish - Electric Music For The Mind And Body (1967)

'Electric Music For The Mind And Body' was a pretty awesome album. The late 60's were full of drug-infused music but not all of it was good, i'm glad to say Country Joe & The Fish were. This was their debut album with 11 songs oozing with drug references, most notably 'Bass Strings' which ends with the creepy slow repetition of LSD. A lot of the songs are hyper and all over the place and i'm pretty sure, judging from the album cover, they was accompanied by trippy light shows when they performed live. The one exception to the usual vibe of the songs is 'Sad and Lonely Times' which reminds me of Bob Dylan and The Beatles. I give this album a 4/5 for the good songs and the trippy vibe.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Flying High, Death Sound, Porpoise Mouth, Section 43, Super Bird, Sad and Lonely Times, Love & Bass Strings.

Day 52 - The Beatles - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)

Although I have yet to hear the rest of The Beatles' discography 'Sgt. Pepper's...' is a big contender for my favourite Beatles album. I loved every song on this album, even the ones I hadn't heard previously. The album cover is iconic and prompted many conspiracy theorists to suggest that Paul McCartney was dead and replaced with a doppelganger (which is clearly ridiculous but the documentaries made on it are spooky nonetheless). I loved the change in style of the music on this album, it is more psychedelic and experimental and was one of the first times The Beatles incorporated Indian music into their songs with the George Harrison written song "Within You Without You". This album is hit after hit and I recommend it to everyone who loves great music. Shockingly when the album was released in some asian countries the songs "A Day In The Life", "With A Little Help From My Friends" and "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" were excluded for drug references, that's such a shame because they are some of the best songs on the album. I wholeheartedly give this brilliant album 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, With A Little Help From My Friends, Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds, Getting Better, She's Leaving Home, When I'm Sixty-Four, Within You Without You & A Day In The Life.

Day 51 - Nico - Chelsea Girl (1967)

'Chelsea Girl' is Nico's first solo album and my personal favourite of hers. Nico hated the album when it was released because in post production they added violins and flutes to her songs. This was the album Nico made before she became all dark and eerie in her music so the songs on this are sweet and melancholy. My favourite song on this album is the title track "Chelsea Girls", a song about the tragic denizens of the Chelsea Hotel and their lives and deaths. It's a shockingly beautiful track. Other great songs are "These Days", "The Fairest Of The Seasons" and "Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams". Nico may not have liked the album but I adore it and her deep crooning German accented voice is beautiful. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Chelsea Girls, These Days, The Fairest Of The Seasons, It Was A Pleasure Then, I'll Keep It With Mine, Somewhere There's A Feather & Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams.

Day 51 - Astrud Gilberto - Beach Samba (1966)

As some of you may remember I first wrote of Astrud Gilberto as the woman who sang the lovely "The Girl From Ipanema" on her husband João Gilberto's album 'Getz/Gilberto' back in 1964. 'Beach Samba' is Astrud's fourth solo album. I love Astrud, she has a wonderful sweet voice and her bossa nova version of Burt Bacharach's "Call Me" is great. Another favourite of mine is "You Didn't Have To Be So Nice", a cute song she sings with her son. The album has some nice slow songs and some songs that make you wanna do the rhumba. I give this album 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Stay, You Didn't Have To Be So Nice, Misty Roses, A Banda (Parade), Oba Oba, I Had The Craziest Dream, Bossa Na Praia (Beach Samba) and Nao Bate O Corocao.

Day 50 - Nina Simone - Wild Is The Wind (1966)

"Wild Is The Wind" is an amazing album. I've never been a big fan of Nina Simone, in fact I quite often confused her voice for that of a man, but after listening to "Wild Is The Wind" I have been converted and adore The High Priestess Of Soul now. Nina is so passionate when she sings, she wants you to feel every word she sings. This is especially true for the songs that are about black oppression, a cause very dear to her heart. The song 'Four Women', a story told from the perspectives of four different black women about their lives and their role in white society, was actually banned by the New York jazz radio station WLIB for supposedly being racist. I thought this album was made up of all new material at the time but according to Wikipedia it was actually made up of several recordings left off earlier Nina albums, this just goes to prove that whether you listen to an original Nina album or a compilation you'll still be left feeling deep emotion and hearing great music. I give this album a well deserved 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Four Women, Lilac Wine, Wild Is The Wind, Black Is The Colour Of My True Love's Hair and If I Should Lose You.

Day 50 - Roger The Engineer - The Yardbirds (1966)

"Roger The Engineer" is another of those albums that I feel don't really belong in the "greatest albums of all time" book. This album was alright but not brilliant. The guitarist who played on every song was great but the rest of the band, and the singer, didn't thrill me. There are quite a few catchy songs on this album that I liked and i'm sure they were successful singles when it was released. "Jeff's Boogie" is a particularly good track, it's so vibrant, fast and fun. It reminds me of the old 50's big band numbers, except with electric guitar. As allmusic points out it does contain some good psychedelic tracks but it's not one of the great albums of the decade. I give this album 3/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Lost Woman, Over Under Sideways Down, Jeff's Boogie, Hot House Of Omagarashid and He's Always There.

Day 49 - John Mayall's Blues Breakers - Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton (1966)

It's a relief to hear a good album after the last fiasco I reviewed. "Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton" (AKA "Beano" because of the children's magazine Eric is reading in the photo) is a great blues rock album. Eric masterfully plays guitar throughout the album as John sings all the songs wonderfully, except for "Ramblin' On My Mind" which Eric sings. Among the songs are several instrumental pieces which I really enjoyed, "Hideaway" and "Steppin' Out" being my favourites. Overall this has become of my favourite blues rock album and i'm sure i'll be playing the songs I like over and over in the future. I give this album 4/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: All Your Love, Hideaway, Double Crossing Time, What'd I Say, Key To Love & Steppin' Out.

Day 49 - The 13th Floor Elevators - The Psychedelic Sounds Of The 13th Floor Elevators (1966)

"The Psychedelic Sounds Of The 13th Floor Elevators" is by far the worst album i've heard in a long time. When I started playing it and I heard the first song "You're Gonna Miss Me" I thought it was pretty good and was looking forward to the rest of the album being as good as the lead single. Sadly, I was wrong. After the first song the album's quality degenerates rapidly. All the other songs on the album sound as if the band was singing from a mile away with the music being played loudly and obnoxiously right against the microphone. The result of this chaos is that all the songs sound like loud, garbled messes with impossible to understand lyrics and wailing throughout. It took all I had not to turn the album off and listen to something good but for the sake of this challenge I persevered. I give this album my lowest rating ever, 2/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: You're Gonna Miss Me.

Day 48 - Simon & Garfunkel - Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966)

Hey music lovers! It’s been far too long since i’ve posted a review so think of this as my comeback :). 

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme was Simon & Garfunkel’s third album and contains the hit singles “Scarborough Fair/Canticle” and “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)”. I really like this album, Simon & Garfunkel harmonise really well and a lot of the songs are catchy. I think Paul has a slightly better voice though. 

The soft rock/folk style of the album was very peaceful to listen to and the song “A Simple Desultory Philippic (or How I Was Robert McNamara’d into Submission)” was very interesting for using a whole list of names throughout it to tell a story, including Art Garfunkel’s name too!

I give this album 4/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Scarborough Fair/Canticle, The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy), Patterns, Cloudy & The Dangling Conversation.

Day 47 - The Rolling Stones - Aftermath (1966)

"Aftermath" was the fourth album released by The Rolling Stones in 1966. This album was a major improvement over their debut and the band wrote all the songs this time around. The Stones sounds much more fleshed out this time around and there are some definite hits on "Aftermath". My favourite song on this album is "Mother's Little Helper" which was sadly left off the US release for the inclusion of "Paint It Black" which I would've liked to have seen on the UK release too because I love that song. The guys sound great, they play well and they had me singing along. I give this 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Mother's Little Helper, Under My Thumb, Lady Jane, Stupid Girl, Out Of Time & Take It Or Leave It.

Day 47 - Agnetha Fältskog - A (2013)

"A" is Agnetha's first new album in almost a decade, her last being "My Colouring Book" released in 2004. When Agnetha was a teenager she released a few albums of schlager music in her homeland of Sweden but it wasn't until she met Benny, Bjorn and Frida and ABBA was formed that she really rose to prominence and became internationally famous. I love ABBA and Agnetha was always my favourite so when I heard she was releasing a new album I was ecstatic. "A" is an album of sombre love songs sung in Agnetha's classic sweet girl next door type voice, along with one disco song that takes you back to ABBA's heydey in the 70's. Her voice is still as great as ever and I loved all her new songs, however I don't feel this album was as good as her albums with ABBA. Still, a very solid effort. 4/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: The One Who Loves You Now, When You Really Loved Someone, I Should've Followed You Home, Perfume In The Breeze & Dance Your Pain Away.

Day 47 - The Mothers Of Invention - Freak Out! (1966)

"Freak Out!" is the debut album from Frank Zappa's band The Mothers Of Invention, originally called The Mothers but changed after their studio realised what a hit band they had on their hands. I think of all the 60's bands i've heard The Mothers Of Invention are the most psychedelic and trippy, and also one of the most unique. On "Freak Out" the majority of the album has funny songs such as an anti-love love song "Go Cry On Somebody' Else's Shoulder" and a satire on mind control "Who Are The Brain Police?". The album was one of rock's first double album and clocks in at almost an hour long. A supposed storyline exists linking all the songs and turning it into a concept album but if that's true I didn't pick up on it. The last two songs on the album "Help, I'm A Rock Star" and "The Return Of The Son Of Monster Magnet" are the longest and the latter is the most disturbing song on the album. It starts out normal but then as it progresses it turns into screams and moans and weird music. It was the most inventive song but my least favourite. I give this album 4/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Who Are The Brain Police?, Go Cry On Somebody Else's Shoulder, Wowie Zowie, You Didn't Try To Call Me & You're Probably Wondering Why I'm Here.

Day 46 - Paul Revere & The Raiders - Midnight Ride (1966)

"Midnight Ride" is the fifth album by Paul Revere & The Raiders and was important to them because it marked the first time all five band members wrote all the songs on the album. I wasn't familiar with Paul Revere & The Raiders but i'm glad I had the opportunity to listen to this album because I really loved it. Pop Rock is one of my favourite genres of music and "Midnight Ride" had excellent, catchy songs on it that had me tapping my foot and singing along. My favourite song on the album was "All I Really Need Is You", I love the exotic sounding guitar and the chorus is really cool. I give this album 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: All I Really Need Is You, Kicks, Louie, Go Home, Melody For An Unknown Girl, I'm Not Your Stepping Stone & Ballad Of A Useless Man.

Day 45 - The Mamas And The Papas - If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears (1966)

"If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears" was a wonderful album, I don't know why I didn't listen to it sooner. This album was the debut release of The Mamas And The Papas and contains their two massive hits,  "California Dreamin'" and "Monday Monday". There's a funny story about the album cover, some people were offended by a toilet being on the cover and thought it was obscene so the album was re-released with pictures covering the toilet as my cover demonstrates. The harmonies between the band members were great and Mama Cass's voice in particular was lovely. I give this album a well deserved 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: California Dreamin', Monday Monday, Do You Wanna Dance?, The 'In' Crowd,  Straight Shooter & You Baby.

Day 44 - The Kinks - Face To Face (1966)

I put off listening to this album for a while and chose to listen to other albums instead but I decided it was time to get back to the official list in the book. "Face To Face" is The Kinks' fourth album and marked a departure from the beat music style that catapulted them to stardom. When I started listening I wasn't familiar with any of the songs until about half way through when it got to "Sunny Afternoon" and "Dead End Street" which I knew and liked from previously hearing my brother play them. I liked the use of audio bites like storms or phones in some songs, more bands should utilise that. Most of the songs on the album were good and catchy. I enjoyed this album and give it 4/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Sunny Afternoon, Dead End Street, Dandy, Most Exclusive Residence For Sale,  Rainy Day In June & Holiday In Waikiki.

Day 43 - Nico - Desertshore (1970)

"Desertshore" is Nico's third album and the fourth album of hers i've listened to. I've loved Nico for a number of years now. When I first heard her music in "The Royal Tenenbaums" I thought her voice was awful and her music was a joke. I then listened to her first album "Chelsea Girls" at my brother's insistence and fell in love with it. Nico's voice is haunting and lovely. On this album she was firmly entrenched in her goth rock and the songs are spooky and interesting. My favourite is "Afraid", it's the most beautiful ballad Nico ever wrote and one of my favourite songs. I give this album 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Janitor Of Lunacy, The Falconer, My Only Child, Afraid & All That Is My Own.

Day 42 - Cher - Cher (1987)

This Cher album was released two years before "Heart Of Stone" and was Cher's first album in five years since "I Paralyze" as she took time off recording to focus on her film career. I loved this album so much, it is another hit machine. Many of Cher's famous songs are on this album, such as: "I Found Someone", "We All Sleep Alone" the rock version of "Bang-Bang" and, one of my personal favourites, "Main Man". Also included are lesser known great songs such as "Perfection" with Bonnie Tyler and Darlene Love and "Hard Enough Getting Over You". Cher has a great voice for rock and this album was the beginning of a string of albums that helped put her back in the spotlight to show that Cher is, and always will be, a goddess.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: I Found Someone, We All Sleep Alone, Bang-Bang (1987 Version), Main Man, Perfection and Give Our Love A Fighting Chance.

Day 41 - Cher - Heart Of Stone (1989)

I thought it was about time this list got some fabulousness put on it so I bring you the Queen of Pop, Cher! "Heart Of Stone" is Cher's comeback album from 1989. Before that for a few years Cher started to disappear from the limelight and didn't make many hit songs but then "Heart Of Stone" came out and it was hit after hit after hit. This album contains some of Cher's biggest hits; "Turn Back Time", "Heart Of Stone", "Just Like Jesse James", "You Wouldn't Know Love" and "After All". Of all the Cher albums i've listened to this is my fave and I will listen to it over and over again in the future. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Turn Back Time, Just Like Jesse James, Heart Of Stone, You Wouldn't Know Love, After All and Does Anybody Really Fall In Love Anymore?

Day 41 - The Monks - Black Monk Time (1966)

The Monks were a short lived Krautrock band made up of American GIs living in Germany in the 60's. Their only album was "Black Monk Time". At the time it was largely ignored but decades later it was recognized as a great album that was a forerunner for both punk music and Krautrock. When I first started listening to this album I didn't like it but a few songs in it grew on me. The angry anti-war lyrics, the loud drumming and hyperactive guitar playing all made something stir inside me and I really got into it. It's a shame these guys didn't do more because I would've liked to hear other albums from them. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: We Do Wie Du, Monk Time, Shut Up, I Hate You, That's My Girl.

Day 40 - Bob Dylan - Blonde On Blonde (1966)

Time for some more Bob Dylan folks! "Blonde On Blonde" is Bob's next album after "Highway 61 Revisited" and I adored it. Bob is definitely growing on me, I can't get enough. I liked this album slightly more than "Highway 61...", despite my love for "Mr Tambourine Man". One of the songs I liked the most on this album was "Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again" which I thought was lovely lyrically and Bob's voice on it was very sweet. Another highlight was "Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands", the 11 minute ballad at the end of the album. "Blonde On Blonde" is one of Bob's best and one of my favourites. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again, Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands, Rainy Day Women #12 & 35, I Want You, Just Like A Woman & Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat.

Day 39 - Leona Lewis - Echo (2009)

I love Leona Lewis, ever since I heard "Bleeding Love" I was intrigued by her. She's talented, beautiful and has an amazing voice. Not many people can hit the notes she does so beautifully. Despite my high praise I didn't listen to a full album of hers until last years "Glassheart", which I thought was great. "Echo" is her second album and it is brilliant. It's full of the ballads she's famous for and also has a few 80's sounding love songs thrown in the mix too, my favourite being "Fly Here Now". Leona is a star and I look forward to seeing where she takes her music in the future. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Fly Here Now, Happy, I Got You, Brave, My Hands, Lost Then Found/Stone Heats & Hand Grenades & Love Letter.

Day 38 - Owl City - The Midsummer Station (2012)

"The Midsummer Station" is Owl City's most recent album, and the first of his i've actually listened to all the way through. Prior to the release of his hit single "Good Time" with Carly Rae Jepsen i'd never paid attention to his music but the other day while i was going on the long bus ride to get to my boyfriend's house i thought "why not?" and put it on. The thing I love most about Owl City is that his songs always make you happy when you listen to them. His voice is sweet and his songs are bubbly so you can't help but smile and bop your head along to it. I loved this album. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Good Time, Dreams And Disasters, Gold, Embers, Bombshell Blonde & Speed Of Love.

Day 38 - The Byrds - Fifth Dimension (1966)

Here we have the second Byrds album i've listened to. A bit of a departure from their debut folk rock album, "Fifth Dimension" was their journey into the world of psychedelic rock. The guys sounded as good as they did the first time around but this time some of their songs were more trippy and space-age. I like the dark tone of the lyrics in the song "I Come And Stand At Every Door", which is adapted from a poem by Nazim Hikmet about a girl who died in the Hiroshima bombing pleading for war to end. The instrumental "Captain Soul" was great, it sounds like something Jimi Hendrix would play. Good stuff. 4/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: I Come And Stand At Every Door, Captain Soul, John Riley, Mr. Spaceman and Why.

Day 38 - Fred Neil - Fred Neil (1966)

Many of you may not be familiar with Fred Neil, I know I wasn't. Fred wrote the song "Everybody's Talkin'" that was used in the film Midnight Cowboy and made famous by Harry Nilsson. According to wikipedia Fred was a pioneer in folk rock whose career ended far too soon. Listening to this album I thought Fred had a lovely voice and his songs were very well written lyrically. One of the best songs on this album is "The Dolphins" which is funny because after Fred quit music he spent the last 30 years of his life assisting with the preservation of dolphins. I liked the original version of "Everybody's Talkin'", but I thought Nilsson's rendition was a lot better. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: The Dolphins, Sweet Cocaine, Everybody's Talkin', I've Got A Secret (Didn't We Shake Sugaree) and Badi-Da.

Day 37 - The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds (1966)

This is the second Beach Boys album I've heard and I thought it was much better than "The Beach Boys Today!". On "Pet Sounds" the guys sound more relaxed and confident and the majority of the songs weren't sappy 60's love songs. "Pet Sounds" contains two of The Beach Boys' best hits, "God Only Knows" and "Wouldn't It Be Nice". "God Only Knows" was recently used in the video game "BioShock Infinite" to great effect. A barbershop quartet sung a lovely rendition of it which I really loved. I also thought out of the two instrumental tracks on this album "Let's Go Away For Awhile" is the better one. The "Pet Sounds" instrumental was boring filler. 4/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: God Only Knows, Wouldn't It Be Nice, Sloop John B, Here Today & I'm Waiting For The Day.

Day 37 - The Beatles - Revolver (1966)

For the fourth Beatles album I've heard so far we have 1966's "Revolver". I loved this album and definitely regard it as one of the Fab Four's best. On "Revolver" The Beatles started to experiment more with their music, using sitars and the like, to sound more trippy and embrace their hippie side. This album contains such classics as "Eleanor Rigby", "Yellow Submarine", "Got To Get You Into My Life", and one of my personal favourites, "For No One". Fabulous album by the Fabulous Four. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Eleanor Rigby, Yellow Submarine, For No One, Got To Get You Into My Life & And Your Bird Can Sing.

Day 36 - David Bowie - The Next Day (2013)

This is Bowie's new album and his first in a decade after his "retirement". The announcement of this album being made was a surprise to his fans, critics and myself. I love David Bowie, he has so many great songs and he's a great singer and performer. "The Next Day" was a great album. I love nearly all of the songs but a few weren't so good, namely "How Does The Grass Grow?". At 66 Bowie proved his voice is still great and he can still pen quite a few good songs. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: The Stars (Are Out Tonight), You Feel So Lonely You Could Die, Where Are We Now?, So She, God Bless The Girl, Valentine's Day & Love Is Lost.

Day 35 - The Who - My Generation (1965)

 For The Who's debut album I thought this was awesome. The guys sang well, played well and they were funny. The Who were one of the first bands that really rocked hard and their spirit of youthful rebellion was exactly what the 60's youths needed to shake off the stuffy conservatism of their parents. This album includes the hits "The Kids Are Alright", "La La La Lies", "Please Please Please" and of course the title track "My Generation", performed with the classic stutter by Roger Daltrey. They would go on to top themselves again and again in the years to come. Great stuff. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: My Generation, The Kids Are Alright, La La La Lies, The Legal Matter, It's Not True & I Don't Mind.

Day 35 - Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited (1965)

This album was released a month after Bob Dylan’s infamous use of electric guitar at the Newport Jazz Festival. A lot of his fans hated it but I, for one, loved his transition from folk to folk rock. Bob’s use of the electric guitar and his backup band are great and the songs on this album are just so epic. “Highway 61 Revisited” has such great songs as “Like A Rolling Stone”, “Tombstone Blues”, “Ballad Of A Thin Man” and the 11 minute long masterpiece “Desolation Row”. Bob’s voice is as good as ever and his lyrics are more and more creative with every album I listen to. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Desolation Row, Like A Rolling Stone, Ballad Of A Thin Man, Tombstone Blues, Queen Jane Approximately & Highway 61 Revisited.

Day 35 - The Byrds - Mr. Tambourine Man (1965)

I liked this debut album by The Byrds a lot. Their early brand of folk rock was very nice and their harmonies were lovely. Their covers of Bob Dylan's songs "Mr. Tambourine Man", "All I Really Want To Do" and "Chimes Of Freedom" brought new meaning to them and "Mr. Tambourine Man" especially was lovely because it sounded like a hymn.and was very sweet. One of The Byrds' members was David Crosby who went on to be a part of Crosby, Stills & Nash and become even more famous in the 70's. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Mr. Tambourine Man, We'll Meet Again, Spanish Harlem Incident, Here Without You, All I Really Want To Do, It's No Use & Don't Doubt Yourself, Babe.

Day 34 - Megan Hilty - It Happens All The Time (2013)

What an astonishing debut album from the Queen of Broadway! I first came to know of Megan through the TV series "SMASH" where she portrays aspiring Broadway actress Ivy Lynn. Megan was great in the first season. Her character is a bit of a manipulative bitch, and rival of Karen Cartwright (Katharine McPhee), but she sang many songs that touched my heart and I fell in love with her. Megan has one of the most beautiful and powerful voices i've ever heard and I was so looking forward to this album being released. Gladly, I was not disappointed. Some highlights are "The Heart Of The Matter", "The Blower's Daughter", "Wise Up", "No Cure" and a brilliant cover of Taylor Swift/The Civil War's "Safe And Sound". I still prefer Taylor's version but Megan's comes a very close second. Megan will always be my star. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: The Heart Of The Matter, Wise Up, Safe And Sound, The Blower's Daughter, No Cure & It Happens All The Time.

Day 33 - Bert Jansch - Bert Jansch (1965)

Bert Jansch joined my ever expanding list of artists i've never been exposed to before I started this challenge a month ago. I thought his debut album was pretty good, but it didn't thrill me. His voice was pretty good but his music was drab and kinda boring. Three highlights were "Needle Of Death", "Dreams Of Love" and "Angie". I'm not sure if i'll be listening to more of Bert's work, perhaps but only time will tell. 3/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Needle Of Death, Dreams Of Love & Angie.

Day 33 - The Beatles - Rubber Soul (1965)

This was my third helping of The Beatles and so far it's my favourite."Rubber Soul" offered a different, more exciting view of The Beatles. In a break with their traditional pop rock they decided to sing more folksy and this was the first album of theirs where they wrote all the songs. This album offered more hits like "Drive My Car", "You Won't See Me", "Nowhere Man" and "In My Life". Early hints of their future hippie music are present in the song "The Word". The final song "Run For Your Life" was pretty messed up, with the story being about a man who can't accept his ex wants to love other people and threatens to kill her. Very dark for the Fab Four. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Drive My Car, You Won't See Me, Nowhere Man, Think For Yourself, I'm Looking Through You & In My Life.

Day 32 - B.B King - Live At The Regal (1965)

Mr. B.B King was on fire during this concert! He was fun, energetic, soulful, seductive and sang oh so well. I never heard of B.B before I listened to this album but I will hear a lot more of him in the coming months. I loved how natural and confident he was on stage and his little stories between songs he told the crowd. I loved how he went so smoothly from Sweet Little Angel to It's My Own Fault while telling his story. His backup band were excellent too. Overall a great album. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Every Day I Have The Blues, Sweet Little Angel, It's My Own Fault, Help The Poor, You Upset Me Baby & Please Love Me.

Day 31 - Dido - Girl Who Got Away (2013)

This is Dido's fourth album and the third one i've listened to. I really loved "Girl Who Got Away". Dido is experimenting with her sound and introducing new elements to her music like rap verses (I know she previously recorded a song with Eminem but that wasn't on her album). Her voice was lovely as always and several of the songs, "Happy New Year", "Day Before We Went To War" & "No Freedom" are beautiful. This album is relaxing, danceable and gorgeous. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Girl Who Got Away, No Freedom, Let Us Move On, Happy New Year, Day Before We Went To War, Let's Run Away & Everything To Lose (Armin Van Buuren Remix).

Day 31 - John Coltrane - A Love Supreme (1965)

What more can I say about jazz that I haven't already said ten times before? I thought "A Love Supreme" was pretty good, but by no means the greatest jazz album i've ever heard. John and his quartet played well, and the four songs sounded good but they didn't really move me. "Pursuance" was overly long and dragged on. All of the songs blended together to sound the same. Not one i'd recommend. 2/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Acknowledgement & Psalm.

Day 30 - The Beach Boys - The Beach Boys Today! (1965)

I previously thought all 60's "boy bands" were shallow imitations of The Beatles, as The Beatles were the top  pop rock artists of the 60's, but I was wrong. I discussed The Beach Boys with my brother and he was right, they don't sound like The Beatles. The Beach Boys sound like surf music, even though none of them surfed. There weren't a lot of songs I recognized on this album but most of them were good. They harmonised well and sounded lovely when they sang. A few songs were cheesy, "Don't Hurt My Little Sister" & "I'm So Young". The last "song", an interview clip called "Bull Session With The 'Big Daddy'", was pointless but overall a solid effort. 3/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Do You Wanna Dance?, Help Me, Rhonda, Please Let Me Wander & She Knows Me Too Well.

Day 30 - Otis Redding - Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul (1965)

Otis Redding is not a name that's come up often in my life, I never really paid attention to his music, but I enjoyed "Otis Blue..." a lot. Otis' voice was soulful and energetic. His versions of "Respect", "My Girl" and "Wonderful World" are great, although I think Aretha Franklin's version of '"Respect" is slightly better, and his "Satisfaction" is the best i've ever heard, better even than The Rolling Stones' version. Other highlights are "You Don't Miss Your Water" which is heartaching beautiful and "Change Gonna Come", a ballad against racism written by Sam Cooke which is sung with a lot of heart. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: My Girl, Wonderful World, Satisfaction, You Don't Miss Your Water, Respect & Change Gonna Come.

Day 29 - Bob Dylan - Bringing It All Back Home (1965)

Onto my second Bob Dylan album. I thought "Bringing It All Back Home" was great. and I enjoyed it more than "The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan". In this album Bob incorporates more rock with his folk and creates some magical moments. His humour is back, he even cracks up in the song "Bob Dylan's 115th Dream" and calls for a redo. This album also contains the single "Subterranean Homesick Blues" which was the song used in the famous music video of Bob using placards to show lyrics. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Subterranean Homesick Blues, She Belongs To Me, Mr. Tambourine Man, It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding), Bob Dylan's 115th Dream & Love Minus Zero/No Limit.

Day 29 - The Sonics - Here At The Sonics (1965)

This was an interesting album to be released in the 60's. In 1965 the world was still hooked on rock & roll, pop and folk and then all of a sudden comes garage rock out of nowhere. The Sonics rocked and they rocked hard. In nearly all of their songs the lead singer screams an impressive scream. They did some impressive covers on their debut album, a particular favourite of mine being "Do You Love Me". I hated the last song "The Village Idiot", it was stupid and I found it offensive. 4/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Do You Love Me, The Witch, Strychnine, Money & Good Golly Miss Molly.

Day 29 - Jerry Lee Lewis - Live At The Star Club, Hamburg (1965)

This was an amazing album. Never before have I heard a live album with this much raw power and energy. Jerry Lee Lewis was a madman. He played super fast on piano and most of his songs were fast and made you dance like crazy. I loved every second of "Live At The Star Club, Hamburg". Another thing I enjoyed about this concert was that he personalised the songs and added his name into the lyrics, that was a nice touch. I'll definitely be hearing this one again and singing along to the great songs. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Great Balls Of Fire, What'd I Say (Parts 1 & 2). Money (That's What I Want), Good Golly Miss Molly, Lewis' Boogie & Long Tall Sally.

Day 28 - Buck Owens and his Buckaroos - I've Got A Tiger By The Tail (1965)

This was a charming country album from Mr. Buck Owens and his Buckaroos. I really love old country music. It was sweet, melancholy, fun and, at times, violent. Buck sings songs of one night stands, heartache and lost love. His voice is very nice and mellow and his Buckaroos are great backup singers. These are songs you can listen to on a cold, rainy day and transport yourself to another place where things aren't as bad as they once seemed. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: I've Got A Tiger By The Tail, Let The Sad Times Roll On, If You Fall Out Of Love With Me, The Band Keeps Playin' On & We're Gonna Let The Good Times Roll.

Day 27 - The Rolling Stones - The Rolling Stones (1964)

I've loved The Rolling Stones for a couple of years now but have never heard a full album of theirs, this is my first. "The Rolling Stones" was their debut album from 1964. You won't find many hits here or, as in my case, recognizable songs but this is a fine collection of 60's blues rock from a young Mick Jagger and co. The Stones sing well and they have some power in their voices in a few songs. It's not my fave Stones album so far but it's pretty good. 4/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Route 66, I Just Want To Make Love To You, Can I Get A Witness, Now I've Got A Witness (Like Uncle Phil and Uncle Gene), Carol & Mona (I Need You Baby).

Day 27 - Dusty Springfield - A Girl Called Dusty (1964)

Dusty Springfield is an amazing singer. She had a great voice, her songs were amazing and she was England's top selling lesbian singer of the 60's. Plus look at that beehive hairdo! She was camp all over. "A Girl Called Dusty" was her debut album and I thought it was a knockout. From cheesy love songs to sweeping ballads this album had everything. Dusty had incredible range on the last track "Don't You Know", a Ray Charles song. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: You Don't Own Me, Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa, My Colouring Book, Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Wishin' And Hopin' & Don't You Know.

Day 26 - Solomon Burke - Rock 'n' Soul (1964)

Solomon Burke is another name on the list of artists i've never heard of before I started this challenge. Thankfully he's also on the list of newly discovered artists i've come to like. This album was very pleasant to listen to. It consists of classic rock and soul songs with that lovely 60's sound. There are joyful songs, and there are songs of heartbreak. Solomon's voice is deep and emotive and the backup singers sound like angels. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Goodbye Baby (Baby Goodbye), Won't You Give Him (One More Chance), If You Need Me, Hard, Ain't It Hard & You Can't Love 'Em All.

Day 25 - Jacques Brel - Olympia 64 (1964)

Jacques Brel was a wonderful singer-songwriter. He composed one of the most widely recorded songs in the world, "Ne Me Quitte Pas (If You Go Away)", sung by everyone from Barbra Streisand to Celine Dion. This album is a live recording from his 1964 concert at the Olympia in Paris. Throughout Jacques sings 15 of his recent and famous songs to rapturous applause. I don't speak French so I don't understand what the lyrics mean but Jacques sings with such passion and theatrics that I can't help but be swept along in the emotion. This album has made me a life long fan of Monsieur Brel. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Amsterdam, Le Dernier Repas, Les Toros, Les Bourgeois, Jef, Les Jardins Du Casino & Les Timides.

Day 25 - The Beatles - A Hard Day's Night (1964)

This is the second Beatles album i've heard so far and I thought this was by far better than "With The Beatles", mostly because of the original compositions. From the classic opening guitar strum on the title track the album is off to a good start with lots of great songs along the way. "A Hard Day's Night" contains such classics as "A Hard Day's Night", "If I Fell", "And I Love Her"and "Can't Buy Me Love". I didn't like the movie that this soundtrack was attached to but the music is great. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: A Hard Day's Night, If I Fell, And I Love Her, Can't Buy Me Love and I Should Have Known Better.

Day 24 - Stan Getz and João Gilberto - Getz/Gilberto (1964)

This is the most relaxing jazz & bossa nova album i've ever heard. João Gilberto has a lovely voice and this album was also the debut of Astrud Gilberto whose voice is tender and wonderful on "The Girl From Ipanema" and "Corcovado". Getz and Gilberto play wonderfully together and Antonio Carlos Jobim plays piano tenderly and sweetly. Even though most of the songs are sung in Portuguese, which I don't speak, they still ring with such emotion for me. While listening to this I want to dance close with my beloved. Great stuff. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: The Girl From Ipanema, Doralice, Desafinado, Corcovado, Só Danço Samba and P'ra Machucar Meu Coração.

Day 24 - James Brown & The Famous Flames - Live At The Apollo (1963)

I heard of James Brown through his song "I Feel Good" years ago, and "It's A Man's, Man's, Man's World" more recently when it was covered by Katherine McPhee on SMASH! I enjoyed this live album. It started off a bit slow but progressively got better. By the time he started singing "Lost Someone" I was totally into it and loved going along for the ride. James' voice is soulful and deep and he reallly makes the crowd go wild. The energy is awesome and the medley he does of 8 of his songs is to die for. 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Lost Someone, Medley, Night Train, Think & I Don't Mind.

Day 24 - Rogue Traders - Here Come The Drums (2005)

Years ago I heard several of the singles from this album played on radio and Video Hits and enjoyed the songs but never bothered to look into the Rogue Traders. After hearing "Voodoo Child" on an episode of Doctor Who my interest in them was rekindled and I gave their album a listen. This is a great album, I loved it so much. Natalie Bassingthwaite is a great singer, she has great vocal range and her songs are fun and ever so danceable. This is the best pop rock album i've heard in a while. A big 5/5.

Tracks I enjoyed the most: Voodoo Child, Way To Go!, Fashion, In Love Again and World Go 'Round.