Crazy Fool's Newsround - Vic's album memories from the 70's and more...

Vic's album memories from the 70's and more...
March, 13th 2008 04:47 AM

Schoochers Island Discs

I am going to start with the seventies as this is when I discovered music apart from the catchy tunes on Here's Humphrey. I do not have all these anymore but as a budding DJ in my youth have kept a list of most of the albums I purchased or received. Not sure if all the below would still be in my top ten but I am trying to give the 10 that were top at the time for certain reasons.

In chronological order.

Jesus Christ Superstar - Original Soundtrack (Australian cast)

Released in 1972

While still young, my catholic parents took me to see the show live. I was captivated by this show as was my introduction to theatre and music. Of course the folks bought the album and it was played in high rotation by them.

Only years later did I understand the fuss over Marcia Hines playing Mary Magdelene.

The Dark Side of the Moon - Pink Floyd

Released in 1973

Loved it then and love it now. Timeless tunes like Money and Us and Them.

The first album I bought with my own money.

Tubular Bells - Mike Oldfield

Released in 1973

Like TDSOTM above this recording really blew me away and made me want to learn to play an instrument, something I did not do and something I regret to this day. Over 20 instruments all on top of each and very minimal vocals.

I first heard it played at "youth group" in the dark and for the first time started to feel that tingle down below after having my first serious kiss.

Greetings From Asbury Park N.J. - Bruce Springsteen

Released in 1973

1973 was a huge year discovering music for me and it took about 3 listening to Blinded By the Light to try and convince mum to by the album. I really needed to know those first two line and with lines like,

"Madman drummers bummers and Indians in the summer with a teenage diplomat/In the dumps with the mumps as the adolescent pumps his way into his hat"

how could you not like the Boss? Think this where I found out what to do about that tingle between my legs.

Atlantic Crossing - Rod Stewart

Released 1975

I was not a fan of Rod Stewart to begin with but my sister and her friends were and to a horny teenager her friends were hot. So of course I jumped at the chance to go with the folks to pick up the blister and her friends from the Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne. I actually saw most of the show at this outdoor venue and Rod put on a great show. Then I found out his current girlfriend was Britt Ekland so how could you not like the guy. This Old Heart of Mine is my favourite track.

Welcome to My Nightmare - Alice Cooper

Released in 1975

The rebellious times start in my life and what better way to scare up the folks than to become an Alice Cooper fan. But this album was a change. I was no longer listening to Alice Cooper the band but Alice Copper the man. The Department of Youth became the anthem for me and my mates. This was probably the first concept album I owned and I was a Cooper fan for years and attended 2 midnight concerts.

A Night at the Opera - Queen

Released in 1975

Probably still a bit young to recognize Freddie's blatant homosexuality but after seeing the film clip of Bohemian Rhapsody on Countdown just had to get the album. Was not disappointed as every track is a ripper.

Mercury had a fantastic voice, opera trained I am told, and I still check out some of his live concerts on YOUTUBE regularly. You should too.

Mental Notes - Split Enz

Released in 1975

This album was only released in New Zealand and Australia in 1975 and may have been released elsewhere later and was what I would say was my first experience with progressive/punk rock. It was to pave the way for their best album that was released in 1980 True Colors. The Enz were truly different and unleashed the "creative" side of many young folk including me. But then again, wearing funny clothes was part of the ‘70's.

Bat Out of Hell - Meatloaf

Released in 1977

Absolutely sensational album then and now and should be compulsory to play at every party. What teenager in the seventies did not pull a bird when Meatloaf was rockin' and that tingle was finally taken away by a female and have been hooked ever since. This is another to be relived on YOUTUBE as this is a Classic album, yes, with a capital C. The whole album rocks.

The Stranger - Billy Joel

Released in 1977

A bit of a slow down from Meatloaf but this album especially Just the Way You Are and She's Always a Women were good tunes at the end of the night if you had not pulled during Meatloaf. The second one mentioned also gave you the benefit of the doubt if you could only pull an ugly one.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Original Soundtrack

Released in 1975

Although released in 1975 I am listing this one as a 1978 entry as that is when I first saw the movie not having seen the stage play. Great soundtrack and another favourite at parties.

So there you have my seventies favourites. I am not sure if I would choose the same ones today but when I was living in the seventies they were my go.

Special mention to Skyhooks for Living in the Seventies and also a special mention to David Essex for the single Rock On.

And some songs to enjoy yourself to...

1. Cyndi Lauper - She Bop

2. The Vapors - Turning Japanese

3. Australian Crawl - Boys Light Up

4. Divinyls - I Touch Myself

5. Bruce Springsteen - Ramrod

6. Culture Club - Miss Me Blind

7. Faith No More - Epic

8. Madonna - Get Into the Groove

9. Pointer Sisters - Slow Hand

10. Skyhooks - Smut