The albums then for 1968 are, to me, something of a disappointment. Not because of the albums themselves,
per se, but because with very few exceptions they're just albums by each of the artistes I featured in the previous year, but some of them went on to be very famous and influential. Still, I would of choice have preferred albums from new artistes, but as mentioned in the last entry, some of the bigger acts (Yes, Rush, King Crimson) were only getting together at this point and it would be a year or two later before we would see any material from any of them. As we get further into the seventies I assume new artistes will tend to crop up more often, but as of now, here's what we have to work with.
We're only in it for the money ---
The Mothers of Invention
Ah, Frank Zappa how I hate you. You and Beefheart seem to epitomise everything I dislike about experimental music, but this album is apparently important, in that it was something of a backlash against another album that had come out the previous year and was heralding the birth of progressive rock itself, The Beatles'
Sgt Peppers. I have fears for my sanity when I read about the composition of Zappa's album, but we'll give it a go.
The United States of America ---
The United States of America
Already mentioned in the piece on the bands formed in 1968, this was the one and only release from this band, so if nothing else I owe it to their memory to listen to it and allow it its place in progressive rock history. Will I regret it? Probably.
A saucerful of secrets ---
Pink Floyd
Floyd's second album heralded the arrival of Dave Gilmour, originally to “prop up” the undependable and increasingly erratic Syd Barrett, though he would fairly quickly replace him as the founder left the band. After this, Waters and Gilmour would solidify their creative control over the band's music and Pink Floyd would begin to head in one direction, with fame and fortune and legendary status beckoning.
Music in a doll's house ---
Family
To be honest, I'm not so sure about this one. I know nothing at all about Family and have a feeling they may be more in the psychedelic/hippy mould rather than prog, but I'll include it and see what people think, if anyone cares to advise me. It is in the list of
30 Cosmic Rock Albums, so there's that I guess.
In search of the lost chord ---
The Moody Blues
Third overall, second progressive rock album by the Moody Blues, another concept record but this time they played all the music themselves rather than use an orchestra. It includes Indian ethic instruments like the tabla and the sitar, and ends on a track that would be immortalised by Lister in the series
Red Dwarf: it's called “Om”...
The cheerful insanity of Giles, Giles and Fripp ---
Giles, Giles and Fripp
Precursor to the mighty King Crimson, how could we not check this one out?
Caravan ---
Caravan
As already noted above, Caravan would go on to become an integral part and driving force of what would come to be known as “The Canterbury Scene”. This was their debut album.
This was ---
Jethro Tull
Another band I never got, this was the debut album from Jethro Tull.
Ars longa, vita brevis --- The Nice
Second album from Keith Emerson's The Nice, who impressed me so surprisingly with their debut effort.
S.F. Sorrow ---
The Pretty Things
Just getting in under the wire --- released in the UK in December 1968 and not until August of the following year 'cross the pond --- this is another one I'm not sure about, but it is a concept album so should probably be looked into.
The Soft Machine ---
Soft Machine
Another band pivotal in the Canterbury Scene, this is the debut album from Soft Machine.
Shine on brightly ---
Procol Harum
Continuing their pioneering work in progressive rock, Procol Harum released their second album neat the end of 1968.
So that's our list for 1968. I'll start reviewing them in the next entry. If anyone has comments, thinks I'm missing an album out or wants to offer any advice, you know what to do!