The Incredible Hulk #1-6

The Hulk is another example of culture addressing the nuclear age. The Incredible Hulk is very different in the first few issues from the behemoth readers and audiences grew used to. This is a simple recap of the first six issues of the Incredible Hulk with some commentary on how it relates to the period and changes across the six magazines.

Issue #1: Bruce Banner becomes the Hulk when an accidental overdose of Gamma Radiation alters his genes. Banner is exposed when a Gamma bomb explodes. He had run onto the test range to rescue Rick Jones, a teenager that wandered onto the range on a dare. Why they could not stop the test was not explained, but one would think that there would be safeguards against something like this. Anyway, the issue also introduces Thunderbolt Ross, an army general that chases the Hulk, and plays the J. Jonah Jameson role. Ross’ daughter, Betty plays a potential love interest in her Jackie Kennedy attire. In the beginning, she is a non-entity.

At first, the Hulk is gray to reflect a mood. However, gray did not translate well to the page and Stan Lee changed the color to green. In addition, the Hulk only changes at night. He is a bit like a werewolf as Banner returns at daybreak. This version of the Hulk is not a mindless brute. He is more like an angry Ben Grimm. He is sophisticated, thinks through problems, and can operate machinery.

At the end of #1, the Hulk matches wits with the Gargoyle. The villain is a deformed Soviet agent that eventually befriends the Hulk after kidnapping him. Banner finds a cure for Gargoyle’s deformity and returns to New Mexico. By this point, Ross is determined to capture the Hulk.

Issue #2: The Hulk takes on the Toad Men. This time, he is green. The Toad Men come from outer space and kidnap Betty to force the Hulk to comply with their demands. Eventually, he rescues Betty and Banner uses the Toad Men’s weapons against their invasion force.

Issue #3: The Hulk is lured into a space rocket by Ross and shot into space. Rick Jones sneaks into the launch facility and manages to crash the rocket on Earth. During the flight, Banner is exposed to more radiation making the Hulk susceptible to Jones’ commands. Later, the pair defeat the Ringmaster.

Issue #4: Banner and Jones create a machine that allows the pair to control when the Hulk appears. The machine changes Banner to the Hulk and back. However, the radiation severely weakens Banner and as time passes, the transformations take longer to happen. This is a nod to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde who transformed via a potion. Afterward, the Soviets pretend to be Martians and are defeated by the Hulk.

Issue #5: 1000 years or more ago, Merlin banished Tyrannus to the underworld. Little did he know, Tyrannus would find allies that built him an empire and the Fountain of Youth. In 1962, he threatens the Earth leading the Hulk into action. Hulk defeats Tyrannus, and in a second adventure, beats the Chinese Communist armies of General Fang.

Issue #6: The Metal Master travels to Earth and easily defeats the Hulk and the world’s armed forces. Where the Fantastic Four were during the crisis is anyone’s guess. This seems to be more up their alley. Anyway, the Hulk defeats the Metal Master with a cardboard gun. The issue also debuts Rick Jones’ teen brigade. Meanwhile, the damage to Banner’s use of the changing machine appears to be accumulating.

The first six issues of the Incredible Hulk deal with all the themes of the early 1960s. There is the communist threat, nuclear fears, and Kennedy fashion. Meanwhile, the Hulk himself is not yet the brainless monster we all know and love. Instead, he is more of an angry Ben Grimm that despises the “puny humans” that hunt him.

Top 10 Gilligan's Island Episodes

Gilligan's Island ran from 1964-1967. It spawned a famous theme song, a cartoon, made-for-TV movies, and the Ginger or Mary Ann debate. The network promised a fourth season for the show, but network president Bill Paley overruled his underlings. Apparently, his wife wanted Gunsmoke renewed and moved to a better time slot. Paley moved the western to Gilligan’s spot and cancelled the castaways. Here are my Top 10 episodes of Gilligan’s Island in no order…

The Producer (1966): A Hollywood producer lands on the island and the castaways decide to do their own version of Hamlet.

Little Island, Big Gun (1965): Larry Storch lands on the island. He plays a bank robber and takes the castaways hostage. In the end, he forces Gilligan to take him to his missing money.

You’ve Been Disconnected (1966): A telephone cable washes ashore allowing the castaways to make phone calls. They try to call for help, but…

Pass the Vegetables Please (1966): Gilligan finds radiated veggies and the unknowing gang eat them. They gain superpowers based on their favorite vegatables.

So Sorry, My Island Now (1965): A Japanese sailor arrives on the island and takes the castaways hostage. He did not know the war ended. This episode could never be made today!!

Castaways Pictures Present (1965): The castaways find silent movie equipment and make a film hoping it will help them get rescued. It ends up entered in a film festival and wins first prize.

Smile, Your On Mars Camera (1965): A Mars-bound satellite crashes on the island. The castaways hope to use it for a rescue, but Gilligan screws it up and NASA sees chicken people.

Three To Get Ready (1965): Gilligan gets three wishes before sundown. The castaways end up in the middle of the lagoon.

Not Guilty (1966): A newspaper arrives on the island implicated one of the castaways as a murderer.

Gilligan Gets Bugged (1965): Gilligan is bitten by a bug and believes he is going to die. The bug eventually bites everyone, but they discover it was not poisonous after all. 

Amazing Spiderman #6-10

Continuing the look into Spiderman's past...

Amazing Spiderman #6: Peter and Jameson go on a roadtrip to Florida to find the Lizard. Spiderman defeats the Lizard before it/he can create a reptile army.

#7: The Vulture escapes prison and wrecks some havoc inside the Daily Bugle. Spidey webs Jameson's mouth shut and Peter and Betty Brandt get cozy.

#8: Two stories in Issue #8. In the first part, Spidey battles 1960s Articial Intelligence while Pete KO's Flash Thompson in a fight. Thompson had been picking on Pete to no end and paid for it. Interestingly, the school faculty set up the fight in the gym. Nowdays, they'd go to prison for doing such a thing.

In the second story, Spidey crashes the Human Torch's party. It's Marvel's answer to Elvis' Clambake!

#9: Electro debuts, Aunt May has an operation, and Betty Brandt holds a secret!

#10: The Enforcers appear on the scene looking to squash Spiderman and assume control of all of New York's rackets. Meanwhile, Peter is weakened after volunteering some blood to help Aunt May. She recovers and goes on vacation while a weakened Spiderman beats the enforcers. At the end, we find out the J. Jonah Jameson despises Spiderman out of jealousy and envy. 

Greatest 200 Albums of All Time: The Beatles

This is the third (and final) entry for the "B" artists. So far, I have listed 35 albums from artists in four posts.


Please Please Me: The Beatles (1963)

On February 11, 1963, the Beatles recorded their live shows on vinyl in about 10 hours. The album is a time capsule capturing the Beatles of the Cavern Club Era. Producer George Martin considered actually recording them at the club, but time constraints dissuaded the effort. The album represented a dramatic change in the sound of pop music and led to Beatlemania and the British Invasion the following year. For one brief moment, rock n roll was the culture's dominate music form.

Key Tracks:

I Saw Her Standing There
Please Please Me
Love Me Do
Twist and Shout

A Hard Day’s Night: The Beatles (1964)

The Beatles’ third studio album was also a soundtrack to a film of the same name. The album demonstrated a marked improvement in songwriting. In particular, “Can’t Buy Me Love” was a monster hit that remains amazingly popular nearly 50 years later. The title came from a malapropism. Ringo inadvertently mentioned his hard day’s night and a title was born.

Key Tracks:

A Hard Day’s Night
Can’t Buy Me Love
Things We Said Today
If I Fell

Help!: The Beatles (1965)

Help! is another soundtrack album. The original release included instrumentals to accompany new studio tracks. The album continues to demonstrate the band’s progression. Among the new songs, “Ticket To Ride” and “Yesterday” enjoyed the most success. “Yesterday” is the most covered song in history.

Key Tracks:

Help!
You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away
Ticket To Ride
Yesterday

Rubber Soul: The Beatles (1965)

Many consider Rubber Soul the greatest album ever recorded. The album expanded the Beatles sound and incorporated a variety of influences. The Beatles branched out like no act had ever done before. George incorporated world music into American pop music with the sitar on “Norwegian Wood.” This kicked off a sitar craze in rock. The album also featured studio innovations and more introspective songs. “In My Life” represents both these changes. The song was very personal and the piano solo sounds like a harpsichord thanks to producer George Martin.

Key Tracks:

Drive My Car
Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)
In My Life
Nowhere Man

Revolver: The Beatles (1966)

George Harrison considered Revolver and Rubber Soul as basically the same album. Although it was more electric than its predecessor, Revolver was just as groundbreaking. The album experimented with musical diversity in new and exciting ways. Often when bands attempt this, the albums are unequal at best. However, the Beatles managed to pull it off with song topics ranging from loneliness to tax protests. Additionally, the work introduces psychedelic music to the masses with "Tomorrow Never Knows" and "She Said She Said."

Key Tracks:

Eleanor Rigby
Got To Get You Into My Life
Tomorrow Never Knows
She Said She Said

Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band: The Beatles (1967)

For years, many considered Sgt. Peppers the greatest album ever recorded. In recent years, Revolver has surpassed it in the eyes of many. Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band furthered the Beatles’ musical expansion and exploration. By this point, the band abandoned touring to concentrate on recording and writing. It allowed the Beatles to incorporate multiple musical styles into the album. It included rock, jazz, Indian, classical, psychedelic and old style music hall.

Key Tracks:

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band/With A Little Help From My Friends
She’s Leaving Home
Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite

Magical Mystery Tour: The Beatles (1967)

The Beatles decided to film a television special. The show bombed mostly because most people did not see it in color. However, the album was a success and included many classics. The album included previously released material such as “Penny Lane,” but also showed the Beatles cutting sense of humor. John Lennon wrote “I Am The Walrus” after reading teachers were analyzing Beatles songs in class. He decided to write a song about nothing. “Baby, You’re A Rich Man” slammed their former manager. The album concludes with “All You Need Is Love” which was originally performed live in the first global satellite broadcast. The album is not as even as their previous albums because it is a collection of new and old, but it still was nominated for a Grammy.

Key Tracks:

Hello, Goodbye
Strawberry Fields
Penny Lane
All You Need Is Love

The White Album: The Beatles (1968)

The Beatles released their unnamed double album in 1968. The unofficial title, The White Album, derives from its blank white sleeve. It was their first album after their manager Brian Epstein’s death and ninth overall. The Beatles drew from every potential source including avant-garde, traditional, rock, blues, country, etc. The Beatles provide a complete history of popular music up until 1968 on this record.

Key Tracks:

Back in the U.S.S.R.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Blackbird
Julia
Yer Blues
Helter Skelter
Revolution 1

Abbey Road: The Beatles (1969)

By February 1969, The Beatles were imploding. Amazingly, they managed to record a masterpiece. The album includes George Harrison’s best known works in “Something” and “Here Comes the Sun.” Additionally, the record is split in two. The first portion contains stand alone singles. The second part contains a number of short tunes that transition into each other culminating in the “Golden Slumbers Medley.” Although technically the band released Let It Be in 1970, Abbey Road is the last album the Fab Four recorded making “Golden Slumbers” the Beatles farewell.

Key Tracks:

Come Together
Something
Here Comes the Sun
Golden Slumbers Medley

Let It Be: The Beatles (1970)

The Beatles released Let It Be following their breakup. The band recorded the album before Abbey Road, but did not like the outcome. They brought Phil Spector in to rework the album and decided to film the sessions which became notorious. The film documented the band’s dysfunction as opposed to their genius. It’s hard for a band with three front men to succeed and cameras recorded the end for posterity.

Key Tracks:

The One After 909
Get Back
Let It Be
The Long and Winding Road
Two of Us

My Favorite Albums from the 1960s

Not in any order...

Sgt Peppers- Beatles (1967)

Revolver- Beatles (1966)

Tommy- The Who (1969)

White Album- Beatles (1968)

The Doors- The Doors (1967)

Let it Bleed- The Rolling Stones (1969)

Magical Mystery Tour- Beatles (1967)

Aftermath- Rolling Stones (1966)

At Folsom Prison- Johnny Cash (1968)

Revolver/Rubber Soul- Beatles (1965 and 1966)

Greatest Guitar Riffs of the 60s

I did not put these in any order. This period was the heyday for guitar rock. These are the best riffs in my opinion...

Whole Lotta Love- Led Zeppelin

Satisfaction- Rolling Stones

Purple Haze- Jimy Hendrix

Sunshine of Your Love- Cream

Day Tripper- The Beatles

Jumpin’ Jack Flash- Rolling Stones

You Really Got Me- The Kinks

Voodoo Child- Jimy Hendrix

Black Dog- Led Zeppelin

Roadhouse Blues- The Doors



Pinball Wizard- The Who

Wipe Out- The Sufaris

All Along the Watchtower- Jimy Hendrix

Revolution- The Beatles

Miserlou- Dick Dale

I Can’t Explain- The Who

Fortunate Son- CCR

My Generation- The Who

All Day and All of the Night- The Kinks

Paint it Black- The Rolling Stones

Greatest Albums of the 1960s

At first, I thought I'd do a little write-up on these. However, rock albums have been so overanalyzed over the years, I thought it'd be redundant. Readers should check them out rather than taking a critic's or a fan's opinion! So, here are my picks for the Top 10 Albums of the Sixties:

1. Sgt Peppers- The Beatles (1967)

2. Pet Sounds- The Beach Boys (1966)

3. Revolver- The Beatles (1966)

4. Tommy- The Who (1969)

5. Highway 61 Revisited- Bob Dylan (1965)

6. Blonde on Blonde- Bob Dylan (1966)

7. Abbey Road- The Beatles (1969)

8. White Album- The Beatles (1968)

9. The Doors- The Doors (1967)

10. Let it Bleed- The Rolling Stones (1969)

My All-Time Grammy Awards

Best Vocals: Roger Daltrey: Love Reign O’er Me

Greatest Guitar riff: Smoke on the Water- Deep Purple

Greatest Guitar Solo: David Gilmour: Comfortably Numb

Greatest Bass Line: Another One Bites the Dust: John Deacon (Queen)

Greatest Bass Solo: My Generation: John Entwhistle (The Who)

Greatest Drum Performance: Moby Dick: John Bonham (Led Zeppelin)

Greatest Keyboard Performance: Light My Fire: Ray Manzerek (The Doors)

2010 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Inductees

Here are the 2010 Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductees. The top 5 vote getters are elected each year. Of course, there has been rumors of vote fraud by one Jan Wenner, but that is just alleged.

and now the Class of 2010:

Abba: I don't get this one and neither does Bjorn Ulvaeus of Abba. Oh well. They are best known for their disco hit, "Dancing Queen." Amazing the region that brought us the 9th century Viking invasions also gave us Abba.

The Stooges: The Stooges were punk before punk. Not sure why it took so long for them to get in. Madonna may have helped by asking them to perform at her induction. Their signature song was "I Wanna Be Your Dog."

Jimmy Cliff: Cliff is one of the great Reggae artists. His signature song is probably "Many Rivers to Cross." Although, his best known song is a cover of "I Can See Clearly Now."

The Hollies: They came with the British Invasion and should have been inducted 20 years ago. They are best known for their unique harmonies. Their hits include "Bus Stop" and "Carrie Anne."

Genesis: Genesis began as Prog Rock and evolved into a pop band. They survived the departure of Peter Gabriel by replacing him with Phil Collins. Guitarist Steve Hackett's guitar style predated Eddie Van Halen and they influenced acts such as Dream Theater. In the early days, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway stands out. During the Collins era, they hit their zenith with the Invisible Touch album. They should have been inducted long ago.

#4 The Rolling Stones

The Stones formed in 1962 and are on the verge of celebrating their 50th anniversary. The original band consisted of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, Brian Jones, and Ian Stewart. Keyboardist Stewart was quickly dumped because he did not fit the “teen idol” image. He did stay on as road manager and session keyboardist until his death in 1985.

The band’s main influences came from the blues world. Eventually, they came to write their own stuff which was heavily influenced by that genre. When they broke, they used that background to become the anti-Beatles. While the Beatles came off as nice clean cut gents, the Stones were dark and dangerous. Mick Jagger cultivated this image. While the Beatles sang of love, the Stones expressed “Sympathy for the Devil.” This image was reinforced at their Woodstock West concert at Altamont in 1969. The Hell’s Angels provided security and stabbed a fan to death.

Mick and Keith became the band’s main creative force. As they became more popular, they edged the band’s founder, Brian Jones out. Jones eventually died under mysterious circumstances. An investigation into his death has recently been reopened. Jones was replaced by Mick Taylor. For no apparent reason, Taylor quit in 1974 and was replaced by Ron Wood. Wood has been with the band ever since.

The Stones halcyon years ran from the Aftermath album of 1966 through their Exile on Mainstreet in 1972. However, they remained consistent hit makers into the early-to-mid eighties. Then, tensions between Mick and Keith blew the band apart. At Live Aid, Mick took the stage with Tina Turner while Keith (and Ron Wood) played with Bob Dylan.

In 1989, Mick and Keith made up and the band remerged with Steel Wheels. Once again, they scored a series of hit songs and records into the new millennium. During this renaissance period, bassist and band historian Bill Wyman retired. He was replaced by Darryl Jones. The Stones last album was released in 2005 and stirred some controversy with the song “Sweet Neo Con.” The album also produced a stripped down style which critics loved. In many respects, A Bigger Bang gave the public a glimpse at the sixties-era Stones. They are still together and their music and their image is something artists since from the sixties to today have tried to emulate.

Rock n Roll Moment: Keith Richards (yes that is all I am going to say)

Essential Stones:
The Rolling Stones Now! (1965)
Aftermath (1966)
Between the Buttons (1967)
Beggar’s Banquet (1968)
Let it Bleed (1969)
Sticky Fingers (1971)
Exile on Main Street (1972)
Some Girls (1978)
Tatoo You (1981)
Voodoo Lounge (1994)
A Bigger Bang (2005)

The Rolling Stone’s Top 10:
Satisfaction
Paint It Black
Let’s Spend the Night Together
Gimme Shelter
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Honky Tonk Women
Brown Sugar
Tumblin’ Dice
Miss You
Start Me Up

#5 The Who

The Who were four distinctly different personalities that emerged from Shepherd’s Bush to become one of the greatest bands of all time. They were known for their energetically aggressive stage shows, innovative records, and attitude. Pete Townsend came from art school and was the band’s chief songwriter, conceptualizer, and world class guitarist. Roger Daltrey is one of rock’s greatest vocalists and front men. He’s a brawler and could probably still kick a 20 year old’s ass. John Entwhistle is rock’s greatest bassist and turned the bass guitar into a lead instrument. Keith Moon is rock’s greatest drummer and its court jester. The band came from the London Mod scene and were the antithesis of peace and love. Instead, they pioneered instrument destruction and stage mayhem. From “Can’t Explain” to “My Generation”, there was something different about The Who.

Imagine being a hippie at Monterey in 1967. The San Francisco sound dominated the Summer of Love and the Monterey Pop Festival. Then came The Who. They blew up the stage and probably frightened some hippies. Before going on, Pete Townsend and Jimy Hendrix fought over who would close. Neither one wanted to follow the other. They almost came to blows, but settled the dispute. Townsend won and Hendrix closed. Hendrix then expropriated Townsend's antics and took him one better.

After a couple of years, the band was at a crossroads. Where to go? Pete Townsend put together an ambitious project. It was the first rock opera, Tommy. The album was a smash and propelled the Who to superstardom. In 1969, they played Woodstock and The Who continued to record smash albums well into the seventies.

In 1978, drummer Keith Moon died. After Moon's death, the band lost its way. Pete Townsend went into a tailspin. Singer Roger Daltrey admits to doing things he had never done before. The band eventually dissolved in 1982. They reunited for Live Aid in 1985, for a tour in 1989, and for their induction into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. In 1996 and 1997, they got together to tour for their 70s classic, Quadraphenia. Then came the concert for New York following 911. They owned the show and reunited for good. On the eve of a tour, bassist John Entwhistle died. Roger and Pete have continued on and even recorded their first album since the early 80s.

Rock n Roll Moment: Keith Moon took a horse tranquilizer before a show and passed out on stage. The band invited a fan on stage to play the drums and The Who finished their set. He also got banned from the Holiday Inn after driving a car into the Flint Holiday Inn’s pool.

Essential Who:
My Generation (1965)
A Quick One (1966)
The Who Sell Out (1967)
Tommy (1969)
Who’s Next (1971)
Quadrophenia (1973)

The Who’s Top 10:

Can’t Explain
My Generation
A Quick One While He’s Away
I Can See For Miles
Pinball Wizard
Listening to You/See Me, Feel Me
Baba O’Reilly
Won’t Get Fooled Again
5:15
Who Are You?

#17 The Beach Boys

They emerged from the 1960's surf craze and rode that wave to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. The band's leader and creative force Brian Wilson transformed the band from an adolescent surf band into serious artists. Wilson was the main difference between the Beach Boys and other surf craze groups. Wilson’s experimentation and music diversity eventually led to the album, Pet Sounds. This album is still considered a masterpiece. During this period, the Beach Boys were competing with the Beatles to see who was the best band. Sgt. Peppers came out in 1967 and the pressure got to Wilson. The next album is a record of a man losing his mind. The record did include “Good Vibrations” which is considered one of the greatest songs ever written. On the other hand, it included tracks such as “Vega-Tables” and other assorted weirdness. Wilson went to bed and did not return for several years. The band carried on without Brian, but their main creative force was gone. They continued to tour without him. In the late 80's, they scored their first #1 in 22 years with “Kokomo.” In 2006, they celebrated the 40th anniversary of Pet Sounds. At the event, Brian Wilson hinted the original surviving lineup (Carl and Dennis Wilson died in 1998 and 1983) might reunite.


Rock n Roll Moment: When Brian Wilson heard The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life”, he had a complete breakdown and spent 3 years in his bed. BNL later wrote a song about it.

Essential Beach Boys:
All Summer Long (1964)
The Beach Boys Today! (1965)
Pet Sounds (1966)
Smiley Smile (1967)

Beach Boys’ Top 10:
Surfin’ Safari
Surfin’ USA
Surfer Girl
Little Deuce Coup
I Get Around
Help Me, Rhonda
Wouldn’t It Be Nice
God Only Knows
Good Vibrations
Fun, Fun, Fun

#21 John Lennon

John Lennon was a rock star, songwriter, artist, author, peace activist, and cultural icon. Along with Paul McCartney, he formed the most influential writing tandem in history. He provided a counterpoint to McCartney while with the Beatles. Lennon was the witty, sarcastic one. After the band broke up, Lennon launched a successful solo career.

Lennon’s post-Beatles life can be broken into two periods. The first period ran from 1970-1975. During this period, John released the bulk of his solo material (some came out before the Beatles broke up). The first post Beatles album, Plastic Ono Band, was emotionally charged which allowed Lennon to vent. The next album, Imagine, provided an anthem for the anti-war crowd. Some of his songs created controversy. “Working Class Hero” was banned for using the word “fucking.” Many stations did not bother to listen to the message in “Woman is the Nigger of the World” and simply banned it outright.

John’s political activism often got him in trouble. His anti-war stance during the Vietnam period found him on the receiving end of the Nixon White House. Lennon underwent several years of deportation proceedings as a result of a late 60s drug bust. Lennon also made friends with several radicals (some of which robbed him blind).

After several years of political wars, John went on sabbatical to raise his son, Sean. Lennon re-emerged in 1980. He recorded Double Fantasy with Yoko and prepared to return to public life. On December 8, 1980, he was murdered by a deranged fan outside his home.

Lennon’s assassin came from Hawaii. He applied for a gun despite having served time in a mental institution. The Hawaiian police did a shoddy background check. Additionally, the gun made it through airport x-ray machines and metal detectors. Once in New York, the murderer met Lennon out front the former Beatles’ home, The Dakota, and got his autograph. Later that evening, he shot Lennon in the back.

There was a memorial and moment of silence for Lennon six days later on December 14. He was later cremated. Three posthumous albums and a number of collections followed. John's son, Julian scored a hit in the mid-1980s. Yoko occasionally appears for interviews and makes some public appearances. For his part, John has become linked to John and Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. He was the last victim of the 60s. However, unlike the others named, Lennon’s death was not a political act. Instead, it was a deranged loser which clearly represents the culture of the late 1970s.

Rock n Roll Moment: The “Lost Weekend” In 1973, John and Yoko split for a time. John took up with his personal assistant, May Pang. He spent the next 18 months inebriated and called that period, his “lost weekend.”

Essential Lennon:
Plastic Ono Band (1970)
Imagine (1971)
Rock n Roll (1975)
Double Fantasy (1980)
Lennon (1990)- Box Set

Lennon’s Top 10:

Mother
Working Class Hero
Imagine
Jealous Guy
Instant Karma
Power to the People
Mind Games
(Just Like) Starting Over
Watching the Wheels
#9 Dream

#25 Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash is considered the greatest Country artist of all time. However, he crossed over to Folk, Rock, Rockabilly, Gospel, Blues, and Alternative Rock. He is best known for his baritone voice and the chicka-boom guitar sound of the Tennessee Three. To save money on cleaning, the band wore black onstage which led to Cash’s moniker “The Man in Black.” Cash used that nickname and forged an outlaw identity which gave his music credibility.

Cash joined the Air Force in the early 50s. He worked intelligence and the service did not want him to go. Cash began writing songs at the time and decided to go into music and left the service. It took some doing, but Johnny won over Sun Records producer Sam Phillips and got a record deal. His first few songs were hits. Then came “Folsom Prison Blues” and “I Walk The Line.” Cash was now a star and toured with Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis. The King, the Killer, and The Man in Black all appeared on the same bill.

Cash cultivated his outlaw image. In 1968, he visited Folsom Prison and cut a live record that outsold the Beatles. The next year, he did an album at San Quentin which included “A Boy Named Sue” which Cash spoke the lyrics to since he did not know them. Cash continued with the hits in the 60s including his biggest “Ring of Fire” and his duet with wife June, “Jackson.“ He landed his own TV variety show which featured acts ranging from Hank Williams Jr. to Bob Dylan to Eric Clapton. The show was a hit. His last major hit of the decade (and until the 90s) was in 1979 with “(Ghost Riders) in the Sky.” He floundered throughout the 80s (with the exception of the Highwayman project) and was released by his record label.

In the 90s, Johnny Cash met Rick Rubin. The two hit it off and Cash began releasing his “American Recordings” albums. Rubin restored the dark side of Cash and that connected with audiences. His concerts became populated by Gen X-ers and he returned to the top. In 2002, he released his mega hit album “American IV: The Man Comes Around” with its cover of Nine Inch Nail’s “Hurt.” Cash was back on top. He died in 2003 less than four months after June died. The following year, the biopic, I Walk The Line, was released and Rick Rubin continues to release Cash’s American Recordings.

Rock n Roll Moment: In 1965, Cash burned down a forest. It was an accident as his wheel bearing overheated on his truck. 508 acres went up. The government sued and won $125, 172. When confronted by a judge, Cash said, "I didn't do it, my truck did, and it's dead, so you can't question it."

Essential Cash:

The Fabulous Johnny Cash (1959)
Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian (1964)
Sings Ballads of the True West (1965)
Folsom Prison (1968)
San Quentin (1969)
The Highwaymen (w/Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings) (1985)
Class of ‘55 (w/ Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis) (1986)
American Recordings (1994)
American IV: The Man Comes Around (2002)

Johnny Cash’s Top 10:

I Walk the Line
Folsom Prison Blues
Ring of Fire
Hurt
Man in Black
A Boy Named Sue
Jackson (w/June Carter Cash)
Sunday Morning Coming Down
Get Rhythm
(Ghost) Riders in the Sky

#29 The Doors

The Doors’ career lasted under a decade, yet they are one of the most popular bands of all time. They formed in 1965 when film student Jim Morrison met keyboardist Ray Manzarek. Morrison impressed Manzarek with his writing ability, so they formed a band along with guitarist Robbie Krieger and drummer John Densmore. The band decided to forgo a bassist. Instead, Manzarek played the basslines on his piano bass.

The band wrote most of their own stuff. Morrison’s lyrics were often dark, cryptic, and poetic. The Doors played the LA Club scene, including the prestigious “Whiskey a Go Go”. They were fired from the Whiskey for a profanity laced version of “The End” which included Morrison’s version of Oedipus Rex.

After landing a record deal, The Doors filmed one of the first music videos for “Break on Through.” Then came “Light My Fire” written by Krieger. This hit #1 and made them superstars. It helped them score a spot on Ed Sullivan. The show asked Jim to change the lyrics because they did not like the drug reference in the line “Girl we couldn’t get much higher.” Jim sang it anyway and the band got banned from Sullivan. When told they could not play Sullivan again, Ray Manzarek countered, “We already did Ed Sullivan.”

After their initial success, the band branched out in their music. However, Jim’s downward spiral had begun. He became an alcoholic which led to riots, drug binges, on stage collapses, arrests, and the infamous Miami incident. Eventually, it caught up to Morrison in Paris. In 1971, he was found dead in a bathtub. Whether he OD’d and was left in the tub or died in the tub is a matter of speculation.

The Doors attempted to continue without Morrison. They eventually broke up in 1973 before reforming in 2002 as “The Doors of the 21st Century” without Densmore and with The Cult’s Ian Astbury on vocals. That lasted until 2007. Densmore got an injunction against Manzarek and Krieger for using the band name while touring. In 2008, the two toured under the moniker, “Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors” and in 2009, they were joined by Densmore. They are members of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame.

Rock n Roll Moment: On March 1, 1969, Jim got busted for whipping it out in Miami.

Essential Doors:

The Doors (1967)
Strange Days (1967)
LA Woman (1971)

Door’s Top 10:

Break on Through
Light My Fire
Love Me Two Times
Hello, I Love You
Touch Me
LA Woman
Roadhouse Blues
Alabama Song
The End
Riders on the Storm

#34 Roy Orbison

Roy Orbison is known for his dark emotional ballads. He could hit four octaves which gave his work authenticity and an emotional impact few could duplicate. Unlike most artists that oozed masculinity, Orbison portrayed a quiet, mysterious vulnerability. The fact he suffered many tragedies in his life added credibility to his image and his music. His career suffered for a time before an amazing late 80s comeback as a solo artist and as a member of the super group, The Traveling Wilburys. Orbison died on top at the age of 52 in 1988.

Rock n Roll Moment: Orbison was known as the anonymous celebrity. He played to that with his dark sunglasses and clothes. He created a persona based on mystery.

Essential Roy Orbison:

Greatest Hits (1977)
Class of ‘55 (1986)
Mystery Girl (1989)

Roy Orbison’s Top 10:

Ooby Dooby
Only the Lonely
Crying
Oh, Pretty Woman
You Got It
Running Scared
It’s Over
In Dreams
Mean Woman Blues
I Drove All Night

#35 Neil Young

Neil Young is the ultimate singer-songwriter. He’s got the most unique voice to go along with his distinctive guitar style and deeply personal lyrics. Young broke in the 1960s and has remained the folk hippy curmudgeon. His music ranges from acoustic to electric; from swing to rockabilly; and from jazz to grunge.

Young was a member of the super group Buffalo Springfield. “For What It’s Worth” is one of the defining songs of the 60s. The band quickly fell apart as a result of tensions between members and with their management. Young moved onto a solo career and immediately recorded “Cinnamon Girl” and “Down by the River.” Then, he joined Crosby, Stills, and Nash. The highpoint of CSNY was “Ohio” about the Kent State Massacre in 1970.

Outside CSNY, Young recorded classics such as “Southern Man” and “The Needle and the Damage Done.” Young’s biggest hit (and only #1) was “Heart of Gold.” He quickly moved to the “Ditch Trilogy” before returning to spotlight in the mid-70s. His last great 70s song, “Hey Hey My My” would have been a grunge classic had it come out in 1992.

In the 80s, Young experimented with his music. After some time off the beaten path, 1988 brought Young back. He lampooned Eric Clapton and Michael Jackson for selling out in “This Note’s For You.” The next year, “Keep on Rockin’ in the Free World” provided a transition between 1980s and 1990s music. The song had the big 80s sound with early 1990s social consciousness. The feedback used on his Freedom album hearkened back to the 1970s and served as a precursor to the 1990s.

Neil Young was dubbed “The Godfather of Grunge” in the early 90s as Pearl Jam and Nirvana borrowed from his work. In fact, Kurt Cobain’s suicide note quoted Neil Young. At the same time, Young went folk with his Harvest Moon album. He continued to tour and record into the 2000s. In 2006, he stirred controversy with an anti-Bush album, Living With War.

Young has always been an activist. He protested Vietnam, co-founded Farm Aid, campaigns for the environment, and also directs films. He continues to tour and record.

Rock n Roll Moment: Neil Young performed anti-war songs during the Iraq War which resulted in his audience walking out on him. This did not dissuade him from continuing at the next show.

Essential Neil Young:

Everyone Knows This Is Nowhere (1969)
After the Gold Rush (1970)
Harvest (1972)
On The Beach (1974)
Tonight’s The Night (1975)
Rust Never Sleeps (1979)
Freedom (1989)
Prairie Wind (2005)

Neil Young’s Top 10:

Cinnamon Girl
Heart of Gold
Hey Hey My My
Old Man
Rockin’ In The Free World
Down By The River
Like a Hurricane
The Needle and the Damage Done
Four Strong Winds
Southern Man

#36 Cream

Cream was rock’s first super group. The trio consisted of Guitarist Eric Clapton, Bassist Jack Bruce, and Drummer Ginger Baker. The band combined Clapton’s blues roots guitar with Bruce’s intense vocals and brilliant bass, Baker’s Jazz influenced drums, and late 60s psychedelia. Their music, technical skills, and live shows inspired acts such as Rush, Black Sabbath, the Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin and Phish. They were one of the first heavy groups that provided a link between blues-rock and metal.

Rock n Roll Moment: At one concert, the rivalry between Baker and Bruce was so intense, that Clapton stopped playing. Neither Baker nor Bruce noticed.

Essential Cream:

Fresh Cream (1966)
Disraeli Gears (1967)
Wheels of Fire (1968)

Cream’s Top 10:

I Feel Free
I’m So Glad
Strange Brew
Sunshine of Your Love
Tales of Brave Ulysses
SWLABR
White Room
Sitting on Top of the World
Badge
Anyone for Tennis

#37 Simon and Garfunkel

Folk music became huge in the early 60s between Elvis induction into the army and Beatlemania. Simon and Garfunkel found their calling during this period. The childhood friends decided to do music. After a false start, they recorded “Sounds of Silence” in 1966. They continued to release hit singles. In 1968, they worked on the soundtrack to “The Graduate.” In 1969, “Mrs. Robinson” won the Grammy for Record of the Year. Their last major hit occurred in 1970. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” capped their career. The two split in 1970. Paul Simon continued to record (see #56) and was very successful. Art Garfunkel recorded and acted. Simon was clearly more successful. They’d reunite occasionally through the years including the 1981 Central Park concert, the 2003 Grammy Awards, and a two month tour in 2003. They toured again in 2005 and plan a 2009 tour.

Rock n Roll Moment: They played to 500,000 fans at their 1981 Reunion Concert in Central Park.

Essential Simon and Garfunkel:

Sounds of Silence (1966)
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme (1966)
Bookends (1968)
Bridge Over Troubled Waters (1970)

S&G’s Top 10:

The Sound of Silence
Homeward Bound
I Am A Rock
A Hazy Shade of Winter
Scarborough Fair
Mrs. Robinson
The Boxer
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Cecilia
America

#46 Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin incorporated blues music and a hippie vibe to become the most dynamic female singer of all time. She broke out at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and her bandmates grew jealous of her fame. She eventually dumped Big Brother and the Holding Company to go solo. She died in 1970 at 27. In her short career, she influenced many women to go into rock including Stevie Nicks and Melissa Ethridge.

Rock n Roll Moment: She refused to sign her record contract until she slept with the fellow that signed her.

Essential Janis:

Cheap Thrills (1968)
Pearl (1971)

Janis Joplin’s Top 10:

Piece of My Heart
Me and Bobby McGee
Ball and Chain
What Good Can Drinkin’ Do
Down On Me
Summertime
Mercedes Benz
Little Girl
Blue
Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)
Cry Baby