1976: Patti Smith Group Release The Rowdy "Radio Ethiopia"

40 Year Celebration Of Patti Smith's Second Album "Radio Ethiopia"

 

Released to mixed reviews in 1976, Patti Smith Group unleash "Radio Ethiopia". Riding high on their new found success from the year priors album "Horses", some critics thought the album to be self indulged. Be that as it may Patti's self indulged righteousness has always been one of her finest qualities. Three of the albums tracks were released as singles, "Pissing In A River", "Pumping (My Heart)" and "Ask The Angels". The albums title track also stirred up some controversy over it's credibility. Critical success or not, half of the albums eight tracks were well known in the music scene at it's time, a successful achievement to most.  

1976: Marianne Faithfull Releases Country Comeback "Dreamin' My Dreams"

Marianne Faithfull's "Dreamin' My Dreams" Celebrates It's 40th Anniversary This Year

 

Marianne Faithfull disappeared for a while after the drug and alcohol fueled non stop party that was the late 60's had subsided. She finally releases her first album of the 70's in it's second half of the decade. 1976's "Dreamin' My Dreams" was not a huge success, and would two years later be revamped and repackaged as "Faithless", and although it never made it's mark on the charts, it has lived on to be a cult classic and fan favorite. Marketed at the time as a Country album, "Dreamin' My Dreams" plays more like a Country covers album, with Folk, Rock, Contemporary and of course Country influences. Marianne Faithfull always exhibits exquisite song selections, and this album is no exception.

1966: Grace Slick's First Single Released With The Great Society

The Great Society Release Grace Slick Signature "Someone To Love" 50 Years Ago

 

Before Grace Slick's signature song "Somebody To Love" came to know Jefferson Airplane, it was known as The Great Society's "Someone To Love", the only single released from her first band before it's breakup. Known mostly throughout the San Fransisco area at the time, the song received little radio airplay elsewhere in the country, but would live on to be one of the most influential songs of the 60's after it's Airplane takeoff. Follow along for more.

1966: The Shangri-Las Shine With Three Singles

50th Anniversary Of The Shangri-Las Final Three Charting Singles

 

This quintessential quartet of true Rock Rebelle icons helped pave the way for generations of bad boy loving bad girls. One of the most famous of the Girl Groups to emerge from the 60's, The Shangri-Las were composed of two sets of sisters, Mary and Betty Weiss, and identical twins Marge and Mary Ann Ganser. They perfected the look and sound of what it was to be a bad boys' best girl, the coolest thing you could be if you were a teenage girl at the time! They released a few more singles after 1966, but their three from this year were their last to chart, or see success on radio. Continue on to see which three were thee.

1996: PJ Harvey Drops The Disturbingly Delightful "Dance Hall At Louse Point"

PJ Harvey And Long Time Collaborator John Parish Create A Musical Masterpiece 20 Years Ago

 

PJ Harvey, using her full name Polly Jean Harvey on this collaboration, and John Parish join forces to create one of the most eerie Art Rock albums of the 90's. John Parish takes on the albums instrumental duties, composing and playing almost everything himself, while PJ Harvey assumes the songwriting and vocals, some of her most sinister to date. The albums only song not credited to them is an eccentric cover of the Peggy Lee classic "Is That All There Is?". Polly has been working with John off and on since the late 80's, and their bond is apparent, as their unique approach to this album comes together devilishly perfect. The album saw one single released, "That Was My Veil", quite possibly the only radio friendly song on "Dance Hall At Louse Point". 

1986: Kristin Hersh & Tanya Donelly Explode Onto The Scene With Throwing Muses Debut Album

Celebrating It's 30th Anniversary, Throwing Muses Self Tilted Debut Showcases Step Sisters Genius

 

Kristen Hersh and Tanya Donelly are step-sisters who are both extremely talented guitarist, song writers, performers, and vocalist. Although both have their own uniquely wicked sound, it's easy to see they were similarly influenced. Together with bandmates Leslie Langston and David Narcizo, the Throwing Muses rip through ten energized tracks on their album. The band shows just how ahead of the times they are, as many songs sound like they could have easily come from the later 90's Grunge scene. Creativity is one of the things these girls never run short on, not in their work with Throwing Muses, nor in any other solo endeavors. To hear how the Throwing Muses boldly introduced themselves to the world please continue reading.

1976: Fleetwood Mac's "Rhiannon" Rings Like A Bell Through Stevie Nicks

Stevie Nicks "Rhiannon" Takes To The Sky Like A Bird In Flight Celebrating It's 40th Anniversary!

 

Fleetwood Mac unleash their wicked single "Rhiannon" in 1976, and watch as is it taken by the wind to the top of the charts. Originally appearing on their 1975 self titled album, the song would be released the next year and climb to an astonishing #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Stevie Nicks has always ruled her life like a fine skylark, even when the sky was starless. She is a true Rock Rebelle icon, as she is a master of instrument, a song writing extraordinaire, and her voice, her voice, her voice. Oh my gracious, one more time, her voice! It is like no other, it's like a promise of heaven! Carry on to see it live!!!

1966: Marianne Faithfull Releases Folksy Album "North Country Maid"

Marianne Faithfull's Album "North Country Maid" Celebrates It's 50th Anniversary!!!

 

Marianne Faithfull has always had a knack for adding bold and unique songs to her repertoire. She displays that talent wonderfully on her 1966 album "North Country Maid". It was originally released in the UK only, and half it's tracks appeared a year prior on her album "Go Away From My World" released only in the US. "North Country Maid" is a perfect blend of Modern American Folk and traditionally influenced World Music. Although the album didn't spawn any hits, there are some recognizable covers such as "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", "The Last Thing On My Mind" and "Green Are Your Eyes". Don't allow the laid back nature of this album to fool you, given it's title, Marianne Faithfull tells the sordid tale of a rebelle-ious "North Country Maid" through her wisely chosen song selection. To hear some of my favorite tracks off the album, and a few more fun facts, please follow the link below.