10 Lead Off Tracks From 1969 That Became Part Of My DNA

[@perrybarton]

I was 10 that year, with a similar age gap between my next oldest brother and me (and then a few more siblings above him). I share your experience of being heavily influenced (captivated, in fact) by all the records they bought-everything from early Elvis to the British Invasion to the "hippie" era (by which time I was also buying my own records). Watching this video, I was just waiting for "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" and "Come Together," both from albums my brother got when they came out. Glad you included them. 😎

[@kevtruth]

Peaches En Regalia by Zappa. Good Times Bad Times - Zeppelin

[@sherinameless1618]

My suggestion is "Overture" from "Tommy." Back in the day, I was in our highschool band, and the new director got tired of leading us in Sousa marches and such, and had us play "hip" music from the recent past instead. You haven't heard The Who until you've heard it played by a mediocre highschool marching band. Anyway, by now there was an FM radio station in town that played the Tommy album all the time, and I think all the songs from it are part of my DNA, but especially the overture, because of all practice. Likewise, the theme from "Shaft."

[@kso808]

Love many of the tracks you mention. Such a classic music year. Your mention of sibling age differences remind me of something my younger brother told me. He said I was the one who got him interested in rock music. In particular, it was The Rolling Stones Greatest Hits Vol 2 (Through The Past Darkly) octagonal LP, which I purchased, also released in 1969, that influenced him. He would go on later to perform in his own band.

[@jeffreylind3739]

Tom, I always enjoy your video posts. Boy, did we grow up in the greatest time for music or what!! I was 8 in '69, and had an older brother by 7 yrs, so he was 15 in '69. I also had older cousins and an uncle born in '48. We spent a lot of time together, and they turned me on to all the latest sounds going back to at least '64, which is about my earliest music-related memories. Most of my "DNA" type songs were more spread out in terms of what years they were released, and my brother also bought a lot of 45s back then. A few of mine are Jimi Hendrix Experience-Are You Experienced and Band of Gypsies- opening tracks "Purple Haze" and "Who Knows" just blew me away and still do. Ditto for Abbey Road, Sgt. Pepper and the first Chicago LP. The first Smith LP (not The Smiths) from '70-A Group Called Smith was in heavy rotation at my house. I really enjoy your channel very much. I appreciate that you showcase LPs and 45s, and your lived experiences and stories around records/music are wonderful. Thanks!

[@syater]

Among the various garage bands in my neighborhood in the 60s, the closest one to my house had not only the best stock of instruments, but also an actual jukebox in the garage, well stocked with the latest 45s. The band was friendly and didn’t mind having an audience while practicing. Gradually it became a hang out between practice sessions and it was their jukebox that clued me into early Chicago and Blood, Sweat and Tears, etc. Those were the years when friends would invite each other over to hear an album they just bought. Extraordinary music being released week after week. Great memories.

[@brianlehman710]

Fun episode. Kinda surprised that Gimme Shelter isn't on your list.

[@MACTRUQUE]

Gotta agree on the Procol Harum, but Id have Moody Blues where you have the CSNY crew. Wonderful year for music, none quite like it.

[@keefer-k8266]

Those are some great picks for your music DNA, Tom. 69 was such an amazing year. You were fortunate to grow up in a family with great taste in music. You mentioned hearing the Velvet Underground at Rhino Records (wonderful store) in Westwood. Always so much fun (an adventure) perusing those Los Angeles record store bins searching for obscure vinyls. Did you ever visit Poo Bah Records (when it was a little house shop on Walnut & Wilson) in Pasadena? Introduced me to so many landmark albums by little-known (at that time) artists including Big Star, Nick Drake, John Cale, Fairport Convention, and Tim Buckley.

[@nathanlaney4577]

Hi Tom: I'll bet a lot of us were influenced musically by our parents and older siblings. I came from a large family that really ranged in age. It ran like this: Dad - 1925. Mom - 1928. Sister - 1948. Brother - 1949. Sister - 1950. Brother - 1952. Sister - 1955. Sister - 1956. Brother - 1959. Brother - 1961. Me - 1962. Brother - 1966. Sister - 1968. Dad was strictly country. Mom was big band, crooners, country and some rock & roll. My siblings (including myself) tastes range from jazz to big band, country to every sort of music that appealed to younger ones (doo-wop, rockabilly, surf, garage, pop, bubblegum, folk, psychedelia, hard rock, soft rock, southern rock, punk, and new wave.) So by 1969 I was hearing an awful lot of stuff. The opening tracks from albums that we had from that year that definitely became a part of my DNA are: "Born on the Bayou" from Bayou Country. "In the Time of Our Lives" from Iron Butterfly's "Ball" album. "Take Me to the Sunrise" from the first Blues Image album. "In The Beginning/Lovely to See You" from The Moody Blues' "On the Threshold of a Dream" album. "Purple Haze" from the "Smash Hits" album, released here in the US in July, 1969. "Take a Look Around" from "Yer Album" by James Gang. Albums I discovered later from 1969 with great opening tracks: "Appleknockers Flophouse" by Cuby+Blizzards from the album of the same name. "Song of a Devil's Servant" by Golden Earring from the "On the Double" album. "Junior's Wailing" by Steamhammer. "It's Only Love" by Blodwyn Pig. "Dark Rose" from the first Brainbox album. These are in addition to all that you've shown Tom Great topic!!!!

[@tkingsley5761]

Similarly, my older brother was a musician and 7 years older than me in 1969 (I turned 11). He brought home Chicago Transit Authority and Crosby, Stills & Nash and both “Introduction” and “Suite Judy Blue Eyes” became part of my DNA as well that year - even though Suite Judy Blue Eyes was first desecrated in a miserable single edit and then overplayed on “classic rock” radio. “Introduction” is unequalled. I am with you on “Victoria” and “What a Day” - both an essential part of my DNA although I worked my way back through the catalog after discovering Poco in 1972. I remember “Victoria” as an amazing single on AM radio in 1969 and discovered the LP “Arthur” and its status as an opening tracks a little later when I could afford to buy my own albums. I’d probably have to add “Gimme Shelter” (Let it Bleed) and “Overture” (Tommy) as part of my DNA - I never owned those records but they were constantly on my friends’ turntables and on the airwaves in 1969. Otherwise, CCR put out three albums in 1969 with phenomenal opening tracks that are definitely part of my DNA: “Born on the Bayou* (Bayou Country, I think it ranks right up there with “Victoria” as an all time theme setting, mood setting opener), “Green River” (Green River) and “Down on the Corner” (Willy and the Po’ Boys). 😊

[@KyleWessels-c8z]

More excellent picks, Tom. Rock on.

[@AlterMann57]

I can remember going to see Chicago perform with the Chambers Brothers as the opening band. Chicago played like a jam band back then, especially when they led off their set with Introduction leading into Beginnings. The Latino sounding percussion with Terry Kath using his wah-wah pedal and creating sounds that I'd never heard before. What happened to that band in the mid-seventies was tragic. They lost their funk and drive and became a yacht rock band, led by Peter Cetera's wishy washy songs. Elephant Mountain is still my favourite album by The Youngbloods, and Jesse Colin Young was purely magical with his singing and songwriting. One of my DNA songs/albums from 1969 was from The Moody Blues / On The Threshold Of A Dream. Very like Chicago they began that album with a song called In The Beginning which is outstanding and it draws the listener in to each song on side one including Lovely To See You, and Dear Diary. I had an uncle who was an artist, as well as being a hippy who turned me on to The Moody Blues through this album. Another song/album that is part of my musical DNA was the song Fat Man from Jethro Tull's album Stand Up, I also love the song Reason For Waiting from that album. That album and band was such a favourite of mine. Another great addition to my 1969 musical DNA is the song Oh Well by Fleetwood Mac from their album Then Play On. That band was so great as a Blues Rock band from that period with Peter Green.

[@superhet7281]

Excellent retrospective! Older siblings always help shape your musical experience. You are very fortunate! Did you know the Gentrys did an excellent cover version of Cinnamon Girl? Check it out.

[@tomgrych]

Good stuff, as always. Elephant Mountain is an album everyone should own (IMO).

[@kurt11110]

all those albums are also in my dna, especially abbey road and csn. i remember as a ten year old feeling something like an electric shock and getting goose bumps the first time i heard the guitar solo on come together. suite judy blue eyes was also a showstopper right off the bat. so how do you follow that up on the same album? the answer is 49 bye-byes, featuring, imo the most powerful, most beautiful build up and harmony of any of their songs. you better tellllllll me baaaby, come on and tellll me baaaby, who do you love, who do you love ? all the magic of of the 60’s in one incredible song. ❤

[@chrisboerger465]

No Gimme Shelter? Dude...! :)

[@sherinameless1618]

Great addition. The opening of that one still gives me chills. It's been used on the soundtracks of a zillion movies, and played to death, but I never tire of it.

[@WayneScank]

His premise is tracks he heard at an early age. These are his memorable tunes

[@GeraldM_inNC]

Six fabulous opening tracks from 1969 that apparently nobody else has yet to mention: 1. Come all ye rolling minstrels - Fairport Convention on "Liege & Lief" 2. Twentieth Century Schizoid Man - King Crimson on "Court of the Crimson King" 3. Tell all the people - The Doors on "Soft Parade" -- Yeah, I know Doors fans hate this album. It was my favorite album of theirs and this song is one of my all-time favorite songs. (I wish WWE had used this song for Bray Wyatt's theme, because it would have been perfect.) 4. White Bird - It's A Beautiful Day. The quintessential flower power recording. 5. Feelin' Alright - Joe Cocker. What a singer! 6. No Time - The Guess Who on "Canned Wheat". I could have justifiably picked "These Eyes" off "Wheatfield Soul", but to me nowadays Junior Walker's remake is the ONLY recording of this song.

[@John-n9m7r]

I recall Tom saying great things about "White Bird" in an earlier video. Until then I hadn't heard it in over fifty years and immediately found it on You Tube. It was great to experience that lovely song again.

[@HelenRundell]

Your #2 was the FIRST thing that came to mind, though eye didn't appreciate it until later, but an explosive intro to was to become a later a prog staple. Glad you beat me to it.

[@michaelpdawson]

Great choices. A couple of other folks have already mentioned "Gimme Shelter." How about "A New Day Yesterday," "21st Century Schizoid Man," and "Peaches En Regalia"?

[@aminahmed2220]

Hello tom what a fantastic video have a great day also I was born in 1998 ❤😊

[@stephenbell9257]

"Killing Floor" the opening track from the Electric Flag album "A Long Time Comin'", which I got in 1968 when I was 14. This whole album completely changed my appreciation of what good music was and opened my ears to a whole range of wonderful music outside of the mostly rubbishy pop music that I normally heard on the radio.

[@54macdog]

These are clever, original themes. Great fun.

[@greggates1137]

Elephant Mountain is one of my favorite albums of all time. Good call

[@russellkroeker2822]

I was 4 in '74 and I heard Cinnamon Girl on the radio at that time. It scared me a bit after hearing Neil's Harvest hits. So heavy!!

[@drocker4729]

Nice! I'll throw in: "Good Times Bad Times" from Led Zeppelin - "S/T" "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man" from The Bob Seger System - "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man" "These Eyes" from The Guess Who - "Wheatfield Soul" "2525(Exordium &Terminus)" from Zager & Evans - "2525(Exordium & Terminus)" "No Time" from The Guess Who - "Canned Wheat" "Whole Lotta Love" from Led Zeppelin - "II" "Down On The Corner" from CCR - "Willie And The Poor Boys" "Gimme Shelter" from The Rolling Stones - "Let It Bleed"

[@patriceleformal3047]

"French Rock is like english wine" said John Lennon. So born in France, 5 years old in 1969, i 've no particular souvenirs ...too bad. But back to that rich era there is a beautiful and sensitive scene in the wonderful "Almost Famous" where the young William Miller finds some records his sister left under her bed with that message : " listen to Tommy with a candle burning and you will see your entire future "

[@bacarandii]

Great stories about music and family on a very dark day. Thank you.

[@total.stranger]

👍😃All good, CF!

[@petercena9497]

I was in Elementary school when I first got into underground music 69-70. Darkness Darkness and Mechanical World by Spirit epitomize the Era for me.

[@anabltc]

Four Tet did his version of Darkness Darkness and I only heard abt the song because of him, browsing through his old sets ❤

[@WayneScank]

No wonder you feature C Girl so often. I like your choices. I never tire of C Together. I am super tired of C Girl. I remember my sister Linda's 45s, like Darlin Be Home Soon & Bella Linda. She is 7 years older. My other sister is 11 years older. I think my first album was BTO greatest hits. Another night have been The Worst of Jefferson Airplane. I was born in May 1959. Albums I remember from grade school are Grand Funk + possibly Santana. The Eagles' debut came out when I was 12/13. In 12th grade typing class we'd play it, along with Frampton Comes Alive.

[@GeraldM_inNC]

Never liked C Girl from the time of its release and still don't understand what people see in it.

[@limomangeno]

Yeah i was a senior in 69 graduate in june that year.I listen to most of those albums back then Wasn't into Lou Reed. Now i do.But nice selection...Chicago MTA first was killer.

[@deadfdr]

Come Together, yeah baby

[@Scotttyist]

Born On The Bayou - Bayou Country. CCR's statement of intent.

[@GeraldM_inNC]

Great choice!

[@deadfdr]

Introduction legendary beginning!l Chicago did no wrong through 1974

[@deadfdr]

Love Brian Auger

[@simonKagree]

WELL. If you want to talk about the opening tracks we actually heard in 1969, YOU HAVE ME AT A DISADVANTAGE, SIR. I became 13 that summer, had no older siblings or hip parents, so my listening experience was basically limited to the radio singles (93 KHJ...Los Angeles...) and stuff I had been exposed to by television. I owned two albums, God Bless Tiny Tim and The Birds The Bees And The Monkees. The rest of my family had The Best Of Sonny And Cher and If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears (Mamas and Papas, duh), which I wasn't into yet. For Christmas that year, I got Abbey Road -- so I'll grant you that. There are dozens of opening tracks from 1969 that are part of my intellectual "dna" -- just mention "Peaches En Regalia" -- but all acquired later by a year or more.

[@simonKagree]

Oh, forgot, I got the Yellow Submarine soundtrack that summer. The lead-off, title track is pretty far from the best.

[@sherinameless1618]

I feel you. I am the oldest child too, and my dad basically only allowed classical music in the house during my formative years. Until I was in my teens, my town only had one radio station, one which played mostly the blandest of Top 40 hits (that I listened to for hours on end). Our family did have a Readers Digest set of folk music, and a couple of non-classical albums that my dad liked: "Days of Future Passed" being the one I played the most when I was a youngster. So, I guess that is what formed my DNA. I have been trying to overcome my underprivileged musical upbringing ever since. 🙂

[@simonKagree]

I feel you too. The following year, my mom got a hipper boyfriend, and Days Of Future Past appeared, along with Led Zeppelin II, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Surrealistic Pillow, Woodstock, and the first Bee Gees album. Almost like having an older brother (who was dating my mother). 😂

[@simonKagree]

Oh, and the soundtrack to Easy Rider. That was probably the most influential album from 1969 that I almost owned the same year it was released. Every track was golden, and it changed the style of movie soundtracks forever. The opener, "The Pusher", by Steppenwolf, wasn't the best track, but it was pretty good. There was a bit of controversy about Bob Dylan and The Band not allowing their own recordings of their songs to be used (Smith played "The Weight", The Byrds covered Dylan) -- probably just one more stupid management decision. And after that album sold a bazillion copies to young people, it changed the soundtrack market forever.

[@sherinameless1618]

Love "Cinnamon Girl." I must have heard it on the radio as kid, because I remember singing it all the time. Anyway, it stuck with me, and I still think it is awesome. "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" is also one that I count as one of my favs of all time. When I was about ten, my dad brought home a used copy of that CS&N album, and I played constantly. Once my little friends were talking about their favorite songs (theirs were by David Cassidy, or whoever was popular then), and they asked me what I liked. I said this one; they had never heard of it, and they thought that I was just a weirdo who made something up.

[@WayneScank]

I'm sick of it. Just a repetitive song great for solos. How tired it is.

[@John-n9m7r]

I still like it! That album is loaded with great tracks.

[@deadfdr]

Suite Judy, classic

[@painless465]

Love Arthur by the Kinks, but prefer VGPS from ‘68 even more; Others from 1969; 20th Century Schizoid Man-King Crimson Joy of a Toy Continued-Kevin Ayers Gimme Shelter-Stones A New Day Yesterday-Jethro Tull

[@jessem470]

You picked 10 great tracks and it is clear your DNA make up is healthy I have a track that changed my DNA on first hearing Peaches En Regalia off Hot Rats 2 more tracks that I am sure left people different upon hearing 21st Century Schizoid Man Kick out the Jams ( and I know just mouthed MF ) when you read title

[@HelenRundell]

The ayes have it- three others put 21st Century Schizoid Man on your 'should have been' on your list, lol

[@JackTheMusicGuy]

That cover version aerosmith did of "come together" is terrible if a song is already a masterpiece you dont need to ruin it with a cover.