Top 10 albums of 1974 (North America)

Vinyl Monkey's favourite North American albums from 1974

[@colinwhite5355]

Though I’ve clearly forgotten, I think I must have joined Hotblack Desiato, in 1974, and taken a twelve month sabbatical, though I don’t imagine it would have been for tax reasons. Good to see you physically restored - thought you might have been shooting this one in the room at the top of the stairs. Big relief, so to speak.

[@stephenf3838]

What a brilliant channel

[@GeoffreyMarriott]

Another excellent selection. The only one I'm not familiar with is the Sparks album (I did like Kimono My House though) . Glad to see the inclusion of Johnny Bristol and the Blackbyrds - both artists epitomise where black music was at in 1974. I recall that the track Walking in Rhythm got a lot of airplay for the Blackbyrds in 1974 and made the lower reaches of the UK charts. You are dead right about the Stevie Wonder album being a slow grower. I bought the LP on release but was disappointed and sold it shortly after. I found a CD copy for 50p in a charity shop about 5 years ago and realised the error of my ways. I can't decide which Big Star album is my favourite. I think the best songs might be on No1 Record but the tunes on Radio City are probably more consistent in quality. An album which would be in my top ten is No Other by Gene Clark. It would be in my top ten for all time let alone 1974. A superb collection of songs by a great singer and songwriter played by some crack LA session musicians. It was not released in the UK until 1977 though. (As with the Big Star records which criminally never got released here until 1978) Other contenders I would put forward: Neil Young - On The Beach - released during the man's dark period but I listen to this (and Tonight's The Night ) more than any other of his albums. Weather Report - Mysterious Traveller - Very African influenced and not as immediate as some of their other stuff but it's my favourite by this band. Superb album cover. Jackson Browne - Late for the Sky - A lot of the singer/songwriter stuff coming out of LA in the 70's has not worn well but I think this one still stands up. I must admit to having a soft spot for the Todd album (and the 4 solo albums that preceded it) but after that, with the odd exception, it was downhill all the way with subsequent releases - which were mostly unlistenable flashy prog rock. Have a good Christmas and New Year Geoff

[@VinylMonkey58]

Thanks Geoff, and thanks for the pointer to Gene Clark. I have 'On the Beach' on cd, and have a couple of later weather report albums which I do enjoy. I've just realised that I haven't included 'Late for the sky' due to my hopeless cataloguing system which means I regularly miss a release from a particular year that I have in my collection. (Maybe a project for the new year?)

[@VinylMonkey58]

Cheers John-best wishes for xmas

[@johnbellamy3406]

Interesting what you say about Todd Rundgren. I feel the same. He is quite difficult to get a foot hold with. I have a few of his records so I'm quite keen to crack his music one day. I'll keep trying. That Sparks album is fantastic. They have a sort of cult status ship I think, but they certainly don't get the attention they deserve. I've always felt that Muse owe a lot to Sparks. Frank Zappa's Apostrophe album would be on my list. It's my favorite by him. I look forward to your guided tour of Van Der Graff Generator. Cheers

[@PhilBaird1]

Beautiful vinyl again Mal and a fascinating ranking. You always manage to surprise me and your comments are always interesting and thoughtful. Nice to see my favourite Joni album at number one. The early Todd albums are really soulful and accessible and I think you'd love them. I look forward to what you make of VDGG. I've never really given them a fair hearing either so it'll be a chance to catch up. I love the early Donald Byrd albums on Blue Note but I've not checked out his funk years or the Blackbyrds album. I hadn't heard of that one. That was a great video with which to end the year and a very happy Christmas and New Year to you. All the best...

[@VinylMonkey58]

Thanks Phil - best wishes to you and yours for xmas and the new year

[@ArtbyJoeH]

Something for the girl was indeed a single😎

[@vinylrichie007]

I prefer the Donald Byrd albums that preceded the Blackbyrds. Your #1 is my #10. Other than that we have chosen different albums.

[@VinylMonkey58]

Cheers Richie - though of course I did include King Crimson's Red in my British 1974 top 10. I love all the artists you highlight but I don't own those specific albums on vinyl (yet!). Have a good xmas

[@vinylrichie007]

@@VinylMonkey58 Yeah, I forgot your UK picks.

[@4-dman464]

Cool. Which Stevie Wonder song is about Nixon?

[@VinylMonkey58]

Cheers 4-dman. Its the first track on side. 2 - You Haven't Done Nothin - where he is joined by the Jackson5 on backing vocals. Best wishes for xmas