1) MC5-If you like the Stooges, you will probably love MC5. They are partially responsible for the dawning of punk (real punk), and their suggestive anti-establishment lyrics and thrashing guitar chords definitely fit the bill for the ’70s counterculture. Their rowdy live shows were always viscerally pleasing, and the true punks of the ’70s were sad to see the slow demise of this menacing quintet.
Recommended: Back in the USA (Rhino, 1970). After their debut was released (it was live!), MC5 had a lot to live up to-they proved themselves with this release. Try out “Teenage Lust” to remind yourself how marvelous it is-or was-to be young.
2) Minnie Riperton-It makes sense that Minnie Riperton was schooled in operatic music, as her voice has a five-octave range. After getting tired of acting as a backing vocalist for divas like Etta James, the Dells and Fontella Bass, Riperton ventured out on her own, creating her own girl group with a unique, earthy, feminine vibe that was never forgotten (but way under-appreciated).
Recommended: Perfect Angel (Capitol, 1974). With Stevie Wonder on drums, keyboards and other instruments, this album is almost perfect. “Lovin’ You” became her most popular hit, but listen to “Reasons” to understand the magnificence of her voice.
3) Nick Drake-Though Nick Drake’s impact on modern singer-songwriters is huge, he was mostly unknown during his tragically short lifetime. ?Drake’s hushed vocals, introspective lyrics and complex guitar playing made for some of the best folk music ever created.?With songs featured on the soundtracks to both The Royal Tenenbaums and Garden State, Drake’s music has gained a cult following.
Recommended: Pink Moon (Hannibal 1972). His last album is the perfection of the one man with an acoustic guitar formula.
4) The Modern Lovers-Led by singer/songwriter/guitar player Jonathan Richman, The Modern Lovers played a minimalist proto-punk that stuck with members of the punk movement (The Sex Pistols covered their song “Roadrunner”).?Primarily influenced musically by The Velvet Underground, much of Richman’s songwriting expressed more awkwardness and gawky emotions than anger.
Recommended: The Modern Lovers (Rhino 1976). The band’s debut album is widely considered to be the best, filled with fun rock and fun lyrics (“Pablo Picasso was never called an asshole”). ?You’ll like it.? Trust us.
5) Free-Free sounds like an alternate universe version of Led Zeppelin, in which Zep took a more soulful approach to their blues influences and focused on moving feet and hips instead of banging heads. The grooves come courtesy of bass prodigy Andy Fraser, future Bad Company drummer Simon Kirke and the perennially ignored and perennially amazing guitar work of Paul Kossoff. In addition to the killer rhythm section, the band’s most obvious weapon is the flat-out gorgeous vocals of Paul Rodgers, which combine the sheer power of Robert Plant with Motown-worthy phrasing and range.
Recommended: Fire and Water (A&M, 1970). This release captures the band at the height of their groove-making prowess and includes the seminal single “All Right Now.”
6) The Faces-Famous to indie movie buffs for their song “Oh La La,” which closes out Wes Anderson’s Rushmore, this boozy, hooky outfit is pretty great. These guys deliver faithful, fun covers of R&B staples, up-tempo rockers and gritty moving ballads with equal proficiency. Rod Stewart is the lead vocalist, but he doesn’t hog the spotlight too much and uses his elastic voice to fit each style, even turning the mic over to soulful bassist Ronnie Lane for a few country-tinged ballads.
Recommended: The Definitive Rock Collection (Rhino 2007). A great one-disc summation of what the band was all about including all the variety of styles mentioned above.
7) Big Star-The theme song from That ’70s Show is a cover of a Big Star tune called “In the Street” and serves as a catchy sample of the band’s power. Each song by the Memphis-based band centers around young love, growing up or some combination of the two, making real life seem epic with an honesty and humility rarely found in rock. True innovators, the band was able to successfully cherry-pick formulas from bands of the immediate past and combine them with their own unique vision to spawn a legion of followers.
Recommended: #1 Record/Radio City (Fantasy, 1992). The band’s two best LPs on one CD.
8) Television-When thinking of ’70s music, you think of matching jumpsuits and discos, but the band Television defies any preconceptions or stereotypes of the decade.?Their music is best described as proto-punk because their music has a sharper edge that resembles the “do it yourself” feel of punk. ?At the same time, they were all talented musicians who wrote well-crafted songs that are at least four minutes long and include guitar solos that would impress even the most jaded critic. ?
Recommended: Marquee Moon (Elektra 1977). This album is often considered their best and was re-released with bonus tracks.
