Music news for November 1968
The band Cream plays their final concert. The concert is at The Royal Albert Hall in London. Joe Cocker’s version of the Beatles song “With a Little Help From My Friends” reaches #1 in the UK. George Harrison’s film score, “Wonderwall Music” is the first solo album released by one of the Beatles.
Top 500 Albums of All-Time for November 1968
The Beatles – The White Album
- Release Date: November 22nd, 1968
- Genre: Rock
- Billboard Chart Peak: #1 for nine consecutive weeks
- Standout Tracks: Back in the USSR, Dear Prudence, Glass Onion, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, Blackbird, Helter Skelter
- Did You Know: The album was originally self-titled and not known as the “White Album” at first. The album is more of a collection of songs by 4 solo artists than a collective effort by the band. Most of the songs were written in India during a Transcendental Mediation. The double album would go on to sell 24 million copies, one of the best selling albums by the Beatles.
Spotify Preview Link: https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/1klALx0u4AavZNEvC4LrTL?utm_source=generator
Van Morrison – Astral Weeks
- Release Date: November 29th, 1968
- Genre: Chamber-Folk, Jazz
- Billboard Chart Peak: Did not chart!
- Standout Tracks: Astral Weeks, Sweet Thing, Cypress Avenue
- Interesting Facts: Despite being regarded now as a masterpiece, the album did not have any singles, did not chart and did not go gold until 2001. The album was recorded with top jazz musicians who never rehearsed the songs giving the album a very improvised sound and feel. Martin Scorsese has said that the first 15 minutes of his movie “Taxi Driver” were based on the mood of the album Astral Weeks.
Spotify Preview Link: https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/5PBbOTrlaXQauwwcq2ZiWO?utm_source=generator
The Kinks – The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society
- Release Date: November 22nd, 1968
- Genre: Pop Rock, Psychedelic Rock
- Billboard Chart Peak: Did not chart
- Standout Tracks: Last of the Steam-Powered Trains, The Village Green Preservation Society
Spotify Preview Link: https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/10c0h2wJ40mTjfIM5B0Lwr?utm_source=generator
Album Rewind Pick of the Month for November 1968
John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers – Blues from Laurel Canyon
- Genre: Blues
- Billboard Chart Peak: #33 on UK Charts
- Standout Tracks: Someone’s Acting Like a Child, 2401
- Did you know: The album featured guitarist Mick Taylor. Taylor joined The Rolling Stones after the album was released. The song “First Time Alone”, features guitarist Peter Green from Fleetwood Mac.
Spotify Preview Link: https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/3NpLHWshxHfxbhdYdgtmPL?utm_source=generator
Other Notable Albums for November 1968
The Turtles – The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands
- Release Date: November 1st, 1968
- Genre: Pop Rock
- Billboard Chart Peak: #128
- Standout Tracks: Elenore, You Showed Me
Spotify Preview Link: https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/155OAoTAYR4Uu0LpSMvy5W?utm_source=generator
I would like to hear from you. Go to the comment section and give me your feedback on artists, albums and songs from the month of November, 1968.
Album Rewind Rating for November 1968 = 8.5/10
If you have Spotify you can click on this link to listen to my Playlist for 1968. Enjoy! https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/2Dc8m5e6poo3Afc6Mqoumq?utm_source=generator