1968 songs extract from the book 'A Pop Revolution'

The best 10 songs of 1968? from 'A Pop Revolution'

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pop-Revolution-Transatlantic-Music-Scene/dp/0956272533
Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations
Having enjoyed a marvellous chart-topper in 1967 with ‘Baby, Now That I’ve Found You’, the Foundations journeyed up the hit parade again with the toe-tapper ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’. It still deservedly receives airplay many decades later, a testimony to its timeless impact. Although this single climbed to the top spot on the US Cashbox chart in early 1969, the Foundations did not build upon the foundations of this commercial triumph.

Burning Of The Midnight Lamp by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
“Loneliness is such a drag” wailed Hendrix on this remarkable track from the double album ‘Electric Ladyland’. Here the guitar virtuoso treats us to some wah-wah guitar, and throw in the harpsichord plus the rhythm of Mitch and Noel, and the outcome is pretty spectacular. It was such a pity that Hendrix would part company with Chas Chandler, and in time with his bass player and drummer too. Jimi never matched this excellence again. What a waste.

Can Blue Men Sing The Whites? by The Bonzo Dog Band
Having initially guested on the Beatles’ ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ film fiasco, the Bonzos were back in the limelight in 1968 with the suitably ludicrous ‘I’m The Urban Spaceman’. These urban spacemen also released an album entitled ‘The Doughnut In Granny’s Greenhouse’. This project included the spoof song which in its own weird way questioned whether English white boys should be singing the blues. It’s a frantic little number with guitar and harmonica to the fore. It’s worth checking out.

Crossroads by Cream
In-fighting amongst the trio’s rhythm section ensured that Cream would be a short-lived phenomenon. Before they bade their ‘fond’ farewells at the Royal Albert Hall, they weighed in with an outstanding live interpretation of Robert Johnson’s ‘Crossroads’. This must surely rank alongside ‘My Back Pages’ and ‘All Along The Watchtower’ as the best cover version of the decade. Take four minutes to bask in Eric Clapton on guitar and vocals here. It’s time well spent.

Lazy Sunday by The Small Faces
The cockney mods had really found their feet with the splendid ‘Ogden’s Nut Gone Flake’. The LP included this UK Number Two smash. It’s a real slice of joie de vivre from that artful dodger Steve Marriott, assisted by Ian McLagen on keyboards, bemoaning intolerant neighbours who have no time for ravers! The Small Faces were really starting to go places, but regrettably Marriott jumped ship, leaving les autres to form the Faces with Rod and Woody, a rock group-cum-drinking club.

Old Friends by Simon And Garfunkel
The old friends of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel had spent enough time together that by the late ‘sixties, their old friendship was becoming strained. Before they took a prolonged leave of one another, they recorded their penultimate studio album, ‘Bookends’. The LP takes its name from the track ‘Old Friends’, a gentle, reflective piece with an orchestral arrangement thrown in. It may not be one of their toe-tappers, but this easy listening item is worth several listens.

Pictures Of Matchstick Men by Status Quo
Status Quo were the latest English male guitar group to emerge on planet pop. Their debut single was very much in keeping with its time, a slice of psychedelia which would be a far cry from much of their output in the rockin’ seventies. Francis Rossi for the time being was sporting a moustache and hadn’t yet reinvented himself as a good time rocker. He was however the lead vocalist on one of the best songs of its era, and that was more than good for starters.

Rainbow Valley by The Love Affair
Young Steve Ellis and his group helped themselves to a brilliant UK Number One with ‘Everlasting Love’. Although its follow-up, ‘Rainbow Valley’, failed to reach the ‘top of the pops’, it was a hugely commendable single. Ellis longs for the safe haven of Rainbow Valley accompanied by fine female vocals and a notable contribution from the brass section. Deservedly, this release found a place in the UK Top 5. It is without doubt among the best singles of not only 1968, but of all-time.

Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun by Pink Floyd
With the wayward genius of Syd Barrett beginning to lose his marbles on account of his acid consumption, the other three were resigned to having to cut their umbilical cord and go it alone without the charismatic Syd. Recruiting new guitarist, Dave Gilmour, they opted for space rock on ‘Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun’. This was one of the first occasions when Roger Waters took over songwriting duties. The result was sufficiently impressive to encourage him to write more tunes.

The Way Young Lovers Do by Van Morrison
Van the man served his musical apprenticeship with Them who were welcome visitors to the airwaves with the likes of ‘Here Comes The Night’. Belfast’s most famous singer then chose to go it alone and came forth with a remarkable eight-track album entitled ‘Astral Weeks’. Although this project was something of an acquired taste, it did possess this obscure gem which, assisted by an excellent horns accompaniment, was a bit more energetic than most of the other laid-back tunes on the LP.