A genre-spanning 2CD mix of hit singles, slow burners and lost gems, including the first-ever official release of the preview pressing of 'Kick Out The Jams' by the MC5. The 45s that defined 1968 and crystallised author Jon Savage's memories of the year. 1968 began with business as usual in the pop charts, but the year would see convulsive political and social changes. This turmoil would be replicated in the music industry, where the effects of 1967 were seen in a proliferation of musical styles and social attitudes. The old days of a unified, central Top 40 were gone, and in it's place came a new energy that transformed pop into rock, ska into rocksteady and early reggae, and soul into funk. Jon's selections for this year oscillate between soul, funk, Americana, pop-psych and hard-edged rock. With the loss of pirate radio after March, he heard of many of these either by scouring the record bins in central London or picking up tips from the music and the underground press. Some are later discoveries but the aim is to construct an ideal playlist that simulates a top radio show, without all the populist choices and extraneous filler - a more radical and faster-moving soundtrack for an inflammatory year.
B**T
Another great addition to the series
Another great collection of hits, misses and b-sides from Jon Savage. Know, as with the others in the series, that this isn't an attempt to be a "best of" 1968 but rather an attempt to show the musical trends of that year.
D**T
Easily the most expensive in the series
This is not a review of the CD itself, but a caution. If you plan on adding this volume to your collection, prepare to pay through the nose. I initially resisted getting any of the CDs in this collection simply because I felt that $20 for 2 CDs was a ridiculous price to pay. Then, I found one at a Half Price Books store for under $15. It was the 1965 release, so I bought it and wanted to add the others to my collection. I've had this particular volume (1968) canceled when I tried ordering it from two other sellers. I finally just placed my order here on Amazon, and paid $24.51 for it with tax and shipping. I'm so mad that this particular volume costs so much, but without it, my collection would be incomplete. I kind of wish that I never found the 1965 CD in the first place, because no matter where you buy these CDs from, they're all overpriced. The way I am, once I buy one, I've got to have the rest. However, this is definitely the most that I've paid for a series of 2 CD sets in a long time. I understand that they're imports and on the Ace label, but sellers are clearly price gouging buyers for these sets, especially the 1968 one.
R**K
Jon Savage's series on Ace
Once again a great collection of tracks, many not heard for years, one in particular Train To Nowhere by The Savoy Brown Blues Band takes me back to when I first moved to Stevenage and I bought this on a single not long after I arrived. Terrific series, on probably my favourite record label, always well produced with the usual great booklet.
L**M
Hmm my era
open to dispute I know, however in my opinion late sixties produced some of the finest music ever, most of the modern rock band will admit to being influenced by this era, the John Savage's series encapsulates it well
G**8
Interesting compilation
A real mix of well known and rarer releases.
A**R
Good selection
Good collection
P**L
Must-Have
Herausragend wie alles von Savage!
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