4. Linda Ronstadt (Self Titled Album) – “is the third solo studio album by Linda Ronstadt, released in early 1972 on the Capitol Records label. The album was a sales failure, prompting Linda’s exit from Capitol Records. It peaked at No. 163 on Billboard’s Pop Album Chart and #35 on Billboard’s Country Album Chart. It is considered to be a front-runner in the country rock music genre.” Linda is one of those unique voices in music that you just lose yourself in. She can be rock, folk, country and standards. She is one of a kind and beloved by many. Here are the tracks I enjoyed:
“Rock Me On The Water” – sweet, melodic and wonderful harmonies throughout this gem.
“Crazy Arms” – showing off that country side so well.
“I Fall To Pieces” – Of course I don’t mind Linda singing this as she does so sweetly but I’m not crazy about the arrangement. It is hard to cover Ms. Patsy Cline.
“Birds” – This was written by Neil Young and Linda does a great job giving us full on melancholy heart.
“Rescue Me” – Linda lets loose on this track and it’s a great way to end the album!
5. Garcia – Jerry Garcia “is Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia’s first solo album, released in 1972. Warner Bros. Records offered the Grateful Dead the opportunity to cut their own solo records, and Garcia was released around the same time as Bob Weir‘s Ace and Mickey Hart‘s Rolling Thunder. Unlike Ace, which was practically a Grateful Dead album, Garcia was more of a solo effort, as Garcia played almost all the instrumental parts. Six tracks (specifically those coauthored by lyricist Robert Hunter) eventually became standards in the Grateful Dead concert repertoire.” Now I’ve never been much of a Dead fan but I respect their work a great deal. I am enjoying what I’m hearing thus far on this solo effort. Here are my favorites:
“Deal” – Feels a lot like “Truckin” but that is ok. It’s Jerry! This is a head bobbin’ song for sure. Great first track to an album.
“Sugaree”
“Loser” – a nice sit back and chill tune
“To Lay Me Down” – touching upon death but with such a bitter sweetness that soothes the soul.
“The Wheel” – if you needed a nice trippy yet full of wisdom song, then this one’s for you!
6. Cass Elliot (Self Titled Album) – “is the fourth studio album released by Cass Elliot and the first album recorded for RCA Records, being released in January of 1972.
Although signed to RCA in July 1970, Elliot did not begin recording her debut album for the label until late 1971, Elliot having in the interim recorded a collaborative album with Dave Mason for A&M’s Blue Thumb label, and also reunited with the Mamas & the Papas for a final album release by the group on Dunhill. Recorded at RCA’s Music Center of the World in Hollywood, the Cass Elliot album was produced by Lewis Merenstein with Benny Golson, the latter serving as conductor/ arranger.
With RCA granting her artistic freedom, Elliot pursued a more pared down, sophisticated sound for her first album with the label. Most of the songs were performed live in the studio. Elliot chose mostly standards. Elliot saw this album as her opportunity to finally distinguish herself as Cass Elliot and not “Mama Cass.” I love Cass Elliot very much. She had such a wonderful voice that was filled with joy and could be soulful as well. I think this album was able to shed the “Mama Cass” persona but unfortunately not at the time of its release. Here are my favorite tracks from this great album:
“I’ll Be Home” – I could totally picture Adele singing this song and thus I think Adele should do a tribute to Mama Cass! Cass sings with such tenderness on this track.
“It’s All in the Game“ – Cass sings this with such sweetness and encapsulates feelings of forlorn and longing.
“Try It, Baby” – Great track. Great song by Berry Gordy Jr. and great song for Cass!