1968 USA
VA - Can't Seem to Come Down American Sounds of 1968 [2024] (3 x CDs)
The box set “Can’t Seem to Come Down: The American Sounds of 1968,” released by Grapefruit Records, is an exploration of the diverse musical landscape of 1968. This compilation captures the spirit of a groundbreaking year in American music, offering listeners a rich tapestry of sounds that defined an era.
1968 was a year of experimentation and innovation in music, and this box set reflects that spirit. The tracks span a wide range of genres, from the psychedelic rock that dominated the airwaves to the folk and blues influences that continued to shape the American sound. The psychedelic rock tracks are characterized by their swirling guitars, trippy lyrics, and experimental production techniques, creating a sense of otherworldliness and pushing the boundaries of traditional rock music.
In addition to psychedelic rock, the box set features tracks that delve into the realms of folk and blues. These songs often carry a more introspective and socially conscious tone, reflecting the turbulent times of the late 1960s. The folk tracks are marked by their acoustic instrumentation and poignant lyrics, while the blues tracks bring a raw, emotional depth to the collection.
The compilation also includes elements of garage rock, with its raw, unpolished sound and rebellious energy. This genre, often seen as a precursor to punk rock, adds a gritty edge to the box set, showcasing the DIY spirit of many bands of the time. The inclusion of pop and soul tracks further enriches the collection, highlighting the versatility and wide-ranging appeal of American music in 1968.
Grapefruit Records has done an exceptional job assembling this box set, providing a comprehensive overview of the American music scene in 1968. The accompanying booklet, filled with biographical details, rare photos, and quotes, adds depth to the listening experience, making “Can’t Seem to Come Down” a must-have for any music enthusiast interested in this pivotal year in music history. (B)
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Track lists
CD1
01 Spirit - Fresh Garbage 3:14
02 Things To Come - Come Alive 3:02
03 Lemon Pipers - The Shoemaker Of Leatherwear Square 2:02
04 Merry-Go-Round - Come Ride Come Ride 2:50
05 Byrds - Draft Morning 2:38
06 Bob Dylan - All Along The Watchtower 2:31
07 Velvet Underground - Here She Comes Now 2:03
08 Tom Rush - No Regrets 3:52
09 Steppenwolf - Everybody's Next One 2:57
10 Savage Resurrection - Thing In E 3:04
11 Children Of The Mushroom - You Cant Erase A Mirror 3:01
12 Diamond Rings - Which End Is Up 2:38
13 Piece Kor - Words Of The Raven 2:43
14 Mothers - Who Needs The Peace Corps 2:36
15 Strawberry Alarm Clock - Pretty Song From Psych-Out 3:18
16 Nomads - Three O Clock Merrian Webster Time 3:19
17 Sidewalk Skipper Band - Strawberry Tuesday 2:48
18 Del Shannon - Silver Birch 3:09
19 Brian Hyland - Delilah 3:09
20 Baroque Monthly - You Are Your Only Mystery 3:08
21 Spontaneous Corruption - Freaky Girl 2:39
22 United States Of America - The Garden Of Earthly Delights 2:40
23 Mortimer - Dedicated Music Man 3:26
24 Ars Nova - Fields Of People 2:54
25 Crystal Chandelier - The Setting Of Despair 2:44
26 Grateful Dead - Dark Star (Single Version) 2:42
27 Hearts And Flowers - Tin Angel (Will You Ever Come Down) 4:35
CD2
01 We The People - When I Arrive 3:05
02 1910 Fruitgum Company - Mr Jensen 2:19
03 Kaleidoscope - Just A Taste 2:15
04 Human Beinz - The Face 2:44
05 West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band - Eighteen Is Over The Hill 2:42
06 Lemon Fog - Summer 3:48
07 Critters - Awake In A Dream 2:24
08 Eternitys Children - Rupert White 2:10
09 Quicksilver Messenger Service - Light Your Windows 2:36
10 Phoenix Trolley - Three-Part Invention 2:18
11 Love - Laughing Stock 2:33
12 Beach Boys - Little Bird 1:59
13 Silver Apples - Oscillations 2:49
14 Electric Prunes - Shadows 2:23
15 Graf Zepplin - Youre In My Mind 2:39
16 Left Banke - Dark Is The Bark 3:30
17 October Country - Cowboys And Indians 2:15
18 Millennium - The Island 3:22
19 Wind In The Willows - Wheel Of Changes 4:02
20 World Column - Lantern Gospel 3:30
21 Band - This Wheels On Fire 3:12
22 Iron Butterfly - In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (Single Edit) 2:54
23 Truth - Prognosis Stegnosis 3:16
24 Movement - Green Knight 3:01
25 Vectors - Paisley Haze 2:30
26 Sunstone Lollypop - Never Sad 2:40
27 Peppermint Trolley Company - Company Trust 2:38
28 Mothers Worry - Cant Seem To Come Down 2:55
CD3
01 Buffalo Springfield - Questions 2:57
02 Seeds - Satisfy You (Single Mix) 2:07
03 Children - Maypole 2:50
04 Yankee Dollar - Johann Sebastian Cheetah 3:05
05 Fugs - Crystal Liaison 3:36
06 Kak - Everything's Changing 4:05
07 Blue Cheer - Feathers From Your Tree 3:31
08 Velvet Haze - Lasy Day On Earth 2:22
09 SRC - Daystar 4:27
10 HP Lovecraft - Mobius Trip 2:46
11 Captain Beefheart And His Magic Band - Safe As Milk 5:29
12 Fallen Angels - Ill Drive You From My Mind 4:27
13 Little Boy Blues - Mr Tripp Wouldnt Listen 3:43
14 Nazz - Back Of Your Mind 3:47
15 Ravelles - Psychedelic Movement 2:32
16 Yellow Payges - Crowd Pleaser 2:25
17 Moving Sidewalks - I Want To Hold Your Hand (Alternative Take 2) 3:26
18 Brass Buttons - Hell Will Take Care Of You 2:59
19 Beau Brummels - Turn Around 3:02
20 Glad - Johnny Silvers Ride 3:23
21 Merrell Fankhauser And H M S Bounty - Rich Mans Fable 2:20
22 Tommy James And The Shondells - Crimson And Clover 3:29
23 Free Design - An Elegy 3:24
24 Monkees - Can You Dig It 3:25
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Thanks BB. Looks like a deep dive into the past. Looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteHi lemonflag.
DeleteGlad to hear from you.
Deep diving can be fun...
Cheers.
Nice comp - and it shows the breadth of music at the time - even allowing for the artists not here.
ReplyDeleteHi Dr Robert.
DeleteHave fun re exploring these tracks.
Cheers.
Thank you BB
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Bluro.
DeleteCheers.
Collections that capture the sound, culture, colors and vibe of the 60s and 70s are infallible for me... I simply love this Butterboy guy... A big thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi rgslemer.
DeleteI am delighted you are finding music you like. Keep exploring.
Cheers.