Yes my favourite five albums of a particular year again. This time it is 1971’s turn.
Sticky Fingers by the Rolling Stones
Produced by Jimmy Miller, Sticky Fingers was the first release on their own label
Another from the purple patch of albums released by the Rolling Stones and the first to feature Mick Taylor as a full time member of the band. There are many highlights on the album and its artwork was designed by Andy Warhol. This will always be my favourite album of theirs.
Favourite track: The Marianne Faithfull penned “Sister Morphine” featuring the sublime slide guitar work of Ry Cooder
Hunky Dory by David Bowie
1971’s Hunky Dory was Bowie’s fourth album and his first on the RCA label
Bowie really hit his straps with this album released a mere 6 months before the career-defining The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. It is unsurprising that it features the core band members that would become the Spiders. It was Bowie’s first album to be composed on piano instead of guitar.
Favourite track: Hard to choose but had to go with “Kooks”
Killer by Alice Cooper
Killer is the fourth studio album released by the original Alice Cooper band
It has now been more than 50 years since this album was released and it still remains my favourite of both the original band and the solo albums released under the Alice Cooper moniker since. It contains many “killer” tracks including several that still remain in Alice’s live set to this day.
Favourite track: “Halo Of Flies” narrowly beating “Dead Babies” for favourite honours
Who’s Next by the Who
Who’s Next is considered by many to be the Who’s finest album
Developed from the ashes of the aborted Lifehouse rock opera, the album is renowned for its prominent use of synthesizers. The decision to shoot the album cover photo came from Entwistle and Moon discussing Stanley Kubrick and the film 2001: A Space Odyssey and the monoliths featured in the movie.
Favourite track: “Baba O’Riley”
untitled by Led Zeppelin
Officially untitled, Led Zeppelin’s fourth album is commonly referred to as Led Zeppelin IV
Recorded mostly in the country house Headley Grange, the album remains the band’s best-selling album and was considered a commercial and critical success. It also features their most well-known track in “Stairway To Heaven”.
Favourite track: “When The Levee Breaks”, a cover of the Memphis Minnie blues song
The Slabthrower 