October, 1975 was the month and year of “The Thrilla In Manila”. Philly’s “Smokin'” Joe Frazier challenging Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight crown. In a brutal fight, Ali won in a TKO after the 14th round. John Lennon won the right to stay in the U.S., just two days before his son Sean was born, and these were the top ten rock albums in the country on October 6, 1975:

• 10. Toys In The Attic - Aerosmith

  The biggest-selling album Aerosmith has ever had was this one, and on its way to selling over 9 million copies, Toys In The Attic is #10, over 6 months after it was released.

• 9. Hearts - America

  The band America saw fit to name six of their first seven albums one word titles starting with the letter ‘H.’ The fourth in the series was Hearts, another George Martin production, and the #9 rock album on October 6, 1975.

• 8. Desolation Boulevard - The Sweet

  The third album by glam rock superstars The Sweet had a totally different lineup in the UK than it did in the US and Canada.  The US version added two singles, one of which was their biggest hit, “Ballroom Blitz.”  Desolation Boulevard is the #8 rock album on the countdown this week.

• 7. Young Americans - David Bowie

  Recorded partly here in Philadelphia, at the legendary Sigma Sound Studios, Bowie’s funkiest album was the #7 rock album in the country on October 6, 1975.

• 6. Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy - Elton John

  The first album in rock history to debut at #1 was this one, Elton John’s ninth release, Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy.  After spending some quality time at the top spot, it drops to #6 this week.

   

• 5. Fleetwood Mac - Fleetwood Mac

  Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled album, the one before Rumours, took over a year from the time it first hit the charts until it reached #1.  On its way to that slow, steady climb, it was #5 on October 6, 1975.

• 4. Red Octopus - Jefferson Starship

  After 8 years and 8 albums under two different names, Jefferson Starship finally got their #1 album, and it was this one, their only one to nab the top spot, Red Octopus.  After doing so, it drops three to #4 on this week’s countdown.

   

• 3. Born To Run - Bruce Springsteen

  Bruce Springsteen’s crown jewel was only in its fourth week on the charts.  In another two weeks, his image would grace the cover of both Time and Newsweek magazines, and a legend was born.  Born To Run already was #4 on 10/6/75.

• 2. One Of These Nights - Eagles

  Eagles scored their first of four #1 albums in a row with this, their fourth album which, like Bowie’s Young Americans, was influenced by the Philadelphia R&B music scene.  One Of These Nights slips one position to #2 on October 6, 1975.

• 1. Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd

  Following up a masterpiece isn’t easy, but Pink Floyd pulled it off, with another adventurous album full of cynicism for the music business, and love for their former fallen bandmate.  Though the album received mixed reviews from rock critics, the fans loved it, and it became another of the band’s beloved works.  #1 on October 6, 1975 was Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd.

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