The same month as The Attica State Prison riot, Gordie Howe retiring from hockey, and Momofuku Ando inventing Cup-O-Noodles and Top Ramen, these were the top 10 rock albums in the country on September 15, 1971. It blows my mind that these were all on the charts at the same time – such amazing music!!
10. Paranoid - Black Sabbath
Just four months after their self-titled debut album was released, Black Sabbath were hard at work on their next album which would prove to be their biggest. Paranoid was #10 on September 15, 1971, eight months after it was released.
9. L.A. Woman - The Doors
A plaque is displayed at 8512 Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, in front of a building that is now a hot dog stand. It commemorates the building that used to house The Doors’ office and recording studio, known then as “The Doors’ Workshop.” It was there they made Jim Morrison’s swan song, L.A. Woman, the #9 rock album on this week’s countdown.
8. At Fillmore East - Allman Brothers Band
The original concert bill for this show in March, 1971 had Johnny Winter and Elvin Bishop as headliners, with The Allmans billed as the “extra added attraction” to open the concert. They plated three nights at The Fillmore and, due to overwhelming crowd reaction, by the third night the band was closing the show. Thankfully those magical nights were recorded and released, and The Allmans’ At Fillmore East put them on the map. On September 15, 1971 it was #8.
7. Sticky Fingers - The Rolling Stones
The only classic rock album released with a working zipper on the cover, Sticky Fingers was the first release on the Stones’ new record label and also marked the debut of their iconic “tongue” logo. After peaking at the top spot, the album moves to #7.
6. Aqualung - Jethro Tull
Ian Anderson has long said Jethro Tull’s fourth album was NOT a concept work, but, merely had songs with similar themes (isn’t that what a concept album is?) Regardless, Aqualung was the album that made Tull famous, selling more than seven million copies worldwide. It was #6 on September 15, 1971.
5. RAM - Paul And Linda McCartney
Paul’s second post-Beatles album was a family affair, with songs written by him and his wife Linda on their farm in Scotland, then recorded in New York and Los Angeles. RAM peaked at #2 and drops this week to #5.
4. Who's Next - The Who
We can thank Pete Townshend’s first wife, Karen, for the inclusion of this song on Who’s Next, the #4 rock album on the countdown this week. Pete was in his basement studio working on the song and, when he took a break and came upstairs, Karen told him she liked how that song sounded, so he finished it.
3. Every Picture Tells A Story - Rod Stewart
Rod was a busy man in 1971, working on a solo album at the same time he was still a member of The Faces, then turning around and recording a studio album with THEM! Rod’s 1971 release was his breakthrough as a solo artist and, after hitting #1, Every Picture Tells A Story drops two to #3 on September 15, 1971.
2. Every Good Boy Deserves Favour - The Moody Blues
The title of this album was taken from a mnemonic device used to remember the notes on the lines of the treble clef in written music: E,G,B,D,F, or Every Good Boy Deserves Favour. It’s the 7th album by the Moody Blues and it peaked here at #2.
1. Tapestry - Carole King
At the top of the charts is one of the most successful and influential albums of the 70s. It was the second solo album by a woman who had to be talked into taking the spotlight, as she had been known more for writing songs for others. James Taylor was the one who convinced her and, as history shows, it was a great decision on her part. Not only was it her breakthrough as a solo artist, but this album still holds the record for the longest stay at #1 by a woman. #1 on September 15, 1971 was Tapestry by Carole King,