1001 Albums Summary

The Youngbloods - Elephant Mountain: I didn't expect to like this album at all, but like most of my presumptions, I couldn't have been more wrong. This album is a near-perfect amalgamtion of folk, country, and funk elements that, on tracks like "Beautiful", come into divine fruition that is hard to replicate. The entire album itself is complimenary in track listing, dancing around to more folk finger-style pieces, then speeding up to groovy sections with amazing organ playing melody that completely breaks through the mix. The vocal recording also is unique in that, due to technological limitations of the time, the microphone often peaks during the more soulful and sang-from-the-heart sections of each song. The bass tone is absolutely milky and smooth, suturing itself underneath the dry yet so full guitar on tracks like "Don't Let The Rain Bring You Down" and, (again), "Beautiful". Overall, this album is a time capsule of a once free-spirited and young America, living off rock, booze, and any drugs the people could find. The only gripes I have are a few of the songs become a bit repetitive at times. Rating: 8.5/10 Favorite Song: "Beautiful"