Steppenwolf: "Steppenwolf"

Released in 1968,

this was Steppenwolf's

highly successful debut LP.

Includes their mega-hit, "Born to Be Wild,"

plus "Sookie, Sookie" and "The Pusher."

"Berry Rides Again" is also a great track!

If you are not already a fan,

I'm not sure there is much I can say

to convince you of this group's

iconic role in the late '60s

progression of rock music.

If you ARE already a fan,

there's not much I could say

that would change your mind

or add to your knowledge,

probably.

How 'bout this:

a) the silver cover made it difficult for an

amateur photographer like myself to get a clean shot of the cover;

b) this album came to me second-hand (garage sale, I think),

so the disturbing, unfortunate red enhancements are not mine.

Read more about Steppenwolf HERE.

Art Direction, Cover and Liner Design: Gary Burden

Photography: Tom Gundelfinger

Michael Omartian: "White Horse"

Released in 1974,

this was Michael Omartian's first solo LP.

By that time,

he had already begun to build an amazing

career as a session artist,

and this album marks the beginning of 

what became a super-stellar career

as a producer.

Honestly,

this album changed my life.

Everything about it was mind-blowing

(at least to me, at the time).

From this point forward,

I would always be on the lookout

for Michael Omartian's name

in any album credits.

My favorite

was when I found his name among

the dozens of names listed

on the credits for the soundtrack,

"Jonathan Livingston Seagull";

but I have found his name

on many, many, many album credits.

Read more about Michael Omartian HERE.

My favorite track from this LP:

"Jeremiah"

Album Cover Concept: James Fitzgerald

Album Cover Art: Dave Jarvis

Photography: Harry Langdon

The Jazz Crusaders: "Old Socks New Shoes, New Socks Old Shoes"

Released in 1970,

this was "The Jazz Crusaders" eighteenth (18th) album,

thirteenth (13th) studio recording

(plus five live releases);

and their last

as "The Jazz Crusaders."

After this album,

they dropped the "Jazz"

from their name

and were known simply as

"The Crusaders."

This is an entertaining album

nice, easy but soulful and funky,

a great mix of original tunes

and memorable covers of a few then-recent

pop hits.

Here is their version of "Thank You Fallettinme Be Mice Elf Agin"

Read more about The Crusaders HERE.

Photography: Barry Feinstein and Tom Wilkes

Led Zeppelin: "Led Zeppelin" (debut)

Released in early 1969,

this LP was destined, seriously,

to ROCK 

rock music.

Personally, after 45 years,

this album remains on my Top Ten Albums List.

Every track is a gem,

from their stupendous originals

such as "Good Times, Bad Times,"

"Communications Breakdown,"

"How Many More Times,"

and the iconic

"Dazed and Confused,"

to their stunning interpretations

of Willie Dixon blues classics

"You Shook Me"

and

"I Can't Quit You, Baby."

Then and now = Fantastic!

Back Liner Photo: Chris Dreja

Cover Design: George Hardie