I’ve read the book and am ready to deliver the result. The album he gives a good kicking to is What’s Goin’ On. At one point, he suggests Rock critics often choose it as a great only because they feel guilty about favouring white acts. Other than that, he seems to like everything he mentions. @Rigid-Digit nominated four albums, The Faces A Nod Is As Good As A Wink, Cat Stevens Teaser, Black Sabbath Masters Of Reality & Rod’s Every Picture. He loves them all. In fact, my impression is that the Rod album is his second favourite of 1971 after Who’s Next. The biggest surprise, to me, is that he rates The Carpenters (the album), scuppering @Didley-Farquar ‘s chances.

In the absence of someone selecting the criminally under-rated What’s Goin’ On, I’m having to go with the ignored. The following nominations, neither act nor album, are mentioned:

@retropath2 – Commander Cody’s Lost in The Ozone @ernietothecentreoftheearth – Shirley Collins & The Albion Country Band’s No Roses @The-Actual-North – Mogul Thrash @Hawkfall – Flower Travelin’ Band » Continue Reading.

Which album will Hepworth *criminally* under-rate or overlook in his forthcoming book? Everyone puts in a fiver. Half the kitty goes to the winner and the other half goes to Syrian refugees. I decide the winner after reading the book.

I am disqualified from taking part but my money would be on the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Presley. By 1971, he was no longer breaking new ground but his album of that year, Elvis Country or I’m 10,000 Years Old, is one of his very best. He cares about these songs and sings them with the passion and charisma of a true believer. This Southern boy has an intimate knowledge of all things Country: Western Swing, Blues, Traditional, Bluegrass, Gospel, Countrypolitan. As do the band of Nashville’s finest. It is also one of his weirdest LPs (disorientating snippets of I’m 10,000 Years Old are used as a bridge between the songs) with his weirdest cover (a sweet picture of Elvis as a child). I reckon Mr Hepworth will forget it exists, despite its quality.

While you think about your nominations, here’s a virtually piano less Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.

http://youtu.be/dWZIxLoolKs