Forty years ago this week, while the nation was dealing with race riots and their aftermath, Variety was touting the hot singles being released that week. The list: Eric Burdon & the Animals’ “San Franciscan Nights,” Frank Sinatra’s “The Word We Knew,” Beach Boys’ “Heroes and Villains,” the Byrds’ “Lady Friend,” the Youngbloods’ “Get Together,” Traffic’s “Paper Sun,” Jackie Wilson’s “(You’re Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher” and Otis Redding’s “Glory of Love.” Takes your breath away. It’s a reminder there are no slates of releases like that anymore.
On a positive note, though, Variety has resumed reviewing albums after decades of sticking to concerts. Reviews of albums by Nicole Atkins, Corey Harris, U.N.K.L.E. and others are found on the Variety music page.