Green River – Creedence Clearwater Revival-see previous posts
Hair – The Cowsills-There’s much better Cowsills stuff than this, but it’s still good. At it’s core, it’s still a broadway show tune, and in this format it’s just a little hokey.
Handbags And Gladrags – Rod Stewart-This wouldn’t chart in the US until it was re-released in 1972. It’s a magnificent track. Could be my favorite Rod offering, because it proved early on that he was much more than a rock singer.
He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother – The Hollies-Hey, did you know Elton John plays piano on this? Proof that no matter how poignant the subject matter, any song can still wind up as a beer commercial.
He Loves Me All The Way – Tammy Wynette-Smoky, sexy country.
Here Comes The Sun – The Beatles-One last dash of magic from the fabs. George Harrison, songwriter.
Hitchin’ A Ride – Vanity Fare-Not that many one hit wonders so far this year, but this is definitely one. In grade school we took flute-o-phone lessons, and by playing this riff, I could always get kicked out.
Holly Holy – Neil Diamond-Neil gives us a big hunk of gospel with Spectoresque production flourishes.
Honky Tonk Women – The Rolling Stones-Great recording. The bass drum sounds like it’s right there in the room with you, and Keith just strums at the beginning until it’s time to hit that trademark riff.
Hot Fun In The Summertime – Sly & The Family Stone-Another winner. It’s got horns and strings but doesn’t sound over polished at all. Natural, laid back groove. That fade out could’ve been thirty seconds longer.
Hot Sand – Shocking Blue-B side to “Venus”, The A side is better. We’ll talk about that once we hit the “V”s
Hot Smoke And Sassafras – The Bubble Puppy-Could swear I’ve heard this before, but can’t place when. It could pass for early Yes, from a structural standpoint.
I Can Hear Music – The Beach Boys-Not counting the early, early stuff, this is the first 45 not produced by Brian, with Carl taking over.
I Can’t Get Next To You – The Temptations-Another heavy hitter from this year. Impeccable vocals, Pristine sound. It just leaps right out at you.
I Don’t Want Nobody To Give Me Nothing (Open Up The Door I’ll Get It Myself) – James Brown- This one has more of that raw, unbridled quality that flows so seamlessly from the live recordings. It really takes off half way through.