Pick a Day

Music History Events: Releases

July 27, 1973 The self-titled debut by the New York Dolls is released via Mercury Records (and produced by Todd Rundgren). The album spawns such glam/proto-punk classics as "Personality Crisis," "Looking for a Kiss," "Trash," and "Jet Boy."

July 25, 1973 The Doobie Brothers release "China Grove." Lead singer Tom Johnston made up the story about the strange little town, and later found out that there's a real China Grove in Texas.

July 13, 1973 Bob Dylan releases Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid, the soundtrack album for the Sam Peckinpah-directed movie of the same name. The album includes the classic Dylan song "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," which reaches #12 on the singles chart.

July 7, 1973 Paul McCartney & Wings release "Live And Let Die," the theme song to the James Bond movie of the same name.

May 25, 1973 Mike Oldfield releases "Tubular Bells" in the UK. Part of it becomes theme music for the movie The Exorcist.

May 7, 1973 George Harrison releases "Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)."

April 13, 1973 The Who's lead singer, Roger Daltrey, releases his first solo album, Daltrey.

April 2, 1973 The Beatles release two compilation albums: The Beatles 1962-1966 and The Beatles 1967-1970. Both will land in the Top 10 on the US and UK albums charts, with 1967-1970 hitting #1 in the US.

March 28, 1973 Led Zeppelin releases Houses Of The Holy.

March 4, 1973 Elvis Presley releases "Steamroller Blues" b/w "Fool."

December 1, 1972 Wings release "Hi, Hi, Hi."

November 20, 1972 Elton John releases "Crocodile Rock" in the US.

October 27, 1972 Eight months after releasing Music Of My Mind, the very prolific Stevie Wonder puts out Talking Book, an innovative album where he creates most of the sounds himself using a Clavinet and a custom-made synthesizer. Tracks include "Superstition" and "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life."

September 15, 1972 John Lennon and Yoko Ono release Some Time In New York City in the UK.

July 22, 1972 The Who release "Join Together."

July 10, 1972 Nilsson releases Son of Schmilsson.

June 16, 1972 Roxy Music release their self-titled debut album. With obtuse lyrics from Bryan Ferry and futuristic synth soundscapes by Brian Eno, it's a tough nut to crack for many listeners but is later hailed as a triumph.

June 12, 1972 John Lennon and Yoko Ono release the politically charged album Some Time In New York City, inspired in part by their move to New York a year earlier. It's poorly received, especially in America where it peaks at #48.

June 3, 1972 The Eagles release "Take It Easy."

June 2, 1972 Pink Floyd release their seventh album, Obscured By Clouds, in the UK. It is released in America on June 17.

May 29, 1972 Paul McCartney releases "Mary Had A Little Lamb."

May 6, 1972 Elton John releases "Rocket Man."

April 24, 1972 John Lennon releases the controversial song "Woman Is The Ni--er Of The World." It was his wife, Yoko Ono, who came up with the title. The song is about how women aren't valued like the should be.

March 23, 1972 The film version of George Harrison's Concert For Bangladesh is released in America, helping raise additional money for aid that goes to UNICEF.

February 5, 1972 Paul Simon releases "Mother and Child Reunion."

January 14, 1972 Paul Simon releases his second solo album, Paul Simon. It contains his first Garfunkel-less hits, "Mother and Child Reunion" and "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard."

January 4, 1972 Yes releases "Roundabout."

December 20, 1971 The Rolling Stones release their compilation Hot Rocks 1964–1971.

December 6, 1971 Paul McCartney & Wings release their debut album, Wild Life.

December 1, 1971 John Lennon releases "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" in the US. An anti-war Christmas song with the chorus "War is over, if you want it," the song endures as a holiday favorite.