10 Best Classic Rock Albums Of The 1960s

10. Neil Young - Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere

Young’s critical and commercial heyday was the ‘70s, but he released some of his greatest rocking material alongside Crazy Horse in the late ‘60s. His reputation as the Godfather of grunge starts with the very first notes of this frazzled, ragged, enjoyably indulgent early album.

“Cinnamon Girl” starts as the album means to go on, with a simple, fuzz-laden set up. Young’s trademark nasal falsetto is put to great use on a track that sounds incredibly ahead of its time over a riff equal parts ugly, minimalisic, and stylish.

Elsewhere, “Down By The River” features one of the all time great guitar solos, built around barely more than a single note. “The Losing End” and the title track provide a little more warmth, the sort of country fried rock that Young would be taking pops at a few years down the line.

With Crazy Horse at his side, Young is prone to bouts of self indulgence, but Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere keeps things tight. It’s clear that Young enjoys playing with this band, and the freedom they afford him leads to some great music.