If you’re looking for new music to listen to, sometimes it helps to harken back to the past. Sticking to the classics gets stale after a while, and certain bands and albums, though unappreciated in their time, sound surprisingly fresh and exciting in the present day. Here are several LP records you may have never heard that would be right at home in your collection.

6 Underappreciated Classic Albums

1. Cactus

The self-titled 1970 debut album by Cactus combines early heavy metal with hard rock and blues to make an absolute classic. Tracks like “My Lady from South of Detroit” and “Feel So Good” are upbeat all-American rockers. 

2. Climbing!

Also released in 1970, Climbing! is Mountain’s psychedelic blues rock effort. It reached the top 20 in the Billboard 200 and is best known for the heavy party track, “Mississippi Queen.” 

3. Pleasures of the Harbor

Though you may know the name Phil Ochs, his fourth full-length release, 1967’s Pleasures of the Harbor, may have flown under your radar. This folk-pop crossover album showcases a compelling blend of classical music, rock, Dixieland jazz, and synthesized sounds. 

4. Raw Sienna

The fifth release by London blues rockers Savoy Brown, Raw Sienna has more of a jazzy, jam band feel to it. Mostly instrumental, this album makes a great 70s soundtrack for parties, especially on vinyl. 

5. Cricklewood Green

This 1967 LP record by Ten Years After was one of the first blues rock releases by a British band. It features energetic covers of classic blues songs by Howlin’ Wolf and Sonny Boy Williamson. 

6. Then Play On

What’s Fleetwood Mac doing on this list? Aren’t they one of the bestselling rock bands of all time? Yes, but Then Play On is one of their lesser-known releases. This early-career album, released in 1969, showcases the group’s progressive, funky roots, and it’s fascinating to hear how they sounded as they bloomed toward their later superstar status.

When you’re in the mood to add to your music collection, make Alison's Record Shop your go-to for everything from rock and metal to big band and musicals. If an LP record is hard to find, your search might end at Alison’s. This Nashville, TN, mainstay also buys records, sells turntables, and offers vinyl LP cleaning services. Call the record store at (615) 356-0180 to ask about new arrivals. Visit them online to learn more about LP records in stock and in-store events.