The best 10 albums from the 1970s (in my opinion)

    Start to write about the “best” music of any period and you open yourself up to tongue-lashing criticism.  

Once in a while, we ask a member of the Just Recruitment team to name their favourite music from a given era. This time, Peter Foy gives us the lowdown on the 1970s

By Peter Foy

Start to write about the “best” music of any period and you open yourself up to tongue-lashing criticism. Especially if you do it online, and have the foolishness to share on social media. At the weekend, when everyone has time to slag off your choices.

But I’ve always enjoyed a challenge, and I live in hope that the criticism will be constructive and kind. So here are my top 10 albums from the 1970s. Enjoy.

*Stands back anticipating violent disagreement from all quarters

1. Bruce Springsteen: Born to Run

The E Street band was a phenomenon that bucked all of the trends in the 1970s. These top-hole musicians didn’t follow fashions. They just did what they did.

Greetings From Asbury Park had been brilliant. The Wild, The Innocent & the E Street Shuffle was great. But Born to Run set a new standard. Bruce’s writing suddenly seemed to gel with Clarence’s Sax in a way it hadn’t before. Every track on this album is a poem. A street poem. Genius. Pure Genius.

    ...The Clash took Punk and made it music.  

2. The Clash: London Calling

In the decade that gave us Punk, you’d expect a mention of the Sex Pistols and Never Mind The Bollocks. But The Clash took Punk and made it music. Seeing them live was exciting to the point of being painful. Like the Pistols, they screamed. But The Clash had something to scream about. In that disaffected, Thatcherite world these guys provided a voice to, well, any one who wanted a voice. And that very much included me.

3. Bob Dylan: Blood on the Tracks

Bob Dylan is a colossus of late-20th century music. As a student of American Studies, I once wrote an essay saying that he should be a Nobel Laureate; my tutor insisted that I rewrite as it was a preposterous idea. Where is that tutor now, I wonder?

In Blood on the Tracks Dylan hits his peak. Every song is perfectly formed. Tangled Up In Blue and Simple Twist of Fate are sublime love stories. Girl from the North Country is simply blissful. And Idiot Wind seems as relevant in 2019 as it ever did in the 1970s.

4. David Bowie: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from from Mars

Ziggy Stardust belongs in this list because it’s brilliant.

Bowie would appear here at least three times to accommodate the different personas he adopted in the period. The man was a true phenomenon. To move from Ziggy to The Great White Duke to the Berlin incarnations in one decade is amazing. He was the ultimate chameleon.

But Ziggy was the one for me. I still play it to this day, and I still follow the instructions on the sleeve notes: “Play at full volume.”

This is one of the eternal albums. Six years ago I received an email from my daughter at university: “Dad I’ve discovered this great album, do you know it? It’s called Ziggy…”

5. Neil Young: After the Gold Rush and Harvest

When I went up to Manchester University I had pretensions to be a poet. I took with me books by my favourite poets: Walt Whitman, Alan Ginsberg and Leonard Cohen. My roommate took one look at the Cohen and proclaimed that he’s not even the best poet in Canada. He played me After the Gold Rush and I was a Neil Young convert.

These two albums are the most lyrical offerings from the 1970s. Words and music working in perfect harmony.

    I find the song Imagine grating...Plastic Ono is too often overlooked.  

6. John Lennon: Plastic Ono Band and Imagine

When the Beatles split each member brought out his own albums. George, in my opinion, flourished later but John hit the spot with these two great offerings. I find the song Imagine grating but it’s proved hugely popular. The album as a whole is great, though, and Plastic Ono is too often overlooked.

7. Carole King: Tapestry

If you know Tapestry your only complaint will be that it’s too far down the list. If you don’t know it, get onto YouTube or Spotify now and listen. It is one of the definitive albums of the 70s.

8. Derek and the Dominos: Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs

If you love guitar, and I do, you must love Clapton. Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs is Clapton at his absolute best.

9. Blondie: Parallel Lines

When Debbie Harry and Blondie appeared on the scene music changed. It didn’t become more profound or meaningful. It became more fun. Every track on Parallel Lines could have been a single, and most were. This album sums up the pure joy of being young in the late 70s.

10. Elvis Costello: My Aim is True

Elvis Costello burst onto the music scene with a great album and then continued to deliver. My Aim is True was followed by This Year’s Model and Armed Forces. Each one was brilliant in its own way, establishing Costello as a definitive voice for the period.

11. Patti Smith: Horses

Okay, I know I was only supposed to choose 10 albums. But this one is simply too good to leave out.

In 1975, Patti Smith released one of the best debut albums in rock history, and she challenged everything punters expected from a woman. Horses was an instant force of nature on the punk rock scene. It created a radical sound and style that has been aped, but never bettered, by acts ever since.

Published: 10 June 2019

© 2019 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

If you enjoyed this article, you may like – What’s the connection between three dead dogs, Bruce Springsteen and a Coconut?

You may also enjoy – The power of an inspirational teacher

Jobs currently available

New job
Cleaner
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913383
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded manufacturing business, based on the outskirts of Sudbury – actively seeking a full-time, permanent Cleaner for its facilities team.

The key purpose of this role is to work as part of the facilities maintenance team, ensuring that a high level of cleanliness is maintained throughout the buildings, performing duties within the company's daily cleaning plan, updating schedules/records and working collaboratively with all functions on-site.

Key duties include:

  • Perform routine cleaning tasks such as sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, and wiping surfaces to maintain cleanliness throughout the premises.
  • Clean and sanitise restrooms, meeting rooms, showrooms and other communal areas to ensure a hygienic environment for employees.
  • Clean and maintain factory floors, including removal of debris, spills, and stains to prevent slip and trip hazards.
  • Collect and dispose of waste and recyclable materials generated within the factory, following proper waste management procedures and recycling practices.
  • Empty bins, segregate waste streams and ensure that waste storage areas are kept clean and organised.
  • Clean machinery, equipment, and production areas to prevent contamination and ensure product quality and safety.
  • Follow cleaning protocols and use appropriate cleaning chemicals and techniques to avoid damage to sensitive equipment.
  • Handle and use cleaning chemicals safely and responsibly, following manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets.
  • Ensure proper storage, labelling, and disposal of cleaning chemicals to minimise risks to health and safety.
  • Adhere to relevant health and safety policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Report any safety hazards, incidents, or near misses to supervisors or safety representatives and take appropriate action to mitigate risks.

To be considered for this role, you must have previous cleaning experience within an industrial setting.

Working hours are on a weekly rotating pattern - Monday to Friday only:

6am to 2pm and 2pm to 10pm - finishing earlier on the Friday late shift.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a great company, offering great benefits!

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Marketing Executive
Sector: Marketing, Advertising and PR
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913375
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a growing organisation based in Ipswich – actively seeking an experienced and motivated Marketing Executive to join its dynamic team.

Reporting to the Marketing Manager, you will be required to create and deliver across all aspects of the marketing mix and PR programmes. This challenging role requires a self-motivated team player, with a can-do attitude, who works well in an extremely busy environment. You should be professional, articulate and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills combined with the confidence to deal with people at all levels, both internally and externally.

You must be able to demonstrate a strong record of achievement in successfully developing, improving, and implementing all forms of marketing programmes and platforms, collateral materials and content-driven marketing.

Duties include:

  • Work with a full understanding of the importance of maintaining the corporate brand.
  • Create and deliver marketing activities in accordance with the company marketing plan.
  • Deliver all forms of marketing campaigns, measure effectiveness and propose improvements based on outcomes and associated metrics.
  • Plan and deliver physical and digital exhibitions and events programmes.
  • Deliver social media across all B2B platforms (LinkedIn, Twitter etc); plan, schedule and copywrite content.
  • Script and produce printed and digital materials.

Key attributes:

  • Ability to work to deadlines and respond well under pressure.
  • Excellent communicator in both verbal and written mediums.
  • Highly creative mind.
  • Lateral thinker.
  • Motivational approach.
  • Organised and methodical with diligence and attention to detail.
  • Proactive self-starter.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £26,000 - £28,544 per annum
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913378
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a Maintenance Engineer for a company based in Braintree, Essex to assist its maintenance team in planned maintenance and breakdown repairs throughout the site.

You will ideally have gained experience within an industrial/heavy engineering environment.

The focus of this role is to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the company-wide machines and buildings.

The role will require close coordination with the maintenance team.

The main department responsibilities in this role are as follows:

  • Assist in the planning of breakdown maintenance of the whole site.
  • Assist in the planning and implementation of new project installations.
  • Assist engagement and liaison with sub-contractors vehicle service operators and insurance inspectors.
  • Assist in Purchasing maintenance-related products and services. Maintain efficient maintenance of spares and factory consumables store.
  • Routine production-related tasks.
  • Site Security.
  • Assist in the management of staff overalls.
  • Assist in the management of company vehicles.
  • Supervision of labourers working in your immediate area.
  • Assist in Lean Manufacturing initiative and tidiness of your area.
  • Assist in Supervising apprentices/trainees when allocated to the maintenance department.
  • Provide full support to all maintenance teams.
  • Provide feedback to Managers.
  • Suggest improvements to procedures, equipment, operating methods etc. to increase efficiency.
  • Work to provide results in a timely manner in accordance with planned dates/times.

Note: Training will be provided on company-specific systems and machinery, but you should have a good understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering and be able to learn the roles above quickly.

Skills, experience and qualifications:

  • Apprenticeship minimum to NVQ Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering (Craft and Technician).
  • Hydraulics and pneumatics training.
  • Electrical qualifications - Electrical Maintenance basics at a minimum.
  • IOSH or NEBOSH qualification.
  • Ideally, 3+ years’ experience as a maintenance Technician/Engineer.
  • Experience 3+ years of team working (2 or more people).
  • Ideally have 5 GCSE’s including Maths, English and Science (C or above).
  • A working knowledge of Windows and MS Office.
  • MS Office, Outlook, Word and Excel most importantly.

If you don’t have the above qualifications but can demonstrate relevant knowledge and experience your application will be considered.

Hours of work:

  • 39 hours per week.
  • Monday to Thursday: 7.00am to 3.00pm.
  • Friday: 7.00am to 2.00pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Sales Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Salary: £26,000 - £29,000 per annum
Location: Earls Colne
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913372
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a growing organisation based in Earls Colne – actively seeking an experienced and motivated Sales Administrator to join its dynamic team.

Duties include:

  • Monitoring, controlling and actioning incoming emails to the Sales and Estimating department.
  • Processing all incoming sales orders accurately and ensuring that all incoming orders are processed correctly.
  • Liaising with customers where relevant and required to obtain missing information or answer customer queries.
  • Completing customer Supplier Questionnaires when requested.

Skills required:

  • Proven experience in a Sales Administrator role.
  • Excellent organisational and multi-tasking ability.
  • The ability to confidently and professionally communicate to customers and colleagues in your department and wider business is essential.
  • Demonstrate strong attention to detail.
  • Self-motivated and methodical approach to providing an exceptional customer experience.
  • A strong level of computer literacy is essential including knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite of Programs.

Please note that you will need to drive due to the company’s location.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Transport Planner
Sector: Transport, Logistics and Shipping
Salary: £30,000 - £35,000 per annum
Location: Snetterton
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913374
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-regarded transport/haulage-based organisation located on the outskirts of Snetterton – actively seeking a Transport Planner.

This is a great opportunity to join a business that can give you genuine progression within a fast-growing, forward-thinking industry.

You will come from a planning background with a strong background in planning UK routes for general haulage, you must have experience of running your own cost centre - with extensive knowledge of all major road networks and a good geographical knowledge of the UK.

You will also have previous experience managing a fleet of vehicles - working in a team of 3 planners.

Role and responsibilities:

  • Routing of vehicles and covering deliveries across the UK.
  • Previous experience in transport planning in a busy transport office.
  • Providing good communication with the Traffic office teams and Drivers to ensure customer KPI’s and targets are achieved and maintained.
  • Use in-house planning tools and systems to manage workload and monitor efficiency.
  • Ensuring internal tracking systems are kept organised and updated.
  • Controlling and planning of resources (vehicles, drivers, trailers); ensuring all legal requirements are adhered to (Working Time Directive and EU Drivers’ Hours regulations).
  • Plan rigid and artic work for the following day.
  • Warehouse checks.
  • Review the Manifest and update any amendments/notes.
  • Providing rates, quotes and processing customer bookings.
  • Monitoring delivery performance and advising customers of issues affecting time/completion.
  • Competent IT literacy.
  • Undertake any other ad hoc project or task within the company as required.

Hours: Monday to Friday, working 8am to 6pm with occasional weekend working if required - this will be on a very ad hoc basis.

This role offers genuine progression and an attractive salary.

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Warehouse Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £11.82 - £12.82 per hour
Location: Haverhill, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: 913307
About the role

Just Temps is seeking a Warehouse Operative for a company based in Haverhill, Suffolk.

This is a temp-to-perm opportunity role.

Working hours and rate of pay:

  • Working Monday to Friday.
  • 08.00 to 17.00, early finish on a Friday at 14.00!
  • £11.82 to £12.82 per hour, depending on experience.

This is a temp-to-perm opportunity role.

This role will include the following duties but not limited to:

  • Material handling.
  • Moving material around the warehouse on pump trucks or trolleys.
  • Handballing.
  • Heavy lifting.
  • Picking and packing.
  • Using handheld scanners.

Training and experience:

  • You will have a forklift licence, either a counterbalance or a reach truck.
  • You will have material handling or assembly line experience.
  • Training will be given.

Please note: You will be standing on your feet all day, moving around continuously and doing a large amount of heavy lifting.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more