Albums of 1964

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1. 1
   Point of DepartureAndrew Hill

   Point of Departure

   Andrew Hill · 1964 · Jazz

   An adventurous post-bop peak of knotty composition and stellar players. Challenging and rewarding. A Blue Note gem.

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2. 2
   Free for AllArt Blakey and the Jazz Messengers

   Free for All

   Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers · 1964 · Jazz

   A fiery, hard-driving hard-bop peak. Powerful and acclaimed. A high point.

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3. 3
   The Times They Are a-Changin'Bob Dylan

   The Times They Are a-Changin'

   Bob Dylan · 1964 · Rock

   A stark, protest-focused folk peak, home to its anthemic title song. Direct and influential. A 60s landmark.

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4. 4
   Another Side of Bob DylanBob Dylan

   Another Side of Bob Dylan

   Bob Dylan · 1964 · Rock

   A more personal, playful turn away from protest. Witty and warm. A pivotal record.

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5. 5
   Out to Lunch!Eric Dolphy

   Out to Lunch!

   Eric Dolphy · 1964 · Jazz

   Angular, adventurous avant-bop that still sounds startling, played by a fearless band. Challenging and rewarding. A landmark of the new thing.

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6. 6
   Empyrean IslesHerbie Hancock

   Empyrean Isles

   Herbie Hancock · 1964 · Jazz

   A spare, adventurous quartet date, home to 'Cantaloupe Island'. Inventive and beloved. A Blue Note gem.

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7. 7
   CrescentJohn Coltrane

   Crescent

   John Coltrane · 1964 · Jazz

   A reflective, spiritual peak of the classic quartet. Beautiful and acclaimed. A prelude to A Love Supreme.

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8. 8
   The SidewinderLee Morgan

   The Sidewinder

   Lee Morgan · 1964 · Jazz

   A funky, danceable hard-bop hit built on an irresistible title-track groove. Accessible and infectious. A crossover classic.

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9. 9
   Folk SingerMuddy Waters

   Folk Singer

   Muddy Waters · 1964 · Blues

   A stripped-back, acoustic detour that became a sonic showcase and an audiophile favourite. Intimate and powerful. A different, essential side of Muddy.

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10. 10
    Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.Simon & Garfunkel

    Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.

    Simon & Garfunkel · 1964 · Folk & Singer-Songwriter

    The debut, mostly traditional folk, with hints of the sound that would make them one of the decade's defining acts.

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11. 11
    Getz/GilbertoStan Getz and João Gilberto

    Getz/Gilberto

    Stan Getz and João Gilberto · 1964 · Jazz

    The album that brought bossa nova to the world, smooth and sun-dappled, introducing 'The Girl from Ipanema'. Effortlessly beautiful. A massive, enduring success.

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12. 12
    A Hard Day's NightThe Beatles

    A Hard Day's Night

    The Beatles · 1964 · Rock

    The first all-original Beatles album, bursting with jangle and youthful energy. Tight and joyful. The sound of Beatlemania at full tilt.

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