@waytoomuchstuff 

I believe that we are in total agreement. That long period was like a comet. It came into view, burned bright and slowly faded. Fortunately, there are still some interesting things happening here and there in new music, and we still have all of the good old stuff to listen to. 

@roxy54 

Absolutely!

And thanks for the topic/posts.

Very enjoyable conversation.

I am 75 and was into music from the age of 15 in 1963.  For me music evolved, as did my tastes.  I remember watching a good deal of live jazz in the mid 60s, then discovered blues, both early, then the rock blues based bands.  It was a terrific time that also included blue grass.  The late 60s resonated greatly with me and  there was so much great music that it could make you poor buying albums.

I somehow managed season tickets to the Pittsburgh Symphony with Andre Previn conducting in the 70s.  All that said, 1971 rates particularly high in my memory of great years for music.  Probably due to my one and only time sweing Suane Allman live.  My absolute favorite artist in my long history of seeing live music.

I forgot one more:

NRPS New Riders of the Purple Sage.  One of the best that year!

With all due respect, what about every Steely Dan album from 1972-1980? There will never be a ‘ band’ like them. They are what musicians listen to. After all why would they listen to something they could do ? If you’re unaware of SD and you’re open to music that is accessible and sophisticated you’ll be rewarded handsomely.