John Fahey "The New Possibility: John Fahey's Guitar Soli Christmas Album" (1968)

This year I remembered how much I love this album of holiday music.  With Fahey, simple is never quite what it seems and that approach is perfect for these traditional tunes.

The Pentangle "The Pentangle" (1968)

Why are these guys not given the acclaim that tends to go to Fairport?  My assumption would be that the tragic death of Sandy Denny and the ongoing career of Richard Thompson have elevated the profile of Fairport.  At the time, Pentangle were clearly as good, if not better than their better remembered peers.  Two top notch guitarists, a stellar vocalist, and the best rhythm section in folk rock.  Absolutely brilliant stuff.

Leonard Cohen "Songs of Leonard Cohen" (1968)

This album feels strangely ahistorical, unconnected to anything before, or much since.  It's a powerful statement about love and addiction and longing and suffering.  A meditation on the human condition.  It seems almost a waste to allow it to be heard by the young or the fragile.  It should be locked away or hidden like some fabled grimoire.