Various Artists - Monterey International Pop Festival

An unbelievable double-disc collection featuring 26 beloved songs by the artists that wrote the history of rock 'n' roll. The 40th anniversary edition features previously unreleased songs by Simon & Garfunkel and Buffalo Springfield, in addition to classic performances from rock giants The Who, Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix and more on this specially priced 2-disc set.

A portion of the proceeds from this release will go to the Monterey International Pop Foundation. Album Description

Of Primary Interest To Those Who Were There

As with the Woodstock album, I would guess that this 2-CD volume covering some of the performances at the 1967 Monterey International Pop Festival is of greater interest to those who attended that June. From my point of view I prefer to seek out the original hit single performances (where applicable). I also agree with those other reviewers who feel the sound quality is not the greatest.

However, the insert contains numerous vintage photos, four pages of interesting background notes written by Andrew Loog Oldham, British-born producer, impresario and author and one-time manager of The Rolling Stones back in the 60s. and one page dealing with the Monterey International Pop Foundation which contains this closing statement: "The proceeds from this release will be distributed to causes the Foundation finds are in keeping with the spirit of what happened during those three days in Monterey, California." Reason enough to buy the CD. July 16, 2008

This collection is truly a piece of musical history

The Monterey International Pop Festival was held June 16-18, 1967. The event was put together to raise money for various charities and quite possible inspired Woodstock years later. It was the first rock festival of its kind. This two disc collection highlights the cream of the crop during the three day event. The live recording is exceptionally clear (which I would question), and showcases the marquee names at the time, as well as future marquee players. Monterey marks the American debut of Jimi Hendrix, who is featured with fiery performances of "The Wind Cries Mary" and "Like a Rolling Stone." Janis Joplin (with Big Brother & The Holding Company) makes her major performance debut with her contributions "Down on Me" and "Ball in Chain."

Other heavy hitters include Jefferson Airplane, Otis Redding, The Who, The Mama's and the Papas, The Byrds, and Simon & Garfunkle. The event attracted over 200,000 people & the admission was $1. What a difference from the corporate events of today, huh? The artists all worked for free, with the exception of sitar player Ravi Shankar. He walked away with $3000. This collection is truly a piece of musical history and compassion when it was all about the music and not the all mighty dollar.
January 23, 2008

The music's great, but that's about it

The music from this album is incredible. We get to hear and feel the passion that the artists put into these tracks. However, I'm a big-time fan of the banter in between songs, and I didn't get a whole lot of that here. Like another reviewer, the Box Set might be a better buy because of the increased volume of music and you might get some extras as well.

If you're looking strictly for music from the Festival that started it all, get this album. If you're like me and want the extra stuff, then I would look elsewhere. January 10, 2008

Monterey Pop International Pop Festival

CD from the famous music event of the 60's. WAY better than Woodstock. Music at it's peak, and the people/groups assembled is amazing. I only wish I could hear the entire contert(s) September 9, 2007

Wish I was alive to go.........

Excellent line up and I really like the diversity of artists featured on these 2 CDs. September 6, 2007

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