The war in Viet Nam, growing racial unrest, and a general feeling of uncertainty in the world were reflected in what was happening in rock music during the holiday season of 1967.
Seasons of Change
On December 16, the Rolling Stones announced that they had signed Mick Jagger's girlfriend, Marianne Faithfull as the first act on their new Mother Earth record label. But on that day they also announced that lead guitarist and founding member Brian Jones had been sentenced to probation and a fine for various drug offenses.
It was a season of change for the Beatles. In late November 1967, they recorded their last fan club Christmas record, Christmas Time Is Here Again. On the day after Christmas, the world premiere of their film, Magical Mystery Tour was thoroughly trashed by the critics. On a happier note, "Hello Goodbye" became their 15th #1 single on the U.S. charts on December 30.
On December 29, one of the founding members of Traffic, Dave Mason, announced that he was leaving, just as the group was releasing its debut album. Unlike the other members of the group, Mason didn't want to collaborate on writing songs, setting up something of a rivalry with fellow founder Steve Winwood and prompting Mason to pursue a solo career.
Moving Up
During the last week of 1967, the Rolling Stones' "She's a Rainbow" and The Doors' "Love Me Two Times" were beginning to break on New York City's Musicradio77 WABC All American Survey.
A bumper crop of holiday season album releases included several future classics.
1967 Holiday Season Album Releases
Beatles - Magical Mystery Tour
Buffalo Springfield - Buffalo Springfield Again
Cream - Disraeli Gears
Donovan - Wear Your Love Like Heaven
The Doors - Strange Days
The Kinks - Something Else By The Kinks
Moody Blues - Days of Future Passed
Rolling Stones - Their Satanic Majesties Request
Traffic - Mr. Fantasy
The Who - The Who Sell Out
