Paul Kantner (Jefferson Starship)

Blows Against The Empire:(1970)

OK, so it would seem that this album is out of alphabetical order, but I have my reasons. You see, I would forget I had this album if I didn't keep it next to Jefferson Airplane. For years I kept this album simply for the album art, very psychedelic era. But, as I listen to it now, there's some trippy stuff to recommend it, mostly on side two. Check out Hijack and Have You Seen The Stars Tonite (featuring Crosby and Nash). Now, this isn't the lineup that would ultimately be Jefferson Starship, but it is the first time the name was used. I was also interested to learn that this was the first album to win a Hugo Award.

Jefferson Airplane:

The Worst of:(1970)

Outside of the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane probably conjures up the most vivid images of dirty hippie kids on Haight Ashbury. White Rabbit has such an irresistible bass line that it is the reason I keep this album around. Sure Somebody To Love, and Volunteers are killer sixties anthems, but for the most part Jefferson Airplane has always seemed like a bit of a relic that couldn't quite make the jump out of 1969. I had the chance to hang with Jorma Kaukonen, who's guitar playing I really like, and Jack Cassidy at a Hot Tuna show in Fort Collins, CO when I was helping out a buddy's band that was opening for them. They were both super nice, but pretty burned out. Jorma talked a lot about his ranch, and guns. Jack Cassidy asked me for a smoke. When I said, I don't smoke, he responded, "well, you sound like you do."