It's 1968 this time, a turbulent year when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated. Police clashed with anti-war protesters in Chicago outside the Democratic National Convention. The Rolling Stones released the timely Beggar's Banquet album. There were other big records from the Band and Jimi Hendrix. Aretha Franklin was becoming a superstar, and the Beatles had the year's biggest hit.

It's 2001 this time. The virtual band Gorillaz released their first album. We first learned of Pete Yorn. Bob Dylan dropped "Love and Theft." And there were exciting new bands like the Strokes and the White Stripes.

The wayback machine stops in 1959 this time. George Jones had his first hit. There were big instrumentals from Santo and Johnny, and Duane Eddy. Ray Charles and Chuck Berry both had banner years. And it was a huge year in jazz with big albums from both Miles Davis and Dave Brubeck.

Playlist

It's 1973 this time. There were some terrific albums released. Paul McCartney issued "Band on the Run." Bruce Springsteen, it was the year of his debut, "Greetings from Asbury Park, New Jersey." "Houses of the Holy" came from Led Zeppelin and Stevie Wonder dropped "Innervisions."

It's 1963 this time. John Coltrane recorded his only jazz vocal album, with the help of Johnny Hartman. Local jazz legends Koerner, Ray and Glover issued their Blues, Rags & Hollers. The Beatles and the Stones are just getting started. Bob Dylan issued his second album, and the late Rufus Thomas took his dog for a walk.

It's 1986 this time. We learned about Run DMC's favorite brand of sneakers. It was a big year for Prince, he released "Parade" and wrote a hit for the Bangles. XTC released their "Skylarking" album, produced by Todd Rundgren. And Paul Simon went to Graceland.

It's 1996 this time. It was the year of another collaboration between Rick Rubin and Johnny Cash. Beth Orton, the queen of ambient folk, released her debut. Fugees had a big-selling album. And it was the year of "Odelay" from Beck.

It's 1977 this time, we were in the midst of the punk explosion with big albums from Sex Pistols, the Clash and the Ramones. It was the year of "Saturday Night Fever." Fleetwood Mac issued one of the best-selling albums of all time. And the late Bill Withers put smiles on our collective faces with "Lovely Day."

It's 2003. Outkast created a hip-hop anthem. Locally, Brother Ali and Atmosphere were emerging. It was a big year for Ben Gibbard with albums by Death Cab For Cutie and the Postal Service. And the White Stripes issued their "Elephant" album.