On this day in rock history, Pink Floyd released the transitional Atom Heart Mother, just ahead of taking control of their space-rock destiny.

By the time the follow-up Meddle arrived, they'd jettisoned long-time Floyd producer Norman Smith. But first, there were a few more free-form experiments to undertake – as they dabbled with brass, a choir and – no kidding – bacon. Through largely forgotten today, the album produced tracks that became part of solo shows by David Gilmour and Roger Waters.

We also got our first taste of the Kinks, as their self-titled debut arrived. The McCoys released their timeless chart-topper "Hang on Sloopy," dedicated to a now-forgotten Ohio-based singer named Dorothy Sloop. Later, Frank Zappa treated fans to a little Bongo Fury.

Neil Young recaptured some of the currency he once had in the Vietnam era with the release of the topical and varied Freedom. He began and ended with different takes on "Rockin’ in the Free World," a bitterly ironic theme for the then-emerging post-Communist period — and Young's highest-ever charting track on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

Watch an exciting recap of many of the day’s biggest rock anniversaries above, narrated by our radio host Zach Martin. And learn more about these important events by clicking the links below.

News Anniversary
"Hang on Sloopy" is released (1965)

Album Anniversaries
The Kinks - The Kinks (1964)
Pink Floyd - Atom Heart Mother (1970)
Frank Zappa - Bongo Fury (1970)
Neil Young - Freedom (1989)

Pink Floyd Albums Ranked, Worst to Best

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