Raw Strings and Rustic Grooves: Unearthed Treasures of Early 70s’ Country Vinyl

The early 70s was a ripe era for country music, birthing albums that were as rich and heartwarming as a southern sunset. It was when legends like Merle Haggard and Loretta Lynn were crafting sounds that felt like home yet whispered of change.

Take a nostalgic trip with Haggard’s “Someday We’ll Look Back” (1971), a warm, vinyl embrace of hope. Or Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1970), a gritty, honest ode to rural life.

But the mainstream giants were just the tip of the haystack. Tom T. Hall’s “In Search of a Song” (1971) is an underappreciated gem, each track a heartfelt story. And Sammi Smith’s “Help Me Make It Through the Night” (1970) offers a raw narrative that’s as real as the vinyl it’s spun on.

Speaking of vinyl, nothing rivals the ritual of sliding that disc out of its sleeve, setting it onto the turntable, and the crackle before the tunes fill the room. It’s a tactile, authentic experience digital can’t touch.

The cover art too, tells tales. Rustic, earnest designs set the stage for the auditory journey, a visual appetizer before the main course.

And the thrill of the hunt? Scouring local record stores or estate sales to snag that elusive album is a vinyl lover’s rite of passage… and sometimes you can find it right here on the Tavern. 🙂

These early 70s’ country albums are more than just music. They’re a nostalgic voyage, a tactile touch back in time, and a testimony to the ageless allure of vinyl. Whether a seasoned collector or a vinyl rookie, diving into this era’s country classics is an exploration of rustic tales told through twangs and grooves.

Check out our collection of country albums (our inventory changes often so check back if Country is your thing!).