The music of 1968 will take some time to review, and it's a challenge for me to find a different way to present it each week. This week, I go A to Z: Association to Zappa. Why? Because it's fun. And because...it works!

You'll hear the range of 1968 sounds from psychedelic Cream, classic R & B (Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Johnny Taylor), avante garde humor (The Kinks), great song-writing (Laura Nyro, Procol Harum, Dylan), and all of the above, with one of the most interesting and overlooked bands from the year: Lothar & the Hand People, left. This was a group that recognized and explored the potential of the synthesizer, and over the edge creativity, along with super catchy melodies.

The full playlist is here.

Andy Mac's "Intercranial, etc" has already premiered the latest discovery of new/old Jimi Hendrix tracks from Jimi's 1969 Electric Ladyland recording session that are (for logistical and legal reasons) just now being heard in the light of day. The album features some new versions of old songs and a few that have never been heard. Warning: these are rough demos of final versions that would never be made, so understand that the vocals are more than rough and the arrangements are sketchy. Nonetheless, you will not have heard these sounds before.

But new music has also been released in 2010 that is new in every sense of the word.

The second CD from Vampire Weekend (left) called "Contra" is more consistent--though with perhaps fewer highs--than their premiere 2008 self-titled CD. This release shows that they have much to say musically and lyrically. Hailing from NYC, they show a Paul Simon-like depth to their lyrics, a similar sparce (but stronger) vocal style, and a freshness to their performance and arrangements. "Horchata" is a gem.

This week (Thursday 9:00 AM, and Sunday 8:00 AM) it's time to focus on just a part of music: the guitarists. The styles are different but the skill is consistent. These are some of the best in the world.

Going alphabetically, I begin the show this week with Jan Akkerman, lead guitarist for the Dutch band Focus. The thing I like about him best is that he plays with great humor and freedom. Very flexible and fun, and still going strong.

Roy Buchanan began playing the blues in the 1960s, and did until his death in the late 80s.

Umphrey's McGee's frontman, Jake Cinninger is the youngest guitarist on today's show. And one of the few modern, young guitarists who can improvise with the best of them. See him and his band live if you possibly can.