Song Rant (Part 1)
It's been a while since I blogged about music, so I started to write a small entry on some favourite tunes. Then it turned into a MASSIVE entry. It then went beyond massive, so I thought, screw it, no-one would ever read this whole thing in one sitting, so I've broken in up into a few sections, which I'll post over the coming weeks/months.
The purpose of this thread of blog entries is dedicated to "some of (what Andy thinks are) the best" of a few musical genres. I thought I'd give my opinion (and comment) on some of the best songs in each of the following genres of music (bound to inspire some debate), and for your listening pleasure, have provided the songs themselves as well. If you like any of these tracks, let me know and I'll point you in the direction of the full albums you should go and BUY to enjoy more :) Most of these songs come from GREAT albums that you should own! Here we go... this episode contains Classic Metal, Prog, Punk, Death Metal, Hip-Hop and some unclassified stuff. Future episodes are likely to contain 90's Metal, 00's Metal, Indie, Great live tracks, Stoner Rock, Grunge, Hard Rock, Pop Punk, Emo, Aussie music, Pop Rock, Emo Metal (Screamo), Guitar Instrumental and more unclassified stuff that I haven't thought of yet :) Enjoy!
"Classic" Heavy Metal
Megadeth - Holy Wars... The Punishment Due. This is the ultimate metal song in my books - Megadeth use it to close pretty much every show, and wouldn't you? It's so well constructed (it's like a freakin symphony), the only other Megadeth song in my opinion that comes close is Tornado of Souls (from the same album)
Metallica - Master of Puppets. Classic Metallica from 1986 - no wonder this album stood out from everything else at the time with songs like this (and is still referenced by a lot of bands as a major influence). A close call between this song, Battery and Damage Inc. Of course, Metallica have at least 3 or 4 incredible songs from their first 5 albums... and then they lost their way... (ever hopeful they'll return of course)
Iron Maiden - The Trooper. Maiden have plenty of great songs, but this song has such a drive to it, all the guitars work perfectly together, and Bruce Dickinson's vocals are superb. If you're not into Maiden already, check out The Evil That Men Do as well - excellent track (except I think the pre-chorus could be half as long as it is).
Prog
Dream Theater - The Spirit Carries On. This isn't exactly a talent showcase song for Dream Theater - there are plenty of other songs that demonstrate the fact that they are the greatest musicians on the planet - this is a song that testifies on their songwriting abilities. From their concept album released in 2000, heavily influenced by Pink Floyd, this contains quite possibly the greatest guitar solo ever recorded (I have to stop virtually everything except breathing whenever I hear it).
Liquid Tension Experiment - Universal Mind. I kinda cheated here, because 3/4 of this band is Dream Theater (i.e. drums, guitar, keyboards). But this DOES showcase their technical prowess, and is one of the most positive songs I've heard. I absolutely love it, it always puts me in a good mood and gives me a laugh. It also reminds me that no matter how long I learn and play the guitar, I will only ever be able to play about 1/5th of this song.
Coheed & Cambria - The Crowing. When I first listened to the album this is off, I was completely thrown when I got to this song (particularly the middle section). It wasn't emo at all (as was the rest of the album). It was pure prog. Not totally representative of the band (and anyone who knows me well knows I love this band a lot), but a great prog song. I love the continuous changes (some subtle, some not).
Punk
NOFX - The Idiots Are Taking Over. NOFX are also incredibly clever lyricists. How can you not mention a song that uses the timeless lyric "someone dropped a steamer in the gene pool" (conjures up some great mental images, but conveys the message perfectly). Seriously though, this song has a great message, very deliberately written, and is a great example of a NOFX song; intense, funny and honest. I love the middle section and the return to "the fast bit" - it's like a punch in the face. You should also check out The Separation of Church and Skate. A song about the state of punk which rings so fucking true it's not funny. And such incredible energy, it was the first song I heard from NOFX that made me immediately go out and buy an album.
At The Drive-In - Sleepwalk Capsules. I'm not sure this is "Punk", but I'll put it in this genre anyway. Hearing this band was such a revelation for me - I'd never heard anything like it before and was just so mesmerised. Their "Relationship of Command" album is truly amazing, and although the break-up of this band spawned two other great bands (The Mars Volta and Sparta), they never quite matched the unique brilliance of ATDI.
Bodyjar - One in a Million. The local heroes - I love listening to Cam (the singer) sing. I particularly like this song because of the chorus melody. The verse riff is pretty interesting as well. Bodyjar unfortunately were underrated pretty much their whole career. Other good songs to check out; Feed It and Calling Orson
Death Metal
Opeth - The Grand Conjuration. You want dark and heavy? Opeth are the masters of this genre, mixing beauty with brutality. It was a choice between this song, "Demon of The Fall", "Master's Apprentices" and "Bleak" - I think it's hard for Opeth to write a bad song. But this song is pretty much pure evil captured in a song (even though I think the intro is a little long sometimes). It's also the last album recorded with their legendary drummer Martin Lopez (check out the drumming in this song - brilliant). I recommend you lie down before the chorus starts, or you might get knocked down with it's weight.
Cradle of Filth - Nymphetamine. Cradle of Filth produce a lot of throw-away music, but every now and then they come up with a gem - this is one of them. I suppose it really technically isn't a Death Metal song (it's more like a freakin' ballad). Even so, there are parts of this song I find absolutely ridiculous (but that's the beauty of Death Metal - the sheer over-the-top-ness of this genre sometimes)
Hip Hop
Dr. Dre - Deeez Nuts. The ultimate west coast hip hop song I think, and the blueprint for Snoop and Eminem to follow. It's straight of Dre's post-NWA solo debut, "The Chronic", which is probably the greatest hip-hop album ever made in my opinion. Dr. Dre has such an awesome delivery and rapping style. This songs has a loud, funky bassline, some excellent lyrics between Dre and Snoop (and some real cliche's as well about bitches and ho's), a great keyboard melody, a skit at the start and some real R&B singing at the end (what more could you ask for in a hip-hop song). "I can't be faded, I'm a nigga from the motherfuckin' streets" - what a fantastic line. Also worth checking out from that album; Lil Ghetto Boy (some of Snoop's finest rapping).
Cypress Hill - Illusions. A serious song from Cypress Hill and one of their finest. After success using the hip hop formula of the time, they then recorded this album which was completely different. It's gritty and sometimes depressing, but boy does it have an impact.
Beastie Boys - Sure Shot. The opening track of their "Ill Communication" album, this song is just "GO" from start to end. I love the intro; the dog barking, the flute loop with the double bass, the b-boys intro'ing the chorus, and then when those drums kick in, it's pure bliss. The flute, the bass and the drums together are just the funkiest thing I've ever heard I think. I can't help but move to this tune. And when Ad-rock comes in with "I'm that kid in the corner" (about 2:20), you know they're fired up and this is already a classic Beastie Boys song and album (which also contains Sabotage and Flute Loop).
Other unclassified stuff (to start with)
Mew - The Zookeeper's Boy. This is by far one of my favourite songs released in the past 5 years - certainly my favourite of the past 2 years. It's just so magical and it's a little prog, a little alternative, a little new romantic, a little punk, a little everything. It's just such a clever and complicated song - the harmonies are magnificent. Those who have heard my wife call my phone will already know part of the tune.
Best Wishes - All is Calm. One of the more recent songs from Best Wishes, I just love the way this track starts up and finishes. It's the kind of track that needs a quiet room to be heard in. It's a great example of melancholy funk (if there is such a thing). And I like the simplicity of the solo (great tone on the clean guitar).
Primus - Tommy the Cat. Three mind-blowing musicians working together to create one of the most unique songs I've ever heard. Try listening to it for just the bass, listen again just to the drums, then listen again just for the guitar. Hell, it even has Tom Waits on some of the vocals. Primus have done plenty of imaginative, left field stuff over their career, but this one is such a great track - I could listen to it non-stop for days I think.
Nine Inch Nails - Ruiner. There are so many great NIN songs to choose from (and I was fairly fanatical about this band for a long time), but this has always been my favourite. It's hidden away in the middle of "The Downward Spiral", the perfect place for it. Great samples, guitar, vocals, everything.
John Mayer - Something's Missing. I'm a big fan of John Mayer, much to the bemusement/confusion of my more "metal" friends. His guitar playing is great, his voice is fantastically smooth and silky and he just writes amazing songs. He also released an absolutely kick ass live blues album worth checking out. This song will suck you into a certain frame of mind through the first couple of verses, then the chorus comes along with something completely different to offer - I love it. Lyrics throughout this song are also great.
That's enough for the first entry. I'll post another one on this thread in the coming weeks. Let me know what you think of the songs and what your picks would've been :) And let me know if any of the links don't work (I didn't test them all)
The purpose of this thread of blog entries is dedicated to "some of (what Andy thinks are) the best" of a few musical genres. I thought I'd give my opinion (and comment) on some of the best songs in each of the following genres of music (bound to inspire some debate), and for your listening pleasure, have provided the songs themselves as well. If you like any of these tracks, let me know and I'll point you in the direction of the full albums you should go and BUY to enjoy more :) Most of these songs come from GREAT albums that you should own! Here we go... this episode contains Classic Metal, Prog, Punk, Death Metal, Hip-Hop and some unclassified stuff. Future episodes are likely to contain 90's Metal, 00's Metal, Indie, Great live tracks, Stoner Rock, Grunge, Hard Rock, Pop Punk, Emo, Aussie music, Pop Rock, Emo Metal (Screamo), Guitar Instrumental and more unclassified stuff that I haven't thought of yet :) Enjoy!
"Classic" Heavy Metal
Megadeth - Holy Wars... The Punishment Due. This is the ultimate metal song in my books - Megadeth use it to close pretty much every show, and wouldn't you? It's so well constructed (it's like a freakin symphony), the only other Megadeth song in my opinion that comes close is Tornado of Souls (from the same album)
Metallica - Master of Puppets. Classic Metallica from 1986 - no wonder this album stood out from everything else at the time with songs like this (and is still referenced by a lot of bands as a major influence). A close call between this song, Battery and Damage Inc. Of course, Metallica have at least 3 or 4 incredible songs from their first 5 albums... and then they lost their way... (ever hopeful they'll return of course)
Iron Maiden - The Trooper. Maiden have plenty of great songs, but this song has such a drive to it, all the guitars work perfectly together, and Bruce Dickinson's vocals are superb. If you're not into Maiden already, check out The Evil That Men Do as well - excellent track (except I think the pre-chorus could be half as long as it is).
Prog
Dream Theater - The Spirit Carries On. This isn't exactly a talent showcase song for Dream Theater - there are plenty of other songs that demonstrate the fact that they are the greatest musicians on the planet - this is a song that testifies on their songwriting abilities. From their concept album released in 2000, heavily influenced by Pink Floyd, this contains quite possibly the greatest guitar solo ever recorded (I have to stop virtually everything except breathing whenever I hear it).
Liquid Tension Experiment - Universal Mind. I kinda cheated here, because 3/4 of this band is Dream Theater (i.e. drums, guitar, keyboards). But this DOES showcase their technical prowess, and is one of the most positive songs I've heard. I absolutely love it, it always puts me in a good mood and gives me a laugh. It also reminds me that no matter how long I learn and play the guitar, I will only ever be able to play about 1/5th of this song.
Coheed & Cambria - The Crowing. When I first listened to the album this is off, I was completely thrown when I got to this song (particularly the middle section). It wasn't emo at all (as was the rest of the album). It was pure prog. Not totally representative of the band (and anyone who knows me well knows I love this band a lot), but a great prog song. I love the continuous changes (some subtle, some not).
Punk
NOFX - The Idiots Are Taking Over. NOFX are also incredibly clever lyricists. How can you not mention a song that uses the timeless lyric "someone dropped a steamer in the gene pool" (conjures up some great mental images, but conveys the message perfectly). Seriously though, this song has a great message, very deliberately written, and is a great example of a NOFX song; intense, funny and honest. I love the middle section and the return to "the fast bit" - it's like a punch in the face. You should also check out The Separation of Church and Skate. A song about the state of punk which rings so fucking true it's not funny. And such incredible energy, it was the first song I heard from NOFX that made me immediately go out and buy an album.
At The Drive-In - Sleepwalk Capsules. I'm not sure this is "Punk", but I'll put it in this genre anyway. Hearing this band was such a revelation for me - I'd never heard anything like it before and was just so mesmerised. Their "Relationship of Command" album is truly amazing, and although the break-up of this band spawned two other great bands (The Mars Volta and Sparta), they never quite matched the unique brilliance of ATDI.
Bodyjar - One in a Million. The local heroes - I love listening to Cam (the singer) sing. I particularly like this song because of the chorus melody. The verse riff is pretty interesting as well. Bodyjar unfortunately were underrated pretty much their whole career. Other good songs to check out; Feed It and Calling Orson
Death Metal
Opeth - The Grand Conjuration. You want dark and heavy? Opeth are the masters of this genre, mixing beauty with brutality. It was a choice between this song, "Demon of The Fall", "Master's Apprentices" and "Bleak" - I think it's hard for Opeth to write a bad song. But this song is pretty much pure evil captured in a song (even though I think the intro is a little long sometimes). It's also the last album recorded with their legendary drummer Martin Lopez (check out the drumming in this song - brilliant). I recommend you lie down before the chorus starts, or you might get knocked down with it's weight.
Cradle of Filth - Nymphetamine. Cradle of Filth produce a lot of throw-away music, but every now and then they come up with a gem - this is one of them. I suppose it really technically isn't a Death Metal song (it's more like a freakin' ballad). Even so, there are parts of this song I find absolutely ridiculous (but that's the beauty of Death Metal - the sheer over-the-top-ness of this genre sometimes)
Hip Hop
Dr. Dre - Deeez Nuts. The ultimate west coast hip hop song I think, and the blueprint for Snoop and Eminem to follow. It's straight of Dre's post-NWA solo debut, "The Chronic", which is probably the greatest hip-hop album ever made in my opinion. Dr. Dre has such an awesome delivery and rapping style. This songs has a loud, funky bassline, some excellent lyrics between Dre and Snoop (and some real cliche's as well about bitches and ho's), a great keyboard melody, a skit at the start and some real R&B singing at the end (what more could you ask for in a hip-hop song). "I can't be faded, I'm a nigga from the motherfuckin' streets" - what a fantastic line. Also worth checking out from that album; Lil Ghetto Boy (some of Snoop's finest rapping).
Cypress Hill - Illusions. A serious song from Cypress Hill and one of their finest. After success using the hip hop formula of the time, they then recorded this album which was completely different. It's gritty and sometimes depressing, but boy does it have an impact.
Beastie Boys - Sure Shot. The opening track of their "Ill Communication" album, this song is just "GO" from start to end. I love the intro; the dog barking, the flute loop with the double bass, the b-boys intro'ing the chorus, and then when those drums kick in, it's pure bliss. The flute, the bass and the drums together are just the funkiest thing I've ever heard I think. I can't help but move to this tune. And when Ad-rock comes in with "I'm that kid in the corner" (about 2:20), you know they're fired up and this is already a classic Beastie Boys song and album (which also contains Sabotage and Flute Loop).
Other unclassified stuff (to start with)
Mew - The Zookeeper's Boy. This is by far one of my favourite songs released in the past 5 years - certainly my favourite of the past 2 years. It's just so magical and it's a little prog, a little alternative, a little new romantic, a little punk, a little everything. It's just such a clever and complicated song - the harmonies are magnificent. Those who have heard my wife call my phone will already know part of the tune.
Best Wishes - All is Calm. One of the more recent songs from Best Wishes, I just love the way this track starts up and finishes. It's the kind of track that needs a quiet room to be heard in. It's a great example of melancholy funk (if there is such a thing). And I like the simplicity of the solo (great tone on the clean guitar).
Primus - Tommy the Cat. Three mind-blowing musicians working together to create one of the most unique songs I've ever heard. Try listening to it for just the bass, listen again just to the drums, then listen again just for the guitar. Hell, it even has Tom Waits on some of the vocals. Primus have done plenty of imaginative, left field stuff over their career, but this one is such a great track - I could listen to it non-stop for days I think.
Nine Inch Nails - Ruiner. There are so many great NIN songs to choose from (and I was fairly fanatical about this band for a long time), but this has always been my favourite. It's hidden away in the middle of "The Downward Spiral", the perfect place for it. Great samples, guitar, vocals, everything.
John Mayer - Something's Missing. I'm a big fan of John Mayer, much to the bemusement/confusion of my more "metal" friends. His guitar playing is great, his voice is fantastically smooth and silky and he just writes amazing songs. He also released an absolutely kick ass live blues album worth checking out. This song will suck you into a certain frame of mind through the first couple of verses, then the chorus comes along with something completely different to offer - I love it. Lyrics throughout this song are also great.
That's enough for the first entry. I'll post another one on this thread in the coming weeks. Let me know what you think of the songs and what your picks would've been :) And let me know if any of the links don't work (I didn't test them all)
Labels: Music
posted by AndyN at 7:24 PM
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