EPTAnyway, now onto the songs that I find inspiring. I have rambling tastes now a days. 4 years ago I was purely into 'classic' rock. Led Zep, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, Steely Dan. Great stuff, and all of their music hasn't aged a day. However with my discovery of Pink Floyd 3 years ago, I've been broadening my musical tastes a fair amount. My major passions right now are finger style guitar (I'm a guitarist, my main instrument being a 12 string), and my, well to say ever so frankly, “God” is Leo Kottke. This man is just an absolute genius with guitar, self taught guitarist (prior to his guitar work he was a trombone player in his high school marching band), and man, he is just phenomenal
. The Way he expresses himself through his composition and playing, particularly the 12 string (something he specialised in) blows my mind. I also got heavily into the band Death cab for Cutie. I'm sure their will be some people who laugh and snide, however as someone who dosent really follow 'modern' music (Not a musical snob thing, just that I find most modern music unbearable), to find out that a band like this exists was pretty mind blowing. With a fantastic lyricist at helm (Gibbard), and some very simple, catchy melodies the band is amazing. Onto my list, ascending in order.
5.
Love Will tear us apart
Joy Division
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=4yTIpcwBTTs
When I first heard this song I was confused by the popularity it has in musical circles. In fact, I'd say I was cynical. People heralding it as one of the greatest songs ever composed seemed quite queer. However on further evaluation of the song I saw the genius that others had seen in the song. The song is such a simple expression of growing alienation. I think perhaps my favourite “reflection” song. With such simple lyrics, yet such deep implications, I feel the love that others have for the song..
“When the routine bites hard
And ambitions are low
And the resentment rides high
But emotions wont grow
And were changing our ways,
Taking different roads
Then love, love will tear us apart again “
The First Verse
And given that Ian Curtis sings in an almost monotone voice which seems to be struggling with expression, adds to the emotional power of this song. At least in my opinion ^_^.
4.
Ashes to Ashes
David Bowie
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=r44OFO-MNPo
“Ashes to Ashes,
Funk to Funky
We know Major Tom's a Junkie
Strung out on Heavens highs,
Hitting an all time low.”
Bowie described this song as the end of an era for him. His goodbye to Ziggy Stardust, and the figurative Major Tom that he was. The video is masterful, of impeccable quality, and has implanted the seed within me to dress like a neurotic clown. I would if I could find a suitable costume.
With such a delicate synth melody, coupled with a rolling counter melody with the bass line, the song is amazing. My favourite line in the song would definetly be... hmmm
“I've never done bad things,
I've never done good things,
I've never done anything out of the blue”
3.
In Christ there is no East or West
[i]John Fahey[i]
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=IH8ihq0pIOo
A beautiful cover of Fahey's classic, played on the 12 string ala kottke.
This would have to be one of the best instrumental songs I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Words cannot describe the simple beauty in the melody. The song itself is a traditional church hymn, which Fahey took and made his own.
2.
I'll be your Mirror
The Velvet underground
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=bKYdnLMY75M
I guess reason to describe why I love this song is just to include the lyrics. Reed is a genius.
Probably the best song that nico recorded with the velvets too. Her voice really suits the style of the song.
“Ill be your mirror
Reflect what you are, in case you dont know
Ill be the wind, the rain and the sunset
The light on your door to show that youre home
When you think the night has seen your mind
That inside youre twisted and unkind
Let me stand to show that you are blind
Please put down your hands
cause I see you
I find it hard to believe you dont know
The beauty that you are
But if you dont let me be your eyes
A hand in your darkness, so you wont be afraid
When you think the night has seen your mind
That inside youre twisted and unkind
Let me stand to show that you are blind
Please put down your hands
cause I see you
Ill be your mirror”
1.
[b]Last Steam Engine Train + Stealing[b]
Leo Kottke
http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ-r8b2-tO8
Leo Kottke covering one of his mentors songs live (Fahey had a role in mentoring him, and he composed last steam engine train). His playing is just mindblowing. Fast, agresssive finger picking, flawless techincal skill. The man is a genius, someone i have eternal respect for. Just watch the clip :>
If you feel like it, share with me your favourite songs (currently or all time), or discuss if you liked the songs on my list or not. Hope you enjoyed the read -_-.
