When you listen to some songs - you cant help feeling they are a cut above the rest. Maybe the way they are composed, the lyrics, the instrumentals, vocals or probably everything put together. I have my own private list of such numbers. To make it shorter, I've listed only one number per band - I guess you might get tired seeing songs from the same band over and over again.
So here we go:
- Metropolis - Dream Theatre
This song was my into to Dream Theatre. Probably the most underrated band of the modern era.
Terrific leads & keyboards, perfect vocals, sheer instrumental melody, intriguing https://lyrics. And some of the best drumming you could ever come across - watch out for the double bass. It goes on at an explosive pace and seemingly endless variations. Its almost unbelievable - how you could sustain such a tempo throughout nearly 10 minutes while all the time coming up with intricate notes and variations. All while maintaining perfect co-ordination without getting noisy for an instant.
Its labelled a'Heavy Metal' or'Jazz Metal' band. But believe me - there is nothing noisy about the band. Sheer art! An out of the world number!
- La Sagrada Familia - Alan Parsons Project
It would be tough to name a genre for this number. The closest you can get to describe it is - a combination of classical/synthesized pop & rock. Its a number written as a classical piece but played with keyboards, guitars etc.
Its just a brilliantly arranged song. The crescendo(with power chords coming out of the blue in an otherwise orchestra like music) is something that keeps coming back to haunt you.
- Every stranger's eyes(Live - In the Flesh Tour)- Roger Waters
Undoubtedly the best chorus piece I've ever listened to. And really thought provoking https://lyrics. I'll not attempt to explain the https://lyrics. I'll just paste the key passage.
He talks through most of the ong. This is followed by one of the most haunting & memorable chorus arrangements you could come across. All the more so if you listen to the words being sung.
Note: I'm referring to the Live versionn. In the original version, Eric Clapton plays the leads along with the chorus. That for some reason spoils the effect of it.
.
I recognise.
Myself in every stranger's eyes
And now, from where I stand
Upon this hill
I plundered from the pool
I look around
I search the skies
I shade my eyes
So nearly blind
And I see signs of half remembered days
I hear bells that chime in strange familiar ways
I recognise.
The hope you kindle in your eyes
- Telegraph Road(Live Remix) - Dire straits
There are a few other numbers by Straits that came to my mind - Tunnel of Love, Romeo & Juliet, Sultans of Swing(Live) etc. But I'll stick to this one.
A beautiful blend of Piano, Leads and drums. A truly touching 12 minute number on an unusual theme. It describes how an area in the middle of nowhere develops into a big city. An how the lives of the people there change as the place gradually turns from a quiet neighbourhood to a bustling city.
A striking aspect of the song is that each stanza starts at a slow pace with minimal accompaniment - and gradually and effortlessly builds to a quick if not express tempo with leads, piano drums et al! The way the song is sung - Knoppfler at his gruff best, the way the instrumentals bring out the mood - needs to be heard to be believed.
A powerful track. And from my experience - please do not listen to it when you are all alone and not in the best of spirits. It can move what remains of your spirits right out of you!
- Songs from the Woods - Jethro Tull
If you happen to be one of those who used to watch DD Metro and regional channels before the advent of Cable TV, then this song might sound very familiar even though you may have never heard it! For the simple reason that a handful of tunes from this song used to be played between programs at different times!
A folk melody with a plethora of instruments - ranging from the pecadillo, bass flute, strings, lead guitars, acoustic guitars, piano, keyboards, violins, rock drums. you name it. And all arranged, composed and mixed so brilliantly that - am a bit at a loss to describe! The genius of Ian Anderson at its best!
So plz listen to it to get a better idea. I know any description from me would be inadequate.
- When the Levee Breaks - Led Zeppelin
Complex - is the first word that comes to my mind when I think of this one. And I simply cannot listen to it more than twice at a stretch. Simply too intense - not in terms of the sound/volumes etc, but the compexity of the instrumentals. There is a strong bluesy feel about the song. And besides, you get no respite for over 7 minutes.
Truly great instrumentals. To single out, its the guitaring by Page, the way he is able to bring out the theme of the song through his leads that stands out. All the other band members add on to the music. Another song thats not easy to describe.
- Echoes - Pink Floyd
A 23 minute number done in the very early 70's. There are a number(a large number mind you) of Floyd songs that could have figured in the list. But this one, I think has something a little bit extra.
For starters - really dense yet meaningful and thought provoking https://lyrics. Certainly my favourite in this aspect. Could mean different things to different people at different times. I think its about finding a soulmate.
Starts of with distinct beep like sounds from the piano. And as the quiet clear guitar and then the drum notes start to trickle you feel you are in an ancient setting near the sea.
Then start two haunting stanzas by Gilmour. And between the two come one of the most beautiful musical pieces - a slowish guitar-drum passage. The leads is played at almost the Base guitar pitch. As for the drums - its not about the speed or the stunts. Its the way Mason plays all those delicate & complex variations and makes it lend with Gilmour's guitaring that creates the magic.
A 3-4 minute instrumental passage follows. Then there are all types of distant eerie sounds. And then slowly and gradually a very low pitch bass strumming starts. First slowly and then with increasing intensity. Its eerie - but somehow when you listen to it all alone, you almost feel like you are rising from the depths to the surface of the sea. Probably the most intriguing musical passage I've ever listened to.
This is followed by the last stanza and then a grand instrumental finish. And then at the end, you get back the same haunting sounds from the piano that the song started with.
And unbelievable concept-piece. A definite must-hear for anyone not averse to classic-rock.
Wanted to leave you with the complete lyrics for this one. But doing that, my review exceeds 8000 characters. So let me know if you need em. And do let me know your comments.
