Where’s all the Good Music at? Pt 3 — A Glimpse at the “gods”
We’re getting into the good stuff now!
There are songs that transcend genres and generations that even those who might not consider themselves rock afficionados (or even a casual listener) would instantly recognize — maybe it still comes on the radio, was on the soundtrack of the latest Marvel movie or has been brought alive in the latest reality TV show (Voice, AGT). These are songs that age like fine wine (not that I like wine). I would recommend listening to each song on this list in its entirety and let the magic take you over.
- Hotel California by The Eagles — “You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave!” — just like the lyrics, the song remains deep inside you. It’s also got a very underrated guitar solo.
2. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin — There are songs that when you try to describe, you end up feeling that you’ve cheapened it. A mind melding combination of Plant’s silky wails and Page’s coaxing of the guitar to do the impossible, this song lives up to its name. At 10½ mins, it gives you enough time to relish the whole morsel.
3. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen — The arrangement, the lyrics, everything was revolutionary about this song. Considering that it came early in their career, I am all the more convinced of their genius. Queen will live forever through this song.
4. Layla by Eric Clapton — EC does what he does best. I named my car after this song. The acoustic version of this song took me time to get used to, but I can now enjoy both versions for very different reasons.
5. Highway Star by Deep Purple — It was a toss up between this and “Smoke on the Water” but I chose Highway Star simply for the high octane delivery.
6. Let it Be by The Beatles — I’ve somehow not immersed myself in the Beatles as much, but enjoyed their final album very much. This song from it is strangely haunting — very similar to “Yesterday”.
7. Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd — One of the greatest live performances of all time. The fact that it was taken before the cell phone eras or highly programmed stage arrangements gives it a genuine energy that cannot be replicated today. The strong takes off with the multiple guitar solos and just doesn’t land after that.
8. Wish you were Here by Pink Floyd — A band that was privileged to have such talent that it survived the exits of multiple front men. The awesomeness level has not gone down over the decades.
9. Baba O’Riley by The Who — What is it about the British and their rock exports? Another band of supremely talented individuals who wrote multiple songs that stand the test of time. You could listen to it today and it can still knock you off your chair.
10. Break On Through (To The Other Side) by The Doors — Crazy, Genius, Sad, Tragic.
Note: i) The songs are listed in no particular order
ii) I’ve shared my favourite version of the song, needless to say there are many more good / better versions floating around.
