AndyO Blog

Here are songs that I played on my Zune last week -- most of it on "random," but a few by choice. I've included my impressions as well.

Without a Shout (Jerusalem) - U2

I don't think I've ever heard this son before. Definitely has that old U2 sound.

The Grand Illusion - Styx

I'm always hot and cold on Styx. They never really knew what they wanted to be -- a hard rock band or a Top 40 ballad band. The hard rock stuff is good.

A Junkies Blues (2007 Live) - Queensryche

Another one I've never heard.

Secret Smile - Semisonic

Great song. Also, this is one of the best band names ever.

Save Me From My Self - Vertical Horizon

Drums on this song by Neil Peart of Rush. I love the lyrics in this song, too.

The clouds are rollin' in
We'll watch them
The waves are strong
The boat is gone
I hope they're swimming

Little boy lost in woods
Where's the clearing?
The town is out
They're calling loud
But he's not hearing

Middle Ground - Vertical Horizon

The guitars at the beginning of this song are sad and thoughtful.

"40" (Remastered Live Version) - U2

Hadn't heard this one in a while. The end of this song is so powerful with the "How long to sing this song?" chant of the crowd. Classic U2.

The Card Cheat - The Clash

Never heard this one.

One World (Not Three) - The Police

I've always liked Sting's solo version of this song better. The Reggae rhythms and tempo make the song drag. But the pop of the bass drum and snare are amazing.

Don't Stand So Close to Me - The Police

Classic Police. Stewart Copeland's drumming on this is masterful. It reminds me of controlled chaos.

Grand Designs - Rush

One of the best songs off the album Power Windows.

The Big Money - Rush

Classic Rush. Neil Peart's opening rhythm of cowbells, electronic Simmons drums, and clever samples have always made this one of my favorite Rush songs. Also love the guitar solo.

Best I Can (Agora theater live version) - Rush

This was recorded shortly after Neil Peart joined the band, and it's amazing to hear how well Rush played together -- even at the very beginning.

The Battle of Evermore - Led Zeppelin

I was surprised by some of the Sixties-style vocal harmonies in this. Usually Zeppelin doesn't sound dated to me.

Rock And Roll - Led Zeppelin

That opening drum beat is classic John Bonham. Funny I've never really learned to play this beat correctly.

Black Dog - Led Zeppelin

Love the way the beat is "displaced" in this song by the way John Bonham places the snare. I heard that Jimmy Page came up with a lot of these beats.

Fool in the Rain - Led Zeppelin

One of the all-time greatest drum beats. Check out this drums-only track from Bonham. After I heard this, I realized I'd been playing this half-time shuffle wrong all these years.

Labels: Music