25 + 145 points
Explore Greatness In Art by YellowBear
August 6th, 2008 6:20 PM
I decided to give myself a few extra parameters to make this a more authentic process of discovery and enjoyment in the playing and documenting of the "Greatness" i was exploring, they are:
Preliminary Rules
1. NO Listening To The Songs To Refresh My Memory Before Playing
2. NO Practicing Songs Before Recording Them
This Task Was Completed On A Single evening, In One Sitting. It Is Presented In Its Entirety, There Have Been No Omissions Made To Protect The Ego Of The Tasker, Be Kind.
---I am a musician, so obviously I sought out greatness in music. More than individual artists I am personally always exploring songs. Thy are like tiny universes. A well crafted song is like a Fabrege egg. I thought that simply picking my own list of Great music would be too suspect, so I turned to a self proclaimed expert publication on such matters, Rolling Stone Magazine. They graciously provided me with a list of certified "greatness". I wanted to do a large enough number of songs to have a song or two that most people will know and like, 20 seemed like a nice round number.
---I posted all of them as part of the proving that it happened, not because anyone should be subjected to all of them. As can be expected they are all rough, a couple are down right rotten, but I really enjoyed changing some guitar songs to piano and vice versa. Songs that didn't quite work out the first time got tried again and I included all the versions, they usually get better.
-
-
--<- Here is my high tech recording studio
-I was interested in seeing what it felt like to play these songs, what they have in common, themes, songwriting techniques, time/place in popular culture, How they changed music/songs/styles that came after, i.e. what I might be able to understand about what makes these songs have "greatness" (or at least great in the eyes of Rolling Stone magazine).
=Rolling Stone's Top 20=
="Greatest" Songs of All Time=
1. Like A Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan
----(Released July '65, Charts: 12 Weeks, Top Spot #2)
-This really is an amazing song. It would be on my list somewhere, but I think Dylan has at least three (arguably more) that are better. This is all about the words and songwriting, but it also changed radio. This song clocks in at over 6 minutes and they played the whole thing on the radio. That was unheard of at the time of 2:30 minute pop singles. It changed the paradigm of what type of music could be played on the radio. I play it in 3/4 just for a twist, don't let it throw you.
2. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones
---(Released: May '65, Charts: 14 Weeks, Top Spot: #1)
--This song is sooo catchey. The riff is instantly recognizable and the chorus jumps around in my head all day, even though I can't really even tell what Mick Jagger is singing during the verses, I don;t think anyone could sing them to you from memory, and it doesn't matter.
Take One (How does the melody go again?)
Take Two (Oh Right)
3. Imagine - John Lennon
--(Released: Oct '71, Charts: 9 Weeks , Top Spot: #3)
--The message of this song is just so touching. It manages to ask for world peace and not feel sappy or preachy.
Take One (Piano)
Take Two (Guitar)
4. What's Going On? - Marvin Gaye
-----(Released: Feb '71 , Charts: 13 Weeks , Top Spot: #2)
-Such a
tough song to sing if you arn't Marvin, he had some serious mojo skills that I lack. Another anti-war song. This one
feels especially appropriate for world events these days. It took three tried just to get one that didn't make me want to stab myself out of failure.
Take One Piano (Tough Song To Sing If You're Not Marvin Gaye)
Take Two Piano (Maybe A Different Key)
Take Three (Guitar Is Better)
5. Respect - Aretha Franklin
-----(Released: April '67, Charts: 12 Weeks, Top Spot: #1)
--Most people don't know that it was written and first recorded by Otis Redding. It was intended as an indictment of race relations in our country and ended up as a feminist anthem. There is no doubt that Aretha owns this song, and you better believe that it ain't easy to over shadow Otis. And by the way "TCB" stands for "Taking Care of Business"
6. Good Vibrations- The Beach Boys
-----(Released: Oct. '66, Charts: 14 Weeks, Top Spot: #1)
--One of the most finely crafted studio masterpieces in history. Complete with symphonic accompaniment, layering hundreds of vocal tracks and the first (and only? ) time a theremin was featured in a hit song. His massive genius totally makes it ok that he had to put his grand piano in a sand box so his toes could play in the sand while in the studio. Don't do drugs kids. Why not try to play it solo on an acoustic guitar. I could have done it hundreds of times and not ever got it right.
7. Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry
--(Released: April '58, Charts: 15 Weeks, Top Spot: #8 )
--One of my very first favorite songs. I remember being captivated by this song when I was six or seven years old. I also remember that when I asked about who it was by I found out that he was 'black' and I had no idea what that meant. After trying to play it I have even more respect for Chuck's skills.
Take One (I flubbed the last verse)
Take Two
8. Hey Jude - The Beatles
-----(Released: Aug. '68 , Charts: 19 Weeks, Top Spo
t: #1)
--This song has a really big vocal range which makes it tough to get in a key that sounds good for the beginning and for the NaNaNaNa's at the end. Paul wrote it for John's son Julian. The line "the movement you need is on your shoulder" was put in as a placeholder to be changed later, but when John heard it he said that it was "the best line in the song"
9. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
--(Released: Sept. '91, Charts: 20 Weeks, Top Spot: #6)
--This song is not on the list because of songwriting, I don't think people know the words (at least not the right ones). But I will never ever forget the first time I saw/heard this song. I was sitting on my bed and BOOM, angry, loud, different, In one massive turn sweeping away all of the Poison, Motley Crue, spandex hair metal that had taken over the music world. I was only ten when this song came out, but i remember it as clear as a bell, and despite the refreshing change it offered, it lead the way to a zillion copy cat crappy bands. Of this song Kurt Cobain said, "I just wanted to write a song that sounded like the Pixies" Amen, they should be on the list instead. After playing it I realized that It should be played on the Accordion. Can anyone help me out? Dax? Bex? Any other acciordion players out there?
Take One (Fail. Why can't I play this song right)
Take Two (Not terrible, but not good either)
10. What's I Say - Ray Charles
----(Released: Jun. '59, Charts: 15 Weeks, Top Spot: #6)
--This song isn't politically correct, but it is great. Mostly because he was so good. His voice is amazing and he had serious piano chops that I don't. Legend has it that he made it up on the spot, I'm not sure I buy it, but it doesn't matter. I did one on piano and then one on guitar just to mix it up. When thinking of this song remember that it was before 'soul' or 'R&B' existed. He made them up out of a background in Gospel, Country, Jazz and Rock 'N Roll.
Take One (Piano)
Take Two (Guitar)
11. My Generation - The Who
---(Released: Nov. '65, Charts: 5 Weeks, Top Spot: #74)
--They are constantly overshadowed by the Beatles, Stones, Floyd and Zeppelin, The Who never gets enough respect. They bring loud, raw and explosive to the table in a way that no other band did. And nobody could destroy guitars as quick at Pete Townsend. I love the fake stuttering in this song, I don't know why it's there but it gives he song a lot of character.
12. A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke
-----(Released: Dec. '64, Charts: 7 Weeks, Top Spot: #31)
--This song is just absolutely beautiful. It is heartfelt and uplifting, soulful to the extreme. I am so glad to see it on the list. It is one that I have heard but never played, and now I will be playing it. If nothing else this task has given me this song o play forever and I am grateful. Its songwriting is nearly flawless, and it is here because of how good a song and performance it is, not because of the other things that put songs on this list. I've know that Otis Redding does great version of this one too. I hope a change does come. I can't hear this song enough times. I've heard it was inspired by Dylan's Blowing In The Wind, so one more thing for me to thank Bob for. Please.
13. Yesterday - The Beatles
---(Released: Sept. '65, Charts: 11 Weeks, Top Spot: #1)
--The most recorded song of all time. Over 10,000 different versions, and I can see why it's a very nice song. The original lyrics were "Scrambled eggs, oh my baby how I love your legs" I guess we can all be glad that those got tossed.
14. Blowin' In The Wind - Bob Dylan
-----(Released: May '63, Charts: -, Top Spot: -)
-As Dylan liked to frequently point out "This is not a protest song." Unfortunately for him it has become the most anthemic protest song of all time. So much so that people don't even really listen to the words or what they mean anymore. That is sad because it is amazing if you can do it in a non-sappy way. It also earned him the uncomfortable title of "Voice of a generation" This is the first on the list to have not made the charts, it is here because of the way it was adopted by the civil rights movement. What people don't often say is that its melody was taken from an old spiritual named "No More Auction Block" or that that melody was in turn taken from a folk song from Ghauna that made its way to our country in the hull of a slave ship. I did two one more traditional, one on piano to try and hear the song anew.
Take One (Guitar)
Take Two (Piano)
15. London Calling - The Clash
-(Released: Jan. '80, Charts: -, Top Spot: -)
--Another song that didn't make the charts. I'm not sure how it ended up on the list. It influenced many artists that came after. Mny people call the Clash a punk band. I guess they are, but they are also so much more. They are the types of punks that saw injustice and tyranny in the world and wanted to fix it while sneering, not the type that spit in your face. They also used influences from all over in their songs, not just three chords played sloppy and fast.
16. I Want To Hold Your Hand - The Beatles
-----(Released: Dec. '63, Charts: 15 Weeks, Top Spot: #1)
--I am not such a big fan of early Beatles. I sort of think of it as the beginning of boy band music. When the young girls would just scream and scream. It is nice for me to remember that they were screaming at descent songs that were actually written by that artists. I used a sort of odd rhythm it is calypso-ish. I can't imagine a time when these lads with their haircuts could have caused an uproar, and to think people thought they looked like girls. I still can't wrap my mind around the fact that their whole career spanned a whopping 7 years, from this all the way to the end. Now they are as wholesome and American as apple pie. The story goes that Dylan introduced them to pot, they found acid on their own. I guess drugs aren't so bad after all. Another thank you to Bob. We all know where hand holding leads. Scandal.
17. Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix
-----(Released: Mar. '67, Charts: 8 Weeks, Top Spot: #65)
--I will not under any circumstances be trying to play guitar like Hendrix. So the problem is really how to play a guitar heavy song on piano. It was odd. As much as anyone he changed what guitar playing is. (I would argue that only Charlie Christian did as much, but now days people don't know him) He was virtuosic and really just came out of nowhere. That this song is here is a testament to him not to this song. Its magic is not in the words or the chords, but in what he made his guitar do. For the record, despite what anyone may tell you, this is a song about Vietnam not about drugs.
18. Maybellene - Chuck Berry
--(Released: July '55, Charts: 11 Weeks, Top Spot: #5)
--I was very surprised to see this on the list. It doesn't stick out as an obvious choice as much as some of the others. But since it came out in '55 it is one of the first hit rock tunes. I would have liked to seen Buddy Holly or Jerry Lee Lewis for that reason, but Chuck Berry was one of the first great rockers, so I won't object.
19. Hound Dog - Elvis Presley
-----(Released: July '56, Charts: 28 Weeks, Top Spot: #1)
--This song was written by the songwriting team of Leiber and Stoller, who also wrote such classics as: Kansas City, Yakety Yak, Poison Ivy, Jailhouse Rock, Charley Brown, Stand By Me, Love Potion No. 9 and many more. It was originally recorded by Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton four years before Elvis. But he is the king and this was one of his biggest hits. Don't tell anyone that he couldn't play the guitar that he was holding.
Take One (Guitar)
Take Two (Piano)
20. Let It Be - The Beatles
-----(Released: May '70, Charts: 14 Weeks, Top Spot: #1)
--As brilliant as any song they wrote, as brilliant as any song ever written. The most staggering thing is its simplicity and straight forwardness. There are no unnecessary words. Writing about this type of thing is like a fast track to cheesy trite stupid fluff land, and this song hits like a ton of bricks. Saying such beautiful things without beating around the bush is devastating. I had a very emotional response to this song. I have played it many times and heard it many more, but rarely have I tried to feel, deep down in my soul what this song means. It hurts the singing but it increases the impact. This song seems to be imploring whatever unseen forces may be at work in the world to give us a little helping hand.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
--I would like to point out just how different this list is from a "Best Songs" list. They have certainly taken factors besides songwriting into their consideration. Only a few of these songs would appear on my personal list, but I think it would be less interesting to post a bunch of songs that most people don't know.
How much do they love the mid 60's(?!?) jeez, half the list is from '63-'68.
--Where are Johnny Cash, Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Paul Simon? You could make all kinds of arguments for Stairway to Heaven, Wish You Were Here, Freebird, Thriller, Bohemian Rhapsody, Graceland and on and on. They all made the top 500, but i'm not sure that I can agree with the way that some artists are obviously favored for historical importance. (In their other list, Top 500 Albums of all time, the Beatles have 3 of the Top 5 slots and Dark Side of The Moon is #43. Pft.)
--If you have never heard the original versions of any of these songs, you should hear them there is no doubt that it is a formidable list (for cultural reference if nothing else). Maybe I would have been better off doing the Mona Lisa in macaroni and crayons. These songs are essentially perfect, i'm proud I got to mess them up.
--Singing songs is different from hearing songs, Playing songs is different from singing them. Feeling songs is different from playing them, and meaning songs is different from feeling them. Meaning them is the hardest.
Exploration Complete
Preliminary Rules
1. NO Listening To The Songs To Refresh My Memory Before Playing
2. NO Practicing Songs Before Recording Them
This Task Was Completed On A Single evening, In One Sitting. It Is Presented In Its Entirety, There Have Been No Omissions Made To Protect The Ego Of The Tasker, Be Kind.
---I am a musician, so obviously I sought out greatness in music. More than individual artists I am personally always exploring songs. Thy are like tiny universes. A well crafted song is like a Fabrege egg. I thought that simply picking my own list of Great music would be too suspect, so I turned to a self proclaimed expert publication on such matters, Rolling Stone Magazine. They graciously provided me with a list of certified "greatness". I wanted to do a large enough number of songs to have a song or two that most people will know and like, 20 seemed like a nice round number.
---I posted all of them as part of the proving that it happened, not because anyone should be subjected to all of them. As can be expected they are all rough, a couple are down right rotten, but I really enjoyed changing some guitar songs to piano and vice versa. Songs that didn't quite work out the first time got tried again and I included all the versions, they usually get better.
--
--<- Here is my high tech recording studio
-I was interested in seeing what it felt like to play these songs, what they have in common, themes, songwriting techniques, time/place in popular culture, How they changed music/songs/styles that came after, i.e. what I might be able to understand about what makes these songs have "greatness" (or at least great in the eyes of Rolling Stone magazine).
=Rolling Stone's Top 20=
="Greatest" Songs of All Time=
1. Like A Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan
----(Released July '65, Charts: 12 Weeks, Top Spot #2)
-This really is an amazing song. It would be on my list somewhere, but I think Dylan has at least three (arguably more) that are better. This is all about the words and songwriting, but it also changed radio. This song clocks in at over 6 minutes and they played the whole thing on the radio. That was unheard of at the time of 2:30 minute pop singles. It changed the paradigm of what type of music could be played on the radio. I play it in 3/4 just for a twist, don't let it throw you.2. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones
---(Released: May '65, Charts: 14 Weeks, Top Spot: #1)
--This song is sooo catchey. The riff is instantly recognizable and the chorus jumps around in my head all day, even though I can't really even tell what Mick Jagger is singing during the verses, I don;t think anyone could sing them to you from memory, and it doesn't matter.Take One (How does the melody go again?)
Take Two (Oh Right)
3. Imagine - John Lennon
--(Released: Oct '71, Charts: 9 Weeks , Top Spot: #3)--The message of this song is just so touching. It manages to ask for world peace and not feel sappy or preachy.
Take One (Piano)
Take Two (Guitar)
4. What's Going On? - Marvin Gaye
-----(Released: Feb '71 , Charts: 13 Weeks , Top Spot: #2)
-Such atough song to sing if you arn't Marvin, he had some serious mojo skills that I lack. Another anti-war song. This one
feels especially appropriate for world events these days. It took three tried just to get one that didn't make me want to stab myself out of failure.
Take One Piano (Tough Song To Sing If You're Not Marvin Gaye)
Take Two Piano (Maybe A Different Key)
Take Three (Guitar Is Better)
5. Respect - Aretha Franklin
-----(Released: April '67, Charts: 12 Weeks, Top Spot: #1)
--Most people don't know that it was written and first recorded by Otis Redding. It was intended as an indictment of race relations in our country and ended up as a feminist anthem. There is no doubt that Aretha owns this song, and you better believe that it ain't easy to over shadow Otis. And by the way "TCB" stands for "Taking Care of Business"6. Good Vibrations- The Beach Boys
-----(Released: Oct. '66, Charts: 14 Weeks, Top Spot: #1)
--One of the most finely crafted studio masterpieces in history. Complete with symphonic accompaniment, layering hundreds of vocal tracks and the first (and only? ) time a theremin was featured in a hit song. His massive genius totally makes it ok that he had to put his grand piano in a sand box so his toes could play in the sand while in the studio. Don't do drugs kids. Why not try to play it solo on an acoustic guitar. I could have done it hundreds of times and not ever got it right.7. Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry
--(Released: April '58, Charts: 15 Weeks, Top Spot: #8 )--One of my very first favorite songs. I remember being captivated by this song when I was six or seven years old. I also remember that when I asked about who it was by I found out that he was 'black' and I had no idea what that meant. After trying to play it I have even more respect for Chuck's skills.
Take One (I flubbed the last verse)
Take Two
8. Hey Jude - The Beatles
-----(Released: Aug. '68 , Charts: 19 Weeks, Top Spo
t: #1)--This song has a really big vocal range which makes it tough to get in a key that sounds good for the beginning and for the NaNaNaNa's at the end. Paul wrote it for John's son Julian. The line "the movement you need is on your shoulder" was put in as a placeholder to be changed later, but when John heard it he said that it was "the best line in the song"
9. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
--(Released: Sept. '91, Charts: 20 Weeks, Top Spot: #6)
--This song is not on the list because of songwriting, I don't think people know the words (at least not the right ones). But I will never ever forget the first time I saw/heard this song. I was sitting on my bed and BOOM, angry, loud, different, In one massive turn sweeping away all of the Poison, Motley Crue, spandex hair metal that had taken over the music world. I was only ten when this song came out, but i remember it as clear as a bell, and despite the refreshing change it offered, it lead the way to a zillion copy cat crappy bands. Of this song Kurt Cobain said, "I just wanted to write a song that sounded like the Pixies" Amen, they should be on the list instead. After playing it I realized that It should be played on the Accordion. Can anyone help me out? Dax? Bex? Any other acciordion players out there?Take One (Fail. Why can't I play this song right)
Take Two (Not terrible, but not good either)
10. What's I Say - Ray Charles
----(Released: Jun. '59, Charts: 15 Weeks, Top Spot: #6)--This song isn't politically correct, but it is great. Mostly because he was so good. His voice is amazing and he had serious piano chops that I don't. Legend has it that he made it up on the spot, I'm not sure I buy it, but it doesn't matter. I did one on piano and then one on guitar just to mix it up. When thinking of this song remember that it was before 'soul' or 'R&B' existed. He made them up out of a background in Gospel, Country, Jazz and Rock 'N Roll.
Take One (Piano)
Take Two (Guitar)
11. My Generation - The Who
---(Released: Nov. '65, Charts: 5 Weeks, Top Spot: #74)--They are constantly overshadowed by the Beatles, Stones, Floyd and Zeppelin, The Who never gets enough respect. They bring loud, raw and explosive to the table in a way that no other band did. And nobody could destroy guitars as quick at Pete Townsend. I love the fake stuttering in this song, I don't know why it's there but it gives he song a lot of character.
12. A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke
-----(Released: Dec. '64, Charts: 7 Weeks, Top Spot: #31)
--This song is just absolutely beautiful. It is heartfelt and uplifting, soulful to the extreme. I am so glad to see it on the list. It is one that I have heard but never played, and now I will be playing it. If nothing else this task has given me this song o play forever and I am grateful. Its songwriting is nearly flawless, and it is here because of how good a song and performance it is, not because of the other things that put songs on this list. I've know that Otis Redding does great version of this one too. I hope a change does come. I can't hear this song enough times. I've heard it was inspired by Dylan's Blowing In The Wind, so one more thing for me to thank Bob for. Please.13. Yesterday - The Beatles
---(Released: Sept. '65, Charts: 11 Weeks, Top Spot: #1)--The most recorded song of all time. Over 10,000 different versions, and I can see why it's a very nice song. The original lyrics were "Scrambled eggs, oh my baby how I love your legs" I guess we can all be glad that those got tossed.
14. Blowin' In The Wind - Bob Dylan
-----(Released: May '63, Charts: -, Top Spot: -)
-As Dylan liked to frequently point out "This is not a protest song." Unfortunately for him it has become the most anthemic protest song of all time. So much so that people don't even really listen to the words or what they mean anymore. That is sad because it is amazing if you can do it in a non-sappy way. It also earned him the uncomfortable title of "Voice of a generation" This is the first on the list to have not made the charts, it is here because of the way it was adopted by the civil rights movement. What people don't often say is that its melody was taken from an old spiritual named "No More Auction Block" or that that melody was in turn taken from a folk song from Ghauna that made its way to our country in the hull of a slave ship. I did two one more traditional, one on piano to try and hear the song anew.Take One (Guitar)
Take Two (Piano)
15. London Calling - The Clash
-(Released: Jan. '80, Charts: -, Top Spot: -)
--Another song that didn't make the charts. I'm not sure how it ended up on the list. It influenced many artists that came after. Mny people call the Clash a punk band. I guess they are, but they are also so much more. They are the types of punks that saw injustice and tyranny in the world and wanted to fix it while sneering, not the type that spit in your face. They also used influences from all over in their songs, not just three chords played sloppy and fast.16. I Want To Hold Your Hand - The Beatles
-----(Released: Dec. '63, Charts: 15 Weeks, Top Spot: #1)
--I am not such a big fan of early Beatles. I sort of think of it as the beginning of boy band music. When the young girls would just scream and scream. It is nice for me to remember that they were screaming at descent songs that were actually written by that artists. I used a sort of odd rhythm it is calypso-ish. I can't imagine a time when these lads with their haircuts could have caused an uproar, and to think people thought they looked like girls. I still can't wrap my mind around the fact that their whole career spanned a whopping 7 years, from this all the way to the end. Now they are as wholesome and American as apple pie. The story goes that Dylan introduced them to pot, they found acid on their own. I guess drugs aren't so bad after all. Another thank you to Bob. We all know where hand holding leads. Scandal.17. Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix
-----(Released: Mar. '67, Charts: 8 Weeks, Top Spot: #65)
--I will not under any circumstances be trying to play guitar like Hendrix. So the problem is really how to play a guitar heavy song on piano. It was odd. As much as anyone he changed what guitar playing is. (I would argue that only Charlie Christian did as much, but now days people don't know him) He was virtuosic and really just came out of nowhere. That this song is here is a testament to him not to this song. Its magic is not in the words or the chords, but in what he made his guitar do. For the record, despite what anyone may tell you, this is a song about Vietnam not about drugs.18. Maybellene - Chuck Berry
--(Released: July '55, Charts: 11 Weeks, Top Spot: #5)--I was very surprised to see this on the list. It doesn't stick out as an obvious choice as much as some of the others. But since it came out in '55 it is one of the first hit rock tunes. I would have liked to seen Buddy Holly or Jerry Lee Lewis for that reason, but Chuck Berry was one of the first great rockers, so I won't object.
19. Hound Dog - Elvis Presley
-----(Released: July '56, Charts: 28 Weeks, Top Spot: #1)
--This song was written by the songwriting team of Leiber and Stoller, who also wrote such classics as: Kansas City, Yakety Yak, Poison Ivy, Jailhouse Rock, Charley Brown, Stand By Me, Love Potion No. 9 and many more. It was originally recorded by Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton four years before Elvis. But he is the king and this was one of his biggest hits. Don't tell anyone that he couldn't play the guitar that he was holding.Take One (Guitar)
Take Two (Piano)
20. Let It Be - The Beatles
-----(Released: May '70, Charts: 14 Weeks, Top Spot: #1)
--As brilliant as any song they wrote, as brilliant as any song ever written. The most staggering thing is its simplicity and straight forwardness. There are no unnecessary words. Writing about this type of thing is like a fast track to cheesy trite stupid fluff land, and this song hits like a ton of bricks. Saying such beautiful things without beating around the bush is devastating. I had a very emotional response to this song. I have played it many times and heard it many more, but rarely have I tried to feel, deep down in my soul what this song means. It hurts the singing but it increases the impact. This song seems to be imploring whatever unseen forces may be at work in the world to give us a little helping hand. --------------------------------------------------------------------
--I would like to point out just how different this list is from a "Best Songs" list. They have certainly taken factors besides songwriting into their consideration. Only a few of these songs would appear on my personal list, but I think it would be less interesting to post a bunch of songs that most people don't know.
How much do they love the mid 60's(?!?) jeez, half the list is from '63-'68.
--Where are Johnny Cash, Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Paul Simon? You could make all kinds of arguments for Stairway to Heaven, Wish You Were Here, Freebird, Thriller, Bohemian Rhapsody, Graceland and on and on. They all made the top 500, but i'm not sure that I can agree with the way that some artists are obviously favored for historical importance. (In their other list, Top 500 Albums of all time, the Beatles have 3 of the Top 5 slots and Dark Side of The Moon is #43. Pft.)
--If you have never heard the original versions of any of these songs, you should hear them there is no doubt that it is a formidable list (for cultural reference if nothing else). Maybe I would have been better off doing the Mona Lisa in macaroni and crayons. These songs are essentially perfect, i'm proud I got to mess them up.
--Singing songs is different from hearing songs, Playing songs is different from singing them. Feeling songs is different from playing them, and meaning songs is different from feeling them. Meaning them is the hardest.
Exploration Complete
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posted by Loki on August 6th, 2008 9:01 PM
Complaining that YellowBear doesn't task any more is like saying, "man, it's a shame that Beethoven guy stopped writing music. You seem him around every so often, but it's been *months* since his last symphony."
posted by Lincøln on August 6th, 2008 9:32 PM
Wow. At least you didn't try to play Good Vibrations with saws.
posted by [smedly] on August 6th, 2008 10:09 PM
definitely impressed that you recorded these in one sitting, from memory
posted by YellowBear on August 6th, 2008 10:48 PM
I should clarify that I was looking at the lyrics and the chords as I was doing it. I just didn't want to re-hear them so as to not taint how the the songs want to be played, or at least how they go in my head
posted by [smedly] on August 7th, 2008 5:45 AM
still, excellently done. these recordings bring a sense of familiarity to all these famous songs
posted by Ladybug on August 6th, 2008 10:53 PM
Yellowbear may be lost but his greatness lives on! All is not lost.
posted by susy derkins on August 6th, 2008 11:29 PM
I loved "Like a rolling stone" in 3/4 and that awesome piano version of "Blowing in the wind".
posted by Absurdum on August 7th, 2008 4:38 AM
The music is great, but I liked the commentary as much... One quibble, even when the beatles were singing "I want to hold your hand" it was WELL after their Hamburg days when they used to sleep with prostitutes and climb to the top of the cathedral to piss on nuns on their way to mass. Early beatles SONGS were all innocence, the early beatles... less so ;-> Oh, and VOTE!!!
posted by Dax Tran-Caffee on August 7th, 2008 7:36 AM
I can't wait to get back to SF to hear you play these in person.
posted by GYØ Ben on August 8th, 2008 1:30 PM
Wait, I missed this!?
HOLY SHIT, Yellowbear. You are everything I want to be.
posted by Minch on August 8th, 2008 2:13 PM
Jeez. Yellowbear. I am in awe of you....
and also... you are becoming one of my favorite itunes playlists :)
posted by YellowBear on August 8th, 2008 8:42 PM
I'm touched by all the nice things people have to say. I'm glad people are enjoying the listening, things that I practice sound a lot better, and everything sounds better in person, so i hope you all have the chance to sit and play (or just listen) with me sometime. The door to the yellowlair is always open, even when I am not in prominent internet manifestation...
posted by rongo rongo on August 12th, 2008 12:16 PM
Wow, thanks for doing this. I usually avoid audio input, but I always listen to your praxis. Your creations make me want to experience the world with sounds.
posted by Bex. on August 13th, 2008 11:04 PM
I actually used to play "smells like teen spirit" on my accordion, but I liked "in bloom" better. Nothing beat van halen's jump though (except maybe guns 'n' roses 'sweet child of mine').
posted by Lank on August 14th, 2008 8:10 AM
I played in a polka cover band ten years ago. It's really hard to play the bass line of "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love" on tuba, but loads of fun.
That last paragraph you've got there is wonderful.
Top lists of any sort will always cause contention, but you're right. Man alive do these guys love the mid-'60s.