Music Recommendations {Prog, Rock, Metal, Kraut, Jazz & Blues, Country, World et al}

Raaj DSV

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Well, this is Raaj and you can read my intro in this post.

Writing music reviews and sharing them with my friends is my favourite hobby. From now on wards, I shall post my daily dose of music recommendations in this thread which may cover Prog, Rock, Metal, Kraut, Jazz & Blues, Country, World et al.

I shall start a new thread for my Indian Classical Music Reviews.

Hope you enjoy them all and looking forward for your feedback as well.


Here comes my first recommendations as follows :)



Blackjack was the first band of Michael Bolton and Bruce Kulick (Later worked as Guitarist in the band, Kiss). Michael Bolton is one of my very favourite singers. And I love this early voice of him. Heart of stone (1979) is fantastic rocking song. Enjoy..Raaj


Though Peter Gabriel led 'Genesis' band delivered some superb progressive albums from early 70's to mid 70's, some how they were never my favourite band. But, one song remain in my favourite playlist forever, that's "White Mountain". The superb lyrics, soulful singing, awesome instrumentation still haunts and shake my spine whenever I listen to it. No wonder, its one my very personal favourite songs. Enjoy and have a great day... Raaj




'Foghat' is one the successful blues rock bands in the 70's. Their strong blues roots with 'Savoy Brown band' shined like diamond throughout their career. Though they are known for some of the finest Blues-Rock songs, this "Take It Or Leave It" has become my personal favourite 'coz of its simplicity, sensible lyrics, soulful playing. The lyrics closely resembles to my heart.




La petite fille de la mer, this is one of haunting melodies I've listened sofar. Vangelis, one of the most accomplished and influential musicians of our times. Our AR Rahaman silently copied many of his compositions. As a sampler, I would recommend to listen Vangelis "Portraits: So Long So Clear" album.




In 1985, metal singer Mr. Ronnie James Dio wanted to contribute for the feminine Africa through the funds raised by some special song. And here it goes, the superb eternal classic with all star lineup. Just watch it to believe it. Those days are over. Good music never gonna happen like this.




https://youtu.be/-16KJkJA5Bo
Hard Rock history will be incomplete without mentioning the inputs of German guitar wizard 'Michael Schenker'. He has been playing guitar for nearly 50 years and still as active as any young aspirant. Be it Scorpions, UFO, MSG, G3 etc or whatever the bands he played in, he made an impeccable trademark on them. Well, this 'Doctor Doctor' is one of the phenomenal songs he made in his great career with 'UFO' . Truly awesome song.




https://youtu.be/18FgnFVm5k0
Phil Lynott and Gary Moore were two great musicians from Irland. They were partners in crime since from late 60's in the bands like Skid Row, Thin Lizzy and numerous solo projects. The songs like Still In Love With You , Military Man, Spanish Guitar, Out In the Fields etc shows their great virtuosity. And this Parisienne Walkways is one of the high points of their career. Whenever I listen to this version, my spine chills, not just for their great performance, but for their dedication and love for music. Sadly both died young. Rest in music and they will be remembered for the great music.




https://youtu.be/VqXYuWOoBl4
If you want me to choose the greatest blues rock player from America, I would blindly choose Johnny Winter. No other white guitarist influenced the american blues like Johnny. His playing, experiments with veteran blues legends like Muddy Waters is really extraordinary. Bottom line is, if you could spend 20 plus minutes to watch this, your morning would be forever energetic. Truly awesome music. Enjoy.




https://youtu.be/uDKxz4xzjc0
Whitesnake is perhaps my most favorite hard rock band after Deep Purple. "Judgement Day" sounds like a great tribute to Led Zeppelin Kashmir, but is great song on it's own right. This particular incarnation of Whitesnake is really legendary. David Coverdale on Vocals, Steve Vai and Vandenberg on guitars. Perfect feast for Hard Rock lovers.




https://youtu.be/DGe7DfyaOqc
Thin Lizzy is one of my very very favourite Rock bands. And seriously, I have a doubt whether I can really represent their legacy in just one week. Their gifted song writer and extraordinary singer Phil Lynott is great asset of this band along with guitar slingers Brian Robertson, Scott Gorham and occasionally by Gary Moore. This particular Emerald is perhaps one of the greatest hard rock songs I've listened in my life sofar. Superb vocal, twin guitar attack and awesome drumming is simply out of this world and monstrous.



https://youtu.be/LG7lPyQI1fY
Thin Lizzy - Got to Give it Up (1979): It was well known fact that, Thin Lizzy band leader, Mr. Phil Lynott was troubled all through his life with drug addiction and heavy alcoholism and finally succumbed for it at the tender age of 36. Well, this was one of the most personal and bold songs in the history of Rock Music. Phil Lynott wrote this song explained his addictions, troubles and how can't come out of it, even if he wanted. Very heartbreaking and is my most favorite song of Thin Lizzy.




https://youtu.be/VXZLG4NmtxU
'Danny Whitten' was one of the great guitarists and songwriters evolved in late 60's. His band 'Crazy Horse' worked together with Neil Young for coutless albums. 'I don't want to talk about you' is one of the great songs in his very brief lifetime. It was performed with Crazy Horse in 1971. Sadly he died with drug overdose in 1972. He was 29. But folks never know this song properly until 'Rod Stewart' make it popular with his version in 1976 and by 'Everything But Girl' in 1988. One of great songs.


https://youtu.be/0sB3Fjw3Uvc
53 years ago i. e. In 1964, then unknown Rock UK rock band, "The Animals" recorded this song. And it still shakes my spine. Wonderful masterpiece.




https://youtu.be/9pQMb2niOO8
Undoubtedly, Summertime is one of the greatest songs wrote by Gerstein/Heyward. Originally it was written in1934 for an opera but has become immensely popular in Jazz and Blues circle by some great artists like Miles Davis, George Benson etc. But a version performed by Janis Joplin with Big Brother and Holding Co. is possibly the greatest interpretation of this song. On one hand, Janis's raw yet bluesy and soulful voice and on the other hand, diamond sharp Psychedelic twin guitar solos made this version as an instant classic. Truly one of the outstanding songs in late 60's...!!!




https://youtu.be/udLOPLhUiJo
Let me share my experience on this song. When I was about 10 years old or something, I had listened this song at a late night. It was there in my uncle's collection. I was very afraid of its intro thinking it was a horror song. Much later, I came to know its "Whale Sound". However, I liked the song in my first listen itself and for many years, I used to skip the intro part of it. Hope you enjoy this beautiful song "Moving" by Kate Bush.



https://youtu.be/NJo1Wfdx3_E
Rory Gallagher, the legendary Blues-Rock guitarist from Ireland. This is one of his many masterpieces.



https://youtu.be/Edbw6AqF2ko
Formed by Leslie West (Guiar, Vocals), Felix Papaalardi (Bass, Vocals) and Corky Laing (Drms), Mountain was the loudest rock band of their time to the extent their bass player Felix had affected with partial deafness and forced to retire from the business. Nevertheless, they are one of the legendary bands in the evolvement of Heavy Hard Rock and Heavy Metal.
This particular Never In My Life was from their debut album Climbing released in 1970. With its immediate noticeable drum and bass lines and infectious guitar tone, this song become one of the highlights of their career. Play it loud and have a great day. Raaj




https://youtu.be/6I0FOMuA0aU
Clubbed with Southern Soul, country blues and killer guitar tone, 'Mama's Pride' is one hell of fantastic southern rock band formed in 1972. This particular 'Blue Mist' is from their self titled album released in 1975. One of my alltime favourite songs. Enjoy




https://youtu.be/dlc6xCPx60U
'The Marshall Tucker Band' is no nonsense Southern Rock band with deep roots in country music. It was formed by Cladwell Brothers along with Doug Gray in 1972. Like for any other Southern Rock bands, tragedies aren't exception for this band too. Both Cladwell brothers died young, one in accident and another due to cocaine overdose. 'Can't You See' is one of my many favourite songs of MTB. Hope you enjoy.




https://youtu.be/oM3QklyyeBM
'Stud' is an obscure British Prog-Rock band formed in 1971. Forget about the rest of the world, they were unknown band in their native country itself. Nevertheless, their music is mind blowing. This 'Sail On' is one of rare jewels in my music collection. Enjoy.




https://youtu.be/FUvxRjYqjEQ
For my dictionary, Allman Brothers are something like Grateful Dead for Southern Rock genre. Especially when slide guitar God, Mr. Duane Allman was around. Sadly, like for any Southern Rock band tragedies, Allman Brothers also affected. Diane Allman died at a tragic Harley Davidson accident in 1972. He was just 24. And one year later, almost on same place their bass player Berry Oaklay faced same fate. Nevertheless, this band is one of the greatest ever. The original band was with Duane Allman and Dickey Betts onb Guitars, Gregg Allman on Vocals and Hammond Organ, Berry Oaklay on Bass, Butch Trucks and Jaimoe on drums. This particular video is one of the rarest you can find with Duane Allman. Enjoy




https://youtu.be/hIBhwWbviFw
UFO with Michael Schenker was really phenomenal period. Love to Love was very underrated and lesser known tracks from that legendary Phil Moog and Schenker killer song writing combination. This was from their 'Lights Out' album released in 1977. The other standout song from this album is Try Me. Hope you enjoy and will have a great day.





https://youtu.be/Z-wccw663BE
Studio Version

https://youtu.be/ZwJHWHfoQSc
S&M Live version

Like it or hate it, I love Metallica's mean yet melodic side. This is one such mean, melodic, yet destructive, powerful and one hell of bad ass song from their 'Ride like Lightning' album released in 1984. If you see me going on higher speeds on my Abarth car, blame this song. 'Coz I probably playing this song when iam doing speeds. At any cost avoid playing this song in ur car. If you do, can't help doing high speeds like I do....Have a fantastic and Ride like a lightning day.




https://youtu.be/xT3q4iEaB6Q
This was originally Bach composition in 17th century. In 1970, UK Progressive/Canterbury band *Egg*took it to the next level. Great piece of music.




https://youtu.be/7Y8VCRuZkQ8
Henry Paul is one of the founding members of Southern Rock band "The Outlaws". So Long is one of the finest songs from his debut album "Grey Ghost" released in 1979. An awesome rocking song, especially to those who likes extended guitar solos.



https://youtu.be/GnIlo91CrBw
One of my college days classics and still a favourite song.




https://youtu.be/1_xwnb3cymc
Though 'Rod Stewart' and some times 'Ronne Lane' were lead singers of "The Faces", this song was sung by lead guitarist "Ronnie Wood". The song perfectly suited his voice. After this album, the band was broke. Ronnie Wood joined as guitarist in "The Rolling Stones" and remaining members persuaded solo careers. Well, the song is about Love and Women in the words and experience of a Grandfather to his grandson. An awesome beautiful song. 'The Faces' are one of my all-time favourite rock bands.




https://youtu.be/J789GId1kaY
"Have I told youbLately" is Irish singer and songwriter Mr. Van Morrison's one of great songs released in 1989. Personally, my favourite song of Van Morrison is Moondance released in j1970. But, thought this song could be a good introduction for you. BTW, this song also covered by Rod Stewart which went on to top the charts on both side of Atlantic's.




https://youtu.be/RawdCW0WCKU
Dan Hill is very talented yet criminally underrated singer/songwriter. He was known for his superb ballad, "Sometimes When We Touch". Coming to "It's a Long Road", its a theme song for Sylvester Stallone's First Blood movie. Though the movie got great success it attributed nothing to this singer. It's an awesome road song. And you will know why, if you see the lyrics and video. I always get goosebumps whenever I play it in my car.




https://youtu.be/na3Fm0iX4Q4
Bruce Piephoff, I must say he is very underrated singer and songwriter. His music somewhere between Bob Dylan, Country and folk with some simple music arrangements such as guitar, harmonica etc. You can't even found his music in youtube. But fortunately, I got couple of his albums. I would recommend to listen his *Slaughterhouse*album. IMO, a masterpiece one of this modern era. If you don't find it, just let me know. Well, you can have this song as an intro of this artist. Believe me, its just least good songs of him




https://youtu.be/Pu94mWlgzMY
Like George Harrison in Beatles, Led Zeppelin too have one silent yet very talented musician by name, "John Paul Jones". He has very good composing skills, but Robert Plant and Jimmy Page rarely allowed his thoughts in Led Zeppelin. However, its one of very few tracks with John Paul Compositions which materialized. It's a dark and intense melody which would leave lasting impression on us. Truly an awesome song, No Quarter released in 1973.




https://youtu.be/0Kfi5-QQIH0
Though Khaled Hadj Brahim known for his dance oriented songs like Didi, Chebba etc, I like his offbeat and traditional Arabic songs. That said, this Bakhta is my personal favourite song for the last 24 years. I wish I could know the language to understand this beautiful lyrical poetry. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but try it.




https://youtu.be/8hvBfZosPKo
Be it Scorpions, UFO or his solo albums, Michael Schenker's guitar mastery is evident. Anytime is one of his great power ballads which has some beautiful guitar solos of Michael Schenker and Robin McAuley vocals are awesome too.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDqVURC1YR4
"Father Of Day, Father Of Night" is my most favorite song of Manfred Mann from Solarfire album. This song was originally written by Bob Dylan which is almost unnoticed at the time of releasing. But, Manfred made it so popular in Prog circles in 1973. A great song from the great Solar Fire album. Enjoy


To be Continued......Raaj
 
Michael Schenker - When I'm Gone

German guitar wizard Michael Schenker has released so many albums under the moniker of MSG. But of all, his period with Irish singer McAuley is very special. McAuley's distinctive, yet powerful and melodic vocals helped to extend the reputation of Michael Schenker's solo career.

'When I'm Gone' is one such great power ballads that you can cherish for a longtime. Its been one of my favourite songs for the last 20 years.. Hope you enjoy it. Have a good day.. Raaj

 
"Sir Lord Baltimore" is very underrated American Rock band who were considered as an important bands in the evolution of Heavy Metal and Stoner Rock. "Kingdom Come" is one of their fantastic songs released in 1970. Play it as loud as you can. Enjoy... Raaj.

 
'Primevil" is incredibly underated American Rock band. They made only one album in 1974 which was considered as a masterpiece and "Leavin' " is my favorite song of them. Enjoy and have a great day... Raaj.

 
"Whiskey in the Jar" is an Irish folk song which is popular in Ireland since 17th century. "Thin Lizzy" adopted it in 1972 and made it even more popular with their stellar version. This was their only hit song during their trio period with "Eric Bell" as their guitarist. Later, they become Quartet with their signature dual guitar attack. Enjoy...Raaj

P. S: This song was also covered by Metallica and Grateful Dead.

 
Not very modern, early 90's.

In my music dictionary, actually late 80's itself is modern. Most of my music habbits are in and around of Late 60's to mid 70's. :)


Great thread Raaj. Very useful. Keep posting.

Thank You very much. Yes, I shall continue posting. :)


Great stuff and lots of leads as to stuff that I have not heard but would like to.
TFS
Ciao
GR

Thanks very much and am glad you are liking them. Please keep watching, more stuff coming in. :)


Among prog. rock, my favorite is Marillion (Fish Era) and Dream Theater. Any inputs from you. I used to enjoy Megadeth a lot, when I was younger. Rust in peace, Youthanasia and Countdown to Ext. being my fav albums.

Marillion and Dream Theater are pretty good bands, but very modern bands as for Progressive Rock music is concerned. Iam going to post a very detailed thread on Progressive Rock Music. Please keep wait for it.

Megadeth is pretty energetic band. Used to like it when I was in my teens. :)
 
" Truth and Janey" was very underrated and little known American band who played Hard edged Blues-Rock music Their music is pretty energetic and serves as perfect staples for my highway trips. This one was recorded in 1976. Enjoy... Raaj.

 
Luther Allison is one hell of awesome blues guitarist who never got proper attention during his lifetime. This blues guitar assault was recorded at Chicago Blues Festival in 1995. Two years later, he died.

Enjoy this awesome performance... Raaj.

 
"The Barbarians" were a short lived American Rock band who were popular with this song called "Are you a Boy or Are You a Girl" released in 1965. The lyrics of this song were reportedly based on the appearance of Mick Jagger, the lead singer of the Rolling Stones. Enjoy and have a great day... Raaj.

 
Cancer made him weak, but not his talent. Watch the orgasmic slide guitar solos and smokey vocals of the legendary "Chris Read".
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Road to Hell Part 2 Studio Version. You should get goosebumps with this one.
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Full Version including Part 1 & 2



 
Incidentally saw this movie y’day... nice movie about rock music/rockstars.
 
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