veddertown
Invader
Since I'm going to turn 40 next week it seemed like a good number to limit my list to and I've had so much interest in reading all the other lists and countdowns I thought I'd give it a go. I have given all the albums a listen recently including particular attention to the Blaze albums which are new to me. I'm 40 next Thursday so the final instalment will be then. Here goes....
40. WRATHCHILD
I love this Dianno era track as much now as I did when I first heard it 30 years ago. Uncomplicated with a great bass intro and quite deep and searching lyrics it must be one of the most played songs in the Maiden catalogue. This always brings a good response live and for all the intricate songs they've written this is a really enjoyable addition to any setlist.
39. MOONCHILD
Seven deadly sins..... I still get chills from this intro and it was as great a way to begin a gig as it was the Seventh Son album. The entire intro from the acoustic part right up to the point where the vocals begin was an amazing way to get the crowd into a frenzy. The lyrics set the tone for the story of the album so it had to be strong and each verse does the concept justice. Bruce sounds really menacing in the middle section and I don't think Maiden have started an album as strongly since then although The Wicker Man pushes it close for me.
38. TO TAME A LAND
The Eastern themed guitars in this song are the main reason I love it and the intro solo is very atmospheric too. Good Nicko performance and although I read Dune in my teens it didn't really influence how I view the song. I read once that the first tension that appeared between Bruce and Steve came because of the lyrics, "He is the Kwizatz Haderach, he is born of Caladan and will take the Gom Jabar." I think there were arguments on many occasions between the two and I remember Bruce making some comment about Steve's lyrics for Alexander The Great too and how he made his life as vocalist really difficult. Either way he pulled this one off perfectly and the driving guitars and bass make it a great ending to Piece Of Mind. I wish they would play it live again but they have too many epics for it to have a chance.
37. PASCHENDALE
A very different intro which doesn't scream out typical Maiden but quickly this segues into another historic tale told very well in a style that only Maiden can do. This is another one of those songs that captures the imagination and puts you in the driving seat. If there was a song to throw an orchestra at in the Royal Albert Hall I'd have this one. One of the best songs since Bruce and Adrian returned.
36. THE REINCARNATION OF BENJAMIN BREEG
The intro is very reminiscent of The Evil That Men Do and when the vocals come in they draw you straight in. Excellent guitar sound and Bruce hits the high notes very strongly. It doesn't go into that extra gear for me that could have pushed it higher, maybe top 20 but still it is another great song just missing a bite in the middle. Like Paschendale I could talk about this song a lot more but there is so much good writing in the commentary section about these songs that I'm keeping it brief.
40. WRATHCHILD
I love this Dianno era track as much now as I did when I first heard it 30 years ago. Uncomplicated with a great bass intro and quite deep and searching lyrics it must be one of the most played songs in the Maiden catalogue. This always brings a good response live and for all the intricate songs they've written this is a really enjoyable addition to any setlist.
39. MOONCHILD
Seven deadly sins..... I still get chills from this intro and it was as great a way to begin a gig as it was the Seventh Son album. The entire intro from the acoustic part right up to the point where the vocals begin was an amazing way to get the crowd into a frenzy. The lyrics set the tone for the story of the album so it had to be strong and each verse does the concept justice. Bruce sounds really menacing in the middle section and I don't think Maiden have started an album as strongly since then although The Wicker Man pushes it close for me.
38. TO TAME A LAND
The Eastern themed guitars in this song are the main reason I love it and the intro solo is very atmospheric too. Good Nicko performance and although I read Dune in my teens it didn't really influence how I view the song. I read once that the first tension that appeared between Bruce and Steve came because of the lyrics, "He is the Kwizatz Haderach, he is born of Caladan and will take the Gom Jabar." I think there were arguments on many occasions between the two and I remember Bruce making some comment about Steve's lyrics for Alexander The Great too and how he made his life as vocalist really difficult. Either way he pulled this one off perfectly and the driving guitars and bass make it a great ending to Piece Of Mind. I wish they would play it live again but they have too many epics for it to have a chance.
37. PASCHENDALE
A very different intro which doesn't scream out typical Maiden but quickly this segues into another historic tale told very well in a style that only Maiden can do. This is another one of those songs that captures the imagination and puts you in the driving seat. If there was a song to throw an orchestra at in the Royal Albert Hall I'd have this one. One of the best songs since Bruce and Adrian returned.
36. THE REINCARNATION OF BENJAMIN BREEG
The intro is very reminiscent of The Evil That Men Do and when the vocals come in they draw you straight in. Excellent guitar sound and Bruce hits the high notes very strongly. It doesn't go into that extra gear for me that could have pushed it higher, maybe top 20 but still it is another great song just missing a bite in the middle. Like Paschendale I could talk about this song a lot more but there is so much good writing in the commentary section about these songs that I'm keeping it brief.