A solo Beatle...
#85. Paul McCartney, "Maybe I'm Amazed"
I've never been a McCartney guy; I'm more of a Lennon fan. First because Lennon was right, McCartney does specialize in silly love songs. Also because I'm a bassist named Paul, and I've endured far too many walrus-related jokes. But on this song, McCartney reached his peak. It's one of those songs that feels epic, without the epic length. That rising scale from the piano left hand gets me every time. So simple, yet a brilliant transition. (You can find a similar fine example on the Aerosmith song "You See Me Crying".)
A song that radio stations play when it rains...
#84. The Doors, "Riders On The Storm"
If I'd read my clue without knowing the answer, I would have guessed REO's "Ridin' The Storm Out". A good Doors song, though not especially a favorite of mine. At its heart, this song is just a blues jam, but it's got some nifty keyboard lines. That descending scale sets the tone for the song.
A cover song, where most people have never heard the original...
#83. Eric Clapton, "Cocaine"
Original by JJ Cale. One of the first songs I ever played with a band. This live video has Mark Knopfler on guitar and Elton John on keys. It couldn't be simpler musically: D to C and back, throw in B-flat and A before "cocaine". That means you got to jam it. It's all about the groove. The video has a great keyboard jam at the end of the song.
One of the elements...
#82. Jimi Hendrix, "Fire"
If Jimi looks at all distracted in parts of this performance (Woodstock), it may be because he was reputedly tripping balls at the time. With LSD in his headband, so it would run into his eyes with his sweat. (From what I've heard, the eye is the fastest intake method; the acid hits your brain in seconds.) This is another garage band standard. I've never met a musician who didn't know how to play "Fire". (There are actually a few more Hendrix songs that fit that description, like "Hey Joe" back at #89.)
That song with the bizarre spoken bit at the end...
#81. The Moody Blues, "Knights In White Satin"
A subpar song made memorable by haunting production. 5:54 is the creepiest thing I've ever heard on a radio station. I've always avoided the Moody Blues ever since hearing that. Wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole. But I know some oddballs swear this is a great band. You be the judge.
Vala gets +5 karma for guessing Fire. The rest of you Einsteins better find yer thinkin' caps.
Next time:
Everything has one.
Vampiric warning.
Azure optic nerves.
In unsettled land.
May I have your attention please?
That would be too low (for me).
D) that this song should be much higher in SMX's countdown.
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