Tournament of Instrumentals (r1): 101 vs 102 + 103 vs 104

Vote for your FAVOURITE instrumental track: 1 vote per battle

  • Total voters
    13
  • Poll closed .
Mahavishnu - Big fan of this band and album, but I never really noticed this song for some reason. After listening to it by itself I can kinda see why, it doesn't really stick with me.

Rainbow - Snowman is great but I'm not so sure about this rendition. Voting on the basis of the melody alone seems unfair since they didn't write it, but it was still more interesting than the Mahavishnu.

In Flames - This track kicked ass. Short, heavy, and to the point. I like it.

Scorpions - The name sounds familiar but I don't quite remember this one. I'm a big fan of these guys' guitar playing though and it's cool hearing a track focused on that. Gonna have to go with the Scorps.
 
Never noticed One Word? It's the longest track on their famous album and I think it's also considered as one of the best by many of their fans. Not saying that you should agree, but if you play their album, this one should really stand out because of it's grooving parts. The rhythms are extra striking. I think it's a very exciting, dynamic track.

What I especially like is the build-up in intensity. Check how that bass playing develops, from an early stage (1:39). Rick Laird starts with soft motives, turning into kick ass monstrous patterns (meant in a positive sense ;-). Also note the voicing chords by McLaughlin which start as an eary soundscape and later he plays heavier, locking into the groove. The drumming intermezzo leads us to the grand finale in which the doomy bass and keyboards make a contrast with the guitar, violin and drums (a bit a la To Tame a Land: The double duo collaboration and interaction (right before the fast part), when Steve and Dave play the melody together while Adrian and Nicko hit the chords in sync)). Conclusion: One Word is a song with more than one colour. ;--)
 
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101 is too long and noodly and sounds dated and a little dull to my ears. Sorry, Foro
I could see some calling 102 dull, but to me it's haunting and beautiful. The main melodic motif is unforgettable, which is something you can't say about too many of these songs.

Of all the tracks I've heard for the first time in this game, 103 probably scores highest. Short and to the point, tasteful yet heavy. I going to buy it.
Unfortunately, it is up against what may be my favourite all-time instrumental. 104 has great tension, building to an orgasmic 'chorus' and tasty guitar playing. Just listen to the touch and melodic phrasing on the chorus melody. Michael Schenkers greatest contribution to his brother's band.
 
101: too bad. I am still hoping that Mahavishnu Orchestra can get a bit of recognition when their final track comes on (shorter track, and quite different).

Glad to see positive comments on 103.

I could have expected that it wouldn't stand much chance vs the more legendary 104, but still.... it may be twice as short but also twice as much is happening within that timeframe. I think it has more (change of) atmosphere and the melodies are damn good.
 
101 has way too much jam band wankery for my tastes.

102 is full of emotion. I can't say either of these songs were particularly enjoyable, but the Rainbow tune stuck with me a little longer.

103 has nice layers and some great melodies.

104 has some tasty guitar playing, but I ultimately feel like it goes nowhere.
 
The Mahavishnu track was interesting and enjoyable up until the point (4:45 or so) that the synthesizer/organ started contributing to the guitar battle. Didn't kill the whole track for me, but the producer should be shot for the way he mixed that. Plus, I wrote about my opinion of drum solos a round or two ago, re Moby Dick, and this one's went on a bit too long for my taste. The whole thing is a bit self-indulgent, and I would probably have enjoyed it a lot more if it were only six minutes long instead of ten. It was fine, but for me, melody is important, however, and this song didn't really have one.

Snowman does have a melody, and a good one. Did some quick research based on the other comments. I've never seen "The Snowman" nor heard the "Walking in the Air" song. It escaped my notice entirely. Hm. Melody is better without the annoying kid's vocals, frankly. Anyway, this track wins the battle.

103 vs. 104 is a very strong matchup. Tough choice, but the guitar melody in 104 is simply awesome. I'm more familiar with the live version, which is the version on the "Deadly Sting: The Mercury Years" compilation that has been my go-to source for the post-Uli Scorps. Good to reacquaint myself with the studio version, which is better. By the way, the YouTube visuals accompanying this track lead me to offer this public service announcement: never NEVER seriously date a girl with a scorpion tattoo. A night or two of fun, sure. But if you're contemplating a serious relationship, stay away. Trust me.
 
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102 & 104. The second pair was such a difficult choice, and I've gone for Scorpions, but I'd ideally liked to have seen In Flames stay in this too.
 
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