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Showing posts from December, 2024

Beyond the A-Side

 While the hits often take centre stage, the magic of rock music lies in its hidden treasures. This playlist is a journey through 10 unforgettable B-side tracks from classic and modern rock bands. These songs, often overshadowed by their A-side counterparts, showcase the raw creativity, depth and brilliance that true fans cherish. Dive in and discover the gems that deserve their moment in the limelight. 1. Hey Hey What Can I Do - Led Zeppelin:  Originally the B-side to Immigrant Song, this accoustic gem is a must hear for rock music fans. 2. Spectre -Radiohead Rejected as James Bond's theme song, this haunting b-side from A Moon Shaped Pool sessions is a modern masterpiece. 3. Silver Springs - Fleetwood Mac A hauntingly beautiful track relegated to the B-side of Go Your Own Way, later gaining the recognition it deserved. 4. The Missing Frame - AFI: A powerful B-side from their Decemberunderground era, full of emotion and dramatic flair. 5. Child of The Moon - The Rolling Stone...

From Darkness to Complexity

 Rock music is a treasure trove of hidden gems, often found tucked away on B-sides or lessor known compilations. Today we will explore two such tracks, Black Sabbath's "Evil Woman" and Mastodon's "Toe to Toes." Despite being seperated by decades, these songs exemplify the evolution of rock and metal while sharing a deep, dark allure. Black Sabbath needs little introduction as one of the pioneers of heavy metal. Formed in Birmingham, England in 1968, the band crafted a sound that combined blues, doom, and a fascination with the occult. Their music laid the foundation for countless sub-genres of metal, and their influence is immeasurable. The Early days of Darkness Evil Woman,  a cover of Crow's bluesy track,was one of Sabbath's earliest recordings. While often overshadowed  by their breakthrough self-titled album, this B-side captures the bands raw energy and their penchant for transforming blues into something heavier and more sinister. The haunting ...

Rain, Reverberation and Rock

 What would a blog about Rock music be without The Beatles ? Formed in Liverpool in 1960, they revolutionized popular music and culture. They pioneered numerous recording techniques and shifted the boundaries of Rock music to become global icons. The Beatles are often celebrated for their chart topping hits and groundbreaking albums, but their B-sides are a treasure trove of innovation.   One such hidden gem is "R ain ", the flip side of their 1966 single, "Paperback Writer." Far from being an afterthought, " Rain " shocased The Beatles at their most experimenal, featuring backward vocals, hypnotic rhythyms, and one of Paul McCartney's most commanding basslines. It's a song that feels like stepping into a dream - and it marked a turning point for the band as they embraced the burgeoning psychedelic movement. Rain isn't just a relic of the 1960's, its influence echoes in the modern music landscape. A perfect example is Tame Impala , the Aust...

Pink is in the house.

 This week we delve into the melancholic beauty of two B-side tracks that capture the bittersweet nature of nostalgia.  First, we have, Pink Floyd's , " Remember a day"  a hidden gem from their 1968 single, "Let there be light."   This acoustic driven track showcases the bands introspective side, with poignant lyrics about childhood memories and the passage of time.  Pink Floyd, known for their psychedelic rock and concept albums, often explored themes of existentialism, social and political commentary, and the human condition.  Remember a day, offers a departure from their more experimental sound, revealing a tender vulnerability that resonates deeply with listener's.  Complimenting this classic is, The National's, Friend of Mine.  A track from their third studio album, Alligator, released in 2005. This indie rock band, known for their introspective lyrics and melancholic sound, delivers a poignant reflection on friendship, loss, and the bittersw...

Who is this?

 Daltrey, Townsend, Entwhistle, and Moon. Collectively, better known as,  The Who.   The Who a cornerstone of classic rock, formed in London in 1964, and are celebrated for their blend of Rock, Blues and conceptual artistry. With commanding vocals, masterful guitar work, innovative Bass lines and frenetic drumming, they helped define the sound and attitude of the rock generation. Known for hits like, "Baba O'Riley", and "My Generation", their, Who's Next album showcased a more experimental approach to Rock. The track, 'Bargain' , often overlooked in favour of bigger hits, exemplifies the emotional intensity and philosophical depth that made The Who trailblazers in the rock genre.  It's a great example of their ability to fuse rock with deep emotional lyrics. " Bargain"  is an energetic, yet introspective track that showcases their powerful instrumentation and complex songwriting.  In comparison, consider the song, "My Body," ...

Stones vs. Keys

So, in my excitement to discover more hidden gems, I'm breaking my promise of less chit chat. I could not wait to start talking to you again regarding Rock's Hidden Gems, B-sides from Rock Icons. Classic artists and more. But, to keep things level, we don't forget the newer bands. Rock bands that are forging their way forward. Who knows, to be remembered 20 or 30 years from now. Moving along. The Rolling Stones, who doesn't know or at least, know of them. At some point in our lives, regardless whether you are in your teens, twenties, thirties or older. We have been exposed. Start me up, Paint it Black, Emotional Rescue, and so many more. But why are we here? We are here to discover. Rocks hidden gems. So today we look at a lessor known, if not, a great tune. " Loving Cup". This song is one of their standout and deeper B-side tracks from the iconic "Exile on Main Street" album. It's a bluesy, soulful track that showcases the bands ability to blend...

A Tale of Two English Bands.

Welcome each and all to my blog. I'm sure by now you all have a slight idea what it is about? And what I will be discussing going forward? Now, let me just side track a minute, a brief introduction. I am by no means an accomplished writer or indeed a music specialist. This is, in fact my first public piece of writing. Also, I am just a regular fan of music, with about as much insight and limitations as everyone else. I am, however, a huge music lover, especially of the ROCK genre. This will be a journey of discovery and learning. And as I grow in confidence and knowlege, you will see changes and upgrades to the blog. Therefore, I ask that you not judge me too harshly or become too critical of aspects thereof, but rather sit back and enjoy the music. In saying this, I encourage your participation, feedback, recommendations, advice, criticism (whilst biting my lip), no, I am very open to your comments and will take to heart your suggestions. Thank you in advance. Also, should you kno...