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 know of, and would like me to highlight, any of your favourite bands or artists, say so, whether well known or rising talents, we would like to hear about them.

So, the B Sides? This is what I am about. Classic Rock bands, Icons of rock music. Classic or iconic rock songs. We all know them, we have all heard them, some in lessor extent than others. My focus is to learn, listen and enjoy some of their, still great, still iconic, but less familiar work. I aim to compare a classic or older Rock band/artist with a newer, perhaps lesser known band or artist.

Our attention goes to a legendary band, one of my favourites, and, if not the best rock band ever, definitely close to being the best. No less than - Led Zeppelin - now we all know, or have heard of, "Stairway to Heaven", "Immigrant Song" and possibly, or notably "Kasmir".

Today though we focus our attention on a song called "Travelling Riverside Blues". Recorded in 1969 but only released in 1990.

Interesting Facts "Travelling Riverside Blues":

* Actually, a cover song, originally a blues song, written and released by bluesman, Robert Johnson. He recorded it in 1937, but wasn't released until 1961.

* Similarly, Led Zeppelin recorded this song in 1969, it was broadcast under the name "Travelling Riverside Blues '69'". Only released in1990.

* The main track was played on a 12-string electric guitar, but Jimmy Page dubbed extra guitar parts onto the track. He also used an acoustic slide guitar the entire track.

* The song was one of three previously unreleased songs on a box set featuring over 5 hours of Led Zeppelin songs. 

Squeeze my lemon, 'til the juice run down my leg

Squeeze it so hard, I'll fall right out of bed.

The song I am comparing it with today, comes from a newer band, possibly not as iconic, but certainly a notable band - The Arctic Monkeys. Arctic Monkeys are an English Rock band that formed in 2002. Some of their bigger hits including, "Arabella", "Snap out of it" and "I bet you look good on the dancefloor".

Today I wish to steer away from these popular favourites and again draw attention to a lessor known song, remember, B-Sides, a song called "Red Right Hand".

Interesting Facts "Red Right Hand":

* Also a cover song, released as a single, from their eighth studio album,  in 1994 by Australian rock band, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.

* The title comes from John Milton'sepic poem, Paradise Lost, and refers to divine vengeance.

* Arctic Monkeys performed a cover version of the song, during their tour of Australia in 2009.

He's a God, he's a man, he's a ghost, he's a guru

They're whispering his name 'cross this disappearing land

But hidden in his coat is a red right hand.

To end off, two well-known rock bands, two lessor known songs. I hope you have enjoyed reading this and taken the time to listen to these songs. 

Next week, I promise less chit chat as we dive straight into business. I look to bring you something from another classic, legendary rock band - The Rolling Stones. Stay tuned in to see who I match them up with. Again, I encourage your feedback, whether positive or negative, no mind, this is a learning experience for me too. Chat soon, until then, rock on!