“Thank You”, Led Zeppelin II

This song always reminds me of Christmas as it was an album my parents bought for me and my brother around ’84 or ’85.  An early Zep classic if there ever was one and a song that almost paves the path of Robert Plant’s solo career, especially these days (meaning, the mellow acoustic pieces and not the all out banshee screaming).  Great subtlety from Page, Plant, and especially Bonham topped off with outstanding organ work from unsung member John Paul Jones.  An outstanding song from an outstanding band.

“Doctor Doctor”, Michael Schenker Group MSG

From the 2009 re-release of the Mad Axeman’s second solo album comes a pretty good version of UFO classic “Doctor Doctor”, Gary Barden doing his best Phil Mogg by keeping it in the pocket and not going too far overboard.  Schenker and Raymond provide the classic intro, then Cozy Powell almost runs away with the rhythm but holding back just enough to let the band whomp and swing through the end of the song.  Michael playing fairly simple here but with typical style and class, bending those notes ever so gracefully.

“Such A Woman”, Neil Young Harvest Moon

I was going to say Neil takes a left turn here but Neil takes left turns ALL of the time!  A song of subtle beauty, Neil at the piano accompanied by strings with a dash of harmonica.  The vocal work is impressive, Neil fairly hushed but come chorus time he’s backed beautifully by the angelic voice(s?) of Linda Ronstadt and/or Nicolette Larson.  Written with wife Pegi in mind-  unfortunately, they have filed for divorce recently after almost three decades of marriage.

“Wheel Of Time”, Grand Magus Grand Magus

Last iPod Shuffle post I’d mentioned how I started getting into stoner rock in the late ’90s in the post grunge world.  Grand Magus is an example of another band that I got into, “Wheel Of Time” building on a bit of Sabbath musical swagger but with a voice quite different from ol’ Ozzy, much bluesier and blustery (interestingly enough, lead singer JB ended up with Spiritual Beggars on a few releases).  Intros with quite a mighty riff, a touch of Kyuss in the air before JB croons (more like bellows) through the verse, throwing in a few “yeah”s and “oohs” here and there.  A great early cut from the band.

“Guitar Talk Love and Drums”, Gary Myrick Language

Kicking off with an electronic drum attack, Dallas, Texas’ Gary Myrick whammies, shucks, and jives his way through this track, which seems to be a flat out rock song dressed up in 80s new wave clothes. A great build with the drums and keys until chorus time, when the song kicks into another gear with Myrick adding a variety of guitar colors and nuances, sounding like a siren one minute and a roaring animal the next.  One of those songs that were a huge part of my formative years listening to the radio late at night in my bedroom.

“100 Years (Of Tears On The Wind)”, Masters of Reality Sunrise On The Sufferbus

An acoustic builder awash in strings and subtle drumwork of  Mr. (Ginger) Baker, “100 Years” is an example of the more laid back work of these desert rock denizens.  Chris Goss’ dreamy vocal deftly weaves (or moves “syrup slow” per the lyric) in and out of the string arrangement, lulling the listener into a trancelike state with only Baker’s drums keeping you from falling off the edge of the world.  Good headphone listening with the lights out.

“Shinbone Alley/Hard To Exist”, Spin Doctors Pocket Full Of Kryptonite

“Moonlight through the chicken wire”…  huh?  Never mind, follow along to the stream of conciousness lyrics and welcome to the world of the Spin Doctors, hot jam band from 1991 or so with some of the absolutely funkiest in the pocket drumming and Hendrix-esque guitar from the time.  If you like twelve minute jam songs, this certainly fits the bill and was probably a staple of the Doctors’ shows of the day.  About as far away as you can get from “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong”, two of the hits on this CD.

“Squealer”, AC/DC Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

Oh man…  I’ve forgot how much I’ve loved this song- everything about this damn thing is just awesome ’cause it’s AC/DC with Bon Scott!  Not sure you can classify this as a song as it just builds and builds and doesn’t really change, but that’s why it’s so cool.  Crashing chords topped with pulsing bass and kick drum beat, with Bon telling it like it is.  Is this a song about sex?  Ha ha, aren’t all AC/DC songs about sex? (well almost).  Maaaaaan… and Angus just belts out an awesome lead.  My most favorite part though are those background vocals…  SQWEEEELAAAHHH!!!!

Favorite song this round goes to “Thank You”, although in my younger days it may have gone to AC/DC or Gary Myrick.