“Man of Constant Sorrow”, The Soggy Bottom Boys O Brother Where Art Thou Soundtrack

My first exposure to this song was from the classic Coen Brothers film “O Brother Where Art Thou” as I’m sure it was to many.  I’m not a huge fan of bluegrass music but when it’s played well I give credit where credit is due.  And no, this IS NOT George Clooney on lead vocals-  that belongs to Dan Tyminski with excellent harmonies from Harley Allen and Pat Enright.  This song is many MANY years old with versions by everyone from Ralph Stanley to Rod Stewart.

“Naturally High”, The Cult The Cult

A bit of an underrated album, “Naturally High” is a cool builder unlike some of the more bombastic guitar led bashers they are famous for.  Kicks off with a Bonham-esque groove, fuzzy bass, and some great distorted wah from guitarist Billy Duffy.  Great subtle touches on percussion and acoustic guitar mix throughout, plus the always great Ian Astbury lays down one of his more laid back bluesier performances.  If you dig The Cult and want something a little different from them this may do you just fine.

“Iron Maiden”, Iron Maiden Another Live In Japan

My ALL TIME FAVORITE BAND, bar none.  I could wax nostalgic on Eddie and the boys but we’ll save that for another post.  This version of “Iron Maiden” comes from a bootleg of the show where they recorded the Maiden Japan EP back in 1981 and it is an absolute scorcher.  Funny, early Maiden can be deemed the punkier side of the band but that’s moreso likely due to the sheer speed and vocal (although Paul spits this one out with plenty of venom).  Guitar tones on the boot are fairly weak, but Clive Burr’s pounding drums and bass from the mighty Steve Harris just pummel the listener into oblivion.  Youthful energy in spades 🙂

Not from the same show, but a killer early version below:

“Green Earrings”, Steely Dan Royal Scam

Talk about talent… the Dan circa Royal Scam was heading in even more of a jazzier vein, with cuts like this one showing off some serious funk and smoking guitar chops.  By this time both Denny Dias and Elliott Randall had played or guested with the band (which is pretty much just Fagen and Becker and chosen talent) since the first album and their leadwork on here is just stellar, reminiscent of classics like “Reelin’ In The Years” and “My Old School”.  Not as bouncy and singalong as those two but you’ll bop your head to the sheer funkiness of it all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlqb8bzMsj0

“Dead Of The Night”,  The Answer Everyday Demons

One of my favorite newer bands who deserve more exposure than they currently get, “Dead Of The Night” brings the rock out of the gate immediately with one of the strongest cuts and hooks from Everyday Demons.  Cross Thin Lizzy with the Black Crowes and you’re in the ballpark with this one.  Some of the naysayers may see this as “retro rock” but I see a great young band that is an excellent representation of their influences-  don’t let those people fool you.  Plus, Cormac Neeson is one of the finest young singers out there and is worthy of your attention.

“Takin’ Hold”, The Almighty Powertrippin’

Always kinda cool hearing a movie quote before a song, this one coming from Apocalypse Now as we mentally watch a snail crawling across a straight razor before kicking things off with a bit of feedback and rumble for a good 20-30 seconds or so.  A bit of a Cult-y build before Ricky Warwick and the boys kick it up a punky notch or two-  ballsy and crunchy guitars with solid bottom end.  Great gang vocal in the chorus too topped with awesomely fat, street ratty production.

“Hangar 18, Area 51”,  Yngwie J. Malmsteen  The Best of 1990-1999

Pomp and castle rock at its finest with one of the finest shredders in the land, “Hangar 18” is rife with melody, melodrama, and a great vocal from Mark Boals.  Yeah yeah yeah… I can hear everyone now… “What about the guitar?”  Come on, it’s Yngwie!  Kickin’ riff and off course a solo that swoops high and low, threatening to careen off track as Yngwie mesmerizes with awesome speed and technique.  Hop on the rollercoaster and hold on for dear life!

“As The Years Go Passing By”, Jeff Healey  Cover to Cover

Man…  Jeff Healey had some phenomenal stuff over his relatively short life, dying of cancer at the age of 41 back in 2008.  For those not in the know, Healey lost his sight shortly before he turned one year old due to retinoblastoma.  Amazingly, Healey started playing guitar around the age of three and developed a unique style of playing with the guitar flat on his lap, forming chords and playing leads like no other.  This cover of the classic blues tune is outstanding not just from a guitar and singing standpoint, but also some great organ work from Roy Bittan.  Killer live version attached.

“Monument”, Fates Warning  Still Life

Technical metal time from one of the earlier masters, sporting a killer bass intro from Armored Saint’s Joey Vera on this live version.  Full of tricky time signatures throughout, especially “mad scientist” drumwork from the always fascinating Mark Zonder.  Sometimes I can get a little lost with stuff like this but this one ticks all of my boxes with all the bells, whistles, chime-y and slippery riffery, and passionate singing from Ray Adler.  A great example of a song where everyone seems to carry a different riff or melody but as a whole makes a great song overall.

“Vampire Sun”, Cathedral The Carnival Bizarre

Stealing a page from the book of Sabbath, Cathedral puts their own stamp on things with a little more swinging guitar on this one with some fairly straightforward drumwork, but the kicker is the always delightful beastly roar of the one and only Lee Dorrian.  Unlike Ozzy’s manic wail, Dorrian goes for a more guttural approach, “ooh yeah”ing and “alright”ing with lecherous glee.  Some might call him a bit sloppy and out of tune at times and definitely “not” a singer, but he’s got a style all his own that is easily identifiable, something not everyone can lay claim to.  Dare I call it part of his charms, ha ha ha.

Best song of the week… hmmm… tough tough tough choice but I gotta go with Iron Maiden with everything else tied for second (yeah, these tunes are that good).