1987 was one of the strongest years of rock music and this album right here is most certainly one of the main reasons why. Today, on the 21st of July, 2017, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of the biggest rock statements. To commemorate its release, I think it’s only fair to dedicate a little publication, remembering some of the timeless highlights on it – songs that defined generations of rockers and fans…
In 1987, Guns N’ Roses blew up the music industry by exploding onto the national scene with their first and best album! In addition to being one of the best-selling albums of all time, “Appetite for Destruction” also happens to be the best-selling debut album in history of music! What a debut that was! Not only did it peaked at the number one spot on the Billboard 200 Chart, but it also reached top 10 positions in Australia, Canada, Norway and Sweden.
Needless to say, the album was an absolute turning point for the hard rock/metal genre and its direction. Ferocious rock anthems such as “Paradise City”, “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Nightrain” have been clogging the airwaves ever since the release of this rock tornado. Guns N’ Roses crafted something extremely dangerous, raw and quite nasty that actually brought nothing but fun and great time to the public. The sound is rough, the lyrics are vulgar and fierce but it’s the 80s we’re talking about – the ultimate time to be as outrageous as you want to and enjoy it to the max! The success of the album was somehow contributed to its hedonistic “sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll” theme which greatly appealed to the mass. The band incorporated elements of punk rock, glam metal, hard rock and metal music to come up with this primal sound that reached the absolute level of breakthrough. I personally don’t think the band will ever reach such highs, such speed or such level of musicianship. Bottom line is, “Appetite for Destruction” is the record that proved that people can’t really escape from themselves but that’s not necessarily a bad thing!
The album makes its clear statement right from the beginning. The first track, “Welcome to the Jungle” is a symbolic door through the brutal, nasty, drug-infested and dark world of L.A. The track sends us on a journey to the city’s most awful secrets. The story, told by Axl and his exceptional but rather ghostly howls, quickly brings out to the surface our deepest fears. This song has to be one of the most powerful intros in rock music! The MV is also a classic.
“Paradise City” is probably the single track they owe their success to. With an exceptional mixture of blues, punk and hard rock motives, the song is everything but your ordinary 80s rock tune. “Paradise City” captivates right from the beginning with its unique rhythm, escalating guitar riffs and Axl’s aggressive, quite forceful but energetic vocal delivery. The theme of the song is similar to that of “Welcome to the Jungle” – they knew how to convey a message using the proper tools and words!
This is my personal favorite song from the album and I’m particularly fond of the music video! Can we please go back and attend such concerts??
In the power ballad “Sweet Child o’ Mine”, Axl, Slash and company prove that they can be vulnerable and deliver something romantic and atmospheric with no efforts. This song perfectly demonstrates the outstanding guitar abilities of Slash and surprises us with a very catchy hard-rock beat and beautiful lyrics.
“Nightrain” is another song I would like to focus your attention at. Yet again, we are transferred to the sinful, alcohol and drug-fueled world of L.A. Axl’s vocal delivery, in combination with metallic hard rock guitar riffs give us a little bit of an AC/DC vibe.
“Think about You” is in my opinion a very underrated track. By including it in this publication, I only wish more people would realize and experience its true value. It’s a sweet love song that creates the perfect mood! The rhythm and the lyrics absolutely do it for me!
Last but not least, let’s remember “Rocket Queen” which seems to be everyone’s favorite track! I’m absolutely inlove with the riffs and the lyrics on this one…
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I was fortunate enough to be born in 1992 – a year in which LP/CD/Audiocasette stores were everywhere and people were still enthusiastically buying music. On top of it all, I come from a family of musicians, so you can imagine the kind of musical collections I grew up with. By 1992, the CD had already established itself as a major music format and its importance in people’s lives was unquestionable. I remember asking my parents for CDs every time there was an occasion – birthdays, name days, Christmas, I would always get tons of CDs or audiocassettes of my favorite ‘90s artists as gifts from my parents. I was (and still do it by the way) giving CDs to my friends too.
I guess the CD mania didn’t really allow me to appreciate or look for any other music format when I was a kid. I remember my parents’ vinyl collections but it never really made much sense to get into the whole thing myself. Most of the LPs we had were Russian pressings and it just looked so weird to me. Like, what do I do with that black round thing? How do I play it? I better just go back to the cool stereo and play my CDs. I should’ve known better…
I’ve never really thought about the true value of a vinyl mostly because I was too young and basically moving along with the trend. The technological advancements in sound quality and proliferation and affordability of HiFi stereos made it even easier for people to enjoy music and purchase CDs (and audio-cassettes till early 2000s actually).
As I was getting into music more and more with each second, it was only natural for me to discover the magic of a vinyl record. I guess it all fell into place when I became a die-hard fan of old-school rock music. When this whole new world opened up in front of me, all of a sudden I had tons of exceptional ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s rock bands settling in my heart and they brought so much more than mind-blowing rock&roll in my life. These great artists brought with them the old ways of music which eventually became a staple for me. Of course, growing up with artists like Eric Clapton, The Beatles, Chicago, Toto, Tina Turner, Foreigner and similar, had a lot to do with my natural progression towards becoming the ultimate classic rock enthusiast. When you reach the next level of fandom, listening to Led Zeppelin or The Beatles on a CD might not be satisfying enough. I’m not sure I can fully explain it but as I was growing up and my level of music expertise and knowledge of rock music history expanded, my preference for musical formats changed too. I still buy CDs all the time but it’s the LP records that excite me and make my heart jump the moment I come across a LP store.
Some of you may know this but I live in Seoul at the moment, though I come from Bulgaria. Just like in my other countries around the world, in Korea too record stores keep on disappearing as we speak. Korean pop is still a massive force and the market for idol merchandise, including CDs, is still going strong. For a moment, if we forget about Kpop and focus on the international music market, there aren’t actually that many places that offer a wide selection of past and current releases. Moreover, my adoration for second-hand LP record shopping had to be satisfied sooner or later. After my favorite little local record store closed (because of course it had to) I felt quite lost for a little while. I had this routine and the owners knew me not just because I was the only foreigner who would come every week but because I would spend a long time there, browsing and listening to music and trying to find comfort. Eventually, I was fortunate enough to be brought to this underground shopping area, located in Myeong-dong (명동), Seoul. I’ve been to Myeong-dong area plenty of times but never knew that there was this second-hand vinyl heaven right beneath my feet. First time I went it was quite late and I couldn’t really make the best of it. I promised myself to devote at least one day and go through each and every LP that was there! I kept my promise….multiple times Ha!
I wanted to share this meaningful experience with you, guys and emphasize once again on how magical it can be to dive into this world of old-school music, put into a vinyl record so many years ago. I am well aware of the fact that most of my readers are probably from previous generations and grew up with LP records so they keep on buying and collecting them. However, it’s not just the older rock fans that know a thing or two about records. Believe it or not, there are many younger people, like myself, out there who are devoted LP collectors and appreciate this format. With this publication, I wanted to not only share what it is like to go record shopping in Seoul, Korea, but also to emphasize and remind everyone that records are the real deal and no other format can ever replace the value and the spirit, this vinyl carries within itself. I truly hope you enjoy the photos!
…This is Myeong-dong – a shopping district, located in the heart and soul of SEOUL, South Korea. There are thousands of tourists who can enjoy all kinds of stores, restaurants, malls and tourist attractions. It is always extremely crowded and it looks something like this:
…But this is where we are heading for! Myeong-dong underground shopping center – that’s where the real music is!
After a couple of minutes this breathtaking view welcomes you to paradise! There are plenty of music stores in that underground area but this one is the biggest and offers the widest selection of records. On top of it all, it’s not just this one wall – the owner has little record displays everywhere. I love going there because they have the best ’80s hard rock LPs and in the greatest condition (I am convinced he is a huge classic rock fan)! Don’t even get me started on how awesome the prices are!
Of course, there are plenty of other genres offered – you can spot classic music, jazz music, pop music, ’90s music and many other subsections!
…In addition to vinyl records, they also offer CDs (second hand, of course). Here, it says that you can get 4 CDs for 10.000Won, which is around 10$.
Sometimes you can come across real treasures! That wasn’t what I came for, though…
My favorite section – the place where all the great things happen is this one – this little shelf that contains mostly Korean (or Japanese) pressings of LPs from the good old days of hard rock (a.k.a the ’80s). The prices vary from 5.000Won (5$) to 15.000Won (15$), depending on the condition or popularity of the LP. I’ve been going there for quite some time now and what truly impresses me is that there are new (old) ones every time! Some even quite rare, actually! There is a little chair provided for the people (like me) who just have to go through every single record and make sure nothing is left unseen. Time flies so fast when you are looking for your next big discovery!
These are just some of the treasures I found…
Some of them I do have, some of them I don’t! I am still working on my rock collection and have a lifetime to do it! I wasn’t really sure what to get till I saw those two albums…
It’s amazing how the things we want so much, always find a way to come to us! I have been record shopping for ages and this is the first time I see those two albums in any music format. Bonham’s “The Disregard of Timekeeping” has been on my “list” for so long! It was almost unbelievable that it was there, just waiting for me…
Fortune’s self-titled debut album is one rare-gem! I have never came across it and knowing how rare it is, I just had to buy it!
The prices of both were 7.000Won (7$ each). It’s crazy, right? Excellent condition, still with their lyric and promo sheets inside! This is what I’m talking about – I don’t know about you, guys but the thrill of browsing through records and all of a sudden finding one that you wanted so much can be such an emotional moment. Moreover, the most amazing thing is that these kinds of experiences can make you feel so much closer to the music. I didn’t have the chance to be born during the time these albums were released. I never attended their concert or passionately discussed such records with my friends. For someone like me, this is the most genuine way to feel that ’80s rock vibe. For a second there I feel like I was part of it all and it feels so good! Just like that, by holding an old-school second-hand record, I was brought back to the late ’80s and time didn’t matter anymore, it was all about my favorite music and me.
Bonham – The Disregard of Timekeeping (1989)
Fortune – Fortune (1985)
Moving on to the big wall of records… I just had to browse through them all.
Def Leppard
Other interesting records I thought I’d never see in Korea!
I wasn’t the only one on a hunt…
The kings!
Another separate CD section for the enthusiastic collectors.
There were a couple of more stores which I had to visit before I leave. Though this one was the biggest and definitely the best, sometimes you never know what will jump out of the old vinyl boxes. Interestingly, there were plenty of people who were browsing and looking around. Korean people haven’t fully given up on LPs and that’s great!
One of the other little stores always offers the best deals! In front of it, you can spot a couple of boxes, full of records, all for 5.000Won each (5$). I always find pretty interesting things there! Last time I went, I purchased Europe’s “The Final Countdown” and TNT’s “Tell No Tales” so with the hopes of finding new treasures, I went back…
& let the browsing begin…
I don’t have Guns N’ Roses’ “Use Your Illusion I” and it was such an amazing deal that I just had to buy it!
Guns N’ Roses – Use Your Illusion (1991)
There are plenty of LP stores all over the underground shopping center but some of them were closed as it was too early when I went there.
Of course, there are stores that offer the suitable sound equipment for listening to those LPs you just bought.
…and there’s me at the end of my record shopping journey all happy and full of smiles, holding my three new LPs.
I hope by my words and photos you can tell how exciting and joyful this whole experience was for me. I do that quite often but this time I decided to photograph it all step by step with the hopes of triggering pleasant emotions to my readers and create a sweet memory. I am leaving Korea for good pretty soon but this habit of mine will keep on existing wherever I go. I hope that people out there don’t forget the many benefits of purchasing a record and don’t stop doing it. As I said, that’s one of the most beautiful ways of going back in time. Imagine – this LP was made 30+ years ago and somehow it found its way to your arms. To me that’s just so extraordinary.
When I went back home I had the chance to take a closer look at my new LPs. Ain’t they amazing?
P.S. All the photos are taken by me. Please make sure that you don’t just save and use them without my permission! Rock on!
The publication expresses my personal opinion and in no way is trying to make a generalized statement. Please be kind and considerate when you read and/or comment. Cheers~
Nothing wrong with being a little suggestive and naughty from time to time! Rock&Roll has always been fun and sexy, after all! Many rock tunes are regarded as too provocative, getting out of hand and even a little bit sexist, but we have to understand that making love has always been and will always be an inseparable part of music.
I’ve always been somehow drawn to this direct, quite voluptuous side of rock&roll because let’s face it – it’s what makes things so much more interesting. I have created this playlist of 20 classic rock songs that are pretty spicy but definitely worth listening to. Whether its rhythm, lyrics or the overall atmosphere, each of these songs is about to make you sweat, I guarantee it! Also, if you and your significant other are in a good mood, this playlist can be a suitable companion for your special night.
I would also like to thank my Twitter friends who also participated in the creation of this playlist! You guys are awesome (you know who you are)!
Feel like making love?
The Doors – Light My Fire (1966)
Rolling Stones – Brown Sugar (1971)
Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love (1969)
AC/DC – The Jack (1976)
Bad Company – Feel Like Making Love (1975)
Montrose – Rock Candy (1973)
Def Leppard – Pour Some Sugar on Me (1987)
Scorpions – Rock You Like a Hurricane (1984)
Thunder – Dirty Love (1990)
Danger Danger – Naughty Naughty (1989)
Guns ‘N’ Roses – Rocket Queen (1987)
Winger – Seventeen (1988)
Kix – Midnight Dynamite (1985)
Great White – Baby’s on Fire (1989)
Firehouse – Hold Your Fire (1992)
38 Special – Rockin’ Into the Night (1980)
Aerosmith – Love in an Elevator (1994)
Def Leppard – All Night (1999)
Kiss – Uh! All Night (1985)
Van Halen – Hot For Teacher (1984)
Lynch Mob – Tangled in the Web (1992)
P.S. I don’t own any audio or visual material used in this publication. All the rights and credits go to the owners and/publishers.
The publication expresses my personal opinion and in no way is trying to make a generalized statement. Please be kind and considerate when you read and/or comment.
Not many artists have refused to be inducted into the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame. This “prestigious” institution has been acknowledging the careers of influential rockstars since the 80s and to many musicians, getting a nomination is the ultimate sign of success. I have previously expressed my strong opinions towards Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame and their “rock experts” who apparently know so much about rock ‘n’ roll that they inducted N.W.A and Green Day, but left Ronnie James Dio, Judas Priest and Def Leppard and many more out of the picture. That’s a whole other story, though.
Musicians, such as Axl Rose and Ozzy Osbourne have publicly declined their induction into the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame. The most famous public Rock hall of fame blast, however, comes from Sex Pistols. In 2006, they not only didn’t attend the ceremony, but frontman Johnny Rotten posted a very scathing note on their official website, saying that “Next to the Sex Pistols, rock and roll and that hall of fame is a piss stain”.
I completely support and understand why these rockstars chose to distance themselves from such unnecessary media exposure and “experts” whose votes mean absolutely nothing to anyone. I actually wish more rockstars would realize the incompetence of the people who run the show down there and would refuse to be part of the sham. Actually, a lot of famous bands such as Def Leppard and Motley Crue have already expressed their views on Rock Hall of Fame by saying that if they get invited for an induction, they would just decline.
These are the letters of the above-mentioned musicians who I think made the right choice and gave the Rock Hall of Fame what they truly deserve – a “Hell No!”
Sex Pistols’s Letter
Ozzy Osbourne’s Letter:
“Just take our name off the list. Save the ink. Forget about us. The nomination is meaningless, because it’s not voted on by the fans. It’s voted on by the supposed elite for the industry and the media, who’ve never bought an album or concert ticket in their lives, so their vote is irrelevant to me. Let’s face it, Black Sabbath has never been media darlings. We’re a people’s band and that suits us just fine.”
Despite what he wrote, Ozzy ended up joining the hall of fame, in respect to his band mates Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler, at the 2006 ceremony.
Axl Rose’s Letter:
To: The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, Guns N’ Roses Fans and Whom It May Concern,
When the nominations for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame were first announced I had mixed emotions but, in an effort to be positive, wanting to make the most of things for the fans and with their enthusiasm, I was honored, excited and hoped that somehow this would be a good thing. Of course I realized as things stood, if Guns N’ Roses were to be inducted it’d be somewhat of a complicated or awkward situation.
Since then we’ve listened to fans, talked with members of the board of the Hall Of Fame, communicated with and read various public comments and jabs from former members of Guns N’ Roses, had discussions with the president of the Hall Of Fame, read various press (some legit, some contrived) and read other artists’ comments weighing in publicly on Guns and the Hall with their thoughts.
Under the circumstances I feel we’ve been polite, courteous, and open to an amicable solution in our efforts to work something out. Taking into consideration the history of Guns N’ Roses, those who plan to attend along with those the Hall for reasons of their own, have chosen to include in “our” induction (that for the record are decisions I don’t agree with, support or feel the Hall has any right to make), and how (albeit no easy task) those involved with the Hall have handled things… no offense meant to anyone but the Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony doesn’t appear to be somewhere I’m actually wanted or respected.
For the record, I would not begrudge anyone from Guns their accomplishments or recognition for such. Neither I or anyone in my camp has made any requests or demands of the Hall Of Fame. It’s their show not mine.
That said, I won’t be attending The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction 2012 Ceremony and I respectfully decline my induction as a member of Guns N’ Roses to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
I strongly request that I not be inducted in absentia and please know that no one is authorized nor may anyone be permitted to accept any induction for me or speak on my behalf. Neither former members, label representatives nor the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame should imply whether directly, indirectly or by omission that I am included in any purported induction of “Guns N’ Roses”.
This decision is personal. This letter is to help clarify things from my and my camp’s perspective. Neither is meant to offend, attack or condemn. Though unfortunately I’m sure there will be those who take offense (God knows how long I’ll have to contend with the fallout), I certainly don’t intend to disappoint anyone, especially the fans, with this decision. Since the announcement of the nomination we’ve actively sought out a solution to what, with all things considered, appears to be a no win, at least for me, “damned if I do, damned if I don’t” scenario all the way around.
In regard to a reunion of any kind of either the ‘Appetite’ or ‘Illusion’ lineups, I’ve publicly made myself more than clear. Nothing’s changed.
The only reason, at this point, under the circumstances, in my opinion whether under the guise of “for the fans” or whatever justification of the moment, for anyone to continue to ask, suggest or demand a reunion are misguided attempts to distract from our efforts with our current lineup of myself, Dizzy Reed, Tommy Stinson, Frank Ferrer, Richard Fortus, Chris Pitman, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal and DJ Ashba. Izzy came out with us a few times back in ’06 and I invited him to join us at our LA Forum show last year. Steven was at our show at the Hard Rock, later in ’06 in Las Vegas, where I invited him to our after-party and was rewarded with his subsequent interviews filled with reunion lies. Lesson learned. Duff joined us in 2010 and again in ’11 along with his band, Loaded, opening in Seattle and Vancouver. For me, with the exception of Izzy or Duff joining us on stage if they were so inclined somewhere in the future for a song or two, that’s enough.
There’s a seemingly endless amount of revisionism and fantasies out there for the sake of self-promotion and business opportunities masking the actual realities. Until every single one of those generating from or originating with the earlier lineups has been brought out in the light, there isn’t room to consider a conversation let alone a reunion.
Maybe if it were you it’d be different. Maybe you’d do it for this reason or that. Peace, whatever. I love our band now. We’re there for each other when the going gets rough. We love our fans and work to give them every ounce of energy and heart we can.
So let sleeping dogs lie or lying dogs sleep or whatever. Time to move on. People get divorced. Life doesn’t owe you your own personal happy ending especially at another’s, or in this case several others’, expense. But hey if ya gotta then maybe we can get the “no show, grandstanding, publicity stunt, disrespectful, he doesn’t care about the fans” crap out of the way as quickly as we can and let’s move on. No one’s taking the ball and going home. Don’t get it twisted. For more than a decade and a half we’ve endured the double standards, the greed of this industry and the ever present seemingly limitless supply of wannabes and unscrupulous, irresponsible media types. Not to imply anything in this particular circumstance, but from my perspective in regard to both the Hall and a reunion, the ball’s never been in our court. In closing, regardless of this decision and as hard to believe or as ironic as it may seem, I’d like to sincerely thank the board for their nomination and their votes for Guns’ induction. More importantly I’d like to thank the fans for being there over the years, making any success we’ve had possible and for enjoying and supporting Guns N’ Roses music.
I wish the Hall a great show, congratulations to all the other artists being inducted and to our fans we look forward to seeing you on tour!!
P.S. I don’t own any audio or visual material used in this publication. All the rights and credits go to the owners and/publishers. Cheers~
The publication expresses my personal opinion and in no way is trying to make a generalized statement. Please be kind and considerate when you read and/or comment.
Everyone knows that Axl Rose is the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll diva. Since the phenomenal debut of Guns N’ Roses with the blockbuster“Appetite for Destruction”, Axl has done his fair share of diva-moments such as being very fashionably late, leaving the venue, scolding and offending the public, getting into fights with fans (especially those wearing Slash T-Shirts) and so on.
This video presents a lovely compilation of unforgettable onstage moments. It’s quite entertaining and definitely worth watching. Honestly, I think some of what he does or says seems quite reasonable. I mean, what kind of a person goes to a concert and throws bottles at the stage!?
Based on the success of the previous publication, I decided to prepare a part 2 of “10 Classic Rock Songs about Missing Someone” playlist. Apparently, the theme of missing someone special in your life and experiencing those emotions through songs is one of the most popular and preferred themes among listeners. I do hope the second set of songs I’ve gathered give you what you are looking for. Listen, enjoy and don’t be sad – life is full of hope and the time for holding someone you love once again or meeting a new love, might come sooner than you think…
Shed a tear ’cause I’m missin’ you I’m still alright to smile Girl, I think about you every day now Was a time when I wasn’t sure But you set my mind at ease There is no doubt You’re in my heart now
Eric Clapton – Tears in Heaven
I must be strong And carry on ‘Cause I know I don’t belong Here in heaven Would you hold my hand If I saw you in heaven? Would you help me stand If I saw you in heaven?
Scorpions – Lonely Nights
Since you’re gone There is an empty space Since you’re gone The world is not the same I go back to the places we’ve been It feels like you’re still there I live all those moments again Wishing you were here
Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time
Lying in my bed I hear the clock tick, And think of you Caught up in circles confusion – Is nothing new Flashback – warm nights – Almost left behind Suitcases of memories, Time after…
Bon Jovi – Always
It’s been raining since you left me Now I’m drowning in the flood You see I’ve always been a fighter But without you I give up
Now I can’t sing a love song Like the way it’s meant to be Well, I guess I’m not that good anymore But, baby, that’s just me…
Bryan Adams – When You’re Gone
I’ve been wandering around the house all night wondering what the hell to do I’m trying to concentrate but all i can think of is you well the phone don’t ring cuz my friends ain’t home I’m tired of being all alone got the TV on cuz the radio’s playing songs that remind me of you…
Carole King – So Far Away
So far away Doesn’t anybody stay in one place anymore It would be so fine to see your face at my door Doesn’t help to know you’re just time away Long ago I reached for you and there you stood Holding you again could only do me good Oh, how I wish I could But you’re so far away…
Journey – Wheel in the Sky
Wheel in the sky keeps on turnin’ I don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow Wheel in the sky keeps on turnin’ I’ve been trying to make it home Got to make it before too long I can’t take this very much longer I’m stranded in the sleet and rain Don’t think I’m ever gonna make it home again The mornin’ sun is risin’ It’s kissing the day
The Byrds – Here Without You
Daytime just makes me feel lonely At night I can only dream about you Girl you’re on my mind nearly all of the time It’s so hard being here without you Words in my head keep repeating things that you said Wen I was with you And I wonder is it true do you feel the same way too It’s so hard being here without you, being here without you…
+Bonus Track:
Tenacious D – Dude, I Totally Miss You
Dude, i totally miss you The things we did together Where have you gone? Totally miss the honesty And special times, and honestly I totally miss the fu**ed up thing ya do…
I was just listening to Pink Floyd’s “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” when suddenly I felt like I should browse through my music library and try to find some classic rock songs that go a little (sometimes a lot) over the average song duration. Those epic tunes have always been my favorites – there’s something so special and engaging…I mean sharing 10-20 minutes of your life with a song is indeed an engagement and this means that the song has to be more than extraordinary. I have always been fascinated by how those true rock artists manage to maintain a song for over 10 minutes – it’s quite the challenge, isn’t it?
When it comes to lengthy musical pieces, I think we can mostly find them in jazz or nowadays in electronic music. However, I argue that the rock music scene from the 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s has a lot to offer when it comes to epic long tunes. In no particular order, here are 10 examples, chosen by me, of classic rock songs that go over the average song length. I do hope you have about 2 and half hours of your life to spend with them.
Cheers
Rush – “2112”
The title track from Rush’s fourth studio album was an absolute ground-breaking moment for the Canadian rockers. The story is set in the future – in the year of 2112 when there’s no music. A man, however, discovers the magic of music and everything changes.
Deep Purple – “Child in Time”
“Child in Time” comes from Deep Purple’s 1970 album – “Deep Purple in Rock”. It’s a very straightforward protest against the Vietnam War. Interesting fact, the song is actually based on It’s a Beautiful Day‘s psychedelic song “Bombay Calling”. Ian Gillan once said in an interview, “There are two sides to that song – the musical side and the lyrical side. On the musical side, there used to be this song ‘Bombay Calling’ by a band called It’s A Beautiful Day. It was fresh and original, when Jon was one day playing it on his keyboard. It sounded good, and we thought we’d play around with it, change it a bit and do something new keeping that as a base. But then, I had never heard the original ‘Bombay Calling’. So we created this song using the Cold War as the theme, and wrote the lines ‘Sweet child in time, you’ll see the line.’ That’s how the lyrical side came in. Then, Jon had the keyboard parts ready and Ritchie had the guitar parts ready. The song basically reflected the mood of the moment, and that’s why it became so popular.”
The Velvet Underground – “Sister Ray”
Some late ‘60s vibes with Velvet Underground! Nothing special to say about this song – it’s typical Lou Reed from the beginning till the end of it. It may be all about drugs, violence and all of these bad things in life; however the song has definitely something else to offer as well.
Pink Floyd – “Shine on You Crazy Diamond”
In my book, the kings of maintaining both lengthy and breathtaking rock tunes have to be Pink Floyd. Throughout their career, they have a great number of tracks that go over the average song duration. However, I chose those two songs specifically because I feel like they both perfectly illustrate how powerful a lengthy song can be and how well it can play with your emotions and moods. On top of that we get brilliant instrumentals, skillful improvisations and numerous important parts and details that go one after another like waves.
Pink Floyd – “Echoes”
The Doors – “The End”
Jim Morrison wrote this song about his girlfriend, however in time, it turned into something much deeper and meaningful. “The End” is one of their most emblematic tracks, coming from their self-titled debut album. He once said, “Everytime I hear that song, it means something else to me. It started out as a simple good-bye song… Probably just to a girl, but I see how it could be a goodbye to a kind of childhood. I really don’t know. I think it’s sufficiently complex and universal in its imagery that it could be almost anything you want it to be.”
Guns N’ Roses – “November Rain”
And it all comes back to this song – one of Guns N’ Roses’ greatest accomplishments of their career. “November Rain” is a beautiful power-ballad that ruled the first half of the 90s. Read more about it here: The Story of Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain”
King Crimson – “Starless”
“Starless” has pretty much everything I love about progressive rock – smooth intro, saxophone accompaniments, jam sessions, long improvisations and memorable drums. The tune comes from King Crimson’s seventh studio album – “Red”, released in 1974.
Led Zeppelin – “Achilles Last Stand”
Achilles Last Stand” is a very essential song for the future development of British heavy metal music. Written by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant in Page’s home in California, the tune simply changed the course of rock history. On top of that, it impresses with John Bonham’s powerful drumming and John Paul Jones‘s bass line.
Jimmy Page has often referred to “Achilles Last Stand” as his favorite Led Zeppelin song.
Yes – “The Gates of Delirium”
YES are the other absolute masters of lengthy and epic rock tunes. “The Gates of Delirium” is a 22 minute progressive saga based on Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. It starts with a vocal section and it evolves into a mythical and rather long instrumental section. By the end of the song, you finally realize that for the past 20 minutes you have experienced the whole range of feelings – from tenseness and anxiety to calmness and hope.
Summer’s here! It’s time to think about those long road-trips and visits to the beach. Make sure that for every summer adventure, experience or party, you have these 20 classic rock songs in your playlist to ensure your perfect mood. Among these songs, I have included absolute classic rockers that can instantly change your mood and give you that amazing summer vibe.
Playlist:
Van Halen – Summer Nights Bryan Adams – Summer of ’69 The Beatles – Here Comes the Sun Guns N’ Roses – Paradise City Alice Cooper – School’s Out Chicago – Saturday in the Park The Beach Boys – Surfin’ U.S.A The Who – Summertime Blues AC/DC – This House is on Fire Steve Perry – Summer of Luv
Don Henley – The Boys of Summer Blondie – In The Sun Led Zeppelin – Dancing Days Def Leppard – Ride into the Sun Ramones – Rockaway Beach Kiss – Rock N’ Roll All Nite Billy Idol – Hot in the City Eric Clapton – I’ve Got a Rock N’ Roll Heart Sammy Hagar – Mas Tequila Survivor – High on You
There can be many reasons to break down in tears – a broken heart, unrequited love, death of a friend or a family member, losing your way in life, a happy memory that can no longer exist…Such things happen to everyone and they can truly have a very strong emotional impact on our existence.
Artists have always been channeling their emotions and feelings through music. Whether it’s true tearful lyrics or through melancholic melodies, throughout the years we have witnessed the success and effects of countless sentimental classic rock tunes. Grab your tissues and prepare yourself for the following playlist:
PLAYLIST:
Eric Clapton – Tears in Heaven (1992) Nazareth – Love Hurts (1976) Cheap Trick – The Flame (1988) Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here (1975) Guns n’ Roses – November Rain (1991) The Rolling Stones – As Tears Go By (1965) The Who – Behind Blue Eyes (1971) Fleetwood Mac – Landslide (1975) Eric Clapton – Bell Bottom Blues (1991) Led Zeppelin – The Rain Song (1973)
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Def Leppard – Love Bites (1987)
Pink Floyd – Comfortably Numb (1979)
Eric Clapton – Tears in Heaven (1992)
Would you know my name If I saw you in heaven? Would it be the same If I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong And carry on, ‘Cause I know I don’t belong Here in heaven…
Nazareth – Love Hurts (1976)
Love hurts, love scars, love wounds And marks, any heart Not tough or strong enough To take a lot of pain, take a lot of pain Love is like a cloud Holds a lot of rain Love hurts……
Cheap Trick – The Flame (1988)
Another night slowly closes in And I feel so lonely Touching heat freezing on my skin I pretend you still hold me I’m going crazy, I’m losing sleep I’m in too far, I’m in way too deep over you I can’t believe you’re gone You were the first, you’ll be the last…
Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here (1975)
How I wish, how I wish you were here. We’re just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl, year after year, Running over the same old ground. What have we found? The same old fears. Wish you were here…
Guns n’ Roses – November Rain (1991)
When I look into your eyes I can see a love restrained But darlin’ when I hold you Don’t you know I feel the same
‘Cause nothin’ lasts forever And we both know hearts can change And it’s hard to hold a candle In the cold November rain…
The Rolling Stones – As Tears Go By (1965)
It is the evening of the day I sit and watch the children play Smiling faces I can see But not for me I sit and watch As tears go by…
The Who – Behind Blue Eyes (1971)
But my dreams They aren’t as empty As my conscience seems to be
I have hours, only lonely My love is vengeance That’s never free
No one knows what it’s like To feel these feelings Like I do And I blame you…
Fleetwood Mac – Landslide (1975)
I took my love, took it down I climbed a mountain and I turned around And I saw my reflection in the snow-covered hills ‘Til the landslide brought me down
Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love? Can the child within my heart rise above? Can I sail through the changing ocean tides? Can I handle the seasons of my life?
Eric Clapton – Bell Bottom Blues (1991)
Do you want to see me crawl across the floor to you? Do you want to hear me beg you to take me back? I’d gladly do it because I don’t want to fade away. Give me one more day, please. I don’t want to fade away. In your heart I want to stay…
Led Zeppelin – The Rain Song (1973)
These are the seasons of emotion and like the wind they rise and fall This is the wonder of devotion – I see the torch we all must hold. This is the mystery of the quotient, quotient – Upon us all, upon us all a little rain must fall. It’s just a little rain…
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Def Leppard – Love Bites (1987)
I don’t wanna touch you too much baby ‘Cos making love to you might drive me crazy I know you think that love is the way you make it So I don’t wanna be there when you decide to break it…
Pink Floyd – Comfortably Numb (1979)
There is no pain, you are receding A distant ship smoke on the horizon You are only coming through in waves Your lips move but I can’t hear what you’re saying…
Happy new week, guys! I do hope it’s a good one for all! Time for mixtape Mondays and pure classic rock tunes! Kick off the new week with some timeless songs from the 70s 80s and 90s! Once again, I’ve collected 10 outstanding rock tracks from my personal music library and came up with this lovely playlist for you! I hope you will enjoy it as much as I am. What better way to start the new week than with playing some rock! Let’s listen!
PLAYLIST:
Deep Purple – Soldier of Fortune (1974) Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ (1981) AC/DC – Big Gun (1992) Metallica – Nothing Else Matters (1991) Guns N’ Roses – Rocket Queen (1987) Queen – Under Pressure (1982) Uriah Heep – The Easy Road (1974) Rainbow – MISS Mistreated (1982) Skid Row – The Threat (1991) Def Leppard – Paper Sun (1999)
In 1987, Guns N’ Roses blew up the music industry by exploding onto the national scene with their first and best album! In addition to being one of the best-selling albums of all time, “Appetite for Destruction” also happens to be the best-selling debut album in history of music! What a debut that was! Not only did it peaked at the number one spot on the Billboard 200 Chart, but it also reached top 10 positions in Australia, Canada, Norway and Sweden.
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MY ROCK MIXTAPES 