Progression of Rock

Back in my upper secondary school days, I just had 3 fav rock bands, I mean all the rest were good, but no matter what, I d always return to these 3 bands; Led Zeppelin, Queen and the Doors. These were epitome of classic rock for me then.

But now that I look back, its hard to believe how I could narrow myself down to so few bands. I guess it was because I was still exploring Zepp and hadn't been exposed to their bluesy side. Queen was a fav cos my cousin Sheena was a big influence and she used to bring all these DVDs of Queen concerts which just blew me away cos Freddie was such master of the stage. The Doors I guess were just perfect for teenage life, all that angst and wanting to be released, to know that there is more to life than this.

The past few days (when I should have been studying for a pathology final), I ve discovered some classic gems. One is Rory Gallagher, an irish blues master who knew how to handle a Stratocaster. His songs have a very ballsy edge to it, like a real kick ass touch. Two songs that have caught me are Moonchild, and Daughter Of the Everglades. Moonchild is a heavy number and damn you can hear him strain that Strat. If that wasn;t enough, the live version will blow your mind away, cos nobody plays solos on a Strat like Rory can, sheer genius.

Daughter of the Everglades is a much softer number, simply beautiful. It's a good rock ballad. What gets me is the lyrics (for Moonchild as well). It justs shows the sincereity of Rory. Am still trying to explore more of his stuff, so I think I ll be here for awhile. Rory passed away at age 47 due to complications from a liver transplant.

Next up is Fleetwood Mac (nop, not the one with Stevie Nicks, this is the first ensemble) led by Peter Green, whose guitar playing is only shadowed by his magnificent voice. Peter Started Fleetwood Mac with Mick Fleetwood in 1967 after a short stint with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers (Clapton's pre Cream band). Overnight they became the cream of British Blues. I still think they are the best British blues band. All songs were written by Peter Green. The one that got me in love with them is Man of the World. Holy crap, this one just got me all emotional at the first few chords, as if that wasn't bad enough, the lyrics are just too sad, you really feel for the guy. Most of the other numbers from this era are real good bluesy numbers. The band reminds me of Pink Floyd, even though their music aren;t the same. Perhaps its because, Peter, like Syd Barrett, eventually brokedown (the cat just couldnt handle the fame and pressure and eventually went on a 3day LSD binge, from which he quoted later, 'I never came back from'). I fully recommend the early Fleetwood Mac stuff, Peter Green is such a genius. As BB King said, ' Peter Green has more talent in his fingertips than I have in my whole body'. Nothing nicer when a musical legends gives credit to you, don't you agree.

Anyway the point of this post is that, no matter how much I think I ve explored these legends, someone or some band always comes back and hits my head hard with a really good riff and makes me realise that there are heaps of material to live on and that is very reassuring. Sorry for the stoned posting, it's 6 am and I ve got a pathology exam tomorrow. Till the next post, keep on rocking.

You are a moonchild and pretty soon child

I've got that feeling

That I'm gonna make you smile forever

If I can.

Just give me a sign and I'll show you my plan
You are a blue child, forever true child

You know I'll try to paint the skies blue forever

If I can.

Just give me a sign and I'll show you my plan.
Tell me why you look so sad,

Time slips by like grains of sand

Just put your future in my hands
You are a moonchild and pretty soon child

I've got the feelin I'm gonna make you smile forever.

If I can.

Rory Gallagher's Moonchild

Shall I tell you about my life

They say I'm a man of the world

I've flown across every tide

And Ive seen lots of pretty girls

I guess Ive got everything I need

I wouldn't ask for more

And there's no one I'd rather be

But I just wish that I'd never been born

And I need a good woman

To make me feel like a good man should

I dont say I'm a good man

Oh, but I would be if I could

I could tell you about my life

And keep you amused Im sure

About all the times Ive cried
And how I dont want to be sad anymore

And how I wish I was in love

Fleetwood Mac's Man of the World