notes of gray

Lynyrd Skynyrd

2011-03-25T22:33:00.000-07:00

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysP_X_CmE_s&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHQ_aTjXObs

Lynyrd Skynyrd

The reason why the visitor stat on the youtube link shows 12,321,519 is obvious. No review required, the songs says it all. This band has always given me -that-kind-of-feeling , which is a bit hard to put in words. Get a drink or not, have a drive or stay at home, place yourself anywhere, and feel that feeling. Well, yes, I would have loved to see the original pre-crash line up, but then, we have what we have.
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30 Songs you should not miss.

2011-03-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

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The list may not contain the chart toppers or the very popular ones. These are the ones which have been playing on my car deck for long.

Putting it straight forward in no particular order -

1) Battle of evermore - Led Zeppelin
2) Free bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd
3) Some velvet morning - Lee/Nancy Sinatra
4) Sweet Melissa - Allman Brothers Band
5) Cocaine - Clapton
6) Godzilla - Blue Oyster Cult
7) The Last resort - The Eagles
8) Tamacun - Rodrigo y Gabriela
9) Out in the fields - Gary moore and Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy)
10) Simple man - lynyrd skynyrd
11) But it rained - Parikrama
12) Parakeet - REM
13) Old time Rock'n'roll - Bob Seger
14) Wonderful one - Page & Plant
15) All around the world - Oasis
16) Heart full of soul - The Yardbirds
17) Am I evil - Diamond head
18) White rabbit - Jefferson Airplane
19) Terrapin Station - Grateful dead
20) Angel - Hendrix
21) Hollow years - Dream Theatre
22) Sweet Emotion - Aerosmith
23) Child in time - Deep purple
24) You are lost little girl - The doors
25) If - Pink Floyd
26) Two out of three aint bad - Meat loaf
27) Blowing in the wind - Bob Dylan
28) NIB - Black Sabbath
29) Alabama Song - The Doors
30) Gin Soaked Boy - Divine Comedy
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Battle of evermore. , No quarter version.

2010-04-07T23:10:00.000-07:00

Song : Battle of Evermore

Album : No quarter

Original : Appeared at Led Zeppelin IV

Genere: Folk rock/celtic rock

Its been years after the death of Bonzo, and "No quater" gave them fans just what they wanted. But then, the live performance brought in a full set of orchestra, mandolins, hurdy gurdy and all. Very unlike the zeppelin, but the whole album went #4 at billboard. I would have personally wanted John Paul jones on the stage, but then he was not even informed that Page and plant was having a gig. Bad bad boys.

The song battle of evermore sounded much better in this version. Well, i saw the video recently and instantly fell in love with Najma Akthar. Well, I would have married her straight away if she was my age and if she was willing to, but she is 16 years elder to me, and yes, I dont think she will like the idea of getting married to me anyway. But I could watch the video and listen to her and keep looking at her for a long time. She has bewitched me, and so did the song.

Jimmy page did the magic with his strings again, this time with a mandolin.

as page said in '77:

""Battle of Evermore" was made up on the spot by Robert [Plant] and myself. I just picked up John Paul Jones's mandolin, never having played a mandolin before, and just wrote up the chords and the whole thing in one sitting."

On the original Album, Sandy Denny did the female voice, and Najma Akthar sang the female voice at the No quarter gig. And she did it well.

here goes the lyrics:

The Queen of Light took her bow and then she turned to go
The Prince of Peace embraced the gloom and walked the night alone

Oh, dance in the dark night, sing to the morning light
The Dark Lord rides in force tonight, and time will tell us all

Oh, throw down your plow and hoe, race now to my bow

Side by side we wait the might, of the darkest of them all

I hear the horses thunder down in the valley below
I'm waiting for the angels of Avalon, waiting for the eastern glow

The apples of the valley hold the seeds of happiness
The ground is rich from tender care, which they do not forget, no, no
Dance in the dark night, sing to the morning light

The apples turn to brown and black, the tyrant's face is red

Oh, war is the common cry, pick up your swords and fly
The sky is filled with good and bad, mortals never know

Oh well, the night is long, the beads of time pass slow
Tired eyes on the sunrise, waiting for the eastern glow

The pain of war cannot exceed the woe of aftermath
The drums will shake the castle wall, the Ringwraiths ride in black (ride on)

Sing as you raise your bow, (ride on) shoot straighter than before
No comfort has the fire at night that lights the face so cold

Oh, dance in the dark night, sing to the morning light
The magic runes are writ in gold to bring the balance back, bring it back

At last the sun is shining, the clouds of blue roll by
With flames from the dragon of darkness, the sunlight blinds his eyes

Oh, bring it back, bring it back...

Must listen.

RIP

2009-08-13T18:59:00.000-07:00

Les Paul is dead.

For those who dont know, he was the one who engineered the electric guitar - An instrument which created changed the way music was played. An instrument which created the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Eric clapton, Jimmy page and Jeff Beck.

well.. he was 94, and people are supposed to die. Not that I am sad that he died. I dont know him, but the new of his death made me think the times when there was NO electric guitar. NO distorsion. WHew. mucis was different then.

THanks, man, for the music. RIP.

Tied down with that song..

2008-06-14T06:03:00.000-07:00

Yes, there are times when I get tied down with one song.
No other songs play on the deck, and I would keep on playing the song again and again, the whole, day, and may be for a week. Here are some of them. Not in any particular order.

Since my childhood, my taste in music has changed a lot, so don't be surprised when you see Michael Jackson and Blue oyster cult together.

I am not listing the songs in any particular order, nor am i putting these in my all time favourites.

.Dangerous (Michael Jackson)
.Another day in paradise (Phill Collins)
.I want you (Savage Garden)
.Afraid to shoot strangers (Iron Maiden)
.Dont fear the reaper (Blue Oyster cult)
.Kashmir (Led Zeppelin)
.Creeping Death (Metallica)
.Hole in my soul (Aerosmith)
.The severed Garden (Jim Morrison)
.The man who sold the world (David Bowie)
.The Clansman (Iron Maiden)
.Grow old along with me (Lennon)
.Master of puppets (Metallica)
.Paradise city (G n R)
.Ripple (Grateful Dead)
.Terrapin station (Grateful Dead)
.Bat out of hell (Meat loaf)
.Two out of three (Meat loaf)
.Coming back to life (Pink Floyd)
.My sarah (Thin lizzy)

Review - Ripple (Grateful dead)

2008-01-08T04:08:00.000-08:00

Rating :

Overall: 8/10
Lyrics: 7/10

Style: Country/folk
Album: American Beauty
Released: 1970
Band: The grateful Dead
Written by: Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter

"There is a road, no simple highway,
Between the dawn and the dark of night,
And if you go no one may follow,
That path is for your steps alone."

Cant say this song was all about inspiration. This song may not feature in all time hits of different music critics. But beyond doubt, the song is one of the most beautiful ones i have heard. The lyrics has a spiritual cut into it ("spiritual" doesn't read religion as many of my friends know I don't follow any religion) The song does justice to Hunters song writing capabilities, and turned out to be the best ones in the Album along with "friend of a devil" and the like of "truckin."

The song is crafted as a country- folk song. The song shows the Dead at their creative high, with balanced notes and a well managed composition. This one is one of them songs - the songs I like to hear when I need to have that "peaceful easy feeling."

Here goes the Lyrics:

If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung,
Would you hear my voice come thru the music,
Would you hold it near as it were your own?

It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken,
Perhaps they're better left unsung.
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air.

Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow.

Reach out your hand if your cup be empty,
If your cup is full may it be again,
Let it be known there is a fountain,
That was not made by the hands of men.

There is a road, no simple highway,
Between the dawn and the dark of night,
And if you go no one may follow,
That path is for your steps alone.

Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow.

You who choose to lead must follow,
But if you fall you fall alone,
If you should stand then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home.

La dee da da da, La da da da da, Da da da, Da da, Da da da da da
La da da da, La da da, Da da, La da da da, La da, Da da.

For some of the song facts, visit:
http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=8078

Comments??

Classical re union

2007-12-11T10:06:00.001-08:00

I missed it!!

of course I missed it!!!

In fact, i never knew it!!

I wish i knew it!!
I really wish I knew!!
I damn **&%ing wish i knew!!

Led Zeppelin played again on stage, and I am not there!!
Of course, eventhough I live in a different continent, I would have flown down to UK just to see them live again. As i read through the reviews, and browse the video clipping over and over again, all I have is frustration, and a hope that they will continue, to tour!!

Even though in their sixties, they have not lost their "led Zep" feel - the high pitch cries, the classic posture, and the hallucinating music still flows out. I hate to even think about it.

And the next time, they decide to play, I am going to be there..
come what may!!!

"Dazed and confused" would be the right mood right now!!

Yes, I am planning to buy a stairway to their concerts -o-

Best rock bands...

2007-08-28T10:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, its time for another argument..
No i have not listened to all the bands in the world, nor do i have a music taste similar to yours.. but still i am always willing to have an argument!!

I am also giving the songs i love to listen ...

So here are the bands i like the most.. Chosen from the bands i know!!

1. Pink Floyd
(Shine on you crazy diamond, Wish you were here, Us and them, Time, Wearing the inside out, Anothe brick in the wall, Comfortably numb)

2. Led Zeppelin
(Kashmir, Going to california, Stairway to Heaven, Thank you, Black dog, The song remains the same, ...)

3. The Doors
(LA woman, Break on through, The severed garden, The crystal ship, Indian Sumer, Light my fire..)

4. Bob Dylan
(Things have changed, Like a rolling stone, Times they are a changing, Knocking on the heavens door, Hurricane...)

5. Oasis
(Wonder wall, All around the world, Dont look back in anger, The girl in the dirty shirt, You know what i mean,...)

6. Metallica
(Master of puppets, Whiplash, One, Sanitarium, Creeping death, Disposable heroes, Blackened, Fuel, Orion)

7. Meat Loaf
(Bat out of hell, Two out of three, Rock and roll dream come true, Objects in the rearview mirror...)

8. Nirvana
(Silver, Smells like teen spirit, About a girl, Lithium, Polly, All apologies, Come as you are...)

9. The Beatles
(Yesterday, Come together, Let it be, Imagine(John Lennon), I wanna hold your hand..)

10. Guns 'n' roses
(Dont cry, Sweet child of mine, Estranged(Video version), Paradise city, November rain, Double talking jive)

11. Iron Maiden
( Powerslave, The number of the beast, Different world, Fear of the dark, Flight of Icarus....)

12. Jimi Hendrix
(Purple haze, All along the watch tower, Little wing, Voodoo child...)

13. Black Sabbath (Ozzy)
(N.I.B, Paranoid, Iron man, War pigs, Dreamer, Shot in the dark, Dreamer... )

14. Queen
(Bohemian Rhapsody, We will rock you, We are the champions,...)

15. Aerosmith
(Nine lives, Dream on, Amazing, Angel, Cryin, I dont wanna miss a thing, What it takes, Hole in my soul, Draw the line, Kings and queens.....)

Other bands I love to listen....
Lynard skynard, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Thin lizzy, Megadeth, Morphine, Bob seger, Rob zombie.....

Now, now,.. lets fight again...

Coming up.. best rock albums!!

Best Guitarists

2007-08-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

After the songs, its time to have a look at the guitarists. No rock/metal song is complete without the guitar, the distorted notes, the hum, the sustain. Heres for you.. my fav guitarists of all time.

1. Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin)

Arguments may continue, but I cant think of letting anyone else in the top spot, atleast in my blog. Anyone who loves the good old classic days wont have any other choice for the top spot. His most beautiful, most complex, cutting edge, hallucinating effects are unmatched. Very hard to emulate or simulate, and those who tried have failed miserably.

Songs to listen : Stairway to heaven, Whole Lotta love, Since I've Been loving you, Dazed and Confused (wooow)

2. Jimi Hendrix

3. Ritchie Blackmore

4. Joe Satriani

5. Kirk Hammet

6. Van Halen

7. Randy Rhoads

8. Dave Mustaine

9. Eric Clapton

10. Brian May

11. Slash

12. Gilmore

13. Dimebag

14. Mark Knopfler

15. Stevie ray vaughan

Now, now, now
lets argue about it!!!!!!

All time Fav... at the moment

2007-08-14T03:05:00.000-07:00

And here it is.. another of my fav passtimes...
My top hits of all times.. (at the moment)

1. Kashmir (Led Zeppelin)

In one word - Majestic.
The track blasts off with incredible power, and delivers a perfect blend of east and west, rock and blue, and mystery.

"All I see turns to brown,
as the sun burns the ground
And my eyes fill with sand,
as I scan this wasted land
Trying to find,
trying to find
where I've been. "

a musical and lyrical masterpiece, a keep-it-always song.

2. Riders on the storm (The Doors)
3. Free Bird (lynard Skynard)
4. Coming Back to life (Pink floyd)
5. Powerslave (Iron Maiden)

6. Things have changed (Bob Dylan)
7. Amazing (Aerosmith)
8. Bat out of Hell (Meat Loaf)
9. Romeo and Juliet (Dire Straits)
10. Imagine (John Lennon)

11. Stairway to Heaven (Led Zeppelin)
12. Going to California (Led Zeppelin)
13. Silver (Nirvana)
14. Nine Lives (Aerosmith)
15. Turn the Page (Bob Seger)

16. Estranged (G'n'R)
17. One (Metallica)
18. Wonderwall (Oasis)
19. Smells like teen Spirit (Nirvana)
20. Aqualung (Jethro Tull)

21. Come Together (Beatles)
22. House of the rising sun (The Animals)
23. Born to be Wild (Steppenwolf)
24. The man who sold the world (David Bowie)
25. Crying (Joe Satriani)

Aerosmith Pics

2007-08-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

After weeks of plain laziness, I finally did it!! The aerosmith concert Pics are out!! copyright survivingbrain !!!

here it is - http://picasaweb.google.com/survivingbrain/Aerosmith

The videos will be posted in youtube shortly!!

camera was not allowed inside, but somehow, with the great help from luck, i managed to get it inside. I was not used to the camera because it was bought only a day back.

The camera was a Kodak easyshare, 8Mega Pixel, 3x optical zoom. Check it out, do comment!!
The text is coming soon..

So be it!!!

2007-08-02T06:53:00.000-07:00

You think of something, and you want it to be done in a matter of minutes. And then, this new blog was born.

I have always been a travel man, and when i look back, i do recall the most exciting times, but not all of them. I always wanted to file them memories, and here it is..