mooncaine Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 Saw a poll on GP's website. Thought that would be a thread in this forum, too, but I guess not... ... but if it were, I would have said, "none of those choices, but this is mine: the guitar solo in Blinded By The Light (Manfred Mann's Earth Band)." That thing's gorgeous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p90jr Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 what songs aren't "pop songs?" If pop is a genre then are artists in the genre or are songs in the genre? David Bowie has had incredible guitar on his hit pop singles. Steely Dan has had incredible guitar on their hit singles. Queen, Jerry Rafferty, Dire Straits, Bill Haley, Thin Lizzy... I can't get head around limiting it enough to make a list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreySeraph Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 Pokemon Theme Song lawl edit: Power Rangers, anyone? My Gear: 82 Gibson Explorer Ibanez 03 JEM7VWH PRS McCarty Soapbar Diezel Herbert 2007 Peters '11 Brahms Guitar Byers '01 Classical Hippner 8-Str Classical Taylor 614ce Framus Texan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennyguitfiddle Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 Who ever played the solo in Michael Jackson's song "Beat It"! Awesome! Why do you lay down? I say that it beats standing up! whats got you feeling so down? I hold up my empty cup! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caevan O’Shite Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 Who ever played the solo in Michael Jackson's song "Beat It"! Awesome! Actually, that was on their short multiple-choice list- and it was none other than Eddie Van Halen that played it. Saw a poll on GP's website. Thought that would be a thread in this forum, too, but I guess not... I saw that last night, too, and was going to start a thread about it today- butcha beat me to the post, mooncaine! ... but if it were, I would have said, "none of those choices..." Hahh! Yhup, much agreed on the "none of the above" sentiment, though at least Schon's "Lights" solo, and Amos Garrett's in "Midnight at the Oasis", were particularly worthy of being on the ballot... My write-in vote would have been cast for Jeff "Skunk" Baxter's sublime solo in Steely Dan's "Rikki, Don't Lose That Number"... Quite a number of Steely Dan songs both qualify very well as "Pop" songs (excellent ones, at that), and include exquisite examples of the craft of guitar-solos within Pop-vehicles. I can literally think of no less than fourteen more off the top of my head even as I type. (It helps that a "Greatest Hits" CD of theirs gets heavy rotation here, being one of my favorites. ) "Do It Again" (yeah, yeah, I know it's done on an "electric sitar"- really just a buzz-bridged cheapo guitar), "Reelin' In The Years" (the tone could've been smoother, rounder, 'n' warmer, but as-is the track ably leaped right out of automobile-radio speakers and into the ears, minds and hearts of millions), "My Old School", "Bodhisattva", "Show Biz Kids", "Pretzel Logic", "Any Major Dude", "Here At The Western World", "Black Friday", "Bad Sneakers", "Kid Charlemagne" (a standard-bearer for "great guitar solo in a pop song" for decades), "Peg", "Josie", "Haitian Divorce"... The exquisite sax-solo in "Doctor Wu" is as as worthy as any of the breed for covering and pilfering by guitarists, as well. what songs aren't "pop songs?" If pop is a genre then are artists in the genre or are songs in the genre? David Bowie has had incredible guitar on his hit pop singles. Steely Dan has had incredible guitar on their hit singles. Queen, Jerry Rafferty, Dire Straits, Bill Haley, Thin Lizzy... I can't get head around limiting it enough to make a list. Good points, and some excellent candidates for consideration... Pokemon Theme Song lawl edit: Power Rangers, anyone? There was this bizarre, upbeat, peppy-poppy kinda song with silly lyrics in a Dragon Ball or Dragon Ball Z vid that my friends' kids had years ago, featured in a sequence where some characters accidentally gobble up some psychedelic mushrooms; damned if I can find the lyrics or a vid-clip for ya, it'd be a perfect reply... Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do? ~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~ _ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitefang Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 I don't seem to recall much, if any, notable guitar work being DONE on "Blinded By The Light". Whitefang I started out with NOTHING...and I still have most of it left! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluesape Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 I knew EVH played on "Thriller"....... Never a DUH! moment! Well, almost never. OK, OK! Sometimes never! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S. Yeti Bigfoot, Esq. Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 I don't seem to recall much, if any, notable guitar work being DONE on "Blinded By The Light". Whitefang That's what I was thinking. I recall that one repetitive riff, but that's it. I'm going to have to strap myself into a chair and sit through the whole song again now to listen for good guitar work. "And so I definitely, when I have a daughter, I have a lot of good advice for her." ~Paris Hilton BWAAAHAAAHAAHAAA!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caevan O’Shite Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 I don't seem to recall much, if any, notable guitar work being DONE on "Blinded By The Light". Whitefang That's what I was thinking. I recall that one repetitive riff, but that's it. I'm going to have to strap myself into a chair and sit through the whole song again now to listen for good guitar work. I do believe that there have been at least two versions/edits of that song that have gotten broadcast rotation over the years, one much longer than the other(s)... Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do? ~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~ _ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picker Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 I don't seem to recall much, if any, notable guitar work being DONE on "Blinded By The Light". Whitefang There was a solo, and it wasn't bad. It was rather brief, but it was there. The guitarist used a bit of wah pedal on it, and I think some reverb was added in the mix. But if I were to choose from their work, I think the Earth Band's guitarist did a better solo on another Springsteen song they covered, Spirits In The Night. It went on long enough to develop, kinda go from low and subtle to a full-on, in-yo'-face rock GIT-tar solo. Always remember that you are unique. Just like everyone else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caevan O’Shite Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 Just for the heck of it, veering Off-Topic just a smidgeon: Bruce Springsteen & the Seeger Sessions Band (and some of the E-Street Band members?) in Dublin, Ireland, performing "Blinded By The Light"- Klezmer style... ________ [video:youtube] Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do? ~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~ _ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
splitting hare Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 I recall many Van Halen "purist" friends of mine being appalled when Beat It came out and finding out that Eddie had teamed up with Jacko. Personally, I really liked what Eddie did with that solo... heck, I even kind of liked the one that Weird Al's guitarist did on Eat It - before he exploded! Reverbnation stuff More Reverbnation stuff I feel happy! I feel happy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desertbluesman Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 Mine is Crossroads by The Cream. That is the tune that turned me on to playing guitar. I was on a strange little trip and a friend of mine walked up behind me & clapped the headphones on my head and that is the first time I ever heard that tune or that style of Rock and Roll (of course it was just when it was released for the first time). Before that I was singing baritone in an A-Capella group on the street corner. Once I heard Crossroads I went bonkers for playing guitar, my thoughts on those solos in that tune have not changed in all these years. I can still hear it the same way after all this time. I quit singing doo wop almost immediately after my friends refused to pick up instruments and expand the group into instrumental music. I did sit in with them however a few years back when I went back east. It's been 35 years since I sang harmony last. I weren't very good!!!!!!! dbm If it sounds good, it is good !! http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=143231&content=music Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dannyalcatraz Posted August 27, 2011 Share Posted August 27, 2011 Quick historical note: while EVH did indeed play the killer solo in "Beat It" the person who played it on tour was Jennifer Batten. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPcBDzDlvKQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player (I don't think EVH could make that outfit work...) Re: Solos in Bowie's work- SRV on "Let's Dance" and "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)", Robert Fripp in "Fashion" and Reeves Gabrels in "Under the God" and "One Shot" are among my faves. Sturgeon's 2nd Law, a.k.a. Sturgeon's Revelation: âNinety percent of everything is crapâ My FLMS- Murphy's Music in Irving, Tx http://murphysmusictx.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harvey Posted August 28, 2011 Share Posted August 28, 2011 fripp did 'fashion'?! awesome!!! great topic...imho the long version of 'blinded by the light' has fantastic playing...epic. how about 'my sharona'? Everyone knows the riff...but the solo section is brilliant. ANYTHING by Elliot Easton - the Cars. Keith Scott - Bryan Adams Band...always singable and memorable solos. Steve Lukather - Rosanna!!! Running with the night (is that the name?...a Lionel Richie tune) and I'm pretty sure he did the solos on Olivia Newton John's 'Let's Get Physical'. Can anyone confirm or deny this? Guitar Speak Podcast www.guitarspeakpodcast.libsyn.com https://www.facebook.com/guitarspeakpodcast www.itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/guitar-speak-podcast Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caevan O’Shite Posted August 28, 2011 Share Posted August 28, 2011 ANYTHING by Elliot Easton - the Cars. Hell, yeah! Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do? ~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~ _ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zumajim Posted August 28, 2011 Share Posted August 28, 2011 Have you noticed that Amos Garrett's solo on Midnight at the Oasis (Maria Muldaur) has always been considered one of the greatest? Listen to it now and then try to figure out how he thought it up. Incredible and beautiful. Here's an excellent version of it: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dvuksanovich Posted August 28, 2011 Share Posted August 28, 2011 Does Journey count as pop? Neal Schon has lots of great solos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caevan O’Shite Posted August 28, 2011 Share Posted August 28, 2011 Have you noticed that Amos Garrett's solo on Midnight at the Oasis (Maria Muldaur) has always been considered one of the greatest? Listen to it now and then try to figure out how he thought it up. Incredible and beautiful. Here's an excellent version of it: I agree, it's a great, classic solo and an excellent example of a "great solo in a Pop song". (See my first post on this thread.) Does Journey count as pop? Neal Schon has lots of great solos. Definitely on both counts; and as a matter of fact, he was included in their very short list of multiple-choice candidates, for his solo in Journey's "Lights". (See my first post on this thread.) Hell, does "Stairway to Heaven" count as a "Pop Song"? Maybe, maybe not- but damn, I think Page's solo there is phenomenal, even profound! But my vote still goes for Jeff "Skunk" Baxter's on Steely Dan's "Rikki, Don't Lose That Number"- which wasn't on the list. Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do? ~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~ _ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Fraser Posted August 28, 2011 Share Posted August 28, 2011 But my vote still goes for Jeff "Skunk" Baxter's on Steely Dan's "Rikki, Don't Lose That Number"- which wasn't on the list. Everything, solos, comping, writing, arranging, just everything on those first 4 or 5 Steely Dan records is light years ahead of anything else in pop at the time, so to give anybody else a chance you sort of have to make the category "Best guitar solo in pop music, excepting everything by Steely Dan." Just my opinion as a fan. "Rikki," is the most finely crafted piece of pop music ever. Scott Fraser Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p90jr Posted August 28, 2011 Share Posted August 28, 2011 Quick historical note: while EVH did indeed play the killer solo in "Beat It" the person who played it on tour was Jennifer Batten. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPcBDzDlvKQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player (I don't think EVH could make that outfit work...) Re: Solos in Bowie's work- SRV on "Let's Dance" and "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)", Robert Fripp in "Fashion" and Reeves Gabrels in "Under the God" and "One Shot" are among my faves. a local guy from here, Gregg Wright, was the guitarist on the Jacksons Victory Tour, which I think was the first tour where Jacko performed that material from Thriller. [video:youtube] Left-handed black rock guitarist... can you figure out who everyone compared him to? He was the local hero from before I could remember. Comes back once a year or so from CA and is playing blues now (again). and Elliot Easton and Mike Campbell are my personal George Harrisons, as far as putting great to the point solos in pop songs that made me start playing guitar as a kid... and just being stylish, cool dudes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larryz Posted August 28, 2011 Share Posted August 28, 2011 <---Mr. Sandman by Chet Atkins... Take care, Larryz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d halfnote Posted August 28, 2011 Share Posted August 28, 2011 May we have the envelope, please...Most surprising gtr solo in a pop songTaxman / Beatles / solo by Paul The fury with which McCartney attacks here, melding aspects of sitar-like playing and rock, must've stunned Harrison, as well as most guitarists.Remember, Hendrix was still banging clubs in NYC & even Jeff Beck was only beginning to touch this area. Most inventive gtr solo in a pop songI'm Only Sleeping / Beatles / solo by George, under direction of John Lennon There had already been many inventive tricks applied to electric gtr in pop music (wah, fuzz, volume pedals, interactivity with vocal controls, etc) but I don't think anyone else had tried playing backwards as a serious musical device. Most influential gtr soloTiePurple Haze / Hendrixhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnFSaqFzSO8Combining alla JH's trix---invention in scale/note choices, electronic effects and multitracking---in a single record, this remains the best single reprentation of how he changed the world of pop music.For kicks check out this version, with no FX !http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0dmPKYJiB8An excellent tutorial on how he actually played the song. All Along The Watchtower / Hendrixhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bng3agUOYiIThis reworking of Dylan's slightly Iberian-flavored folky strumalong leads the pack among JH's later works (Star Strangled Banner, Voodoo Chile, Machine Gun, etc) by virtue of it's sheer inlikeliness, structural depth & influence on Jummy Page, among others. Oh, you wanted the best gtr solo...?...that will always remain personal choice, that prolly isn't even the same for most of us from day to day.But, hey, consider these...8 Mile High / Byrds / Roger McGuinnSpirit in the Sky / Norman Greenbaum / solo by Ry CooderAll Right Now / Free / aolo by Paul Kossoff d=halfnote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caevan O’Shite Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 But my vote still goes for Jeff "Skunk" Baxter's on Steely Dan's "Rikki, Don't Lose That Number"- which wasn't on the list. Everything, solos, comping, writing, arranging, just everything on those first 4 or 5 Steely Dan records is light years ahead of anything else in pop at the time, so to give anybody else a chance you sort of have to make the category "Best guitar solo in pop music, excepting everything by Steely Dan." Why the Hell did it take the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame until freakin' 2001 to indite 'em, and why the Hell were they ceremoniously introduced by "Moby"? Just my opinion as a fan. "Rikki," is the most finely crafted piece of pop music ever. It's certainly very high in that category, to say the least. May we have the envelope, please... Most surprising gtr solo in a pop song Taxman / Beatles / solo by Paul The fury with which McCartney attacks here, melding aspects of sitar-like playing and rock, must've stunned Harrison, as well as most guitarists. Remember, Hendrix was still banging clubs in NYC & even Jeff Beck was only beginning to touch this area. Most inventive gtr solo in a pop song I'm Only Sleeping / Beatles / solo by George, under direction of John Lennon There had already been many inventive tricks applied to electric gtr in pop music (wah, fuzz, volume pedals, interactivity with vocal controls, etc) but I don't think anyone else had tried playing backwards as a serious musical device. Most influential gtr solo Tie Purple Haze / Hendrix http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnFSaqFzSO8 Combining alla JH's trix---invention in scale/note choices, electronic effects and multitracking---in a single record, this remains the best single reprentation of how he changed the world of pop music. For kicks check out this version, with no FX ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0dmPKYJiB8 An excellent tutorial on how he actually played the song. All Along The Watchtower / Hendrix http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bng3agUOYiI This reworking of Dylan's slightly Iberian-flavored folky strumalong leads the pack among JH's later works (Star Strangled Banner, Voodoo Chile, Machine Gun, etc) by virtue of it's sheer inlikeliness, structural depth & influence on Jummy Page, among others. VERY good points and candidates. If the soloing in "Purple Haze" is "the best single representation of how he changed the world of pop music", the definitive solos in Hendrix' arrangement of "All Along The Watchtower" drive the point home beyond any doubt; a tour-de-force lesson showing "this is how it's done" without equal. Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do? ~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~ _ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harvey Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 well put, d! Guitar Speak Podcast www.guitarspeakpodcast.libsyn.com https://www.facebook.com/guitarspeakpodcast www.itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/guitar-speak-podcast Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guitarzan Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 I recall many Van Halen "purist" friends of mine being appalled when Beat It came out and finding out that Eddie had teamed up with Jacko. Personally, I really liked what Eddie did with that solo... heck, I even kind of liked the one that Weird Al's guitarist did on Eat It - before he exploded! i am pretty sure Rick Derringer did the Eat It solo. http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=193274 rock it, i will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george costanza Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 Lest George Harrison not get his due here, let me bring this one up: Something FWIW, here's a link to the "Midnight At The Oasis" solo by Amos Garrett that revals it's context perhaps better than the link above. Midnight Listening To Oasis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dannyalcatraz Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 George Benson's "On Broadway" and "This Maquerade" feature some nice work. And Andy Summers' (The Police) career is littered with nifty solos, and his colleague The Edge is no slouch, either. Sturgeon's 2nd Law, a.k.a. Sturgeon's Revelation: âNinety percent of everything is crapâ My FLMS- Murphy's Music in Irving, Tx http://murphysmusictx.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d halfnote Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 Lowell George (of Little Feat) did an interesting exploration of the E maj scale & harmonic suspensions on the song "Easy To Slip". The lines dive up & down through the passing chords like a porpoise coursing through the waves. The final downward line remains a fave---way to fully exploit the fretboard ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuxlbjNmuAQ d=halfnote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caevan O’Shite Posted August 29, 2011 Share Posted August 29, 2011 We have an embarrassment of riches, don't we? Does this count as a pop-song? It sure has a slammin', a-ringin'-a-bell solo: ________ [video:youtube] How 'bout this? Does this count? Always loved the solo in this one, too: ________ [video:youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2015S3A-lg Lest George Harrison not get his due here, let me bring this one up: Something Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah! He contributed a LOT of great solos, fills, and supportive guitar-parts to so many great Beatles songs. A particular favorite of mine is Harrison's cranked, fuzzed lead-break on "Hey Bulldog"- so vibey and energized! ________ [video:youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thYUAqeCNy0 George Benson's "On Broadway"... LOVE that lead; incredible tone, too! ________ [video:youtube] And Andy Summers' (The Police) career is littered with nifty solos, and his colleague The Edge is no slouch, either. Much agreed! I'll let you post some examples... Ask yourself- What Would Ren and Stimpy Do? ~ Caevan James-Michael Miller-O'Shite ~ _ ___ _ Leprechaun, Esquire _ ___ _ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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