Song of the Week #40
Almost like a chain of dominoes, this SOTW is linked in a way to the one previous where I talked about Slash & co. with Velvet Revolver. March it turns out, is going to evolve into a section talking about guitar heroes, and the ones I worship(ped). There were an absolute plethora it has to be said, and a couple who won’t end up making sections in Song of the Week unfortunately.
For those who will know me (and would be ashamed if I didn’t mention him), Jeff Beck was an absolute idol of mine and one of the reasons I still play a Stratocaster, but unfortunately the pieces of music to a layman aren’t that.. well.. interesting. Song of the Week is here for entertainment after all! The remaining 2 who won't make the cut for March for 2 different reasons are John 5 (because his solo work is very similar to my reason for Jeff Beck, but I’ll chuck a Rob Zombie song in over April), and Randy Rhoads (because I’m saving Ozzy for a very special SOTW in May).
Over to the list then, transitioning from Slash, who I adored dearly and still bust out the Nightrain solo whenever I pick up a guitar, over to the bearded viking himself. He divides opinion amongst the guitar-playing legion, some think he’s sloppy, some think he’s incredibly overrated and repetitive - this included a guy at a concert in Manchester Apollo in 2011 screaming “STOP SOLOING! PLAY A FUCKING SONG!”, but I still love Zakk Wylde, and think he is one badass dude.
There’s something about the ‘Fuck You’ attitude with a greek god physique and a Les Paul strung as low as humanly possible, that made him with Ozzy Osbourne a guitar playing icon. I will be the first to admit, that his solo work can leave a little to be desired in terms of style over substance, but some of the riffs are absolutely insane, and his own songwriting is underrated in my opinion.
It was a real tough one for me, as to which Black Label Society song I was going to pick to show the best of Zakk Wylde. Stillborn came incredibly close, but I can chicken out in that regard by saying that if you haven’t checked out BLS before, go pick up the Kings of Damnation compilation. The song I’ve chosen to be fair in my mind is the right one, as I end up sticking the volume on full whack every time it comes on shuffle, and actually inspired the name of my band as a 17 year old (maybe more on that another time).
Concrete Jungle, turn it up - enjoy!