We all love a good guitar solo. Even if you're not particularly fond of Rock music as a genre, chances are you can appreciate a well placed, well structured solo.
However, it's easier than you may think to balls up a solo in the middle of a great song. It's not a cardinal sin but it's definitely the difference between your Free Birds and your I Want To Break Frees. Much like my piece detailing Dos and Don'ts of Compilation Albums, this post will look at the highs and lows of some solos along with common misconceptions and perhaps even a few underrated gems.
Naturally, you may disagree with some of my opinions regarding good/bad solos but hopefully, you'll agree with the points I'm trying to make about solos in general. Right, here we go!
DO get the first few notes right
It doesn't matter if you've got the next Hendrix playing lead and he reckons it's his magnum opus, if he gets those first few notes wrong then he may as well not bother. In fact, that's probably why the solo for "One Vision" - Queen is so short and shitty, because Brian May fucked up before it even began. Anyway, getting back on topic, this is quite a simple step but that doesn't mean it can't go wrong. "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" - Blue Oyster Cult is one of the few songs where I prefer the radio edit with the solo omitted and why's that? The dodgy start to the solo.
You're probably sat there thinking "But musical taste is subjective, how can you define what is and isn't a good start to a solo?" Good point. It's tough to define something that's around about 90% personal taste but the rule still applies. Don't be one of those few bands who mess up at the first hurdle, even though it probably won't affect the rest of the song provided it has a hell of a good riff to fall back on.
DO let your solo last the right amount of time
I would say a good solo lasts approximately the length of a verse and a chorus but there are many exceptions which are either longer or shorter than that combination. However, they still abode by this rule and found just the right amount of time to last before returning to the song. If your solo is too short, it may feel like all the build-up has been a waste of time, e.g. "Pull Me Under" - Dream Theater or "Master Of Puppets" - Metallica, whereas a solo that goes on and fucking on can be considered arrogant like the guitarist is just polishing his cock up and down the fretboard for his own ego, e.g. "Stranglehold" - Ted Nugent.
Compare these songs to others that have nailed the time frame for their instrumental. "Catch Your Train" - Scorpions is a tidy 22 seconds but considering the amount of work that's going on throughout the entire song, it's a perfect example of getting it just right in a designated solo-slot. Also "Wanted Dead Or Alive" - Bon Jovi. Bursts in after the second chorus and takes you neatly onto the third without disturbing the rhythm.
DO more than just "shred"
So many aspiring guitarists or young fans of the genre seem to think that the more complicated and furious a solo sounds, the better it is. Yeah, it demonstrates technical know-how but that means sweet F.A if you can't tie it together with a great melody and some self-control. Whilst these mental solos may be fun to play on Guitar Hero, they often fail to make Top 10 lists written by anyone above the age of 15. That being said, shredding is always welcome provided it doesn't make 100% of the solo.
Take "Rainbow In The Dark" - Dio, a song which goes all out and damn near busts a nut during the middle of the solo. However, it still takes a breather every now and then to replace a clusterfuck of notes with actual music. Compare this to the work of Orianthi or rather two of her more popular songs "According To You" and "Suffocated". The soloing is bland, soulless and there for the sake of it, not because it adds any power or depth to the song. They're also what I call "Roofie Solos" in that after listening to it, you can't remember anything that happened...all you know is that you've been screwed.
DON'T prematurely blow your load
OK, so we've established that you can show off your skills during your solo. Do you break straight into shredding like a greyhound at a track?
NO! Christ, no!
Build up to the shredding, give the listener a chance to grow accustomed to the sound of your guitar before you start wailing on them. There are plenty of songs with excellent solos that get progressively more intense until they peak, simmer down and return to the song again. To name a few:
"My Sharona" - The Knack
"Tornado Of Souls" - Megadeth
"A Farewell To Kings" - Rush
"Hitch A Ride" - Boston
Those are just some examples of songs with great solos that start out small before escalating towards greatness. How about some songs that do the complete opposite and go out guns blazing in the first bar, leaving the solo nowhere else to go and therefore plateauing at the worst possible part:
"Crazy Train" - Ozzy Osbourne
"Mr Crowley" - Ozzy Osbourne
"Believer" - Ozzy Osbourne
OK, so you get the picture. I've made my thoughts about Randy Rhoads clear as day on this blog and he's definitely at the top of the list of guitarists who get away with this shite.
DON'T recycle your material
Writing a good solo must be pretty difficult, presumably explaining why a lot of mainstream modern Hard Rock bands tend to skip them altogether. I can understand why some guitarists who are perhaps lacking the same imagination and talent as their idols resort to using similar riffs, hooks and/or licks across different songs. This especially applies to ones who are currently on their 12th album and have likely been told by a producer to listen to their older material and original influences to help catch the fire that they once had or some tosh.
However, what I can't understand is why some guitarists not only get away with but also feel happy knowing that they've recycled elements of a solo they've already used. If Randy Rhoads was the representative of the last item on this list, Joel O'Keeffe of Airbourne is the champion of this one. Even without trying, you'll stumble across songs on their second album, No Guts No Glory, starting with the same 2-3 sustain notes before breaking into a shred and some songs even have the same shredding pattern ("Born To Kill", "Raise The Flag" and "Back On The Bottle" to name a few).
Granted there are several solos that are slightly different, even if they are similar to OTHER solos he's recorded, and technically all of them are well played and fun to listen to but it still feels cheap as if he wanted to rush through the creative process regardless of how good the songs actually were. Besides, if other bands can come up with amazing solos several decades after their first album, it just shits on the quality of a group who have run out of ideas just over five years into their career*.
DON'T just repeat the vocal melody on guitar
So the last point was about not reusing material and this point is also about not reusing material, yes I recognise the irony or hypocrisy or whatever you want to call it. However, I still feel they deserve their own subheadings. Both are examples of laziness in songwriting whereas this adds even less to the song. At least an existing solo might work better with the other track or introduce the listener to a brilliant piece of music in case they only hear one of the songs but using the same vocal refrain on guitar is just rehashing something that you can be 100% certain the listener has heard.
Perhaps this point has annoyed me so much because there's no sensible way you can defend it and yet it exists on songs that are critically acclaimed. The solo in "Smells Like Teen Spirit" - Nirvana is probably the most well known example. I can live with people insisting that the track is "good" in any way but when idiots start putting the solo anywhere near "Top Guitar Solo" lists, it feels like they're all in on some shite joke that I missed out on.
Other solos are unlikely to make the same level of acclaim but the earlier mentioned "I Want To Break Free" - Queen, "Madness" - Muse and "Back In The USSR" - The Beatles** are also guilty of phoning it in when it comes to the guitar solo. For the same reasons of the last point, it feels completely cheap and pisses all over the effort of the rest of the band. I can kind of understand guitarists feeling the need to copy the vocal line on a filler track when they're up against time constraints and can't come up with a good enough original solo but those songs are all fairly well known!
Anyway, that's a handy guide for any aspiring guitarists out there. Does it tell you how to write a hit or a guaranteed chart topping solo? No, although I imagine nailing your scales and arpeggios will do you a world of favours.
However, if you're in the middle of writing a solo, ask yourself if you've shamelessly plagiarised another tune or gone in guns blazing within the first few seconds. If you have, it's back to the fret board with you!
* In the interest of fairness, I should also mention that Airbourne aren't the only band who do/have done this. Not that anyone has listened to any of the other songs on The Final Countdown - Europe but "Rock The Night" and "Love Chaser" share almost exactly the same intro to the solo and damn near the same musical formula too. For this sin, they're doomed to be remembered for only one song despite having several others that are just as good if not better.
** Many years ago, I claimed "Back In The USSR" - The Beatles was one of my favourite guitar solos. However, I also claimed that the organ solo in "Highway Star" - Deep Purple was one of my favourite guitar solos so I think it's fair to say that I had no idea what I was talking about back then.
Thursday 30 April 2015
Monday 27 April 2015
Tenology: My Favourite Tracks From SSB Wii U
Don't worry, this won't be the only blog post I do this month.
In November, Super Smash Bros for Wii U was released and was met with mostly positive reviews. Whilst I think the game would've been better as a single title rather than split across 3DS & Wii U resulting in two full priced titles that on their own are only OK, this blog post isn't about me reviewing it. It's about my 10 favourite songs from the game, similar to a post I did a while ago about Super Smash Bros Brawl.
In terms of the game's soundtrack, I personally believe Brawl had a greater collection of original songs and that if this game didn't include most of Brawl's better tunes then the soundtrack would've been a bit of a letdown. However, it's now time to look at the 10 original songs from Super Smash Bros for Wii U that I have set to max on My Music:
10. Gear Getaway - Donkey Kong
I'm not entirely sure why this song needed rerecording for Smash Bros as it sounds pretty damn similar to the original anyway. The Donkey Kong track I included in the SSBB post was indisputably improved by rerecording it whereas this track sounds like an unused version, rather than a sparkly new one. Either way, it's a cool little jungle tune that's equally fun to Smash to.
9. Pac-Man's Park/Block Town - Pac-Man
The main reason this remix is only at number 9 is because of the Block Town part. Kinda ruins the Pac-Man's Park intro that was used in Pac-Man's character trailer, if you ask me. However, it's still a great tune full of nostalgic sound effects and rocking guitars. Just a shame it doesn't fit the stage it's assigned to as well as other tracks.
8. Trophy Rush - Super Smash Bros for Wii U
A zany, wacky piece of music that goes on just a little bit too long to prevent it from being higher on this list. However, it takes the theme for Smash Bros Wii U (which is my personal favourite out of all four games) and toys with it gloriously, resulting in a frenzied yet composed piece of music fit for a match, a minigame, teaser trailer or hype-generating background music at E3.
7. Pedal Glider - PilotWings
At number 7, we have quite a calm remix that takes the original Reggae-inspired tune and turns it into awesome lift music. Some of you might think this isn't great fighting music and perhaps you'd be right BUT give it a minute or so and this soothing melody introduces some synth to the mix, giving it little bit more of a dynamic feel. It's not action packed and it's clearly not what I would call the best track but as far as unlockable songs go, it was a neat surprise.
6. Air Man Theme - Mega Man
I remember hearing this in the My Music section of the 3DS version & getting a little bit more excited for the Wii U game, if only for the greater music collection. Mega Man 2 is well known for having a lot of awesome tunes, even if they are 8-bit. However, hearing the revamped version of the Air Man level with guitars, keyboards and drums a-plenty makes it all the better. Bonus points for making this sound like even more of an aerial-battle anthem!
5. Ballad Of The Goddess/Ghirahim's Theme - Legend Of Zelda
Another brilliant tune from the Legend Of Zelda series remixed into a perfect fighting song yet ruined slightly by the needless attachment of an antagonist theme, see also Song Of Storms and the truly terrible Saria's Song/Middle Boss Battle. Fans of Skyward Sword will remember the moment in the game when you first start shredding the Ballad Of The Goddess after acquiring the Goddess Harp in what has to be the single worst use of the Motion Plus controls in the entire game, if not history. The harp melody Link plays can be heard in the string arrangement during this track & if I had to pick a favourite moment/reason why this song is number 5, that would be it. I like it a lot.
4. Minor Circuit Theme - Punch Out!
Suppose I should mention that I do slightly prefer the original from Punch Out Wii although this remix does have a few cool additions. For example, the "Oh yeah!"'s that crop up every now and then. However, this polished Rock remix of the Minor Circuit theme is obviously gonna be great brawling music, considering it came from a fighting game and has been beefed up for another fighting game! I definitely feel like working out to this song...well, I would if I ever felt like working out. Ever.
3. Battle! Trainer (Pokemon X/Y) - Pokemon
Ignoring the fact that this song is mapped to my favourite stage in the Wii U version & was used in Greninja's announcement trailer after a Smash Bros Nintendo Direct which kicked all kinds of ass, everything about it rocks! The fluttering scales, the stabbing strings, the general excitement of it all really. Unlike most of the other songs in the game, I haven't tired of this one yet. I can still bang it on repeat and listen to it for a lengthy period of time which is one of the key qualities of top notch game music.
2. The Valedictory Elegy - Baiten Kaitos
I'm still not sure if I prefer this remix or the original from Baiten Kaitos Origins overall. What I do know is this is easily my favourite song to listen to whilst fighting on Gaur Plains, even if it is the only one that doesn't come from the game linked to the stage. The high pitched violin might sound annoying at first but once you get used to it and appreciate what is easily the game's most "epic" piece of music, you'll find you can't fight without it.
1. Mega Man 2 Medley - Mega Man
At first, I was disappointed they mixed the Mega Man 2 opening music with Dr Wily Stage 1-2 but I guess it's better to have a piece of music with a sensible length rather than shorter tracks that lose appeal quicker. So what can I say about this tune, other than I've bugged the crap out of my girlfriend by playing it so often? Well, the synchronised mix of heavy guitars and classic synth gives it a fresh yet simultaneously nostalgic quality whilst the heavy chugging and punchy beat in the background adds the mechanic element of Mega Man. I mean, that's what I would say if I was trying to sound well informed. Truth is it's just fucking great. It has everything a good fighting song should have and is entirely responsible for me checking out more music from the Mega Man series.
Sorry for another video game post but it was either this or me ranting about the new Guitar Hero game, which I'll probably do at some point this year or the next. Stay tuned for another post before May that won't be about video games...although it may be ranting still.
In November, Super Smash Bros for Wii U was released and was met with mostly positive reviews. Whilst I think the game would've been better as a single title rather than split across 3DS & Wii U resulting in two full priced titles that on their own are only OK, this blog post isn't about me reviewing it. It's about my 10 favourite songs from the game, similar to a post I did a while ago about Super Smash Bros Brawl.
In terms of the game's soundtrack, I personally believe Brawl had a greater collection of original songs and that if this game didn't include most of Brawl's better tunes then the soundtrack would've been a bit of a letdown. However, it's now time to look at the 10 original songs from Super Smash Bros for Wii U that I have set to max on My Music:
10. Gear Getaway - Donkey Kong
Fun idea, meh execution
I'm not entirely sure why this song needed rerecording for Smash Bros as it sounds pretty damn similar to the original anyway. The Donkey Kong track I included in the SSBB post was indisputably improved by rerecording it whereas this track sounds like an unused version, rather than a sparkly new one. Either way, it's a cool little jungle tune that's equally fun to Smash to.
9. Pac-Man's Park/Block Town - Pac-Man
The main reason this remix is only at number 9 is because of the Block Town part. Kinda ruins the Pac-Man's Park intro that was used in Pac-Man's character trailer, if you ask me. However, it's still a great tune full of nostalgic sound effects and rocking guitars. Just a shame it doesn't fit the stage it's assigned to as well as other tracks.
8. Trophy Rush - Super Smash Bros for Wii U
It took the Internet about half a minute to work this technique out
A zany, wacky piece of music that goes on just a little bit too long to prevent it from being higher on this list. However, it takes the theme for Smash Bros Wii U (which is my personal favourite out of all four games) and toys with it gloriously, resulting in a frenzied yet composed piece of music fit for a match, a minigame, teaser trailer or hype-generating background music at E3.
7. Pedal Glider - PilotWings
Wonder what's going through the mind of the pilots during all of this
At number 7, we have quite a calm remix that takes the original Reggae-inspired tune and turns it into awesome lift music. Some of you might think this isn't great fighting music and perhaps you'd be right BUT give it a minute or so and this soothing melody introduces some synth to the mix, giving it little bit more of a dynamic feel. It's not action packed and it's clearly not what I would call the best track but as far as unlockable songs go, it was a neat surprise.
6. Air Man Theme - Mega Man
I could probably do a Tenology post of the best Air Man remixes too
I remember hearing this in the My Music section of the 3DS version & getting a little bit more excited for the Wii U game, if only for the greater music collection. Mega Man 2 is well known for having a lot of awesome tunes, even if they are 8-bit. However, hearing the revamped version of the Air Man level with guitars, keyboards and drums a-plenty makes it all the better. Bonus points for making this sound like even more of an aerial-battle anthem!
5. Ballad Of The Goddess/Ghirahim's Theme - Legend Of Zelda
Continuing the theme of uninspired LoZ stages
Another brilliant tune from the Legend Of Zelda series remixed into a perfect fighting song yet ruined slightly by the needless attachment of an antagonist theme, see also Song Of Storms and the truly terrible Saria's Song/Middle Boss Battle. Fans of Skyward Sword will remember the moment in the game when you first start shredding the Ballad Of The Goddess after acquiring the Goddess Harp in what has to be the single worst use of the Motion Plus controls in the entire game, if not history. The harp melody Link plays can be heard in the string arrangement during this track & if I had to pick a favourite moment/reason why this song is number 5, that would be it. I like it a lot.
4. Minor Circuit Theme - Punch Out!
Just a man and his will to survive...
Suppose I should mention that I do slightly prefer the original from Punch Out Wii although this remix does have a few cool additions. For example, the "Oh yeah!"'s that crop up every now and then. However, this polished Rock remix of the Minor Circuit theme is obviously gonna be great brawling music, considering it came from a fighting game and has been beefed up for another fighting game! I definitely feel like working out to this song...well, I would if I ever felt like working out. Ever.
3. Battle! Trainer (Pokemon X/Y) - Pokemon
Why the hell weren't you Mewtwo?
Ignoring the fact that this song is mapped to my favourite stage in the Wii U version & was used in Greninja's announcement trailer after a Smash Bros Nintendo Direct which kicked all kinds of ass, everything about it rocks! The fluttering scales, the stabbing strings, the general excitement of it all really. Unlike most of the other songs in the game, I haven't tired of this one yet. I can still bang it on repeat and listen to it for a lengthy period of time which is one of the key qualities of top notch game music.
2. The Valedictory Elegy - Baiten Kaitos
Or should it be "valedictory elegy" without caps? Don't care either way.
I'm still not sure if I prefer this remix or the original from Baiten Kaitos Origins overall. What I do know is this is easily my favourite song to listen to whilst fighting on Gaur Plains, even if it is the only one that doesn't come from the game linked to the stage. The high pitched violin might sound annoying at first but once you get used to it and appreciate what is easily the game's most "epic" piece of music, you'll find you can't fight without it.
1. Mega Man 2 Medley - Mega Man
This guy, am I right?
At first, I was disappointed they mixed the Mega Man 2 opening music with Dr Wily Stage 1-2 but I guess it's better to have a piece of music with a sensible length rather than shorter tracks that lose appeal quicker. So what can I say about this tune, other than I've bugged the crap out of my girlfriend by playing it so often? Well, the synchronised mix of heavy guitars and classic synth gives it a fresh yet simultaneously nostalgic quality whilst the heavy chugging and punchy beat in the background adds the mechanic element of Mega Man. I mean, that's what I would say if I was trying to sound well informed. Truth is it's just fucking great. It has everything a good fighting song should have and is entirely responsible for me checking out more music from the Mega Man series.
Sorry for another video game post but it was either this or me ranting about the new Guitar Hero game, which I'll probably do at some point this year or the next. Stay tuned for another post before May that won't be about video games...although it may be ranting still.
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