Hey Norman great video once again. Thunderclap Newman's Something in the Air has a special meaning to me. And I'll tell you why. Growing up in the 60's and 70's exploring pop music was the greatest period in my life. As a kid racing down to the local record store every week to get the new top 40 list and upcoming songs was everything. I used to tell my brother, we are living in a time of musical explosion that the world will never experience again. So that song really sums up everything for me because there truly was something in the air. I know the drug culture had a lot to do with it but the creativity in every genre and from every corner of the globe wouldn't have been there if there wasn't something in the air. I believe that song says it all.
I thought for sure you were going to do Desolation Row or Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands or It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue. But you can’t really argue with Like A Rolling Stone.
Good video! The problem with a lot of Epic songs we all love are the songs that we’re all sick of hearing because they are overplayed over the years Your list is your own Epic songs probably not heard by a lot of people but are Epic to you!!
Hey Maslov it's Butterworth here. I hope you are well my friend. It's my Birthday today! 49 years old. It's raining here in NW England but I will be climbing off my wagon and taking in some alcohol this evening which should be fun. Take care Mazzy.
New subscriber here; loving this list and your content on this channel. One song that I was very surprised not to see here, and I must admit that I don't really even know the story behind is Bluebird. I'm not sure why the extended version is not on Buffalo Springfield Again, but I love it. Thanks for the upload.
Great video as always sir. My list would be: Bros - Panda Bear He Would’ve Laughed - Deerhunter Elegy to the Void - Beach House Helplessness Blues - Fleet Foxes At the Door - The Strokes
Great idea for a video, Mazzy! Good selections, Chestnut Mare one of my faves, and recognizing Layla as an epic, the entire album builds towards that title track and then Bobby Whitlock’s Thorntree in the Garden winds down the intensity of all the other anguished songs. Here’s a few studio selections, Stuck Inside of Memphis With the Memphis Blues by you know who, Tull’s Thick as a Brick, Station to Station by Bowie, 18th Avenue ( Kansas City Nightmare) by Cat Stevens, New York City Serenade from Bruce, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant by Mr. Joel, Roxy’s Song for Europe to consider. Likewise, here are some live versions that turned the studio versions into epics, Spoonful from Cream’s Wheels of Fire, Sometimes I feel ( So Uninspired) from Traffic’s On The Road, Tales of Brave Ulysses from Live Cream Volume II, Whipping Post from Fillmore East, Mountain’s Nantucket Sleighride from Twin Peaks and Jimi’s Machine Gun from Band of Gypsys. Maybe time to make the recommended playlist now.
Great choices. Really great to see mention of Desperados Under the Eaves ('Look away down Gower Avenue'): the high point of an album that's pretty much a high point from start to finish...
Great video Mazzy, I really enjoyed that one. A few I’d add of my own favourites would be Child In Time by Deep Purple, Riders On The Storm - The Doors, In Every Dream Home A Heartache -Roxy Music and I’d also add Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts by Dylan, a song often passed over when reviews of Blood on the Tracks are shown but I love that song. No doubt I’ll think of many more when I’ve posted this.
Wow ,I really enjoyed that and gotta say I agreed with a lot of them. I can't believe I just picked up my first ever Bob Dylan album on cd in a charity shop just the other day and it just so happens to be that one,love it. Luv the show.
Nice one Mazzy. So much to choose from! For myself and just off the top of my head..I’d probably include Walk On The Wild Side - Lou Reed. How Soon Is Now - The Smiths. White Rabbit -Jefferson Airplane. Song To The Siren - Tim Buckley… and also cover by This Mortal Coil … and the cover of Blinded By The Light - Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (no really)… plus I’ll squeeze in Atmosphere by Joy Division. I’m stopping now before I reach 100+
Great video. Have you done a video on best covers? Sympathy for the Devil covered by Bryan Ferry is fantastic. Leon Russell's A Hard Rain is going to Fall is another. Love to hear your picks. Thanks for these videos. Best thing on youtube right now.
Great list Mazzy, there are certainly several there that would be on my list. ‘Telegraph Road’ would be right up there on mine, along with ‘The End’ and ‘Freebird’. I would say ‘Stargazer’ by Rainbow has to be the most epic song ever recorded however. Ronnie James Dio sounding incredible with one of his best soaring vocals. Add in Richie Blackmore’s Middle Eastern sounding guitar solo, Cozy Powell’s fantastic drumming and the orchestra coming in towards the end. Yes, this is a truly epic track. Take care cheers
That was an interesting video. My mind went to a number of Fela Kuti songs when you were describing the concept. Then Rock Lobster by The B52’s, but as the symphonic/orchestral theme started cropping up I thought of Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Love Me by The Smiths.
You nailed it Maz!!! No doubt LARS by BD definitely number one...always emotes feelings and special memories fo😮r me...luv it!! And kudos for highlighting sky pilot by eric burdon and something in the air by thunderclap newman....wow long time since I've spun those , but yeah, two great classics indeed that the whole VC needs to hear!!
'Epic' to me summons up ideas of space and depth, journeys emotional and literal, and the songs Without You by Nilsson, Ride by Lana del Rey and Melissa by the Allman Brothers came to my mind most readily.
Thank for this - I have just made a Qobuz playlist and it lasts two a half hours. My additions would be Funeral for. Friend/Love Lies Bleeding by Elton John and Supper’s Ready by Genesis. Thank you for sharing your lists
The incredible New York Tendaberry (1969). Laura Nyro's paean to New York, the beauty, the ugliness, the everyday, the history, the spirit. Just vocal and piano, but Nyro's genius makes it sound symphonic while she breaks every rule of traditional songwriting norms. A good example of why people like Alice Cooper regard her as the best songwriter in contemporary music. Just on another level of creativity and artistry.
The 8 minute version of Its a Long Way There (1975) by the Little River Band. One of the greatest rock guitar tracks ever, and clearly an influence on Sultan's of Swing.
Just a perfect list. Having followed Springsteen since 73 and seeing him during that period, when I first heard Backstreets, it blew me away, and I knew this guy would blow the door down and continue to develop his artistry for years to come. Jungle land is a better fit for this category. And that sax solo!!!!
American Pie got me an A in my college freshman English Speech class with my interpretation of the songs message. Thank you Don McLean. :). Of all the videos I’ve watched of yours, this maybe the first time I’ve matched you on songs and albums. At least 90%. Mike Bloomfield is such a fantastic guitar player and I believe that he made Bob Dylan better. Well done Mazzy. :)
I really enjoyed your list, especially Chestnut Mare and Sky Pilot. I was lucky enough to see McGuinn/Clark/Hillman perform CM live in the late 70's in a club; truly magical. Off the top of my head, favorite epics of mine (leaving out prog, like you did): A Quick One (While He's Away) - The Who Abbey Road Medley - Beatles NYC Serenade - Bruce Drive All Night - Bruce The End - Doors When The Music's Over - Doors Soft Parade - Doors Desolation Row - Dylan You Set The Scene - Love Rio Grande - Brian Wilson Last Resort - Eagles Brown Shoes Don't Make It - Zappa China Cat Sunflower/I Know You Rider - Gr Dead Tuesday Afternoon/Evening Time to Get Away - Moody Blues I know the second I hit send, I'll think of 2 more. . .but this is enough for now. . . .
Saw Roger a few years ago playing ( that 'Rickie' 12 string of course) electric and acoustic and telling stories and Chestnut Mare is one of the highlights of his presentation
Another thought provoking video, but I think there are some omissions. 'Song for Europe' or 'Is there something' by Roxy Music, a couple from that 60's output by Scot Walker ('Montague Terrace in Blue' or 'The Seventh Seal'), or maybe 'How it ends' by Devotchka. Pleased you included 10CC, but I prefer Labelle's merging of 'Something in the air tonight with 'The revolution will not be televised', powerhouse and epic
Great category Mazzy! I especially liked Sky Pilot. My list would have included Down By the River by Neil Young, Cowboy Movie by David Crosby, Riders On The Storm by The Doors, Salt Of The Earth by The Rolling Stones and John Cale’s version of Hallelujah.
Great list Mazzy, my epic songs are Ten years after - here they come, The The - Uncertain Smile, Steppenwolf - Renegade and Golden Earring- are you receiving me.
Excellent list; i'd add Telegraph Road by Dire Straits and Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape by Be Bop Deluxe, though not sure what i'd remove to find them a place.
My old workmate at the Post Office 40 years ago, Billy Whizz, always sang wordy songs that told stories, not epic in terms of anthemic but developing a narrative - - 'Taxi'... 'Bonnie & Clyde'... 'Kentucky Rain'... 'Boy Named Sue'... 'American Pie'... '24 Hrs from Tulsa'... 'It Never Rains in Southern California'... 'Patches'... 'Lola'... 'Angie Baby'... 'Garden Party'... 'Rubber Bullets'... I found out later Whizz was considered backward at school, probably dyslexic - - so without realising why, Whizz met his formative need for narrative and serial myths with singles and albums. That was his literature.
I first heard it on Radio 2 just a few years ago, but "One Velvet Morning" by Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood is a dreamy mini-epic (apparently a hit in the '60's). Strawbs' "Down By the Sea" (it starts with a single acoustic guitar accompaniment & ends with a thrilling LSO climax!) and The Stone Roses' "I Am the Resurrection" would be on my list.
The Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin", along with Procol Harum's "A White Shade of Pale," were the two songs I always think of when someone talks about Epic Rock Songs.
Mazzy I couldn't do 25 songs! It would change each day! But incredible choices from you!! I got the Sky Pilot single from Eric Burdon!! Great choice! Great video I am sorting through to play quite a few of your choices! I'd forgotten some of these choices!! (I agree about stairway/Bohemian) 😆
Hi Mazzy ! You chose some great songs !( I love Chestnut Mare too !) My list would've included "Alice's Restaurant" by Arlo Guthrie, and "Nantucket Sleigh ride" by Mountain. Have a good weekend ! 😊
Enjoyed that, all good! My two cents: This is the Sea and/or Fisherman’s Blues/Waterboys, Poncho & Lefty/Townes Van Zandt, I am the Resurrection/Stone Roses, The Band Played Waltzing Matilda/Pogues to name a worthy few.
Great video. A day in the life is#2, not the Beach Boys for me. Fleetwood Mac Albatross was John's Sun King not Because. Once again great job, love your channel .
Soon after I watched this video ‘Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” came up on my play list. It’s a great song, the vocals, lyrics and arrangement are “epic”. I recommend everyone listen to it again, the vinyl and digital are equally great. It would be on my epic list.
No Neil Young? Change your mind (14 mins.) Cortez the killer Like an inca Like a hurricane Down by the river Cowgirl in the sand Words Cinnamon Girl Revolution Blues Etc etc Not to forget Joe Walshs masterpiece Lifes been good to me (so far)!
Hey Mazzy, before I got too far into this great concept for a video, I thought I would stop the tape and type out my own list of “epic” songs. So, in no particular order (and I realize that you know all of these artists just by the song title but I’m only including them for the sake of younger (or less informed) viewers…). Gimme Shelter (Stones), European Son (Velvet Underground), Theme from an Imaginary Western (Mountain), Surf’s Up (Beach Boys), Hat Trick (America - yeah, no kidding!), The Big Country (Talking Heads), Ashes by Now (Emmylou Harris), Quarte Moon in a Ten Cent Town (Carlene Carter), History (Judy Collins) 1985 (McCartney & Wings), Cross the Green Mountain (Bob Dylan), The Thrill of it All (Roxy Music), A Day in the Life (The Beatles), Long Lankin (Steeleye Span), Kasmir (Led Zeppelin), Pigs three different ones (Pink Floyd), Marque Moon (Television), Piece of My Heart (Big Brother & the Holding Co.) Closer to Home (Grand Funk Railroad), Terrapin Station (Grateful Dead). That is 20 right there. So, have to agree from the first 13 minutes of your video (This is where I paused it to type this up), that Something in the Air, Sky Pilot, Space Oddity, Celluloid Heroes would be on my list too. There’s 24 then. Adding my last one to total up to 25 - it is… Eminence Front (The Who, and probably my favorite Who song, by the way). Aw, just realized I didn’t include Incident on 57th Street (Springsteen). Hey! This was fun. Now I’m going to finish watching the last twenty-four minutes of your video. Peace out.
Sky Pilot was a great tune...burned into my memory as it came out just when a buddie's older brother was killed in Viet Nam. Thought you might include Jungle Land, that one always feels like a movie or broadway play to me. People often think of Sympathy for the Devil in terms of the historical reference and Keef's solo, but the imagery is truly epic...good choices all around!
Loved your choices. And I agree with you. But how could you forget the Doors epics? Either The End or When the Music’s Over. Both build to wild climaxes and have different sections. Also Vanilla Fudge’s You Keep Me Hanging On. Would you add them to your list? 😉
@@mazzysmusic do you follow the channel "Retro Musings"? She has some amazing takes on music and her passion and knowledge are inspiring, as are yours. Thank you for what you do - it is essential. Keep it alive and pass it on!
Awesome list of songs! I’ll have to put some thought into this…Billy Joel ‘Piano Man’, Pink Floyd ‘Time’, Jim Croce ‘Time In A Bottle’, Tod Stewart ‘Maggie May’ whew this will be fun to consider ✌️
Totally agree w Sky Pilot. Definition of epic. To me epic means a certain gravitas in sound or lyricism, and a progressively rising development or build up. This fits the bill.
Hey Mazzy, I caught your lookback of our interactions on the recent Rachel’s Ghost Daily Live-stream. You didn’t mention my months old Maslov’s Pyramid or Actualizations screed. #disappointed
A few Other Epic songs: ELP: Take a Pebble Stevie W: Living for the City Steely Dan: Aja Doors: Light My Fire Chamber Bros: Time Has Come Van M: St Dominic’s Preview
I would have picked Desolation Road, Visions of Johanna, Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues, Tangled Up in Blue or Mississippi for Bob Dylan. Thanks for talking about Chestnut Mare. Kantner's Blows Against the Empire has three or four epics it: A Child is Coming, Hijack, Let's Go Together, Starship. Great theme. Thanks
That was a great list But you didn’t have “Vision’s of Johanna” which is the absolute definition of EPIC His Bobness wrote a few Epics!! Brownsville Girl is an Epic Lily Rosemary and the Queen of Hearts…
The Killing Moon is epic! Funny, for epic tracks I would have chosen the Sounds of Silence over Bridge Over Troubled Water and Backstreets over Jungleland 🙂
"Out where the hills" from Seatrain's 2nd lp, "Spirits in the night" by Bruce Springsteen, "Mother Russia" by Renaissance, "Desolation row" by Dylan and "The greatest show on earth" by Nightwish.
What about 'MacArthur's Park'? .. and I couldn't believe you passed right over '1983 (A merman I should turn to be)' by Hendrix. Really? 'Question' by the Moody Blues, 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes' by Crosby, Stills and Nash, 'Roundabout' by Yes .. goodness me .. Aren't these favorites? Never mind 'Innagaddadavida' or 'Desolation Row' or .. or unnumbered things by early Chicago, ELP, Jethro Tull etc etc etc. 'L.A. Woman'? .. well .. I suppose you have to draw the line somewhere.
Great selections . I would also add these songs : Bob Dylan : Isis Gordon Lightfoot : The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Jethro Tull : Aqualung ( with some provocative lyrics about a homeless man ) Bruce Cockburn : Pacing the Cage. ( if you haven’t heard this one , do yourself a favour and check it out ) Simon & Garfunkel : I Am a Rock and in honour of Mr . Buffett : the great Banana Republics . Thanks !
Good Vibrations, yes!!! Can’t You Hear Me Knocking, When the Music’s Over, The End, It’s Alright Ma (I’m Only Bleeding) and Visions of Johanna honourable mentions
In my mind Grand Hotel from Procol Harum Feel the Benefit from Ten CC Songs from the Wood from Jethro Tull Aja from Steely Dan Rudy from Supertramp Telegraph Road from Dire Straits Set me free from Chris Rea (What a Song!!!) Acadian Driftwood from The Band Heart of the Sunrise from Yes Firth of fifth by Genesis The Universal by Blur Black by Pearl Jam Silver Springs by Fleetwood Mac Expecting to Fly by Buffalo Springfield Music by John Miles (yes I like it) Whipping Post by the ABB Scenes from an Italian Restaurant by Billy Joel Lost Angeles by Colosseum And so on and on....
Hey Mazzy, Springsteen is the epic master but Born to Run didn't make the top 25? I was at the Seattle show the week he was on the cover of Time and Newsweek. My memory is that it opened with a single spotlight on him impassionately singing "the screen door slams." Is that your recollection? I thought he was corny AF but 2.5 hours later I was totally won over. I bet we were at many of the same shows, but you in SF and me in Seattle or Vancouver. The Doors, Who's Next Tour, Stones Exile Tour, Led Zep 4 Tour and Dylan and the Band to name a few. Is it possible we were both at Winterland for the Dead NYE 72/73?
A few that come to mind: Radiohead - Paranoid Android Tool - pretty much every song they do but my favourite is Third Eye The Doors - When The Music's Over Shihad - The General Electric Metallica - One Elbow - Newborn
American Pie by all means, but don’t forget Vincent. It’s such a lovely song! I remember driving one night when that song came on the radio and filled my eyes with tears. So beautiful! And THANK YOU for putting LARS at #1! 👊
In spite of any reasons, I see that Bohemian Rhapsody would fit well in this list, according to the "nature" of the list itselt. Also Its more strange to me that a song like Hotel California it's not in this list, would fit very well in this list, even more than Boh.Rap..
Not even heard your post yet Low Spark of High Heeled Boys - Traffic Awaken, South Side of the Sky - Yes Supper’s Ready, Fifth of Firth, The Lamia - Genesis Battle for Evermore, Ten Year’s Gone, Kashmir - Led Zeppelin Xanadu - Rush Love Reign O’er Me, We’re Not Gonna Take It - The Who Criminal - Fiona Apple Terrapin Station - The Grateful Dead Cortez the Killer - Neil Young Dogs, Echoes, Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd Edith and the Kingpin, Song for Sharon - Joni Mitchell Nights in White Satin - Moody Blues Lark’s Tongue is Aspic I, Epitaph - King Crimson Cloudbusting - Kate Bush GImme Shelter - The Rolling Stones I am The Walrus, Tomorrow Never Knows, A Day In the Life - The Beatles Station to Station, Alladin Sane, Space Oddity - David Bowie Crazy on You - Heart The Thrill of It All - Roxy Music Steely Dan - Aja Tangled Up In Blue, Isis - Bob Dylan The Last Resort - The Eagles Slit Skirts - Pete Townshend Impossible Germany - Wilco
I can't believe you would finalize with my favorite, the album that contained my everlasting solution to all pain. I agree, Mike Bloomfield was the necessary ingredient. Without him nothing could have been done. He had that It that no one else had.
Hey Norman great video once again. Thunderclap Newman's Something in the Air has a special meaning to me. And I'll tell you why. Growing up in the 60's and 70's exploring pop music was the greatest period in my life. As a kid racing down to the local record store every week to get the new top 40 list and upcoming songs was everything. I used to tell my brother, we are living in a time of musical explosion that the world will never experience again. So that song really sums up everything for me because there truly was something in the air. I know the drug culture had a lot to do with it but the creativity in every genre and from every corner of the globe wouldn't have been there if there wasn't something in the air. I believe that song says it all.
That song and Incense and Peppermints...just screams the 60s at me...and anything from the Fabs.
I thought for sure you were going to do Desolation Row or Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands or It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue. But you can’t really argue with Like A Rolling Stone.
🫵
Great list! Oh well is one of my top 5 songs of all time. I would have had The Velvet Underground’s Heroin on my list.
Good video! The problem with a lot of Epic songs we all love are the songs that we’re all sick of hearing because they are overplayed over the years Your list is your own Epic songs probably not heard by a lot of people but are Epic to you!!
Yup we call have our own w some classics ✌🏼
Great list Mazzy! So happy you included El Paso. A complete love story told in 4 and a half minutes.
Hey Maslov it's Butterworth here. I hope you are well my friend. It's my Birthday today! 49 years old. It's raining here in NW England but I will be climbing off my wagon and taking in some alcohol this evening which should be fun. Take care Mazzy.
New subscriber here; loving this list and your content on this channel. One song that I was very surprised not to see here, and I must admit that I don't really even know the story behind is Bluebird. I'm not sure why the extended version is not on Buffalo Springfield Again, but I love it. Thanks for the upload.
Great video as always sir. My list would be:
Bros - Panda Bear
He Would’ve Laughed - Deerhunter
Elegy to the Void - Beach House
Helplessness Blues - Fleet Foxes
At the Door - The Strokes
Great idea for a video, Mazzy! Good selections, Chestnut Mare one of my faves, and recognizing Layla as an epic, the entire album builds towards that title track and then Bobby Whitlock’s Thorntree in the Garden winds down the intensity of all the other anguished songs. Here’s a few studio selections, Stuck Inside of Memphis With the Memphis Blues by you know who, Tull’s Thick as a Brick, Station to Station by Bowie, 18th Avenue ( Kansas City Nightmare) by Cat Stevens, New York City Serenade from Bruce, Scenes from an Italian Restaurant by Mr. Joel, Roxy’s Song for Europe to consider.
Likewise, here are some live versions that turned the studio versions into epics, Spoonful from Cream’s Wheels of Fire, Sometimes I feel ( So Uninspired) from Traffic’s On The Road, Tales of Brave Ulysses from Live Cream Volume II, Whipping Post from Fillmore East, Mountain’s Nantucket Sleighride from Twin Peaks and Jimi’s Machine Gun from Band of Gypsys.
Maybe time to make the recommended playlist now.
"Closer to Home" from GFR could qualify here, depending on ones taste.
Great choices. Really great to see mention of Desperados Under the Eaves ('Look away down Gower Avenue'): the high point of an album that's pretty much a high point from start to finish...
Great topic, great list. I was convinced to see A Day In The Life as no 1. Almost right. Happy to see Chestnut Mare high on the list. So good.
This list could be endless ✌🏼
OUTstanding video, sir and great 'most honorable mentions' by everyone
Thunder Child with Chris Thompson on vocals. Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of The Worlds.
Great video Mazzy. When you mentioned Ray Davies I was hoping for "Shangri-La" but I can't fault your choices - well done!
Great video Mazzy, I really enjoyed that one. A few I’d add of my own favourites would be Child In Time by Deep Purple, Riders On The Storm - The Doors, In Every Dream Home A Heartache -Roxy Music and I’d also add Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts by Dylan, a song often passed over when reviews of Blood on the Tracks are shown but I love that song. No doubt I’ll think of many more when I’ve posted this.
I like most of those too ✌🏼
Wow ,I really enjoyed that and gotta say I agreed with a lot of them.
I can't believe I just picked up my first ever Bob Dylan album on cd in a charity shop just the other day and it just so happens to be that one,love it.
Luv the show.
Great video, I would add ‘The Year of the Cat’ Al Stewart & George Benson’s brilliant cover of War’s song ‘The World Is a Ghetto’
How about "Roads to Moscow", from Al Stewart as well?
Was waiting for Jungleland…that album came out 48 years ago today.
Nice one Mazzy.
So much to choose from!
For myself and just off the top of my head..I’d probably include Walk On The Wild Side - Lou Reed. How Soon Is Now - The Smiths. White Rabbit -Jefferson Airplane. Song To The Siren - Tim Buckley… and also cover by This Mortal Coil … and the cover of Blinded By The Light - Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (no really)… plus I’ll squeeze in Atmosphere by Joy Division.
I’m stopping now before I reach 100+
Great video. Have you done a video on best covers? Sympathy for the Devil covered by Bryan Ferry is fantastic. Leon Russell's A Hard Rain is going to Fall is another. Love to hear your picks. Thanks for these videos. Best thing on youtube right now.
“The Last Resort” by the Eagles would be on my list. It contains the best lyrics they ever wrote.
Great list Mazzy, there are certainly several there that would be on my list. ‘Telegraph Road’ would be right up there on mine, along with ‘The End’ and ‘Freebird’. I would say ‘Stargazer’ by Rainbow has to be the most epic song ever recorded however. Ronnie James Dio sounding incredible with one of his best soaring vocals. Add in Richie Blackmore’s Middle Eastern sounding guitar solo, Cozy Powell’s fantastic drumming and the orchestra coming in towards the end. Yes, this is a truly epic track. Take care cheers
That was an interesting video.
My mind went to a number of Fela Kuti songs when you were describing the concept. Then Rock Lobster by The B52’s, but as the symphonic/orchestral theme started cropping up I thought of Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Love Me by The Smiths.
You nailed it Maz!!! No doubt LARS by BD definitely number one...always emotes feelings and special memories fo😮r me...luv it!! And kudos for highlighting sky pilot by eric burdon and something in the air by thunderclap newman....wow long time since I've spun those , but yeah, two great classics indeed that the whole VC needs to hear!!
'Epic' to me summons up ideas of space and depth, journeys emotional and literal, and the songs Without You by Nilsson, Ride by Lana del Rey and Melissa by the Allman Brothers came to my mind most readily.
You nailed this for me...we agree on at least 3/4 of these.
Thank for this - I have just made a Qobuz playlist and it lasts two a half hours.
My additions would be Funeral for. Friend/Love Lies Bleeding by Elton John and Supper’s Ready by Genesis.
Thank you for sharing your lists
The incredible New York Tendaberry (1969). Laura Nyro's paean to New York, the beauty, the ugliness, the everyday, the history, the spirit. Just vocal and piano, but Nyro's genius makes it sound symphonic while she breaks every rule of traditional songwriting norms. A good example of why people like Alice Cooper regard her as the best songwriter in contemporary music. Just on another level of creativity and artistry.
The 8 minute version of Its a Long Way There (1975) by the Little River Band. One of the greatest rock guitar tracks ever, and clearly an influence on Sultan's of Swing.
Just a perfect list. Having followed Springsteen since 73 and seeing him during that period, when I first heard Backstreets, it blew me away, and I knew this guy would blow the door down and continue to develop his artistry for years to come. Jungle land is a better fit for this category. And that sax solo!!!!
Celluloid Heroes and Chestnut Mare get my vote everytime......... The Weight, Broken Arrow, For What It's Worth? Fab list!
American Pie got me an A in my college freshman English Speech class with my interpretation of the songs message. Thank you Don McLean. :). Of all the videos I’ve watched of yours, this maybe the first time I’ve matched you on songs and albums. At least 90%. Mike Bloomfield is such a fantastic guitar player and I believe that he made Bob Dylan better. Well done Mazzy. :)
I really enjoyed your list, especially Chestnut Mare and Sky Pilot. I was lucky enough to see McGuinn/Clark/Hillman perform CM live in the late 70's in a club; truly magical.
Off the top of my head, favorite epics of mine (leaving out prog, like you did):
A Quick One (While He's Away) - The Who
Abbey Road Medley - Beatles
NYC Serenade - Bruce
Drive All Night - Bruce
The End - Doors
When The Music's Over - Doors
Soft Parade - Doors
Desolation Row - Dylan
You Set The Scene - Love
Rio Grande - Brian Wilson
Last Resort - Eagles
Brown Shoes Don't Make It - Zappa
China Cat Sunflower/I Know You Rider - Gr Dead
Tuesday Afternoon/Evening Time to Get Away - Moody Blues
I know the second I hit send, I'll think of 2 more. . .but this is enough for now. . . .
Saw Roger a few years ago playing ( that 'Rickie' 12 string of course) electric and acoustic and telling stories and Chestnut Mare is one of the highlights of his presentation
Hey Norman, I agree with you. Your ranking is similar like my ranking.
Another thought provoking video, but I think there are some omissions. 'Song for Europe' or 'Is there something' by Roxy Music, a couple from that 60's output by Scot Walker ('Montague Terrace in Blue' or 'The Seventh Seal'), or maybe 'How it ends' by Devotchka. Pleased you included 10CC, but I prefer Labelle's merging of 'Something in the air tonight with 'The revolution will not be televised', powerhouse and epic
Supper’s Ready?? Talk about an epic ride!
Great category Mazzy! I especially liked Sky Pilot. My list would have included Down By the River by Neil Young, Cowboy Movie by David Crosby, Riders On The Storm by The Doors, Salt Of The Earth by The Rolling Stones and John Cale’s version of Hallelujah.
Great list Mazzy, my epic songs are Ten years after - here they come, The The - Uncertain Smile, Steppenwolf - Renegade and Golden Earring- are you receiving me.
+1 for Renegade - that song is still in my playlist(s), .. Steppenwolf 7 was they 2nd album I ever bought (RCOA)
@@roberthurley1685 it’s a near perfect album, bought it when it first came out because of that cover.
@@Onteo1 that cover .. IKR?
Excellent list; i'd add Telegraph Road by Dire Straits and Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape by Be Bop Deluxe, though not sure what i'd remove to find them a place.
I’m a simple guy. I see Mazzy doing a video of epic songs, I click on
The way it should be 🤠
Dammit this video kept me up thinking. By your astute criteria, House Of The Rising Sun fits the bill perfectly
Everything in its right place! Nice. Love that song. And Oh well! Fck ya. And then the praise for bloomfield! Right on. Great video Mazzy 🤘🏼
My old workmate at the Post Office 40 years ago, Billy Whizz, always sang wordy songs that told stories, not epic in terms of anthemic but developing a narrative - - 'Taxi'... 'Bonnie & Clyde'... 'Kentucky Rain'... 'Boy Named Sue'... 'American Pie'... '24 Hrs from Tulsa'... 'It Never Rains in Southern California'... 'Patches'... 'Lola'... 'Angie Baby'... 'Garden Party'... 'Rubber Bullets'... I found out later Whizz was considered backward at school, probably dyslexic - - so without realising why, Whizz met his formative need for narrative and serial myths with singles and albums. That was his literature.
I first heard it on Radio 2 just a few years ago, but "One Velvet Morning" by Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood is a dreamy mini-epic (apparently a hit in the '60's). Strawbs' "Down By the Sea" (it starts with a single acoustic guitar accompaniment & ends with a thrilling LSO climax!) and The Stone Roses' "I Am the Resurrection" would be on my list.
Stevie Wonder’s “Living For The City” gets me every time.
Ditto on El Paso...my departed Dad's favorite song of all times. I took my guitar to the hospital and played it for him on his deathbed.
Nights in White Satin, for me, Mazzy. Actually the whole album Days of Future Past is epic.
Beautiful choice !
Beautiful record!
The Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin", along with Procol Harum's "A White Shade of Pale," were the two songs I always think of when someone talks about Epic Rock Songs.
Chestnut Mare, a song that will never ever be tamed...
Mazzy I couldn't do 25 songs! It would change each day! But incredible choices from you!! I got the Sky Pilot single from Eric Burdon!! Great choice! Great video I am sorting through to play quite a few of your choices! I'd forgotten some of these choices!! (I agree about stairway/Bohemian) 😆
My list wound also change every week ✌🏼
Hi Mazzy ! You chose some great songs !( I love Chestnut Mare too !) My list would've included "Alice's Restaurant" by Arlo Guthrie, and "Nantucket Sleigh ride" by Mountain. Have a good weekend ! 😊
I didn't think of "Alice's Restaurant," either... great call, Cindy!
Oh, I forgot.... Jethro Tulls' "Aqua Lung", "Quadrophenia" by The Who,and "Odessa" by the Bee Gee's.
Enjoyed that, all good! My two cents: This is the Sea and/or Fisherman’s Blues/Waterboys, Poncho & Lefty/Townes Van Zandt, I am the Resurrection/Stone Roses, The Band Played Waltzing Matilda/Pogues to name a worthy few.
Great video. A day in the life is#2, not the Beach Boys for me. Fleetwood Mac Albatross was John's Sun King not Because. Once again great job, love your channel .
Soon after I watched this video ‘Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” came up on my play list. It’s a great song, the vocals, lyrics and arrangement are “epic”. I recommend everyone listen to it again, the vinyl and digital are equally great. It would be on my epic list.
As always, a fine list. How about "1952 Vincent Black Lightning:, R Thompson?
Norman Gaslov LOL nice burp sir. Great list!!!
No Neil Young?
Change your mind (14 mins.)
Cortez the killer
Like an inca
Like a hurricane
Down by the river
Cowgirl in the sand
Words
Cinnamon Girl
Revolution Blues
Etc etc
Not to forget Joe Walshs masterpiece Lifes been good to me (so far)!
Hey Mazzy, before I got too far into this great concept for a video, I thought I would stop the tape and type out my own list of “epic” songs. So, in no particular order (and I realize that you know all of these artists just by the song title but I’m only including them for the sake of younger (or less informed) viewers…). Gimme Shelter (Stones), European Son (Velvet Underground), Theme from an Imaginary Western (Mountain), Surf’s Up (Beach Boys), Hat Trick (America - yeah, no kidding!), The Big Country (Talking Heads), Ashes by Now (Emmylou Harris), Quarte Moon in a Ten Cent Town (Carlene Carter), History (Judy Collins) 1985 (McCartney & Wings), Cross the Green Mountain (Bob Dylan), The Thrill of it All (Roxy Music), A Day in the Life (The Beatles), Long Lankin (Steeleye Span), Kasmir (Led Zeppelin), Pigs three different ones (Pink Floyd), Marque Moon (Television), Piece of My Heart (Big Brother & the Holding Co.) Closer to Home (Grand Funk Railroad), Terrapin Station (Grateful Dead). That is 20 right there. So, have to agree from the first 13 minutes of your video (This is where I paused it to type this up), that Something in the Air, Sky Pilot, Space Oddity, Celluloid Heroes would be on my list too. There’s 24 then. Adding my last one to total up to 25 - it is… Eminence Front (The Who, and probably my favorite Who song, by the way). Aw, just realized I didn’t include Incident on 57th Street (Springsteen).
Hey! This was fun. Now I’m going to finish watching the last twenty-four minutes of your video. Peace out.
I know it's not cool to like Gordon Lightfoot, but I felt like "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" should have made the list.
That's a bad miss imo
For some reason these popped into my mind. Harry Nillson - Without You or Jump Into The Fire
Sky Pilot was a great tune...burned into my memory as it came out just when a buddie's older brother was killed in Viet Nam. Thought you might include Jungle Land, that one always feels like a movie or broadway play to me. People often think of Sympathy for the Devil in terms of the historical reference and Keef's solo, but the imagery is truly epic...good choices all around!
Loved your choices. And I agree with you. But how could you forget the Doors epics? Either The End or When the Music’s Over. Both build to wild climaxes and have different sections. Also Vanilla Fudge’s You Keep Me Hanging On. Would you add them to your list? 😉
Got me thinking. Time Has Come Today. Chambers Brothers. Thanks!
That’s a great one ✌🏼
Since I Been Loving You by Led Zep is up there
Great selection.
Look away down Gower Avenue....absolutely epic.
So good✌🏼
@@mazzysmusic do you follow the channel "Retro Musings"? She has some amazing takes on music and her passion and knowledge are inspiring, as are yours. Thank you for what you do - it is essential. Keep it alive and pass it on!
Awesome list of songs! I’ll have to put some thought into this…Billy Joel ‘Piano Man’, Pink Floyd ‘Time’, Jim Croce ‘Time In A Bottle’, Tod Stewart ‘Maggie May’ whew this will be fun to consider ✌️
Totally agree w Sky Pilot. Definition of epic. To me epic means a certain gravitas in sound or lyricism, and a progressively rising development or build up. This fits the bill.
Exactly!!
Hey Mazzy, I caught your lookback of our interactions on the recent Rachel’s Ghost Daily Live-stream. You didn’t mention my months old Maslov’s Pyramid or Actualizations screed. #disappointed
Sky Pilot is a forgotten classic, today as important as it was then.
Not forgetting "Like A Hurricane" and "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone".
Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
A few Other Epic songs:
ELP: Take a Pebble
Stevie W: Living for the City
Steely Dan: Aja
Doors: Light My Fire
Chamber Bros: Time Has Come
Van M: St Dominic’s Preview
One all-time favorite - "Wooden Ships" - Jefferson Airplane version
I would have picked Desolation Road, Visions of Johanna, Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues, Tangled Up in Blue or Mississippi for Bob Dylan. Thanks for talking about Chestnut Mare. Kantner's Blows Against the Empire has three or four epics it: A Child is Coming, Hijack, Let's Go Together, Starship. Great theme. Thanks
Terrapin Part 1 (aka, Terrapin Station)?
Weather Report Suite: Prelude / Part I / Part II (Let it Grow)?
How's bout The Other One?
I’m Your Captain (Closer To Home)?
That was a great list
But you didn’t have “Vision’s of Johanna” which is the absolute definition of EPIC
His Bobness wrote a few Epics!!
Brownsville Girl is an Epic
Lily Rosemary and the Queen of Hearts…
Did i miss freebird? Private Investigations
The Killing Moon is epic! Funny, for epic tracks I would have chosen the Sounds of Silence over Bridge Over Troubled Water and Backstreets over Jungleland 🙂
"Out where the hills" from Seatrain's 2nd lp, "Spirits in the night" by Bruce Springsteen, "Mother Russia" by Renaissance, "Desolation row" by Dylan and "The greatest show on earth" by Nightwish.
I actually like Seatrain first version of Out where the Hills on their first album on A&M better.
What about 'MacArthur's Park'? .. and I couldn't believe you passed right over '1983 (A merman I should turn to be)' by Hendrix. Really? 'Question' by the Moody Blues, 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes' by Crosby, Stills and Nash, 'Roundabout' by Yes .. goodness me .. Aren't these favorites? Never mind 'Innagaddadavida' or 'Desolation Row' or .. or unnumbered things by early Chicago, ELP, Jethro Tull etc etc etc. 'L.A. Woman'? .. well .. I suppose you have to draw the line somewhere.
Great selections .
I would also add these songs :
Bob Dylan : Isis
Gordon Lightfoot : The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
Jethro Tull : Aqualung ( with some provocative lyrics about a homeless man )
Bruce Cockburn : Pacing the Cage. ( if you haven’t heard this one , do yourself a favour and check it out )
Simon & Garfunkel : I Am a Rock
and in honour of Mr . Buffett : the great Banana Republics .
Thanks !
Tangled up in blue,Turn the page,Bat out of hell,Grand illusion,Scenes from an Italian restaurant.
What about John barley corn must die by traffic?
For a minute I thought you were going to say 'symphony' for the devil. Nice choices!
Good Vibrations, yes!!! Can’t You Hear Me Knocking, When the Music’s Over, The End, It’s Alright Ma (I’m Only Bleeding) and Visions of Johanna honourable mentions
In my mind Grand Hotel from Procol Harum
Feel the Benefit from Ten CC
Songs from the Wood from Jethro Tull
Aja from Steely Dan
Rudy from Supertramp
Telegraph Road from Dire Straits
Set me free from Chris Rea (What a Song!!!)
Acadian Driftwood from The Band
Heart of the Sunrise from Yes
Firth of fifth by Genesis
The Universal by Blur
Black by Pearl Jam
Silver Springs by Fleetwood Mac
Expecting to Fly by Buffalo Springfield
Music by John Miles (yes I like it)
Whipping Post by the ABB
Scenes from an Italian Restaurant by Billy Joel
Lost Angeles by Colosseum
And so on and on....
This are fantastic too !
John Miles MUST have been confident about that one 😉
Holy Moses! Are all 25 going to fit on the Mazstone?
Great idea, great epics.
Burp is also my favorite song by The Birds!. Cheers mazzy.
Hey Mazzy, Springsteen is the epic master but Born to Run didn't make the top 25? I was at the Seattle show the week he was on the cover of Time and Newsweek. My memory is that it opened with a single spotlight on him impassionately singing "the screen door slams." Is that your recollection? I thought he was corny AF but 2.5 hours later I was totally won over. I bet we were at many of the same shows, but you in SF and me in Seattle or Vancouver. The Doors, Who's Next Tour, Stones Exile Tour, Led Zep 4 Tour and Dylan and the Band to name a few. Is it possible we were both at Winterland for the Dead NYE 72/73?
again amazzyng! thanxs mazzy . your burp is outstanding btw😂😂
Glad you liked it!! 😵💫🤓
A few that come to mind:
Radiohead - Paranoid Android
Tool - pretty much every song they do but my favourite is Third Eye
The Doors - When The Music's Over
Shihad - The General Electric
Metallica - One
Elbow - Newborn
American Pie by all means, but don’t forget Vincent. It’s such a lovely song! I remember driving one night when that song came on the radio and filled my eyes with tears. So beautiful!
And THANK YOU for putting LARS at #1! 👊
In spite of any reasons, I see that Bohemian Rhapsody would fit well in this list, according to the "nature" of the list itselt. Also Its more strange to me that a song like Hotel California it's not in this list, would fit very well in this list, even more than Boh.Rap..
Please tell me Willin' is not on the list.
It’s not. 🤠
Not even heard your post yet
Low Spark of High Heeled Boys - Traffic
Awaken, South Side of the Sky - Yes
Supper’s Ready, Fifth of Firth, The Lamia - Genesis
Battle for Evermore, Ten Year’s Gone, Kashmir - Led Zeppelin
Xanadu - Rush
Love Reign O’er Me, We’re Not Gonna Take It - The Who
Criminal - Fiona Apple
Terrapin Station - The Grateful Dead
Cortez the Killer - Neil Young
Dogs, Echoes, Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd
Edith and the Kingpin, Song for Sharon - Joni Mitchell
Nights in White Satin - Moody Blues
Lark’s Tongue is Aspic I, Epitaph - King Crimson
Cloudbusting - Kate Bush
GImme Shelter - The Rolling Stones
I am The Walrus, Tomorrow Never Knows, A Day In the Life - The Beatles
Station to Station, Alladin Sane, Space Oddity - David Bowie
Crazy on You - Heart
The Thrill of It All - Roxy Music
Steely Dan - Aja
Tangled Up In Blue, Isis - Bob Dylan
The Last Resort - The Eagles
Slit Skirts - Pete Townshend
Impossible Germany - Wilco
None I picked but a few I though of ✌🏼
I can't believe you would finalize with my favorite, the album that contained my everlasting solution to all pain. I agree, Mike Bloomfield was the necessary ingredient. Without him nothing could have been done. He had that It that no one else had.
Exactly. Had to be one ✌🏼
I have a OG Layla which I never opened for some reason.