The songs I like

Before I came to College, I wasnt a very music-friendly person. Sure I could hum the bollywood numbers and had studied the rudiments of Carnatic music. But then with all the pressure of studies and entrances, I guess these things took a backseat.

In College, as it would inevitably have to be, I was introduced to the world of Western music. Today, having listened to a fair bit of songs and having done that, I am at least in a position to say which songs I like and which I dont. Most English songs, rock or otherwise, seem to hinge on to a specific tune or guitar riff to catch on to the audience. In this way, I still consider Indian classical music to be superior, since the variety one gets to listen to , even in the midst of a single song is amazing.

Here are some of my fav songs:

1) The Eagles- Hotel California : Its the song that got me hooked on to any form of western music. The opening tune and the long guitar solo are both peak performances in their own right. Even the somewhat small storyline lyrics have a bit of intrigue set in them, something that keeps the curiosity of the listener alive throughout the song. Perhaps it will remain my favorite song.

2) Metallica's Master of Puppets : Metallica has done a lot of good songs and many of their songs do feature the heavy metal interspersed with soothing classical tones. It is perhaps best seen in Master of Puppets, where apart from the signature catchy riffs, there is a good classical solo in between. The smooth transition from classical back to heavy metal is quite good too. And the interest level is maintained throughout the 8 and a half minute song, a great feat.

3) Led Zeppelin Stairway to Heaven : The song was, to begin with, dreadfully slow for my liking and twice or thrice I gave up on it. But when I finally did listen to the whole piece, I found the song to be very very good. Though the song does get monotonous in the first 2-3 minutes, it picks up in the middle and goes a long way till the end. Some very good guitar work from Jimmy Page. Though Robert Plant's vocals, I found average.

4) Nirvana's The Man Who Sold the World : The song is originally by David Bowie, but I found Kurt Cobain's unhinged voice much better in the Nirvana version. The sad, melancholic tone throughout has made me a fan.

5) Iron Maiden's Hallowed be thy Name : Amazing song. I became a fan of Iron Maiden after listening to this song. Unfortunately, I found most of the other maiden songs to be average.

Some may say- What? No Pink Floyd? No Beatles? Well, as they say, to each one his own. And perhaps the list will be modified if i listen to more songs.