speed of dark

I've spent the last several Tuesdays on the subject of the cover article of Issue 1054 (June 12) of Rolling Stone, 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time compiled by writers David Fricke, Brian Hiatt, Evan Serpick, and Douglas Wolk. Last week I posted a few of my own favorite guitar songs that did not make this list, and I'll add a couple more today.

COPYRIGHTED CONTENT HAS BEEN REMOVED

Over a dozen years ago I recorded a live version of the Smashing Pumpkins performing "Siva" that became a much-played favorite. It's still around here somewhere on some scratchy cassette tape. I don't know which concert it was, and although there are many live versions out there on the Internet, I have not found exactly the one that I love. It was much longer than the greatest hits version I'm offering here. I just love how Billy alternately caresses the song lovingly and then shreds the dickens out of it.

Smashing Pumpkins: Siva, originally from Gish (1991)
Smashing Pumpkins' Official Website

Jackson Browne's Late For the Sky was one of my very favorite albums of the 70's. Part of that was that Browne's soulsearching lyrics that gave words to my own yearnings, but the other was the spellbinding beauty of David Lindley's slide. This one is the best example of both.

Heaven is no closer than it was yesterday
And the angels are older
They know not to wait up for the sun
They look over my shoulder
At the maps and the drawings
Of the journey I've begun

Jackson Browne: Farther On from Late For the Sky (1974)
David Lindley's Website


"The Draize Train" is my favorite Johnny Marr song because, as much as I love Mozz, he isn't in it! I usually find instrumentals kind of boring, but this one is just so full of sound and action.

The Smiths: The Draize Train live, from Rank (1988)
Johnny Marr's Website





I could post any one of a dozen Tobin Sprout songs as a favorite, but somehow this little tune from an album of demos and outtakes is a standout for me. Something about his tuning and chords just hits my sweet spot dead-center.

Tobin Sprout: Indian Ink
from Lost Planets & Phantom Voices (2003)

And because once I get started on Tobin Sprout, it's like potato chips--I can't stop--here is another. I just love this guy and can't figure out why Robert Pollard gets so much more glory.

Tobin Sprout: Paper Cut from Moonflower Plastic (1997)

More Tobin Sprout love on Speed of Dark
Photo by Leah Pryde, 2004