1. Alice Cooper 2. Rush 3. Patti Smith 4. BOC 5. Rick Wakeman (those early concept albums) 6. Sex Pistols 7. Kate Bush 8. Charly Garcia 9. Pink Floyd 10. just.cant.decide :)
Some of my favorites, in no order whatsoever: Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, A Tribe Called Quest, Neil Young, Peter Hammill, Morrissey, Susanne Sundfor, Roger Waters, Nick Drake, Robert Smith, ABBA, Beastie Boys, Thom Yorke, Bjork, Nick Cave, Lou Reed. There are too many, im sure I forgot some of my favorites, these are just the ones that first came to mind. Very peculiar topic, for a lot a people lyrics don't matter as long as they sound good with the music, but for me the lyrics can make a good band into a great one.
I don't think this can be a serious all time great list without Dylan but I know Pete isn't keen on him, not sure how Martin feels about Dylan (didn't play the video through all the way, maybe he gets mentioned later on?)...Plus this is Pete/Martin's favorites (versus all time greats)
@@wolf1977 I am a huge Dylan fan myself; seen him 50+ times in concert. I know Pete doesn't like him, but I don't hold it against him 😂 He talks about plenty of music that is interesting anyway
@@BlindArthurBlake 50+ times? Wow! Yeah I don't think Pete's too hot on many singer/songwriters. I was actually surprised when he posted that he owned a couple of Al Stewart albums
Mine are 1. Black Sabbath 2. Pink Floyd 3. Blue Oyster Cult 4. The Doors 5. Iron Maiden 6. Motorhead 7. Rush 8. Overkill 9. King Diamond/Mercyful Fate 10. Ronnie James Dio Honorable mention 1. AC/DC-Bon Scott era 2. Slayer 3. Megadeth 4. UFO 5. Alice Cooper
One reason Skynyrd was so good was the lyrics from Ronnie Van Zant. Someone once said if you wanted to know what kind of guy Ronnie was.. Just listen to any 3 Skynyrd songs. Also he never wrote anything down. Just remembered the lyrics during any given show.
Their lirycs are not so serious and significative, in the '70 there are so manof bands who wrote objectively better (es. All prog bands are better than Skynyrd at this).
Good shout for the Manics Martin, Everything Must Go is probably their most popular/commercially successful album here in the UK with some unusual (Kevin Carter) and surreal (Elvis impersonator Blackpool pier) songs which as you said have lots of lyrics packed into a three/four minute pop/rock song.
The Kinks, Clutch, The Replacements, The Mountain Goats, Smog/Bill Callahan, Alice Donut, NoMeansNo, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Alice Cooper, Blue Oyster Cult, Dead Kennedys, Fugazi Also always liked Lemmy's and Phil Lynott's lyrics. Bob Dylan, Warren Zevon, Joni Mitchell, John Prine, Townes Van Zandt in terms of singer/songwriters. As obvious as it is, it's Dylan above all for me, if I'm honest.
Rush and Kansas lyrics are great. Neil Peart and Kerry Livgren wrote some incredible songs. Red Barchetta and The Wall are masterpieces musically and lyrically.
The Wall is one of my favorites, Kerry's best IMO...So inspirational, as we all have internal walls that separate our reality and from our potential and that must be scaled.
That's a great topic!! My top ten in no particular order - RUSH - Iron Maiden - Metallica - Motorhead - The Police - Led Zeppelin - The Doors - Alice In Chains - Pink Floyd - Marilyn Manson
My favourite english writing lyricists: Bob Dylan, Roger Waters, Elvis Costello, Morrissey, Elliott Smith, Regina Spektor, Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys), Conor Oberst, Jason Isbell My favourite german lyricists: Udo Lindenberg, Rainald Grebe, Tex, Olli Schulz
So good to hear Manic Street Preachers get a mention. My introduction was through the release of their single 'If you Tolerate This...' and then I ended up going down that 'rabbit hole' big time. Talk about underrated.
A great album by a great band. Martin’s point is valid. I’ve always thought they need to trim their lyrics to make them fit their songs better and give JDB an easier job singing them
@@mahogany174 JDB is certainly up to the task. But you are right, especially when you hear him sing on the slower ballads and that's when you best appreciate his vocals.
1. Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band 2. Rush 3. The Kinks 4. The Beatles 5. The Doors 6. Siouxsie and the Banshees 7. King Crimson 8. Black Sabbath 9. Wire 10. Motorhead
Completely agree. I always like Motorhead, but you know, superficially listening to their music, you don't expect great lyrics. Man, was I amazed when I started to reading their lyrics. Amazing stuff, from deep moving themes to plain intelligent humoristic lyrics!
Not only was Neil Peart, in my opinion the GOAT of drumming, but he was also a lyrical genius. So well spoken and well read and intelligent. RIP Professor!!
Kansas is a GREAT lyrical band. Pete is correct, very positive and uplifting. You can tell they put a lot of thought into their lyrics. Ronnie James Dio wrote some great lyrics, not consistently, but some real gems. Morrissey is a master lyricist. Some may not care for the overarching negativity but there's a dark humor that I enjoy. Rush is a no-brainer. Peart's lyrics could read like poetry or be philosophical in nature. 2112 was about a One World Order where individual freedoms and self expression were crushed by authoritarianism which quite frankly seems more relevant in 2022 than in 1976 when the album was released.
Kerry Livgren, without question. He is a voracious reader, particularly in the philosophy genre. He was the primary songwriter for Kansas - all prog tunes were Kerry's. Steve Walsh wrote some songs, but they were all straight rock, not prog, and the lyrics have no depth to them. And of course after leaving Kansas, Kerry wrote all the music & lyrics for his 2nd & 3rd major bands - AD and Proto-Kaw. And the lyrics to all his solo work are phenomenal. An incredible lyricist as well as composer, orchestrator, and multi-instrumentalist. Kerry's got it all! Right on Pete.
Great show Pete and Martin. I would include Supertramp, Steely Dan, Van der Graaf Generator, The Kinks, early Genesis and Peter Gabriel, Neil Young, early Rush.
Kansas(Kerry Livgren primarily, Steve Walsh too, thanks Pete) Supertramp(Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson both, in their styles, were effective) Steely Dan Dire Straits/Mark Knopfler Rush( RIP Neil Peart) Pink Floyd(Roger Waters) Al Stewart(love his historical references) Dan Fogelberg Billy Joel Bob Seger The Doors(as Martin mentioned) The Who(Pete Townsend) Gerry Rafferty The Eagles(Don Henley/Glenn (RIP)Frey) Jethro Tull(Ian Anderson, as Pete mentioned) Heart(Ann and Nancy Wilson, the 1970s, 1990s-on works)
I’m not a huge lyric guy myself, but some of my favorite lyricists include Peter Sinfeld, Ray Davies, Pete Townshend, Bob Dylan, Keith Reid, and John Fogerty.
@@guadalahonky4002 Winona Ryder liked them too! I hate music. It's got too many notes. I ain't got no idols I ain't got much taste I'm shiftless when I'm idle And I got time to waste I never seen no mountain Never swam no sea Drownin' in this city Well, it's really up to me I can't live without your touch Die within your reach
Martin, the Manics were MASSIVE here. Britpop was not something that overshadowed them as their real peak (unless you are a Holy Bible fan..) was at the point people were kinda done with Oasis. Still big but not massive. And James would have to put the accent on as Welsh is very different to English. Loads were massive then - it was insanely wonderful. Ocean Colour Scene would be my fave.
Brilliant to see the Manics mentioned on Sea of Tranquility. I agree with you Davy and one of my favourite bands in the 1990s. The Holy Bible is my favourite album by them but its very punk influenced- so I am not sure what I would recommend to Pete. Martin’s favourite, Everything Must Go? Gold Against the Soul? Maybe even Generation Terrorists?
My pick would be Kansas/Kerry Livgren. Much of Kerry's lyrics during the classic period, detail his spiritual journey at the time. The Pinnacle, The Wall, On The Other Side, Hold On, etc......Great stuff.
Great show as always- thanks guys. Grateful Dead mainly due to Robert Hunter but also John Barlow. Rush, Police and Clash opened my 15 year-old mind. Weird Al Yankovic.
Oh and an embarassing omission after my Elton vid this week on my channel in the new Madman Across The Water box- Bernie Taupin. He and Reg were put together as an accident...safe to say it worked. Have to love that Pete, you said you dont always understand Eltons voice...and Martin picks Lemmy after it. ;) He coulda been singing in Swahili for all I know!
Lyrics are poems basically, its the vocal melody and delivery that makes or breaks it . That being said , here is some of my favorites. Kevin Moore , Jim Matheos , Ray Alder , Neil Peart , Stephen Pearcy , John Lennon, Joe Jackson , Ric Ocasec .
Now to dig deeper lol . Ray Alder makes the list from his writing on the last 3 Fates albums. " The Way Home " is brilliant. Stephen Pearcy is the king of sleazy get laid lyrics . Ocasek is the Cars basically. Only recently have I discovered Joe Jackson.
Great show Pete and Martin here are my favorite lyric bands: 1. Blue Oyster Cult 2. King Diamond/Merciful Fate 3. Dream Theater 4. Black Sabbath 5. Iron Maiden 6. Rush 7. Genesis 8. Pink Floyd 9. Testament 10. The Beatles
Popoff and Pardo are at it again with a show slightly surprising since Pete often states he is not much of a 'lyric guy.'. Always some interesting choices when these two get together so thanks once again, gents, for an informative episode. When I was in junior high in the very late 60s, many of the 'younger' teachers of our English classes required us to study song lyrices of the day. Naturally, a couple of those - definitely The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel - would be on my list just from those days. Some of my other favorites would be Bernie Taupin on the Elton John lyrics, Neil Young, Warren Zevon, Pete Townsend [with and without The Who], Pink Floyd, and Steely Dan since they were just too cool not to know exactly what they were singing. Thanks again, gents. There ya go!
Ray Davies - the poet laureate of rock n roll. Robbie Robertson - King of Americana from a non-American Nick Lowe - Can do ANY genre Elvis Costello - A renaissance man Van Dyke Parks - added poetry to the music of Brian Wilson's genius. John Cale - The Dylan Thomas of music. Stuart Adamson - made Phil Lynotts Celtic lyrics seem quaint. David Byrne - An uncanny ability to re-invent his lyrics alongside his music Fish - A Bard of the old school. Zevon - EVERY album has a few masterpieces. The Lifell Kill Ya album is just...a poetry book. Warren Zevon and Excitable Boy are just...man. Perfect.
I'm going to add to the list of people who have already mentioned Roger Waters and Pink Floyd. And my slightly lesser known pick would be Pain Of Salvation.
1. Ian Anderson 2. Van Morrison 3. Warren Zevon 4. Neil Young 5. Elton John/Bernie Taupin 6. Blue Oyster Cult 7. Kansas 8. Styx 9. Graham Parker 10. Smithereens
This took me back to my youth with a painful thwack of nostalgia Pete and Martin. Oh my days! Get a new album, christen it by rolling a something-or-other on it, gatefold sleeve, follow the lyrics while you listen to it, get up to put side two on, nod sagely, "ticking away, the moments that make up a dull day..." Hey man! That's about me! Put side one on again while you put the posters up... I don't know what I miss most: original vinyl albums or just THE SEVENTIES. Oh my days!
10 Sonic Youth. Thurston Moore/Kim Gordon 9 Wire. Colin Newman 8 King Crimson (Assortment) 7 Siouxsie and the Banshees 6 Dog Faced Hermans. Marion Coutts 5 Nina Nastasia 4 Killing Joke. Jaz Coleman 3 The Doors. Morrison 2 New Model Army. Justin Sullivan 1 Sparklehorse. Mark Linkous. (Best poetry since Jim Morrison)
Ian Anderson's lyrics are brilliant. Complex and sometimes deliberately tongue in cheek. Also check out Dave Cousins of the Strawbs. Observant, occasionally graphic but always thought provoking. Both poetic lyricists.
Hello. 1) XTC 2) John Lennon (late period Beatles and solo) 3) Jellyfish 4) Max Webster 5) Elvis Costello 6) Jethro Tull 7) Genesis (early period Peter Gabriel) 8) Elton John 9) Rush 10) Simon and Garfunkel Honorable: Bob Dylan, Frank Zappa and Kansas
@@seaoftranquilityprog Have you've let your dislike of his voice prevent you from entering into his lyricism, story-telling and that unrivalled ability to paint a character. He has written about _all of _*_your_*_ friends and lovers._ Mine too as it's turned out.
I'm willing to bet i'm one of the few viewers to have both the full discogs of Manic Street Preachers and Glass Hammer in my collection lol. Great episode guys. Some fave lyric bands/artists: Gord Downie (Tragically Hip) Peter Hammill Bob Dylan Kate Bush Peter Gabriel/70s Genesis Blue Oyster Cult Rush Neil Young Robert Pollard/Guided by Voices Robyn Hitchcock/Soft Boys
Greatest rock song lyric "Hawkwind "Spirit of the Age" (lyrics by Robert Calvert. Actually it is a combination of two of his poems). I often think that this is a perfect summation of the human condition. Honorable mention for The Kinks - "Waterloo Sunset". I love everything about this song. Greatest Opening line to a song: Jim Morrison "The Crystal Ship" Before you slip into unconsciousness I'd like to have another kiss Some other great rock lyric writers for me include: Nick Drake Mark E Smith / Captain Beefheart Paddy McAloon Ian Dury Ian Curtis etc etc
Some people who aren’t aware of the bands history don’t know or realize how great a lyricist Geezer Butler of Sabbath was! Everyone assumes bc they shared writing credits that Ozzy wrote the lyrics but in fact Geezer wrote 90% of them. It’s actually pretty noticeable when you compare Ozzy ‘s solo stuff to Sabbath. Geezer was brilliant!
1st 3 LP's of The Manics Pete, some great rockin' songs & profound lyrics. Predated Britpop but got lumped in anyway. For me, great emotive & unique political lyrics matched with ever restless musical rock shapeshifting (therefore unpigeonholeable), none better than New Model Army.
MSP yes but for a more all encompassing universal political & emotional lyric then NMA & specifically Justin Sullivan’s lyrics does it for me. Also a more diverse musical pallete.
Weeeelllllll, there are five in my opinion that were “no brainers” that were missed. My five are Triumph, Pink Floyd, Styx, The Moody Blues and the amazing Alan Parsons Project.
I love Triumph! They have been a favorite of mine since I was 13 years old when Allied Forces came out. I love Allied Forces and my favorite is Just a Game. Rick Emmett is such an underrated guitar player.
1- Bob Dylan 2- Bruce Springsteen 3- Warren Zevon 4- The Who 5- The Doors 6- Thin Lizzy 7- Blue Oyster Cult 8- Rush 9- Rainbow (3 albums with Dio) 10- Kansas
Before viewing, here are my top 10. This is a tougher assignment and I spent no time doing research. I’m sure I forgot some. 1. The Who 2. Jethro Tull 3. XTC 4. The Kinks 5. Queen 6. Bob Dylan 7. David Bowie 8. R. E. M. 9. Talking Heads 10. Rush
GREAT pick with King Diamond. That's the first that comes to my mind. One of the few instances where I sit down with lyrics sheet and follow along with the music (or sometimes without music even.) Album-long victorian horror story? YES PLEASE!
Good lists, guys. I would include most of those bands you mentioned and add bands like Pink Floyd, Eyehategod, My Dying Bride, Mastodon, Sleep, YOB, Budgie, Glen Danzig-era Misfits and Danzig, Ronnie Van Zant-era Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Tool...just to name a few.
Great content as always guys! in no particular order these would probably be my picks Black Sabbath King Diamond Pink Floyd Neil Young Tool Rainbow Iron Maiden Alice Cooper Rush DIO
Bob Dylan must be mentioned but my favourites are Ray Davies of The Kinks, Dave Cousins of The Strawbs, Alan Hull of Lindisfarne, Al Stewart, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell and Phil Lynott,
The Beatles: Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison. The Kinks: Ray Davies, The Rolling Stones: Jagger & Richard, Pink Floyd: Barrett, Waters, and Gilmour, The Who: Townshend, Deep Purple: Gillan, The Doors: Jim Morrison Solo: Dylan, Zappa, Springsteen, Zevon
I forgot about Syd Barrett. His solo albums have some quirky lyrics, also. I'm not sure if anyone else has written in the same way, at least not anyone of his time. I'm sure there have been a few copycats since.
Good choices . My favourite bands lyrics wise are , in order of preference : Jethro Tull XTC 10 CC Rush Procol Harum Elvis Costello The Who Max Webster Genesis ( specifically the Gabriel era ) The Strawbs Honourable Mentions : Pink Floyd Squeeze The Stranglers Graham Parker Elton John / Bernie Taupin The Doors Al Stewart Be Bop Deluxe Thanks !
Great choice with Symphony X, Pete. I saw them for the first time last week in North Carolina, and I was completely blown away by their sound, enthusiasm, and overall presentation. While they are Dream Theater-level impressive musically, they are in a league of their own lyrically. I've been reading their lyrics for the past week since the show, and only one word comes to mind: wow! I've read Homer and love his Odyssey, but now I'm up for a little Milton and Dante as well. You might say they inspired me.
The first person that I thought of was Elvis Costello. But then immediately I thought of Neil Finn of Crowded house. Given more time I could’ve come up with many more.
It's funny, the thing Martin said about the Manics is what I noticed about them right away. I had a hard time understanding them and reading a long to their lyrics made me think "Wow, this guy likes to sing 15 syllables where only 5 will fit!" Lyricists I love that didn't get mentioned: Elvis Costello, Nick Cave, Mark Hollis (Talk Talk), Mark E Smith (The Fall), Matt Johnson (The The), Steve Albini (Big Black), David Lowrey (Camper Van Beethoven, Cracker), Michael Gira (Swans) and Justin Broadrick (Godflesh, Jesu).
The early Elton John/Bernie Taupin lyrics were an influence on me in my early teens. His albums usually had a lyric “booklet” that was enjoyable to read and follow along with the song like Madman Across the Water or Amorenna
Some of my favorite " lyric " bands, some are not in my top ten or twenty bands but I enjoy their lyrics and some are some of my favorite bands. 10. Queensryche 9. Frank Zappa 8. Ozzy Osbourne ( Bob Daisley lyrics, not Ozzy. lol ) 7. Gordon Lightfoot 6. The Who 5. April Wine 4. Thin Lizzy 3. Iron Maiden 2. RUSH 1. Black Sabbath honorable mentions: Bruce Springsteen AC/DC ( I love their lyrics, especially the Bon era, greasy, dirty, ballsy, funny lyrics ) The Beatles etc etc
Martin keeps surprising me with his Manics-mention. In that genre I would definitely go for Brett Anderson from Suede to whose lyrics I can relate much more. And of course the mighty Morrissey.
If you are looking for a theme, I would love to hear your favorite bar bands that made it to the big time. Two Boston bands that come to mind from my youth: J Giels and The Smithereens.
Ten (plus one) of my favourites. I’m not saying these are examples of poetry, as the lyrics are meant to be listened to within the context of a song, not read. But they are poetic. *Randy Newman* - ‘I Think It’s Going to Rain Today’ Broken windows and empty hallways A pale dead moon in the sky streaked with gray Human kindness is overflowing And I think it's going to rain today *Joni Mitchell* - ‘Amelia’ The drone of flying engines Is a song so wild and blue It scrambles time and seasons if it gets through to you Then your life becomes a travelogue Full of picture post card charms Amelia, it was just a false alarm *Richard Thompson* - ‘How Will I Ever Be Simple Again’ She sat by the banks of the dirty grey river And tried for a fish with a worm on a pin There was nothing but fever and ghosts in the water Oh how will I ever be simple again? *Smokey Robinson and the Miracles* - ‘The Tracks of my Tears’ People say I'm the life of the party 'Cause I tell a joke or two Although I might be laughing loud and hearty Deep inside I'm blue So take a good look at my face You'll see my smile looks out of place If you look closer, it's easy to trace The tracks of my tears *AC/DC* - ‘Touch too Much’ She had the face of an angel Smiling with sin A body of Venus with arms *The Kinks* - ‘Waterloo Sunset’ Every day I look at the world from my window But chilly, chilly is the evening time Waterloo sunset's fine (Waterloo sunset's fine) *Bob Dylan* - ‘Not Dark Yet’ I was born here and I'll die here against my will I know it looks like I'm movin' but I'm standin' still Every nerve in my body is so naked and numb I can't even remember what it was I came here to get away from *The Rolling Stones* - ‘Street Fighting Man’ Hey! Said my name is called disturbance I'll shout and scream, I'll kill the king, I'll rail at all his servants *Ella Fitzgerald* - ‘Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love)’ by Cole Porter Birds do it, bees do it Even educated fleas do it Let's do it, let's fall in love *Supertramp* - ‘If Everyone Was Listening’ The actors and jesters are here The stage is in darkness and clear For raising the curtain And no-one's quite certain whose play it is And just to piss off thousands of people… *Pink Floyd* - ‘Paranoid Eyes’ You believed in their stories of fame, fortune and glory Now you're lost in a haze of alcohol soft middle age The pie in the sky turned out to be miles too high And you hide, hide, hide Behind brown and mild eyes
@@patrickcrowther9195 Me too! I've got more than 20 of his albums but nothing too recent, his album Leftover Feelings from last year wasn't that good (too Country for me)...
Fantastic episode!! Glad to see the Manics are represented!! My 1st pick would be Nick Cave. My 2nd pick would be Nick Cave, my 3rd pick would be Nick Cave, and then my 4th pick would have to be Neil Peart of Rush (with honourable mentions to Phil Lynott, Pye Dubois & Roger Waters)
The lyricist who stands out for me is Phil Lynott. I think he was one of the first rock writers to have his lyrics published in book/poetry form. Great show guys, always enjoy Pete and Martin together.
For my money, one of the absolute master lyricists of his time was Warrel Dane of Sanctuary/Nevermore. He poured his soul into everything he wrote, thought-provoking and poetic in every way.
Peter Gabriel The Kinks( Ray Davies) Jethro Tull (Ian Anderson) The Doors (Jim Morrison) The Who (Pete Townshend) The Beatles John,Paul,George The Rolling Stones (Jagger/Richards) Yes (Jon Anderson) Led Zeppelin(Robert Plant) Neil Young HM🎤🎤 Rush Elton John w/Bernie Taupen Lynyrd Skynyrd (Ronnie Van Zant) Eurythmics (Annie Lennox/Dave Stewart Little Feat ( Lowell George) 😎🎤
Most bands I like inspire me to grab my guitar and jam along, but The Doors ( lyrics by Krieger and Morrison) have always inspired me to try my hand at writing poetry.
My favorite masterclass lyricists in Rock and Metal are: Rob Halford (Judas Priest, Fight, Halford) Ronnie James Dio (Black Sabbath, Dio, Rainbow) Layne Staley (Alice In Chains, Mad Season) Bruce Corbin (Rigor Mortis) Bon Scott (AC/DC) Honorable mentions: Steve Tyler, Geezer Butler, Jeff Hanneman, Klause Meine and Zakk Wylde.
@@brianmiller1077 the ones that love us the best/ are the ones we laid to rest/ and visit their graves on holidays at best/ the ones that love us the least....
@@toddhill7483 Agreed, but as a lyric band too the Replacements were irresistable too. Be it from the keenly observed thrash punk for earlier days (Customer, Shiftless), or heartfelt later songs (Within your reach, Skyway, I will dare, Bastards of young...) IMO.
Ronnie Dio must be my all-time favorite lyricist; up there also got to be Iron Maiden, Nightwish, Royal Hunt, Magnum; also love Arjen Lucassen's space operas. This is, of course, as a whole; if we go song by song I think any band has their great and their silly lyrics, depending on one's personal taste ...yeah, even Hair Metal bands have some good ones, if you look really in depth. Thanks for the show, guys! 🍺🤘
Nice to see some love for Manic Street Preachers. I've been a fan since the first album. The Holy Bible was the first one that hit a nerve lyrically for me personally. Martin should do an episode about them somewhere :)
VDGG/Peter Hammill, King Crimson (1969-1974), Ultravox (first three albums with John Foxx), Joy Division, Be Bop Deluxe/Bill Nelson, Lou Reed, David Bowie, BOC/Sandy Pearlman, Coil/Jhonn Balance, Current 93/David Tibet. Honorable mentions: Kate Bush, Hawkwind/Robert Calvert/Michael Moorcock, Legendary Pink Dots/Edward Ka-Spel.
Brilliant. Justin Sullivan has been writing stellar songs since the 80s, as I'm sure you know. It's unfortunate that they're not well known in the states.. NMA number 2 on my list. Cheers.
Gord Downey of the Tragically Hip was Canada’s insightful poet. And a great band to deliver the message with finesse or impact depending on tone. One day the resident Canadian on this (great) show will shine some love I hope.
I’ve been wondering why Gord and the Hip has not been mentioned by Martin yet for anything… in fact I’m so curious I’m almost ready to ask him outright. I sent him something I found online and he responded right away, so I’m just about to run that one by him. The Hip make several of my lists so I would expect Martin to have some opinion on them…
And here is Martin’s answer to my question; Q: Been wondering for awhile now Martin, what your opinion on the Tragically Hip is? I get that they don’t make your list nor an honourable mention but… are they even on the turntable from time to time? Another great session with PP, thanks 🙏 A: Had a few months intensive Hipfest for a while a few years back. I guess my view has always been great frontman/singer/lyricist, but the music was always to general, too polite, too Canadian, too everywhere, too self-important, too major label Canadian signing, too CBC? Hard to explain. Same with the productions.
Thanks for the follow up. I thought especially with a lyrics theme it was worth a mention. Everyone has opinions which is what makes SOT and shows like this so great. For me, the Hip are great players who always play within the song. Just enough of everything, not too much of anything for most tracks. I think that’s the hallmark of a tight band. Lastly, if you follow how Gord spent his last 18 months and what he accomplished, physically and musically, the man deserves major admiration on that alone.
Other than the ones you spoke of: King's X - Roger Waters (Floyd & especially Solo) - Supertramp - Squeeze (Chris Difford), XTC (Both Andy and Colin), Steely Dan (Becker & Fagen). Don't really care for lyrics that are deliberately 'evil', don't find that to be a plus at least not in and of itself, don't get me wrong I do like a good dark lyric if it's clever and well done.
I am here for the worst lyrics follow up too. That would make a great Hudson Valley Squares episode.
Man, that would need some work - so many are just horny nonsense that reads awful on paper.
Kiss number 1 lol
Hudson valley squares? Nope
@@MrSmitht04 Whitesnake at number 2?
Wow, an MSP mention on SOT, how cool! Thanks Martin!
1. Alice Cooper 2. Rush 3. Patti Smith 4. BOC 5. Rick Wakeman (those early concept albums) 6. Sex Pistols 7. Kate Bush 8. Charly Garcia 9. Pink Floyd 10. just.cant.decide :)
Cheers Martin & Pete. Great picks. Here are mine: Roger Waters, Neil Peart, Frank Zappa, Ronnie James Dio, BOC, Ray Davies, Lennon & Mc Cartney.
Another addition would be Geezer Butler
Ronnie got predictable with his content. Great singer but he wore out the dungeons, dragons and Rainbow themes.
Some of my favorites, in no order whatsoever: Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, A Tribe Called Quest, Neil Young, Peter Hammill, Morrissey, Susanne Sundfor, Roger Waters, Nick Drake, Robert Smith, ABBA, Beastie Boys, Thom Yorke, Bjork, Nick Cave, Lou Reed. There are too many, im sure I forgot some of my favorites, these are just the ones that first came to mind.
Very peculiar topic, for a lot a people lyrics don't matter as long as they sound good with the music, but for me the lyrics can make a good band into a great one.
Morrissey and Ian Curtis definitely are in my top 10
I don't think this can be a serious all time great list without Dylan but I know Pete isn't keen on him, not sure how Martin feels about Dylan (didn't play the video through all the way, maybe he gets mentioned later on?)...Plus this is Pete/Martin's favorites (versus all time greats)
@@wolf1977 I am a huge Dylan fan myself; seen him 50+ times in concert. I know Pete doesn't like him, but I don't hold it against him 😂
He talks about plenty of music that is interesting anyway
@@BlindArthurBlake 50+ times? Wow! Yeah I don't think Pete's too hot on many singer/songwriters. I was actually surprised when he posted that he owned a couple of Al Stewart albums
@@BlindArthurBlake 50 times? wow! That's awesome.
Mine are
1. Black Sabbath
2. Pink Floyd
3. Blue Oyster Cult
4. The Doors
5. Iron Maiden
6. Motorhead
7. Rush
8. Overkill
9. King Diamond/Mercyful Fate
10. Ronnie James Dio
Honorable mention
1. AC/DC-Bon Scott era
2. Slayer
3. Megadeth
4. UFO
5. Alice Cooper
One reason Skynyrd was so good was the lyrics from Ronnie Van Zant. Someone once said if you wanted to know what kind of guy Ronnie was.. Just listen to any 3 Skynyrd songs. Also he never wrote anything down. Just remembered the lyrics during any given show.
Their lirycs are not so serious and significative, in the '70 there are so manof bands who wrote objectively better (es. All prog bands are better than Skynyrd at this).
Good shout for the Manics Martin, Everything Must Go is probably their most popular/commercially successful album here in the UK with some unusual (Kevin Carter) and surreal (Elvis impersonator Blackpool pier) songs which as you said have lots of lyrics packed into a three/four minute pop/rock song.
The Kinks, Clutch, The Replacements, The Mountain Goats, Smog/Bill Callahan, Alice Donut, NoMeansNo, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Alice Cooper, Blue Oyster Cult, Dead Kennedys, Fugazi
Also always liked Lemmy's and Phil Lynott's lyrics.
Bob Dylan, Warren Zevon, Joni Mitchell, John Prine, Townes Van Zandt in terms of singer/songwriters. As obvious as it is, it's Dylan above all for me, if I'm honest.
Warren Zevon was often a genius lyrically.
Early Fish era Marillion . Not just the lyrics, but the trilling, spitting, theatrical delivery makes that old stuff unbelievably fun to sing.
Rush and Kansas lyrics are great. Neil Peart and Kerry Livgren wrote some incredible songs. Red Barchetta and The Wall are masterpieces musically and lyrically.
The Wall is one of my favorites, Kerry's best IMO...So inspirational, as we all have internal walls that separate our reality and from our potential and that must be scaled.
That's a great topic!! My top ten in no particular order
- RUSH
- Iron Maiden
- Metallica
- Motorhead
- The Police
- Led Zeppelin
- The Doors
- Alice In Chains
- Pink Floyd
- Marilyn Manson
My favourite english writing lyricists:
Bob Dylan, Roger Waters, Elvis Costello, Morrissey, Elliott Smith, Regina Spektor, Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys), Conor Oberst, Jason Isbell
My favourite german lyricists:
Udo Lindenberg, Rainald Grebe, Tex, Olli Schulz
Morrissey!
So good to hear Manic Street Preachers get a mention. My introduction was through the release of their single 'If you Tolerate This...' and then I ended up going down that 'rabbit hole' big time. Talk about underrated.
A great album by a great band.
Martin’s point is valid. I’ve always thought they need to trim their lyrics to make them fit their songs better and give JDB an easier job singing them
@@mahogany174 JDB is certainly up to the task. But you are right, especially when you hear him sing on the slower ballads and that's when you best appreciate his vocals.
1. Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band
2. Rush
3. The Kinks
4. The Beatles
5. The Doors
6. Siouxsie and the Banshees
7. King Crimson
8. Black Sabbath
9. Wire
10. Motorhead
yes!!!! Beefheart! Bizarre, surreal, funny
Completely agree. I always like Motorhead, but you know, superficially listening to their music, you don't expect great lyrics. Man, was I amazed when I started to reading their lyrics. Amazing stuff, from deep moving themes to plain intelligent humoristic lyrics!
Good stuff Shauna. Have some duplicates, and forgot about Ray Davies.
Not only was Neil Peart, in my opinion the GOAT of drumming, but he was also a lyrical genius. So well spoken and well read and intelligent. RIP Professor!!
Kansas is a GREAT lyrical band. Pete is correct, very positive and uplifting. You can tell they put a lot of thought into their lyrics. Ronnie James Dio wrote some great lyrics, not consistently, but some real gems. Morrissey is a master lyricist. Some may not care for the overarching negativity but there's a dark humor that I enjoy. Rush is a no-brainer. Peart's lyrics could read like poetry or be philosophical in nature. 2112 was about a One World Order where individual freedoms and self expression were crushed by authoritarianism which quite frankly seems more relevant in 2022 than in 1976 when the album was released.
Yeah, great choises.
Kerry Livgren, without question. He is a voracious reader, particularly in the philosophy genre. He was the primary songwriter for Kansas - all prog tunes were Kerry's. Steve Walsh wrote some songs, but they were all straight rock, not prog, and the lyrics have no depth to them.
And of course after leaving Kansas, Kerry wrote all the music & lyrics for his 2nd & 3rd major bands - AD and Proto-Kaw. And the lyrics to all his solo work are phenomenal.
An incredible lyricist as well as composer, orchestrator, and multi-instrumentalist. Kerry's got it all!
Right on Pete.
The Who and Pink Floyd are probably my favorite lyric bands.
Great show Pete and Martin. I would include Supertramp, Steely Dan, Van der Graaf Generator, The Kinks, early Genesis and Peter Gabriel, Neil Young, early Rush.
Kansas(Kerry Livgren primarily, Steve Walsh too, thanks Pete)
Supertramp(Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson both, in their styles, were effective)
Steely Dan
Dire Straits/Mark Knopfler
Rush( RIP Neil Peart)
Pink Floyd(Roger Waters)
Al Stewart(love his historical references)
Dan Fogelberg
Billy Joel
Bob Seger
The Doors(as Martin mentioned)
The Who(Pete Townsend)
Gerry Rafferty
The Eagles(Don Henley/Glenn (RIP)Frey)
Jethro Tull(Ian Anderson, as Pete mentioned)
Heart(Ann and Nancy Wilson, the 1970s, 1990s-on works)
I’m not a huge lyric guy myself, but some of my favorite lyricists include Peter Sinfeld, Ray Davies, Pete Townshend, Bob Dylan, Keith Reid, and John Fogerty.
Paul Westerberg could be too clever for his own good but some of his lyrics are pretty damn evocative and certainly helped elevate the Replacements.
'Jesus rides besides me, he never buys any smokes' - Paul Westerberg The high school in 'Heathers' was called Westerberg High.
@@guadalahonky4002 Winona Ryder liked them too!
I hate music. It's got too many notes.
I ain't got no idols
I ain't got much taste
I'm shiftless when I'm idle
And I got time to waste
I never seen no mountain
Never swam no sea
Drownin' in this city
Well, it's really up to me
I can't live without your touch
Die within your reach
Thank you, Pete & Martin for your opinions and picks.
All the damn time.
🎤🎸🎵🎹🥁
Life is better with music.
Martin, the Manics were MASSIVE here. Britpop was not something that overshadowed them as their real peak (unless you are a Holy Bible fan..) was at the point people were kinda done with Oasis. Still big but not massive. And James would have to put the accent on as Welsh is very different to English.
Loads were massive then - it was insanely wonderful. Ocean Colour Scene would be my fave.
Brilliant to see the Manics mentioned on Sea of Tranquility. I agree with you Davy and one of my favourite bands in the 1990s. The Holy Bible is my favourite album by them but its very punk influenced- so I am not sure what I would recommend to Pete. Martin’s favourite, Everything Must Go? Gold Against the Soul? Maybe even Generation Terrorists?
What's your opinion on "Know Your Enemy"?
Pete should listen to the 'Suicide is Painless' cover by the Manics. He is bound to know the song from MASH, so it's a good test to try out the band.
My pick would be Kansas/Kerry Livgren. Much of Kerry's lyrics during the classic period, detail his spiritual journey at the time. The Pinnacle, The Wall, On The Other Side, Hold On, etc......Great stuff.
Jim Croce, Thin Lizzy, Fates Warning, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin. Honerable Mention: Jackson Browne
My list would include: Neil Young, Iron Maiden, Rush, The Fixx, Genesis, The Who, Pink Floyd, Zeppelin, Springsteen, U2
Yeah, I definitely forgot about U2 and Pink Floyd in making my list.
@@dangerdolls I probably should add Alan Parsons Project as well to this list..
@@jasonmarkle9016 Procol Harum is another one that occurred to me as a good choice.
Great show as always- thanks guys. Grateful Dead mainly due to Robert Hunter but also John Barlow. Rush, Police and Clash opened my 15 year-old mind. Weird Al Yankovic.
@@tanktuba That's the song that did it for me!
Love Dead lyrics - good call
Oh and an embarassing omission after my Elton vid this week on my channel in the new Madman Across The Water box- Bernie Taupin. He and Reg were put together as an accident...safe to say it worked.
Have to love that Pete, you said you dont always understand Eltons voice...and Martin picks Lemmy after it. ;) He coulda been singing in Swahili for all I know!
Lyrics are poems basically, its the vocal melody and delivery that makes or breaks it . That being said , here is some of my favorites.
Kevin Moore , Jim Matheos , Ray Alder , Neil Peart , Stephen Pearcy , John Lennon, Joe Jackson , Ric Ocasec .
@@tanktuba lol John Arch was awesome !!!
Big fan of JJ - not sure I've ever heard Martin talk of him, I'd have thought he'd like him - maybe not big in Canada?!
Now to dig deeper lol . Ray Alder makes the list from his writing on the last 3 Fates albums. " The Way Home " is brilliant. Stephen Pearcy is the king of sleazy get laid lyrics . Ocasek is the Cars basically. Only recently have I discovered Joe Jackson.
Great show Pete and Martin here are my favorite lyric bands:
1. Blue Oyster Cult
2. King Diamond/Merciful Fate
3. Dream Theater
4. Black Sabbath
5. Iron Maiden
6. Rush
7. Genesis
8. Pink Floyd
9. Testament
10. The Beatles
Marillion (with Fish), Rush, Riverside (PL), Roger Waters, Bjork
Dylan, Lennon, Bowie, Townshend, Davies, Waters, Jethro Tull, Curtis Mayfield, Steely Dan, Waits, Zevon, Joni Mitchell, Randy Newman, Aimee Mann
Popoff and Pardo are at it again with a show slightly surprising since Pete often states he is not much of a 'lyric guy.'. Always some interesting choices when these two get together so thanks once again, gents, for an informative episode. When I was in junior high in the very late 60s, many of the 'younger' teachers of our English classes required us to study song lyrices of the day. Naturally, a couple of those - definitely The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel - would be on my list just from those days. Some of my other favorites would be Bernie Taupin on the Elton John lyrics, Neil Young, Warren Zevon, Pete Townsend [with and without The Who], Pink Floyd, and Steely Dan since they were just too cool not to know exactly what they were singing. Thanks again, gents. There ya go!
Ray Davies - the poet laureate of rock n roll.
Robbie Robertson - King of Americana from a non-American
Nick Lowe - Can do ANY genre
Elvis Costello - A renaissance man
Van Dyke Parks - added poetry to the music of Brian Wilson's genius.
John Cale - The Dylan Thomas of music.
Stuart Adamson - made Phil Lynotts Celtic lyrics seem quaint.
David Byrne - An uncanny ability to re-invent his lyrics alongside his music
Fish - A Bard of the old school.
Zevon - EVERY album has a few masterpieces. The Lifell Kill Ya album is just...a poetry book.
Warren Zevon and Excitable Boy are just...man. Perfect.
Ray Davies...good one.
I'm going to add to the list of people who have already mentioned Roger Waters and Pink Floyd. And my slightly lesser known pick would be Pain Of Salvation.
1. Ian Anderson
2. Van Morrison
3. Warren Zevon
4. Neil Young
5. Elton John/Bernie Taupin
6. Blue Oyster Cult
7. Kansas
8. Styx
9. Graham Parker
10. Smithereens
This took me back to my youth with a painful thwack of nostalgia Pete and Martin. Oh my days! Get a new album, christen it by rolling a something-or-other on it, gatefold sleeve, follow the lyrics while you listen to it, get up to put side two on, nod sagely, "ticking away, the moments that make up a dull day..." Hey man! That's about me! Put side one on again while you put the posters up... I don't know what I miss most: original vinyl albums or just THE SEVENTIES. Oh my days!
Some notable omissions: Pink Floyd, The Grateful Dead, Leonard Cohen and of course Bob Dylan
10 Sonic Youth. Thurston Moore/Kim Gordon
9 Wire. Colin Newman
8 King Crimson (Assortment)
7 Siouxsie and the Banshees
6 Dog Faced Hermans. Marion Coutts
5 Nina Nastasia
4 Killing Joke. Jaz Coleman
3 The Doors. Morrison
2 New Model Army. Justin Sullivan
1 Sparklehorse. Mark Linkous. (Best poetry since Jim Morrison)
Ian Anderson's lyrics are brilliant. Complex and sometimes deliberately tongue in cheek. Also check out Dave Cousins of the Strawbs. Observant, occasionally graphic but always thought provoking. Both poetic lyricists.
Absolutely Jethro Tull. Think as a Brick and Passion Play etc...
@@pauladams9287Yeah, their lirycs are legendary.
Hello.
1) XTC
2) John Lennon (late period Beatles and solo)
3) Jellyfish
4) Max Webster
5) Elvis Costello
6) Jethro Tull
7) Genesis (early period Peter Gabriel)
8) Elton John
9) Rush
10) Simon and Garfunkel
Honorable: Bob Dylan, Frank Zappa and Kansas
Great list. Love XTC, Jellyfish, more......
Yes so many Elton John songs
Misconstrued over the years
But Bernie Taupin is a brilliant lyricist
But, seriously....Dylan. Doesnt matter if you dont like the voice, or harmonica - dude won a Nobel Prize for literature!!!
I'll pass...lol
@@seaoftranquilityprog OK...but are you sure you wont do the new Deff Leppard then? That fella was awful nice in askin! ;)
@@seaoftranquilityprog Have you've let your dislike of his voice prevent you from entering into his lyricism, story-telling and that unrivalled ability to paint a character. He has written about _all of _*_your_*_ friends and lovers._ Mine too as it's turned out.
I'm willing to bet i'm one of the few viewers to have both the full discogs of Manic Street Preachers and Glass Hammer in my collection lol. Great episode guys. Some fave lyric bands/artists:
Gord Downie (Tragically Hip)
Peter Hammill
Bob Dylan
Kate Bush
Peter Gabriel/70s Genesis
Blue Oyster Cult
Rush
Neil Young
Robert Pollard/Guided by Voices
Robyn Hitchcock/Soft Boys
Pete introduced me to Glass Hammer. I’ve been adding their recording to my collection.
BOC, The Who, Nightwish, Rush, Jethro Tull, The Doors, Little Feat, Grateful Dead, ELP, Alan Parsons Project
Greatest rock song lyric "Hawkwind "Spirit of the Age" (lyrics by Robert Calvert. Actually it is a combination of two of his poems). I often think that this is a perfect summation of the human condition.
Honorable mention for The Kinks - "Waterloo Sunset". I love everything about this song.
Greatest Opening line to a song: Jim Morrison "The Crystal Ship"
Before you slip into unconsciousness I'd like to have another kiss
Some other great rock lyric writers for me include:
Nick Drake
Mark E Smith / Captain Beefheart
Paddy McAloon
Ian Dury
Ian Curtis etc etc
I love the Quark Strangeness and Charm album. I never tire of it.
1. Marillion 2. Pink Floyd 3. Rush 4. Kate Bush 5. Tori Amos 6. Suzanne Vega 7. The Clash 8. Aimee Mann 9. Elvis Costello 10. Del Amitri
Some people who aren’t aware of the bands history don’t know or realize how great a lyricist Geezer Butler of Sabbath was! Everyone assumes bc they shared writing credits that Ozzy wrote the lyrics but in fact Geezer wrote 90% of them. It’s actually pretty noticeable when you compare Ozzy ‘s solo stuff to Sabbath. Geezer was brilliant!
1 Frank Zappa
2 Rush
3 Jethro Tull
4 Pink Floyd
5 King Crimson
6 ELP
7 Yes
8 Black Sabbath
9 The Doors
10 Blue Oyster Cult
1st 3 LP's of The Manics Pete, some great rockin' songs & profound lyrics. Predated Britpop but got lumped in anyway. For me, great emotive & unique political lyrics matched with ever restless musical rock shapeshifting (therefore unpigeonholeable), none better than New Model Army.
I guess you are talking about MSP? Great choice. Even their later stuff is rockin' and profound.
MSP yes but for a more all encompassing universal political & emotional lyric then NMA & specifically Justin Sullivan’s lyrics does it for me. Also a more diverse musical pallete.
Also I think I'm going to bust my Blue Oyster Cult cherry this week. 🎯
Weeeelllllll, there are five in my opinion that were “no brainers” that were missed. My five are Triumph, Pink Floyd, Styx, The Moody Blues and the amazing Alan Parsons Project.
Triumph is a great pick....inspirational and uplifting....Fight the Good Fight, Magic Power, Never Surrender, Hold On......
I love Triumph! They have been a favorite of mine since I was 13 years old when Allied Forces came out. I love Allied Forces and my favorite is Just a Game. Rick Emmett is such an underrated guitar player.
1- Bob Dylan
2- Bruce Springsteen
3- Warren Zevon
4- The Who
5- The Doors
6- Thin Lizzy
7- Blue Oyster Cult
8- Rush
9- Rainbow (3 albums with Dio)
10- Kansas
Manilla Road had some amazing lyrics. Very lovecraftian, but also a lot of poetic Heavy Metal anthems. Also gotta mention Skyclad and Martin Walkyier.
Yeah they surfly have.
Before viewing, here are my top 10. This is a tougher assignment and I spent no time doing research. I’m sure I forgot some.
1. The Who
2. Jethro Tull
3. XTC
4. The Kinks
5. Queen
6. Bob Dylan
7. David Bowie
8. R. E. M.
9. Talking Heads
10. Rush
Nobody has better lyrics than Clutch. Neil is a genius. Speaking of side projects...The Company Band. Neil has great lyrics with them too
1) Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime (enough said)
2) Max Webster - (Pye Dubios)
3) Marillion - Fish
4) Queen
5) Thin Lizzy
6) The Doors
7) Tool
8) Rush
9) Pink Floyd
10) Beardfish
GREAT pick with King Diamond. That's the first that comes to my mind. One of the few instances where I sit down with lyrics sheet and follow along with the music (or sometimes without music even.) Album-long victorian horror story? YES PLEASE!
Joe strummer the best also big raps on Doc Neeson from Angel City the Angels
Steve kilbey is the Best. Myrrh. Dead mans dream. An interlude .Tantalized.Random Pan. .... Genius.
Good lists, guys. I would include most of those bands you mentioned and add bands like Pink Floyd, Eyehategod, My Dying Bride, Mastodon, Sleep, YOB, Budgie, Glen Danzig-era Misfits and Danzig, Ronnie Van Zant-era Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Tool...just to name a few.
Great content as always guys! in no particular order these would probably be my picks
Black Sabbath
King Diamond
Pink Floyd
Neil Young
Tool
Rainbow
Iron Maiden
Alice Cooper
Rush
DIO
Bob Dylan must be mentioned but my favourites are Ray Davies of The Kinks, Dave Cousins of The Strawbs, Alan Hull of Lindisfarne, Al Stewart, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell and Phil Lynott,
Dylan,Morrison,Roger Waters,Rob Hunter,Phil Lynott,BOC,Lennon&McCartney,Dio,Maiden,Peart,,Ian Anderson
Guided by Voices, Sun City Girls, Buzzcocks, the Undertones, the Fall, Talking Heads all had lyrics that were original and fascinating.
The Beatles: Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison. The Kinks: Ray Davies, The Rolling Stones: Jagger & Richard, Pink Floyd: Barrett, Waters, and Gilmour, The Who: Townshend, Deep Purple: Gillan, The Doors: Jim Morrison
Solo: Dylan, Zappa, Springsteen, Zevon
I forgot about Syd Barrett. His solo albums have some quirky lyrics, also. I'm not sure if anyone else has written in the same way, at least not anyone of his time. I'm sure there have been a few copycats since.
Good choices .
My favourite bands lyrics wise are , in order of preference :
Jethro Tull
XTC
10 CC
Rush
Procol Harum
Elvis Costello
The Who
Max Webster
Genesis ( specifically the Gabriel era )
The Strawbs
Honourable Mentions :
Pink Floyd
Squeeze
The Stranglers
Graham Parker
Elton John / Bernie Taupin
The Doors
Al Stewart
Be Bop Deluxe
Thanks !
XTC and Doors lyrics are truly incomparable.
@@toddhill7483 Yes , they are
Great choice with Symphony X, Pete. I saw them for the first time last week in North Carolina, and I was completely blown away by their sound, enthusiasm, and overall presentation. While they are Dream Theater-level impressive musically, they are in a league of their own lyrically. I've been reading their lyrics for the past week since the show, and only one word comes to mind: wow! I've read Homer and love his Odyssey, but now I'm up for a little Milton and Dante as well. You might say they inspired me.
The first person that I thought of was Elvis Costello. But then immediately I thought of Neil Finn of Crowded house. Given more time I could’ve come up with many more.
Nice one with Crowded House
A few (no particular order; bands/duos, only): Rush, Sparks, 10cc, Steely Dan, Squeeze, Pink Floyd, Bad Religion, Meshuggah, Megadeth.
It's funny, the thing Martin said about the Manics is what I noticed about them right away. I had a hard time understanding them and reading a long to their lyrics made me think "Wow, this guy likes to sing 15 syllables where only 5 will fit!"
Lyricists I love that didn't get mentioned: Elvis Costello, Nick Cave, Mark Hollis (Talk Talk), Mark E Smith (The Fall), Matt Johnson (The The), Steve Albini (Big Black), David Lowrey (Camper Van Beethoven, Cracker), Michael Gira (Swans) and Justin Broadrick (Godflesh, Jesu).
The early Elton John/Bernie Taupin lyrics were an influence on me in my early teens. His albums usually had a lyric “booklet” that was enjoyable to read and follow along with the song like Madman Across the Water or Amorenna
Yeah one of the all time greats
I believe the lyrics are all Bernie. Elton was incredible at putting the music to the Bernie words.
Some of my favorite " lyric " bands, some are not in my top ten or twenty bands but I enjoy their lyrics and some are some of my favorite bands.
10. Queensryche
9. Frank Zappa
8. Ozzy Osbourne ( Bob Daisley lyrics, not Ozzy. lol )
7. Gordon Lightfoot
6. The Who
5. April Wine
4. Thin Lizzy
3. Iron Maiden
2. RUSH
1. Black Sabbath
honorable mentions:
Bruce Springsteen
AC/DC ( I love their lyrics, especially the Bon era, greasy, dirty, ballsy, funny lyrics )
The Beatles
etc etc
Totally agree with early solo Ozzy!
Steve Harris, Dio, Dave Mustaine, Phil Lynott, Jon Schaefer some of my favourites. Also the Jon Oliva/Paul O’Neil combo in Savatage
Great show guys
Killer show. For me. BÖC, The Cure Pornography era, Iron Maiden first six albums, Deathspell Omega, Voivod and Thin Lizzy.
Not many mentions of Faith No More. They have to be in the list.
Definitely :)
Martin keeps surprising me with his Manics-mention. In that genre I would definitely go for Brett Anderson from Suede to whose lyrics I can relate much more. And of course the mighty Morrissey.
If you are looking for a theme, I would love to hear your favorite bar bands that made it to the big time. Two Boston bands that come to mind from my youth: J Giels and The Smithereens.
Martin, I love how you always praise The Waterboys and Manic Street Preachers, which made me curious if you're also a fan of Belle & Sebastian?
No, don't know them at all, but should. Ha ha, just realized this... I have an aversion to duos!
Ten (plus one) of my favourites. I’m not saying these are examples of poetry, as the lyrics are meant to be listened to within the context of a song, not read. But they are poetic.
*Randy Newman* - ‘I Think It’s Going to Rain Today’
Broken windows and empty hallways
A pale dead moon in the sky streaked with gray
Human kindness is overflowing
And I think it's going to rain today
*Joni Mitchell* - ‘Amelia’
The drone of flying engines
Is a song so wild and blue
It scrambles time and seasons if it gets through to you
Then your life becomes a travelogue
Full of picture post card charms
Amelia, it was just a false alarm
*Richard Thompson* - ‘How Will I Ever Be Simple Again’
She sat by the banks of the dirty grey river
And tried for a fish with a worm on a pin
There was nothing but fever and ghosts in the water
Oh how will I ever be simple again?
*Smokey Robinson and the Miracles* - ‘The Tracks of my Tears’
People say I'm the life of the party
'Cause I tell a joke or two
Although I might be laughing loud and hearty
Deep inside I'm blue
So take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place
If you look closer, it's easy to trace
The tracks of my tears
*AC/DC* - ‘Touch too Much’
She had the face of an angel
Smiling with sin
A body of Venus with arms
*The Kinks* - ‘Waterloo Sunset’
Every day I look at the world from my window
But chilly, chilly is the evening time
Waterloo sunset's fine (Waterloo sunset's fine)
*Bob Dylan* - ‘Not Dark Yet’
I was born here and I'll die here against my will
I know it looks like I'm movin' but I'm standin' still
Every nerve in my body is so naked and numb
I can't even remember what it was I came here to get away from
*The Rolling Stones* - ‘Street Fighting Man’
Hey! Said my name is called disturbance
I'll shout and scream, I'll kill the king, I'll rail at all his servants
*Ella Fitzgerald* - ‘Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love)’ by Cole Porter
Birds do it, bees do it
Even educated fleas do it
Let's do it, let's fall in love
*Supertramp* - ‘If Everyone Was Listening’
The actors and jesters are here
The stage is in darkness and clear
For raising the curtain
And no-one's quite certain whose play it is
And just to piss off thousands of people…
*Pink Floyd* - ‘Paranoid Eyes’
You believed in their stories of fame, fortune and glory
Now you're lost in a haze of alcohol soft middle age
The pie in the sky turned out to be miles too high
And you hide, hide, hide
Behind brown and mild eyes
If you like them then check out John Hiatt (like "Blue Telescope")...
@@wolf1977 I’m a fan!
@@patrickcrowther9195 Me too! I've got more than 20 of his albums but nothing too recent, his album Leftover Feelings from last year wasn't that good (too Country for me)...
Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, The Who, Renaissance, Beatles, Rolling Stones,
Fantastic episode!! Glad to see the Manics are represented!!
My 1st pick would be Nick Cave. My 2nd pick would be Nick Cave, my 3rd pick would be Nick Cave, and then my 4th pick would have to be Neil Peart of Rush (with honourable mentions to Phil Lynott, Pye Dubois & Roger Waters)
You got it brother!
The lyricist who stands out for me is Phil Lynott. I think he was one of the first rock writers to have his lyrics published in book/poetry form.
Great show guys, always enjoy Pete and Martin together.
For my money, one of the absolute master lyricists of his time was Warrel Dane of Sanctuary/Nevermore. He poured his soul into everything he wrote, thought-provoking and poetic in every way.
Thanks you for the Sanctuary recommendation.
Peter Gabriel
The Kinks( Ray Davies)
Jethro Tull (Ian Anderson)
The Doors (Jim Morrison)
The Who (Pete Townshend)
The Beatles John,Paul,George
The Rolling Stones (Jagger/Richards)
Yes (Jon Anderson)
Led Zeppelin(Robert Plant)
Neil Young
HM🎤🎤
Rush
Elton John w/Bernie Taupen
Lynyrd Skynyrd (Ronnie Van Zant)
Eurythmics (Annie Lennox/Dave Stewart
Little Feat ( Lowell George)
😎🎤
Most bands I like inspire me to grab my guitar and jam along, but The Doors ( lyrics by Krieger and Morrison) have always inspired me to try my hand at writing poetry.
Good one!
My favorite masterclass lyricists in Rock and Metal are:
Rob Halford (Judas Priest, Fight, Halford)
Ronnie James Dio (Black Sabbath, Dio, Rainbow)
Layne Staley (Alice In Chains, Mad Season)
Bruce Corbin (Rigor Mortis)
Bon Scott (AC/DC)
Honorable mentions: Steve Tyler,
Geezer Butler, Jeff Hanneman, Klause Meine and Zakk Wylde.
No one ever connected on an emotionally honest level like Paul Westerberg in the Replacements. And what quotable turns of phrases too.
Play makeup, wear a guitar
@@brianmiller1077 the ones that love us the best/ are the ones we laid to rest/ and visit their graves on holidays at best/ the ones that love us the least....
Paul just a great songwriter
@@toddhill7483 Agreed, but as a lyric band too the Replacements were irresistable too. Be it from the keenly observed thrash punk for earlier days (Customer, Shiftless), or heartfelt later songs (Within your reach, Skyway, I will dare, Bastards of young...) IMO.
So cool to hear about manic street preachers, and à little bit about suede, two of my favorite 90s band
Yes, I agree with Neil Peart and Fish, but the first one I thought of was Roger Waters, both with Floyd and solo!
Ronnie Dio must be my all-time favorite lyricist; up there also got to be Iron Maiden, Nightwish, Royal Hunt, Magnum; also love Arjen Lucassen's space operas. This is, of course, as a whole; if we go song by song I think any band has their great and their silly lyrics, depending on one's personal taste ...yeah, even Hair Metal bands have some good ones, if you look really in depth.
Thanks for the show, guys! 🍺🤘
Taime Down used to write great lyrics for Faster Pussycat I think
Nice to see some love for Manic Street Preachers. I've been a fan since the first album. The Holy Bible was the first one that hit a nerve lyrically for me personally. Martin should do an episode about them somewhere :)
VDGG/Peter Hammill, King Crimson (1969-1974), Ultravox (first three albums with John Foxx), Joy Division, Be Bop Deluxe/Bill Nelson, Lou Reed, David Bowie, BOC/Sandy Pearlman, Coil/Jhonn Balance, Current 93/David Tibet.
Honorable mentions: Kate Bush, Hawkwind/Robert Calvert/Michael Moorcock, Legendary Pink Dots/Edward Ka-Spel.
Not bands associated with the channel but New Model Army and Del Amitri have fantastic non cliche lyrics. Really elevate the songs.
Brilliant. Justin Sullivan has been writing stellar songs since the 80s, as I'm sure you know. It's unfortunate that they're not well known in the states.. NMA number 2 on my list. Cheers.
Love the Dels. One of Scotlands best.
1. Neil Peart(Rush),2.Bon Scott(Ac/Dc),3.Dave Mustaine(Megadeth),4.Kim Mitchell(Max Webster),5.Doc Neeson(The Angels/Angel City,6.Dave Hill(Demon),7.John Palumbo(Crack The Sky),8.Tom Cochrane(Red Rider),9.Gary Holton(Heavy Metal Kids),10.Randy Jackson(Zebra)...
Oh Yeah...Jethro Tull, good pick Pete
Gord Downey of the Tragically Hip was Canada’s insightful poet. And a great band to deliver the message with finesse or impact depending on tone. One day the resident Canadian on this (great) show will shine some love I hope.
I’ve been wondering why Gord and the Hip has not been mentioned by Martin yet for anything… in fact I’m so curious I’m almost ready to ask him outright. I sent him something I found online and he responded right away, so I’m just about to run that one by him.
The Hip make several of my lists so I would expect Martin to have some opinion on them…
And here is Martin’s answer to my question;
Q: Been wondering for awhile now Martin, what your opinion on the Tragically Hip is?
I get that they don’t make your list nor an honourable mention but… are they even on the turntable from time to time?
Another great session with PP, thanks 🙏
A: Had a few months intensive Hipfest for a while a few years back. I guess my view has always been great frontman/singer/lyricist, but the music was always to general, too polite, too Canadian, too everywhere, too self-important, too major label Canadian signing, too CBC? Hard to explain. Same with the productions.
I totally agree. Unfortunately the Hip will never be talked about on this channel and it's a shame.
Thanks for the follow up. I thought especially with a lyrics theme it was worth a mention. Everyone has opinions which is what makes SOT and shows like this so great.
For me, the Hip are great players who always play within the song. Just enough of everything, not too much of anything for most tracks. I think that’s the hallmark of a tight band. Lastly, if you follow how Gord spent his last 18 months and what he accomplished, physically and musically, the man deserves major admiration on that alone.
Other than the ones you spoke of: King's X - Roger Waters (Floyd & especially Solo) - Supertramp - Squeeze (Chris Difford), XTC (Both Andy and Colin), Steely Dan (Becker & Fagen). Don't really care for lyrics that are deliberately 'evil', don't find that to be a plus at least not in and of itself, don't get me wrong I do like a good dark lyric if it's clever and well done.