“Oye Como Va” by Santana: This song is a distinct latin sounding song with very simple lyrics

with Carlos Santana’s guitar playing the key role in this song. His playing and style is iconic and
masterful. The mixing of the song is pretty prevalent when listening with headphones or good
speakers. With a good listening device, you can hear the different sounds along the left and
right plane. Throughout the song, the rhythm keeps the track alive, and certain elements
throughout the song will cut out periodically, keeping to the Afro-Latin connection. As are most
Santana songs, the majority of it is spent on the musical groove rather than the singing. This
song is built well for improvising solos, as Santana does. I really enjoyed this song. I love
improvised solos and solos in general. I have listened to a few Santana songs, but always loved
his guitar playing and style. He was one of the greats when it comes to guitar playing and his
tone and style are very very satisfying.

“Cross Road Blues” by Robert Johnson: This song by Robert Johnson, played on his acoustic
guitar, conveys a pulse throughout with a strong rhythm. His guitar playing is rapid and
aggressive, which is more attune to the later electric guitar playing of rock music. His guitar
playing is so unique when put in perspective of the time, so unique in fact, that he would cover
his hands while playing to make sure that people could not see how he achieved his playing.
His use of a wide range of chords and sounds along with different techniques, such as playing
with a bottleneck slide. In the hands of someone like Johnson, the bottleneck technique can
completely change the sound and tone of the guitar. His singing and guitar playing are
intertwined. His lyrics in this song are very unique as well, as music and lyricism is a parallel to
poetry, Johnson uses words to evoke an emotional and spiritual condition. I enjoyed this song,
the guitar playing is emotional and sporadic, and the lyrics and singing fit with the guitar like a
glove. As the song was recorded in 1936, the recording is not the greatest however, the
recording conveys the message that Johnson was attempting to.

“Crossroads” by Cream: This “cover” of “Cross Road Blues,” which is a wildly different sounding
song, is driven by a quick tempo and Eric Clapton’s amazing guitar playing. This song, while still
representing the respect guitarists of the time, the thirty year difference between the recordings
of the two songs, really shows. The sound quality and composing and elements of
“Crossroads,” are leagues ahead of “Cross Road Blues,” production and time wise. Johnson’s
original guitar playing has been reduced to a powerful riff, and played along with the bass. This
version, similar to Johnson's, both players are exposed, both are easily heard. This focuses the
attention on the guitar players, forcing them to play to the best of their ability. The tone of
Clapton’s playing and his impressive playing make his guitar stand out. I really enjoyed this
song, more than the original. Clapton's playing is jaw dropping, and you hear different elements
and new things with every listen.

“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by The Beatles: This song which was among the most visually
enticing songs, with Lennon’s description of “tangerine trees” and “marmalade skies.” This song
was quickly banned from being played on the radio because of its drug references, the title is an
acronym for LSD. The music in this song is very psychedelic-rock, the verse and bridge build up
a sort of discomfort and tension, which is quickly released with the coming of the chorus. This
song is very reminiscent of Sgt pepper’s and highlights the switch to psychedelic-rock for this
album. I really like this song. It is a very nostalgic song, and it induces a lot of imagery and
pictures. The music is very satisfying and the chorus makes you want to sing along.

“A Day in the Life” by The Beatles: This song is a true masterpiece, in my opinion. The opening
verse with the music in the background. Another song inspired by The Beatles drug
experiences. In the middle of the song, just before “woke up, fell out of bed,” The Beatles create
immense tension with an incredibly unsettling arrangement of instruments. After this section
crescendos it returns to the rhythm of the beginning of the song. The rest of the song builds
tension similar to the middle of the song, then epicly resolves to a loud chord that sustains for
around 30 seconds. I really enjoy this song, however, it is a song I mainly have to listen to by
myself, because of the tension building points in the song, many who listen and don’t already
know the song question what it is. It is off putting when you don’t expect it. Usually, I retort
“that’s just The Beatles,” because of how they were at the time. This song is one of my favorite
Beatles songs of all time.

“Wild Horses” by Rolling Stones: This song about young love and the transition into an adult
relationship, demonstrates the versatility of rock bands. This song isn't at a crazy level of
complexity, however, as most non complex songs are, that adds to its character. Mick’s vocals
are consistent and heartfelt which add to the impact of the song and subject matter. The mix of
acoustic and electric guitar create a good foil for the song. The melody in this song stands out.
The consistent soloing throughout the song makes the song very satisfying to listen to. This
song is pretty long, however there is not one point in the song where you get sick of listening to
it, if anything the complete opposite. I really enjoyed this song, it was one of the four songs I had
on my iPod in 7th grade and I used to listen to it essentially on repeat when I was at school.
Despite this fact, my love for this song has never faded.

“For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield: The intro of this song is very iconic. The high
pitched guitar in the back along with the simple drum pattern in behind it as well as the
repeating riff on the acoustic guitar. Then the lyrics come in, which are just as iconic. This song
is another of the simple songs that achieve greatness without being overly complicated. The
electric guitar solo starting at the beginning of the second chorus and playing the following
chorus’s as well, is simple and short but adds immensely to the song. The repeating of the
lyrics in this song make it very catchy and add to its popularity, the lyrics are easy to remember
and not too difficult making them easy to sing along to. I really like this song. It is simply a
classic, very simple and very timeless. One thing that I would enjoy is if the song didn’t cut off
right at the ending guitar solo, it sounds like it would have been a really great one.

“It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” by James Brown and His Famous Flames: James Brown has
the soul. This song with its light staccato piano in the back along with the simple light drums and
occasional string section, direct the focus to James Brown’s singing. The subject matter of the
song is also very progressive. At first, just looking at the title one may think that the song is
misogynistic or sexist, however after listening it is clear that the song is, in fact, doing the
opposite. Saying that the world would be nothing without a woman or a girl. I really like this
song, it is very soulful and enjoyable to listen to.
“Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix: This song is one of, if not, Jimi Hendrix’s most popular and iconic
songs. His playing is truly unique, self-taught, and playing in such an unorthodox way, makes
Jimi one of the most amazing, famous guitar players. His playing is so unique and distinct. The
main riff in “Purple Haze,” is crazy unique and masterfully created. This song, which very likely
seems to be describing a sort of Psychedelic trip, is one of the staples in guitar playing today
when describing the most popular, unique riffs. His solos are insane as they are in all of his
songs, and the lyrics are simple yet soulful and describe a personal experience. This song is
one of my favorites of all time. Objectively it is one of the most influential and formative songs of
this decade. Jimi’s guitar playing and singing make this song so amazing, the solos are my
favorite part, listening to live versions of this song is a must, whether from Hendrix himself,
which show how great of a player he was highlighting his improvisation and mastering of the
guitar, or covers by many, my favorite being Stevie Ray Vaughn, which show the influence Jimi
Hendrix had on many other great guitar players.

“Sunshine of Your Love” by Cream: This song has one of the most iconic guitar riffs of all time.
The song is relatively simple and is driven by the powerful repeating riff, which is played
basically the same on all the instruments parts. The lyrics and singing are the secondary player
in this song, with them coming in between big guitar parts and following the melody of the guitar.
I really like this song, it is a very catchy riff that will have you humming it for the rest of the day.
The drums are not too crazy but are perfect for the song, the guitar solo is in a similar regard, it
is not the craziest of solos however it adds to the song perfectly. A very enjoyable song from this
week's selection.