Rock (5): Next-level arrangements--Especially for my musician and music nerd friends (but everyone should check these out)
Of course, these bands are already loaded with boss-level musicians--everything they do sounds well played. What sets the performances here apart are innovative composition and arrangements. They are also mixed well, so you can hear each voice in the band clearly. First, a classic, followed by three pieces released this year.
King Crimson: “Red” (1974)
I believe the “Red” album stands the test of time as one of the greatest albums ever made. Each piece is wildly different from the others, but they fit together into something gorgeous, dark and sinister. The title track sounds intense and tightly wound despite actually being set to a leisurely beat. It draws directly on Bartok and Stravinsky, with heavy use of tritonic scales, odd time signatures, and an unexpected cello solo. Bill Bruford’s drumming is a tour de force.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_pDwv3tpug
Bridear: “Brave New World Revisited” (2021)
This piece gets going with hints of Yes, King Crimson and Dream Theater, among others, and then takes off from there. It’s a roller-coaster ride of changing moods, multiple time signatures, layered harmonies, and gorgeous little piano, drum and guitar fills. Actually, I think it’s a breakout performance for the drummer. Now someone needs to make a movie just so they can use this as the sound track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6-OXcyMkYI
Band-Maid: “Manners” and “Black Hole” (2021)
Band-Maid have staked out a position as one of the most musically ambitious rock bands in the world. This is a live performance, but it sounds studio-perfect. “Manners” is built on a groovy, funky bass line and lots of syncopation. If there was ever a case for the bass as a lead instrument, this is it. “Black Hole” switches into a higher gear, with a lot of call-and-response among the various voices and instruments. There is a line about “space distortion” which perfectly captures the slightly chaotic feel of the song.