Digging into the crates. Zakk Wylde doesn’t do anything too flashy on this solo. He does gives us lots of melody. All the guitars on this song are great. From Ozzy’s 1991 record, No More Tears, here’s, “Mama I’m Coming Home.” One of my favorites from Ozzy.

Since we’re talking about Don Henley let’s talk about great guitar solos. “Dirty Laundry,” has 2 epic solos. On the recording Steve Lukather plays the first one and Joe Walsh plays the second. I couldn’t find the studio recording online but I did find this outstanding live version. I’m not sure who the guy is taking the first solo. I am sure that it’s Atlanta’s own Peter Stroud taking the second solo. The both play the solos almost note for note from the original recording and they both kill it. Great song. Great guitar solo.

When it comes to guitar solos Jimi Hendrix may very well be the best. Ever. This live recording of, “Manic Depression,” from Live At Winterland is a psychedelic mind trip. It has it all – lots of melody, feedback and a blissful wah-wah pedal moment.

The 3/4 time signature has an intensity that no other groove does. The Jimi Hendrix Experience were on top of their game on this one.

Robin Guthrie is one of the most underrated guitarists ever. Ever. The Cocteau Twins influence on modern music has always been grossly overlooked.

Here’s one of my favorite Robin Guthrie solos. It’s from the 1993 Cocteau Twins album, “Four Calendar Cafe.” It’s the grand finale of a flawless record. The guitar solo starts at 2:44 on this video. It’s exquisite. It’s all about minimalism, he picks just the right notes and then ends it with nice bend on the tremelo.

As for the interpretaion of the lyrics I don’t like it. Part of what is so great about the Cocteau Twins was that you could make up your own meaning of Liz Fraser’s lyrics.

Saw U2 at the Georgia Dome a few weeks ago. Definitely the best show I’ve seen from them. This was my 4th show. The band sounded great and Bono’s voice was as strong as ever.

This song and solo are one of my all-time favorites from U2. They key is changed from the album version.

I’m not sure if Achtung Baby or Unforgettable Fire is my favorite album.

Haven’t done a Great Guitar Solo in a while. Roland Orzabal completely melts faces with these 2 guitar solos, yep 2 guitar solos in one song.

Another bonus is this song is in 12/8 which is one of my favorites.

I keep waiting and waiting. Most of the time I deal with it ok. I send up a prayer and ask God to get me through this moment. Other times I feel like an impatient 2 year old crying and throwing a tantrum.

Lately I hear God saying, “Wait some more, it’s not time.” Recently we wrapped up a great series at church called The Waiting Room. In the series Jeff Henderson talked about how Abraham and Sarah waited for years and years for God’s promise of a son to be fulfilled. Then Jeff challenged us to remember the times when God has been faithful in the past. Lastly Jeff challenged us to remember it’s not what or when we should put our hope, but who. That who is God.

This is personal stuff but I know we’re all waiting for something. We’re all waiting for answers. So many of us are hurting right now. We just want to know when will it be over? When will we get a break? How do we deal with all the pain, the questions, the irritability and the monotony? Sure it’s easy to say, “I put my trust and hope in Jesus.” Seriously what does that look like?

I think it looks like us doing our best each day. We get up, pray, call our contacts, pray, eat, pray, help someone else, pray, send an e-mail, pray, watch a movie, pray, exercise, pray…you get the idea. We do what we’d normally do but just pray a whole lot.

I have times where I doubt. I’ll be at work and I wonder how much longer? When will it rain again?

Call it faith, hope or wishful thinking but I know that it won’t always be this way. There will be a time when I look back on 2009 and remember all the challenges I faced. I’m not perfect. Could I pray more? Yes. Could I spend my time more wisely. Yes. However, I’m leaning on the everlasting arms for now. One day I won’t be waiting on a wife, a job or a move. Something else will replace them. Could be waiting on a baby to born or waiting for healing. I know there will be something.

For those that will, lift me up. Ask God to give me patience, to wait for His plan. The last thing I want is get in the way and stop what He has planned. I’ve been waiting a long time so I can wait some more.

NOTE: Jeff Henderson referenced Tom Petty’s song, “The Waiting,” in his series and then at the end of the service as we left they played that song. I love when Buckhead Church does that.

Yes I guess the backlog of blogging is coming out this morning. I had to share this song too. This one is even better than “Heart & Soul.” The vocal harmonies are ridiculous. Pay special attention to the bridge at the 3:00 minute mark. This is live.

It’s sick how good this band was. This was 1984. Are bands this good anymore? I mean with killer musicianship, great songwriting, with hooks that stay in your head and live vocal harmonies all while selling loads of records? Seriously is there a band this good?

Death Cab For Cutie is good and maybe not a fair comparison. Even though they’re on a major they still have the Indie rock aesthetic.

I’m not saying Huey Lewis & The News is the greatest band of all time. I’m honestly asking, are bands this good anymore?

I saw this concert on Comcast On Demand at my parent’s house last Thanksgiving. I always liked these guys but this show blew me away. This performance sounds exactly like the record. I was impressed by how good this band is and how easy they make it look. Seriously, this is some mad skill happening here.

What do you think?

I watched the Tom Petty documentary earlier this week, Runnin’ Down A Dream. It’s an excellent history of Petty’s career. Included in the film is his work with The Traveling Wilbury’s.

At home over Christmas we watched Tom Petty on Palladia on the SoundStage show. They did a version of the Wilbury’s “Handle With Care.” It’s such a great song I had to share it. It’s my favorite song the Wilbury’s did.

I love this version here from the Heartbreakers. It’s a tad faster than the original which I like. Scott Thurston does a remarkable job on the Roy Orbison vocal.

What a great song.