Found out about this via Bob Lefsetz. It’s one of the funniest things I’ve seen in a while. Jimmy Fallon nails Neil Young. It’s almost the best “Neil Young” song I’ve heard in years. It seriously sounds like Neil Young lyrics.

What do you think?

The studio version with Take 6 is legendary. Timothy Schmidt kills this fretless on this one. I’ve always loved this song.

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.

I like both of them but I’m going with Howard Jones. No contest.

What can you say about how great this is? I wish bands were still this good.

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.

This is how offering should be done! Are you a cheerful giver of your income?

Tonight at dinner the subject of bands that always deliver was brought up. Some of the bands mentioned were Led Zeppelin, Rush, James Brown, Prince, CCR, Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles.

Some bands that don’t always deliver were The Rolling Stones, U2, John Fogerty (solo not with CCR) and Coldplay.

I thought of some more artists that always deliver: Cocteau Twins, The Smiths and Aimee Mann.

Who did we forget in either category?

Bob Lefsetz has been writing a lot about Steely Dan lately. This summer the Dan has been performing their albums, in their entirety, in different cities. They did come through Atlanta but we weren’t privy to the multiple dates.

I forwarded Lefsetz’s e-mails to the 2 true Steely Dan fans I know. I’ve also been enjoying Steely Dan’s music as well, going through another phase. I have some on vinyl and I think that’s the best way to hear them.

Anyways, I watched this clip before. It features Steely Dan’s current drummer, Keith Carlock. The guy is a beast. Go straight to 7:25 to see Carlock shred his solo on, “Aja.” The solo was originally done by Steve Gadd on the record. However I think Carlock’s solo may top Gadd’s.