Comments on: Top 11: Piano + Rock = $$$$

By: meredith

meredith — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:53:00 +0000

Overall, I agree with your playlist. You credit some of the best rock artists that have ever wielded a piano keyboard. However, I feel you seriously denied Something Corporate / Jack’s Mannequin – they’d be number 3 or 2 in my playlist.

Evidence: Dark Blue – Jack’s Mannequin.

The solo piano at the beginning grabs attention as the bass drum and later the rest of the band joins in. The simple piano rift holds the whole song together and sets the tone for the lyrics. Simple variations on the few notes take place through the whole song making the piano the underlying centerpiece, while the electric guitar takes the melody. All together, it makes for a poppy piano rock marriage.

Plus the lead singer beat cancer, how can you deny a cancer survivor?

By: SmokeyMaverick

SmokeyMaverick — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:53:31 +0000

@Scotka: Yea, I was really close to clipping Coldplay off the list, but after all the critical acclaim they’ve received, I felt obligated to at least give them a spot (albeit the last one).

I can’t believe I forgot about my boy Dan Bern! Great call. “My Doorbell” is a good WS song, but I felt Denial Twist had more piano in it. Also thought about some Radiohead, but alas, I’m not a big fan of them (gasp!)

By: Scotka

Scotka — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:15:33 +0000

Solid list. A few comments, then I will retort with my own list:

Denial Twist- solid pick, and one of my more favorite music videos as of late. Also, off the White Stripes “Get Behind Me Satan” album is “My Doorbell,” which also prominently features the piano.

The Okkervil River Song is titled “Our Life is Not a Movie Or Maybe.”

You know how I know you’re gay? You put Coldplay on this list.

“Hurt” also features a guitar, which enters pretty early in the song.

On to my picks (in no particular order):

1. “Colorshow” by the Avett Brothers
2. “Layla” by Derek and the Dominoes (The full-on version, not that pussy shit Clapton put out years later. Check out the piano on the outro).
3. “Magnetized” by Laura Veirs (Not piano-heavy, but solid use is made of it)
4. “I Need You” by Dan Bern
5. “Go With the Flow” by Queens of the Stone Age (not at the forefront, but really complements the song with constant banging in the background)
6. “Karma Police” by Radiohead
7. “Call it a Ritual” by Wolf Parade
8. “That’s How I Knew This Story Would Break My Heart” by Aimee Mann
9. Does Keyboard count as piano? If so, see anything by the Doors.

By: casey

casey — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:53:51 +0000

again, really enjoying this unbeknown-to-me knowledge of music you have – i liked the countdown and may well have to redownload limewire to get some of these songs.

it’s purvEs with an E not an I. Tell wiley that while you’re at it