Quadrant 4 (Billy Cobham ‘Spectrum’)

I remember reading somewhere that this vinyl had become almost impossible to find in a state where you could actually hear Tommy Bolin’s incredible guitar solo. Not because it was a badly made vinyl but because this solo got played a gazillion times by guitarists trying to work out what the hell he was doing!! This is simply one of the finest guitar solos you will ever find on any record. It’s loaded up with some incredible rocky/jazzy playing and his stunning delay tricks (much copied by Steve Stevens, Yngwie Malmsteen et al). Tommy was a true talent with phenomenal ability, great ears and a vast musical knowledge. The world was definitely robbed in 76 when sadly he overdosed. Shamefully this is what some peeps remember him for and ignore the catalogue of amazing music he left behind.

I have always and will always feel a connection with Tommy'¦ he shares my birthday!

Every birthday I raise a glass to Tommy Bolin, with a tear in the corner of my eye. God bless you Tommy.

The Song Remains the Same (Led Zeppelin ‘Houses of the Holy’)

Ha! I’d bet you were expecting No Quarter! I love No Quarter but it was this track that used to get me so excited! Especially the live versions. Just listen to how clean those guitars are and yet it’s so gritty and exciting. Jimmy builds the rhythm up in such an exciting way. It’s a masterful build up throughout the intro. And I just love the layers. These are still some of the finest examples of layering on record. Kramer and Page brightened and cleaned up the guitar sounds rather a lot on this album giving Zep a totally new sound. If you ever wonder what peeps mean when they say a guitar sound is “chimey” this is it. This is what chimey is!! Totally wonderful stuff. This for me is Zep’s golden period culminating in the album which will surely show up in a few weeks when we do 75!

Birds of Fire (Mahavishnu Orchestra ‘Birds of Fire’)

Dobeedoobeedoo doobeedoobeedoo doobeedoobeedoo doobedo… dobeedoobeedoo doobeedoobeedoo doobeedoobeedoo doobeda. More fives. See'¦ told ya! Arguably this is the place where it all began. This was the birth of fusion'¦ before this it was just tuning up. Again Mclaughlin shows us how to blend in different colours against the tonal centre and reharmonize the living daylights out of themes and motifs. And his guitar solo just absolutely rocks. If Mclaughlin’s phrasing in this doesn’t change your playing then nothing ever will!! This is one of the greatest bands of all time and if you’ve never heard them then please, please, please'¦ just try them out!

Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part Two (King Crimson ‘Larks’ Tongues in Aspic’)

Patterns of five seem to be popping out everywhere this time! This track was my introduction to the KC magic and genius of Robert Fripp. If you want to begin to learn how to modulate and count in funny meters then you possibly couldn’t find a better plcace to learn!! This track has inspired god knows how many bands since.

Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Black Sabbath ‘Sabbath Bloody Sabbath’)

What a riff. What a freakin’ riff!! And such unique fuzzy tones too!! And we can’t talk about this song without mentioning just how high Ozzy sings in the 2nd half of the song!! And'¦ just when you’re thinking “that’s an amazing riff'¦ there’s no way he can top that” he does in the 2nd half with an even better riff. This song encapsulates everything that makes Sabbath awesome. It’s a great album, chocked full with amazing riffs and grooves. Every rocker should own it. Oddly, it was recorded just down the road from where I’m sat right now!!

Ahhhh, 73'¦ there’s my most inspiring guitar tracks and I have to say what a bunch they are!! These 5 will keep you learning the rest of your life!! If you haven’t heard these absolute beauties then snap to it! You owe it to yourself!!

Have a good weekend folks!
Pauly.