Thank Fede it’s Friday.
Who’s up for a music competition?
This week the question comes courtesy of reader Clampers Outside who suggests your favourite piano song or a song whose melody is led by a piano.
So there you have it.
Here’s mine.
Reply below to be in with a chance of bagging yourself a €20 Currys PC World voucher redeemable in any Currys store.
The winner will be chosen by my piano tuner.
Please include a video link if possible, thanks.
Lines MUST close on Saturday Midday.
Nick says: Good luck!
Earlier: Last week’s winner
Sponsored Link
Played on mostly the top black keys, an incredible introduction too an amazing song, Sir Bob – I Don’t Like Mondays!!
https://youtu.be/-Kobdb37Cwc
Enjoy!
well that’s easy, it just dances along,
Woodbrook , Micheal O’Suilleabhann
https://youtu.be/I0XHs2k5CMY
followed closely by Erik Satie, Gymnopedie
https://youtu.be/S-Xm7s9eGxU
reminds me of a lost tall dark stranger, dedicated to you Semu
Sublime start to the day :)
Superb pick!
well this one is going to hit the hundreds pretty quickly, but Andy has everyone’s first choice already cornered. here’s my second choice – carole king ‘i feel the earth move’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6913KnbMpHM
iconic piano intro from the happy mondays.
cyall the cyopssss..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFBQ0PH5rM4
Part of my DNA.
+1 :)
David Bowie’s Life on Mars (featuring Mike Garson on piano)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRnbuDvk7zM
Not too many songs are about a typical teenage girl being sent off to the movies by her parents, she gets stood up by her friend, boyfriend perhaps? And she somewhat despondently takes her seat in the stalls. Few early rock-era songs feature a girl where she is simply the subject of a song, not an object of beauty or lust or distraction, and Bowie also neatly captures the essence of a teenager’s life filled with emotional highs and lows of the worlds slights and petty injustices….
Rick Wakeman plays masterful piano on the original track, in fact Wakeman played the same piano that Paul McCartney used for the recording of “Hey Jude”
Enjoy!
Rick Wakeman sublimely playing piano “Life on Mars”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saM1QXdGh_8
Great pick! Love this one!
Love the Rick Wakeman link, thanks Harry :)
a personal favourite, the who ‘out of my brain on the 5.15’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI-ecQPIy4M
Elliott Smith – Son of Sam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afeAUndotas
He always stood out in a raft of boring singer-songwriters. Brilliant piano riff, beautifully upbeat.
Tragic end for Elliott. Stabbed himself in the stomach after a row with his missus.
the master, roy bittan’s killer piano on springsteen’s ‘she’s the one’.
goose pimples folks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk9bZuTOamg
I like that, a lot :)
A proper fun Friday tune to get the blood pumping – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htgr3pvBr-I
Classic :)
john fogarty at the joanna in his front room, singing ‘as long as i can see the light’
by the way, when i die someone has to play this at my funeral, ok?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHePiLjZJTs
I don’t have any Lauras in my life but I love the beauty of this track from the spectacularly talented Gregory Porter.
Hey Laura is such a lovely, simple song laden with romance and sweet, sweet lovin’…
https://youtu.be/ZWUAKq-reLQ
And live in Berlin
https://youtu.be/LMnePrz4yGs
Bonus – special shout out to Nina Simone – Sinnerman…
I love Nina Simone’s rendition of Lilac wine too.
Lovely track… Never heard that guy before :)
look, someone has to enter it, ok?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ
jeez, wait till everyone chimes in with billy joel, randy newman and paul mccartney stuff..
ha I hesitated !
+1 :)
Found an instrumental of it here… https://youtu.be/xzPBR5q0Z6I
“Fill Your Heart” from the seminal Bowie album – Hunky Dory – one of those albums that i arrived at in or around 13 years of age and formed part of my damascene transition from twee-greatest hits albums and pop mulch to something with a bit more heft and bite. It’s a cover, not a Bowie original and it may be slight and fanciful but the sun is shining outside, the day is warm and who can’t get with the message of forgetting your head and being free … ! The piano on it is stunning … so good that you wonder if the pianist had extra fingers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIog1vxXN4U
My second (and final submission) is the awesome The The tune Uncertain Smile. While not strictly piano led the closing joanna solo by Jools Holland at the end of it really makes it leap from excellent to sublime. Story goes he rocked up to the studio on his motorcycle on a sweltering hot July day, dressed head to toe in leather gear, say down, did the take in one, apologised for the mistake and bolted. I’ve listened to this umpteen times and cannot find any mistake ! I don’t think Matt Johnson can either …. hairs on the back of me neck every time i hear it !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bErFXjUGvQ
this should probably be the last word on piano songs:
Tom waits, ‘the piano has been drinking’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBQucVmiemY
Winner!
Gorgeous- before Late Late became over paid propaganda robots.
et bien-sûr, Comptine d’un autre été
https://youtu.be/MNqJUqvzVKg
the stones at the top of their game with the ever brilliant nicky hopkins on keys.
‘Loving Cup’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nryc7h6TCIE
The Beatles -Lady Madonna-
It has to be Paul McCartney’s ragtime piano that takes the bill! Children at her feet, babies at your breast and a melody that, allegedly, came to him in a dream. You can’t beat that!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czhd27cN2dg
If we’re doing The Beatles, and no one complains, may I put in Let It Be, the song I want played at my funeral!!
Superb piano playing from Paul from the start to the finish!!
https://youtu.be/d1MNv3BXqmM
Enjoy!!
some fats domino, maybe?
‘aint that a shame’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6JZW7zMDfY
Ramsey Lewis Wade in the water
https://youtu.be/mvxpPJXiXck
I am indeed very much in love with this
Anything from the Chilly Gonzales Solo Piano series is gold, beautifully simple pieces that I could listen to forever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJzMyeeqt24&list=PL0122C1147CDF8B77
+1
Othello is magnificent.
There’s footage out there of a gig he did in The Sugar Club where he rips the michael out of Sting. Completely deconstructs his style of song-writing and exemplifies this by playing The King of Pain whilst stomping on the piano with his feet :)
One of my favourite Bowie piano songs. Aladdin Sane. I think its Mike Garson on piano doing one of the craziest piano solos 2 mins in. So good!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2y9inP4CqE&ab_channel=Allu
David Ackles Down River
https://youtu.be/8-zDI5GD7co
close to my heart this one, Jesus there’s something fierce nostalgic about a tune to piano.
https://youtu.be/bMZVtFCU0ZQ
Je l’aime a mourir, Francis Cabrel
One of the most beautiful piano melodies I’ve ever heard is by Vangelis from the Blade Runner soundtrack, its called “Memories of Green”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1KfOMkyU_w&ab_channel=Vangelis-Topic
Nice piece that, Junk
Warren Zevon. Werewolves of London.
https://youtu.be/qae25976UgA
Ah class!!!
+1 :)
One of those rare songs that can be recognised with just the first few notes from when the pianos start, which is just brilliant!!
Someone Like You – Adele.
https://youtu.be/hLQl3WQQoQ0
Enjoy!
Has to be done ( from The Piano )
The heart asks pleasure first, Michael Nymen
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=db6ygd-xAhA&feature=share
tis a very sensual film, all the music is great
Great shout!!
Nice piece Janet :)
I had a quick listen to a few tracks on that playlist… It’s now added to my home screen for later :)
can’t believe no one has said it yet ( yippy)
Nina Simone, My baby just cares for me
My Da sings this to wind my Mum up if she’s in a fouler :)
https://youtu.be/eYSbUOoq4Vg
Excellent! Oh my God that animated video was a favourite in the 80’s. Great song.
So true, great track :)
Leroy Hudson
Cool Out
https://youtu.be/F775VRXMYuQ
puts the back in laid back
Hutson
not Hudson
Tino Contreras & His Jazz Tropical Orchestra – Malagueña (1962)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziKLIWnV-tw
Phenomenal piano playing. Every time I listen to this track, the toe starts to tap, head starts to nod and before you know it..
Pretty sure I have caught the virus called Covid-19 after listening to that.
That really is drag queen level piano playing.
Hah.. Certainly a more Barry Manilow than White vibe off it :)
NoOscar Peterson Plays Duke Ellingtons
Just A-Sittin’ And A-Rockin’
From the hook, to the pause… to the modulation then a change up and back to the hook… then fade to black… and all in 3 mins 41 seconds.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oTFh2633euc&list=PLKLPE6Ph1xZraI_bw-NDGusn_7ROSurHp&index=3
Oscar Peterson Plays Duke Ellingtons
Just A-Sittin’ And A-Rockin’
From the hook, to the pause… to the modulation then a change up and back to the hook… then fade to black… and all in 3 mins 41 seconds.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oTFh2633euc&list=PLKLPE6Ph1xZraI_bw-NDGusn_7ROSurHp&index=3
I feel like I’m trapped in a lift :)
Martha by Tom Waits. It is surprising that Tom Waits was only 23 when he recorded this song as it is a wonderfully evocative story of an older man looking back on a youthful love-affair and captures a sense of mature reflection on the past tinged with regret.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXQwDb7AUmo
Loving the pics so far :) And Janet throwing about those obscure, to me anyway, French tracks, love it!
My first roll of the dice is Kings of Convenience’s ‘Misread’… a summer time feel with a very upbeat rhythm yet carries a certain melancholy too when you listen to the lyrics…
“How come no one told me
All throughout history
The loneliest people
Were the ones who always spoke the truth
The ones who made a difference
By withstanding the indifference
I guess it’s up to me now
Should I take that risk or just smile?”
But it’s all about the rhythm of the piano that I love about this track :)
https://youtu.be/WOxE7IRizjI
and I’d never heard that ! very nice :)
here’s one for you clamps
New Soul, Yael Naim
https://youtu.be/hhE7QMXRE1g
Lovely track… And strangely familiar :)
Looking forward to going through these posts properly tomorrow morning :)
The The – Uncertain Smile
https://youtu.be/v08Si-3qN_0
The piano doesn’t come in until around 3 minutes 13 seconds of this version, however, it is worth waiting for. Forget about Jools Holland’s boogie woogie blow outs on Later . . . . this is him in his Squeeze-era pomp. Even though the piano takes up only a portion of this track, I don’t think there are many songs that are so defined by this one instrument than this.
In anticipation of what we’ll all be doin’ soontime.
Joe Jackson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJwt2dxx9yg
hell yeah
Now you’re talkin’… A bone fide classic :)
Japan: Nightporter. Gives me goosebumps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZVn9y0XfoI
This is magnificent. Never heard it before but it’s now a favourite.
What ever happened to them?
Super pick. Never heard it either.
And this popped up straight after. Its the intro to that song… only 49 secs, but I could put that on a loop. Beautiful piece :)
https://youtu.be/KVpCNgP6H7E
Orbital – Kein Trink Wasser
https://youtu.be/cvuiXb–Lu8
The Haydns of house, the Elgars of electronica the Offenbachs of being off your head. If classical composers were working with modern instruments this is what they would be producing.
yes indeed
Oh my god…. I’d sooooo forgotten about that track, and album… Must dig it out.
Great pick! Was like a flashback there for a mo, grinnin’ ear to ear now :)
My favourite track led by piano is Riverside by Agnes Obel. Haunting with a slight dark undertone. Danish Deliciousness.
https://youtu.be/vjncyiuwwXQ
Oh my…. this is why I love these comps. That is a thing of beauty, brand new to me so thanks for posting :)
Delighted to oblige. Enjoy.
Mick’s Blessings – the Style Council
https://youtu.be/bp7qbGr96I4
Cool :)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qrp3Xz7c-MM
Nothing but the same old story – Paul Brady
May I be so bold to add this gem,
https://youtu.be/Rrt1gIO_yVA
The Island – Paul Brady
Went to see him in the Olympia years ago, with a girl whom I thought was well outta my league, but ended up kissing her throughout this song!!
Good times!!
Yes, brilliant choice.
Has another one – Mother and Son off the Hooba Dooba album.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=DCh6nfEpgjM
Brilliant songwriter.
Oooh, me likey that :)
Top pick Andy :)
Sivuca – Aint no sunshine when she’s gone
https://youtu.be/OQVX4GFDj48
Bill withers gets samba’d
IMO one of the most beautiful tracks ever written.
Noe – Where you wait to see the light
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOW8Fo4E26U
That is simply divine SOQ.
Thoroughly enjoyed it… drifted away with it sooo easily, cheers dude :)
Gil Scott Heron – Home is where the hatred is
https://youtu.be/nSpBs1ghyoo
Esther Philips does an incredible version – less piano though
Oh…. I do like that :)
My pick is Song of Bernadette by Jennifer Warnes. An absolute beauty of a song, and one which showcases Jennifer’s magnificent voice to its fullest.
https://youtu.be/HgwaRMdihOU
Hadn’t heard that before, beautiful!!
Hope all is good with you Missy?
It’s Friday, the bottle of rose is chilled and all is right with the world Andy, thanks for asking. Hope you’re keeping well pal x
Another one new to me… Lovely pick Millie :)
Barbara Dane
Wild women don’t have the blues
https://youtu.be/7Cw5UMB5K_Y
A pile of great tracks here. This, by ex-Raspberries singer Eric Carmen, is the ultimate piano ballad, the verse is based on the 2nd movement of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op.18. There’s a very long version about, with a lengthy & lovely orchestral section. https://youtu.be/V-6X7VR9Abo
Bone fide classic K :)
For rock’n’roll piano-led songs, though, this is a stonker, “All The Way From Memphis”. Mott The Hoople were my favourite band through teenage years, even though most of their career, before they hit paydirt with Bowie’s “All The Young Dudes”, happened when I was still in short trousers. I got on board just in time for their last two, most successful albums, then they broke up. Oh well, I got their best years. https://youtu.be/ubBpu3MHmtM
Young-Holt Unlimited “Soulful Strut” 1968
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKYgtwsqnxs
Lazy summer funky vibes.
The song was originally recorded with vocals (“Am I the Same Girl?”) but the producer decided to remove them and overdub a piano solo instead. Turned out to be a shrewd move – the piano version went to no.3 in the US pop charts. The vocal version was released 3 months later but only reached no.79.
Funnily enough, neither Eldee Young nor Red Holt is believed to have played on the track which was apparently the work of unnamed session musicians.
enjoyed that
Me too.
Was it yourself posted another of theirs, Young Holt Unlimited, a couple of weeks back. Enjoyed that too :)
(I add the ones I like from these comps to various playlists)
No not me, in fact I am away to learn a little more on the very subject of Young Holt Unlimited, thank f_lawless.
Right!
I’m probably going to get gate for this, but I loved her back in the day and this song has stuck with me ever since, the piano is just brilliant and transformers back to my youth!!
https://youtu.be/8Ms3mJFkSeg
Enjoy and have a happy weekend!!
Was playing this yesterday morning when my dearest walked in… “are you playing Debbie Gibson” she asked, with a grin :)
B B B Benny and the Jets.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp2KrXtWwAA
I thought I’d see more of Mr John :)
Good version that, great flick too!
This is rather good.
Phoebe Bridgers* covers Radiohead’s Fake Plastic Trees accompanied by Arlo Parks on piano.
https://youtu.be/JKPaA3p3bJU
*may or may not be Paul Mescal’s squeeze.
And here’s Arlo Parks doing Creep.
https://youtu.be/WRDbsLYSwe0
Two cracking covers Otis :)
This version is brilliant too. Posted it here a few months ago. Haley Reinhart
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m3lF2qEA2cw
Nice! :)
Although not the original, this piano version is just brilliant!!
https://youtu.be/90Fpjwctqlw
Enjoy!!
I did :)
Trust me on this one.
The Antlers – Palace
https://youtu.be/E9afJSKCOQQ
Ásgeir tackles Nirvana’s Heart-shaped Box.
https://youtu.be/g-HVwEcA00M
There are so many but I have to choose my all time favourite song. Tom Waits, Kentucky Avenue, his voice and his piano telling us a story of a boy growing up with Hobo jungles, Church keys, Rattlesnakes and sliding down the drain to New Orleans in the fall.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GvZK8Wl7RQ8
The Night I Heard Caruso Sing by Everything But The Girl
This song has been haunting me a lot recently, a beautiful piano piece, and when Tracey Thorn joins in with Ben Watt it becomes a sublime piece to listen to.
https://youtu.be/6GFK5IChs40
The Cinematic Orchestra – To Build a Home
https://youtu.be/QB0ordd2nOI
A really wonderful beauty…
* sniff * :)
Trio Valore with Amy Winehouse – Rehab
https://youtu.be/kxjmMHg8JFc
electric piano/organ driven style
Like the drumming on that version :)
Steve White – he knows his way around the drum kit.no doubt
Night swimming.
REM.
That is all.
Aye, top track that :)
https://youtu.be/ahJ6Kh8klM4
Delicate as a feather
Keaton Henson – Epilogue
https://youtu.be/CTSGd7F9atw
Oh my…. got lost in that one :)
Lieutenant Pigeon – Mouldy Old Dough:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdNW9xLEH3k
And still they danced…
Raw, basic, but utterly brilliant,
Miss Norah Jones,
https://youtu.be/tlriGKmxrQ4
Good Night, and may your Gods bless you.
Fancy Marianne Faithfull reciting Byron’s poetry with Nick Cave on piano? Course ya do.
Marianne Faithfull – She Walks in Beauty
https://youtu.be/GMsM_zWvWvo
Mercury Rev – Goddess on a Highway
https://youtu.be/1xJbEoc5sDw
Reminds me of times gone… only memories last :)
Final one!
Having been a roadie since I was sixteen, I can relate too this kid, but it’s the magic in the piano and melody, apparently it was totally improv, but still a great tune!
Tiny Dancer – Elton John
https://youtu.be/_qW9wqUI4Lg
Enjoy!!
My favourite song in the world Andy! How did you know?
what did you think of rocket man ?
The movie, you mean? I actually haven’t seen it yet, much to my eternal shame.
Worth the watch?
Definitely :)
I wouldn’t describe myself as a John fan. I like some of his stuff but not an avid listener, but the movie was a very enjoyable watch :) Its a trip!
The Boy with the Arab Strap. One of the greatest ever songs in the “named after a sex toy” genre. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9K7W6dztw-4
A go to track for a lift in mood :)
Somebody took the time to create a great fan-made video for the song with footage from Jean-Luc Godard’s Bande à part.
https://youtu.be/3rMGb7UAKvw
And Anna Karina passed away not so long ago.
I know I’m out of time (as usual), I actually did have my suggestion ready yesterday but an unexpected caller turned up laden with food so the rest of the day was spent either eating or wondering whether I had room for just a bit more – I did but I probably won’t need to eat again until Wednesday now!
Anyway my choice, which my seem a bit obvious, is one of my all time favourite songs, the brilliant Billy Joel with Piano Man
https://youtu.be/gxEPV4kolz0
I thought it would have been picked sooner… Better late than never :)
Easy
Like Sunday Morning
We all know the Faith No More version so here’s the original with Lionel Richie and The Commodores
https://youtu.be/7XcTyEKSnYg
love it
sexy song
Ben Folds Five’s Song For The Dumped was my introduction this band.
The track always puts a smile on my face. It’s likely the first time I ever realised you can be as angry on piano as much as you can be on a guitar… if that makes sense :)
The piano playing from 1.45 is a joy to be hold varying from fast and light to down right pounding on the keys
https://youtu.be/XVk_e31dnlE
I’m gonna throw one more in the ring, just because.
It moved me years ago when I first heard it – I think it’s impossible not to feel moved by the melody of this song, which so clearly tells a story – and I love it still. It got me into piano, and this is one I played for my two babies when they were still growing in the womb, which makes it very special for me.
The River Flows in You – Yiruma
https://youtu.be/zwJQE0HkYZw
Lovely piece Millie :)
Hania Rani ‘F Major’ is a hauntingly beautiful piano piece with an equally beautiful video shot in Iceland.
I know, not a song, and moving towards classical with this one but she is mesmerising… Prepare to drift away on this one… :)
https://youtu.be/bB34_eLCLKo
If you enjoyed that, here’s Hanis in this 25 minute studio session that is full of close ups of those intricate finger play moments.
Again, mesmerising dexterity… Enough to make you want to learn or wish you had :)
Pure escape stuff this… for me anyway.
https://youtu.be/kFRdoYfZYUY
Oops… Typos, dang it!
Clampers
I think you should pick this weeks winner as it was your idea, and I know you listen to every suggestion every week.
Fair play!!
Ah no, nice idea… but I couldn’t take the pressure man! Lol!
Janet, Gorugeen and SOQ have all posted beautiful tracks… by the way. Top surprises so far this morning.
None of which I’ve heard before, which one of the joys of this comp, new music…. and I’m only half way through :)
Maxence Cyrin – Unfinished Sympathy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7RwuHQeAGU
Lovely :)
….the sun is shining,no masks and Harris is going lose everything,why,it’s almost like it’s my….
Happy birthday Johnny,stunning piano version by St Vincent.
https://youtu.be/kfFhIenaEoE
U2 – October
https://youtu.be/kqdJ6CsXt4Y
U2 have used piano effectively on some of their tracks. This is my favourite. It is bleak and spare and seems to be a song bereft of hope. There is, however, a little flicker of light in the lyrics. The band were going through their Christian phase (bar Adam) at this stage, so the hope is underpinned by a strong faith. Sermon over.
This one is for Donal McCarthy – who seems so familiar to me.. played by a forgotten Irish man – Alone Again – Naturally https://youtu.be/D_P-v1BVQn8
he would remind you of a certain somebody
One for the road. 10000 Maniacs cover/reworking of Patti Smith’s because the night. This version being the superior one by some margin. One of the most memorable MTV unplugged series; remember when MTV was about music?!
https://youtu.be/6JNcGhBWJZA
my first memory of MTV was legging it home to hear Metallica’s tune played at the same time every day, I can sing it in my head but can’t for life of me remember the name, bangs head in a different way to teenage me ;)
One !
didn’t kill every brain cell afterall…
Bach- The Goldberg Variations is the 1955 debut album of Canadian classical pianist Glenn Gould,it’s simply sublime.
https://youtu.be/Ah392lnFHxM
I was looking for this track the week the “remixes” were done but for some reason didn’t think to just type remix at the end of the name of the song… Heh…
Anyway…
Counting Crows’ Colourblind (Oliver Schories Remix)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=chrK84km0xM
Although a remix, I don’t think much has changed bar the addition of an upbeat house beat which fits the track like a glove :)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=chrK84km0xM
Enjoy :)
And the original, a beautiful piece
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=y0s7ycdUcHk
I love that and had forgotten all about it !
So good I put the link in twice :)
Dr rubberfunk – bossa for devil
https://youtu.be/FJBpCuq71pY
a favourite of mine for a long time, not listened to it in an age
turns out i still like it
happy saturday to one and all –
may the sun shine warm on your backs, and a smile radiate joy from your faces
Never that before-