Always impressed by The Yardbirds, always found it difficult to really enjoy them. They seldom seem to gel like a proper band. Like you say, guitar solos that are great but hardly seem to belong in the song, etc. The constant problem with Relf. The same is true, for me, with Having a Rave-Up. 'Still I'm Sad' - wow, can't believe they did that, and pulled it off so well! ... it doesn't actually move me though... was there a point to it other than to impress (an important motivation in all human endeavour no doubt!)? Entirely unlike Them, to mention another r&b outfit "in the news", where the question of what the point is never arises.
I feel the pain. But I just concentrate on the combination of cleverness - it's astounding just how many directions these guys managed to pursue, despite never looking like they were up to the task - and awesome lead guitar, and it's enough to keep the flame burning for me. At times, it even converts to real love, no matter how much of a turn-off Relf's presence might be.
“Beck’s guitar is talking all the way.” Sums up his life, as well.
One of my favorite reviews of yours, George, which is saying something.
Always impressed by The Yardbirds, always found it difficult to really enjoy them. They seldom seem to gel like a proper band. Like you say, guitar solos that are great but hardly seem to belong in the song, etc. The constant problem with Relf. The same is true, for me, with Having a Rave-Up. 'Still I'm Sad' - wow, can't believe they did that, and pulled it off so well! ... it doesn't actually move me though... was there a point to it other than to impress (an important motivation in all human endeavour no doubt!)? Entirely unlike Them, to mention another r&b outfit "in the news", where the question of what the point is never arises.
But they do impress of course!
I feel the pain. But I just concentrate on the combination of cleverness - it's astounding just how many directions these guys managed to pursue, despite never looking like they were up to the task - and awesome lead guitar, and it's enough to keep the flame burning for me. At times, it even converts to real love, no matter how much of a turn-off Relf's presence might be.