AppleInsider › Forums › General › General Discussion › Best Instrumental Songs
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Best Instrumental Songs

post #1 of 39
2/27/02 at 6:37pm
Thread Starter 
For some reason, lately I've been real interested in instrumental music. You know, no words. I was wondering what you guys thought were some of the better pieces out there. My fav right now is "Classical Gas" by Mason Williams.
Reply
Reply
post #2 of 39
2/27/02 at 7:00pm
I've always been partial to "YYZ" by Rush.
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 39
2/27/02 at 9:22pm
[quote]Originally posted by iDude:
<strong>I was wondering what you guys thought were some of the better pieces out there. My fav right now is "Classical Gas" by Mason Williams.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Well, if you're into 60's instrumentals check out:

Link Wray
Booker T and the MGs
The Ventures

Here's a mixed bag from my collection:
St. Germain's CD "Tourist"
Beastie Boys CD "The In Sound from Way Out"

Right now the instrumental band from Philly is hot...a funk, hard rocking trio called <a href="http://www.stinkinglizaveta.com/" target="_blank">Stinking Lizaveta</a>.

Latest CD "III" is awesome and live they are amazing.
I AM THE Royal Pain in the Ass.
Reply
I AM THE Royal Pain in the Ass.
Reply
post #4 of 39
2/27/02 at 10:02pm
reptile and sign by Eric Clapton
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 39
2/27/02 at 10:19pm
[quote]Originally posted by trick fall:
<strong>Air's soundtrack for The Virgin Suicides only has one track with vocals. It's a really good mellow spacey record.</strong><hr></blockquote>

have you heard "moon safari" by air...its super relaxo at its best.

its funny my two favorite styles of music are Hip-hop/rap and Techno/electronic....one is heavily devoted to lyrics the other is mostly devoid of lyrics. I listen to so much of both genres that Its hard to choose...but I really love Squarepusher, Aphex Twin, Autehcre, Boards of Canada...and pretty much all the WARP label. when it comes to my favorite electronic acts...
....but for recommendation sake... here are a few expeptionally good tracks
Iambic5 Poetry - squarepusher
on - Aphex twin
don't go plastic - squarepusher
roygbiv- Boards of Canada

check 'em out for some really good electronic tracks.
orange you just glad?
Reply
orange you just glad?
Reply
post #6 of 39
2/27/02 at 10:38pm
Any Michael Hedges instrumental song (more or less), but specifically:

Michael Hedges - Aerial Boundaries
Michael Hedges - Spare Change
Michael Hedges - Peg Leg Speed King
Michael Hedges - The Funky Avocado
Michael Hedges - Fusion of the Five Elements
Photon - Photo Blog by Jonathan Patt
Reply
Photon - Photo Blog by Jonathan Patt
Reply
post #7 of 39
2/28/02 at 12:01am
Here's another vote for YYZ. I also like the live version on "Exit Stage Left."
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 39
2/28/02 at 2:45am
[quote]Originally posted by kaboom:
<strong>I've always been partial to "YYZ" by Rush.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Oh yes..YYZ.. a great instrumental!

I guess it depends on what KIND of music you like..

Here are some that I like (YYZ is included):
Moby Dick - Led Zeppelin (ROCKS!!)
any Joe Satriani song...Heck I even saw a video of him playing the Star Spangled Banner in San Francisco and he rocked then.
<a href="http://www.toolband.com" target="_blank">www.toolband.com</a>
Reply
<a href="http://www.toolband.com" target="_blank">www.toolband.com</a>
Reply
post #9 of 39
2/28/02 at 6:13am
Air's soundtrack for The Virgin Suicides only has one track with vocals. It's a really good mellow spacey record.
http://www.myspace.com/thedopes
Reply
http://www.myspace.com/thedopes
Reply
post #10 of 39
2/28/02 at 6:54am
Mikes Oldfield : tubular bell.

Classical music
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 39
2/28/02 at 6:59am
[quote]Originally posted by powerdoc:
<strong>Classical music</strong><hr></blockquote>Yeah, I was going to put "Jazz" and "Classical."
:cool:
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 39
2/28/02 at 7:05am
[quote]Originally posted by BRussell:
<strong>Yeah, I was going to put "Jazz" and "Classical."
:cool: </strong><hr></blockquote>

Jazz is good for me too.
Reply
Reply
post #13 of 39
2/28/02 at 7:49am
Together Again by Dave Koz
Because the people who are crazy enough to think thay can change the world, are the ones who do
Reply
Because the people who are crazy enough to think thay can change the world, are the ones who do
Reply
post #14 of 39
2/28/02 at 8:00am
If you're groovin on "Classical Gas" you should try to get a copy of the album that Mason Williams did with Mannheim Steamroller. Pretty good.

Most of Enya's instrumental stuff is good, but so is almost anything by Tangerine Dream. Some of the stuff by Art of Noise is pretty good too.

Finally, if I had to pick ONE THING to listen to for the rest of my life, it would be Chet Atkins, late king of instrumental (picked) guitar. A genius. I've yet to get a copy of the album that he did with Mark Knopfler, but I've heard that it's pretty good.

Oh, and The Chieftains. Good Celtic music is mostly instrumental.

For classical lovers, Empire Brass Quintet and Canadian Brass are sublime.
Never had ONE lesson.
Reply
Never had ONE lesson.
Reply
post #15 of 39
2/28/02 at 8:28am
This does not really qualify as an instrumental but the lead in to "Cortez the Killer" by Neil Young has been a favorite mellow and deep instrumental of mine... imho... <img src="graemlins/smokin.gif" border="0" alt="[Chilling]" />
"Blessed is the rebel..for without him there would be no progress"
Hugh Hefner
Reply
"Blessed is the rebel..for without him there would be no progress"
Hugh Hefner
Reply
post #16 of 39
2/28/02 at 11:29am
[quote]Originally posted by iDude:
<strong>For some reason, lately I've been real interested in instrumental music. You know, no words. </strong><hr></blockquote>

It's sorta funny.... my own "specialty" is instrumental (ambient electronic) music, and whenever I loan one of my CDs to somebody who doesn't know anything about that style of music, they always say "Where are the words? No singing?"
Reply
Reply
post #17 of 39
2/28/02 at 2:32pm
[quote]Originally posted by Artman @_@:
<strong>

Well, if you're into 60's instrumentals check out:

Link Wray
Booker T and the MGs
The Ventures

Here's a mixed bag from my collection:
St. Germain's CD "Tourist"
Beastie Boys CD "The In Sound from Way Out"

Right now the instrumental band from Philly is hot...a funk, hard rocking trio called <a href="http://www.stinkinglizaveta.com/" target="_blank">Stinking Lizaveta</a>.

Latest CD "III" is awesome and live they are amazing.</strong><hr></blockquote>

YEA! booker T.!!
I love him...I got like a bunch of his albums...great stuff.
donald "duck:" dunn is an awesome bassist too.
orange you just glad?
Reply
orange you just glad?
Reply
post #18 of 39
2/28/02 at 2:35pm
[quote]Originally posted by powerdoc:
<strong>

Jazz is good for me too.</strong><hr></blockquote>

jazz is a HUGE genre...not all of it is instumental...what would you call louis. armstrongs scat?
orange you just glad?
Reply
orange you just glad?
Reply
post #19 of 39
2/28/02 at 4:24pm
Cant beleive no one has said Apocalyptica. Shame on you!

Apocalyptica - Ft. Sandra Nassic - Path
Apocalyptica - Fade to Black
Apocalyptica - Nothing Else Matters
"What makes a man turn... neutral?" -Futurama
Reply
"What makes a man turn... neutral?" -Futurama
Reply
post #20 of 39
3/1/02 at 1:10pm
[quote]Originally posted by Wrong Robot:
<strong>

jazz is a HUGE genre...not all of it is instumental...what would you call louis. armstrongs scat? </strong><hr></blockquote>

It's strange to say that you are right wrong ... robot
Reply
Reply
post #21 of 39
3/1/02 at 2:41pm
All this hard rock, art rock and jazzy stuff. Jesus, knock it off.

How about "Miserlou" by Dick Dale? "Walk Don't Run" by the Ventures? "Sleepwalk" by Santo and Johnny? Not to mention "Pipeline", "Wipeout" and "Telstar".

THOSE are instrumentals that stand the test of time and that people all appreciate and know.

People will still be learning to play guitar to "Walk, Don't Run" when Geddy Lee's ugly grandchildren are playing in a Rush tribute band.

<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" />
Reply
Reply
post #22 of 39
3/1/02 at 2:42pm
Ooooh, "Walk, Don't Run" rules.
proud resident of a failed state
Reply
proud resident of a failed state
Reply
post #23 of 39
3/1/02 at 8:56pm
SPANISH FLEA

BY

HERB ALPERT AND THE TIJUANA BRASS
Reply
Reply
post #24 of 39
3/2/02 at 5:29am
[quote]Originally posted by pscates:
<strong>All this hard rock, art rock and jazzy stuff. Jesus, knock it off.

</strong><hr></blockquote>

Sorry pscates, but I've just got to go back to the rock for a second and mention 'Pali Gap' by Jimi Hendrix...
--
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
All wor k and no play makes Jack a dull boyy
Alll work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
Reply
--
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
All wor k and no play makes Jack a dull boyy
Alll work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
Reply
post #25 of 39
3/2/02 at 7:02pm
[quote]Originally posted by The Blue Meanie:
<strong>

Sorry pscates, but I've just got to go back to the rock for a second and mention 'Pali Gap' by Jimi Hendrix...</strong><hr></blockquote>

Jimi...How about "Driving South" on the BBC Sessions? Amazing geetar work there...

Oh, and did I forget to mention Ben vaughn's CD "Instrumental Stylings"?
I AM THE Royal Pain in the Ass.
Reply
I AM THE Royal Pain in the Ass.
Reply
post #26 of 39
3/4/02 at 7:52pm
I too love instrumentals along with techno. Since theres already a techno thread I wont post any of that here.

Apocalyptica - One (whats with how Metallica can write great songs but cant perform them?)

Terras theme (piano) - FF3 sound track (AMAZING song, I cant beleive hte music in this game)

Celes Theme (Piano) - FF3 sound track (I actually dont like this rendition, but the song its self is great)

A warm place - Nine Inch Nails

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly - Hugo Montenegro

The Ecstacy of Gold - Hugo Montenegro

Instrumental - Galaxie 500 (rock)

James Horner - A Kaleidoscope of Mathematics

Rolf Loveland - Piano Peice in C

Requiem for a Dream Overture (winter, summer, spring, fall) - Clint Mansell

Any of the piano peices on Aphex Twins newest CD Druques (or something like that)

Dream of a shore of another world - Chrono Cross Sound track (only other Square game to have music that I consider truely worth while)

Space Lion - Yoko Kano

The Egg and I - Yoko Kano

[ 03-04-2002: Message edited by: The Toolboi ]</p>
Those who dance the dance must look very foolish to those who can't hear the music
Reply
Those who dance the dance must look very foolish to those who can't hear the music
Reply
post #27 of 39
3/4/02 at 9:13pm
yoko kanno is ****ing awesome(as are the seatbelts...from the Cowboy bebop OST)
Druqks is really cool too
orange you just glad?
Reply
orange you just glad?
Reply
post #28 of 39
3/4/02 at 10:48pm
If you're looking for something a little bit wilder, check out Carl Denson's Dance Lesson #2 or the Anomaly by DJ Logic... Live Jazz augmented by turntablists... yum
Reply
Reply
post #29 of 39
3/4/02 at 11:23pm
[quote]Originally posted by Mr. Satellite:
<strong>If you're looking for something a little bit wilder, check out Carl Denson's Dance Lesson #2 or the Anomaly by DJ Logic... Live Jazz augmented by turntablists... yum</strong><hr></blockquote>

I saw kid koala liev and he did some really awesome jazzy stuff...soloing with a trumpet sample....it was kick *** . I do turntable stuffis too..but I'm still just beginning to learn
orange you just glad?
Reply
orange you just glad?
Reply
post #30 of 39
3/5/02 at 7:56pm
Even if New Age is a little too "new agey" for you, you have got to try Ottmar Liebert's "remix album", Euphoria. Excellent stuff. Very Trancey.
Reply
Reply
post #31 of 39
3/5/02 at 8:36pm
[quote]Originally posted by Artman @_@:
<strong>

Jimi...How about "Driving South" on the BBC Sessions? Amazing geetar work there...

Oh, and did I forget to mention Ben vaughn's CD "Instrumental Stylings"?</strong><hr></blockquote>

that BBC Sessions album is great. Highly reccomended. All the BBC Sessions discs are good. I just got the Yardbirds BBC Sessions, that's great. led Zeppelin BBC Sessions is the best though.


Best instrumental.

Europa- Santana
Reply
Reply
post #32 of 39
3/6/02 at 4:05pm
[quote]Originally posted by Artman @_@:
<strong>

Jimi...How about "Driving South" on the BBC Sessions? Amazing geetar work there...
</strong><hr></blockquote>

Oh yes, I'd forgotten that one. Space blues! <img src="graemlins/smokin.gif" border="0" alt="[Chilling]" />
--
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
All wor k and no play makes Jack a dull boyy
Alll work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
Reply
--
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
All wor k and no play makes Jack a dull boyy
Alll work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
Reply
post #33 of 39
2/2/09 at 6:14pm
(Anesthesia) Pullin Teeth
R.I.P Cliff Burton
suicide and redemptition Metallica
call of ktulu Metallica with S&M
orion Metallica
To live it to die Metallica
Reply
Reply
post #34 of 39
2/2/09 at 8:03pm
Now THAT's digging up an OLD thread!

But interesting enough 7 years later.

I'll add a song called "Banana Wind" to the list.

And of course, Eddie's rendition of "Eruption".

Both are available in iTunes
From out there on the moon, international politics look so petty. You want to grab a politician by the scruff of the neck and drag him a quarter of a million miles out and say, "Look at that!" -...
Reply
From out there on the moon, international politics look so petty. You want to grab a politician by the scruff of the neck and drag him a quarter of a million miles out and say, "Look at that!" -...
Reply
post #35 of 39
9/3/10 at 8:38am
Since we're in thread necrophilia mode:

Jumyr kylysh by Ulytau.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4_4bSeMY9Y
Do you realize that fluoridation is the most monstrously conceived and dangerous Communist plot we have ever had to face? - Jack D. Ripper
Reply
Do you realize that fluoridation is the most monstrously conceived and dangerous Communist plot we have ever had to face? - Jack D. Ripper
Reply
post #36 of 39
9/3/10 at 8:49am
As far as classic instrumentals go, I'm surprised no one (including myself) mentioned Albatross by Fleetwood Mac!
Reply
Reply
post #37 of 39
9/8/10 at 5:46am
this song is 95% purely instrumental--but seventeen years by ratatat is great!
Reply
Reply
post #38 of 39
9/8/10 at 11:04am
check out Tommy Emmanuel
Reply
Reply
post #39 of 39
9/9/10 at 11:15am
King Crimson- Sailers Tale
King Crimson- Larks' Tongue
King Crimson-Fracture
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: General Discussion
AppleInsider › Forums › General › General Discussion › Best Instrumental Songs