Another entry in our series that looks at non-traditional rock instruments rocking. Today we go to the bagpipe. For purposes of this list, I ignored groups like Seven Nations and Dropkick Murphys who make the Celtic sound part of their shtick in favor of those groups that pull out the instrument as a delightful surprise. Is it arbitrary? Yes. Is it my blog? Yes.
AC/DC "It's a Long Way to the Top (If Ya Wanna Rock 'n Roll)" The king of all bagpipe rockers. That searing whine kicks in at a little over a minute and doesn't quit.
The Roots "Do You Want More?!!!??!" It's not surprising that the band that'd also be on a "More Tuba" list has used bagpipes in the past.
Paul McCartney & Wings "Mull of Kintyre" OK, Paul's going for a Scottish folk song sound on purpose here, which could disqualify it, but it marks quite a departure from Wings' established style.
The White Stripes "St. Andrews (The Battle is in the Air)" Same deal.
Peter Gabriel "Come Talk To Me" Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" is the greatest video ever made. That's really it. I don't have anything to say about this video.
The Darkness "Hazel Eyes" I believe in a thing called BAGPIPES! This song is awful. From the Guardian:
Elsewhere, however, One Way Ticket to Hell ... defies you to take it seriously. Hazel Eyes may be unique in the canon of popular music. It is a rock record featuring bagpipes, on which the bagpipes are not the worst sound. The worst sound on Hazel Eyes is an electronic effect that makes the lead guitar resemble bagpipes. For purposes of comparison, the song helpfully offers up a duel between the bagpipes and the lead guitar that resembles bagpipes. The latter is thus revealed not just as the worst sound on Hazel Eyes, but incontestably the worst sound you will hear this year, or indeed any other year the Darkness chose to deploy it.
The rest of that review is delightfully vicious. I recommend it.
Belle & Sebastian "Sleep the Clock Around" I don't know what the deal is with that cat. Anyway, don't get faked out by the synth. The real bagpipes are at the end of the song.
Heard of more? Let me know (with audio citations, please) in the comments.
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