Topic: Bands/Music
A new tab today, "Breakdown" by Girlschool, posted in honour of Kelly Johnson, who passed away a year ago today. Kelly, as some of you probably know, is my favourite guitarist, has been for several years. This song is one I've meant to do for a long time, since I've always really liked the guitar solo in it. It's understated, melodic, and features that great tone, vibrato, and natural playing style -- everything I've always loved about Kelly's guitar playing. The harmonized lead in the Outro is great, too.
I remember the first time I worked out this solo, years ago. There were a handful of songs on Demolition that I didn't know, because that record was never available here back in the vinyl days. I had most of the songs from that album because they appeared on Girlschool compilation albums, but I knew there were a few I didn't have. Then I happened to come into possession of a live tape of Girlschool performing at the 1981 Reading Festival. "Breakdown" was on that tape, and I loved it. So I first learned the solo from that particular live version. Later, when I got the CD of Demolition, it turned out the solo in that live version was very close to the one on the studio version. Not exactly the same, but almost.
Today, I'll be listening to all of my favourite Kelly songs..."Going Under", "Wildlife", "Breakdown", "Stay Wild", "Furniture Fire", "A Love Too Far". "You Got Me", "Mad Sister", "Hit And Run", "Chinese Whispers" (WCK). And also tracks in which I particularly like her guitar playing, like "Don't Call It Love", "Like It Like That", "Play Dirty", "High 'n' Dry", "Back To Start", "Deadline", "So Much Better Now" (WCK), "No Pain No Gain" (WCK), and more.
And I'll be remembering a wonderfully talented musician who had a huge impact on me.
Here's to you, Kelly.
Posted by planet/zerofret
at 2:06 AM EDT
Updated: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 2:27 AM EDT
Post Comment | Permalink | Share This Post
Updated: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 2:27 AM EDT
Post Comment | Permalink | Share This Post