Originally Posted by simoneaugie
What clough was talking about, music without lyrics, who has played in an orchestra or band at school? I was in the orchestra for years, many of which I played second fiddle. That was a very good thing. Now I appreciate interplay of different instruments. Bass and rhythm guitar, working with drums, then lead melody instrument/singer. Classical music is usually performed by musicians who read music, both notes and rhythm plus they have a conductor. When a rock group plays its selections tightly, like one person, wow. Many of them had classical training too.
Elton John's original band is amazing. Check out the album 11/17/70. It was recorded live, in a radio studio. The bass (Dee Murray) and drums (Nigel Olson) are indescribable and the other two, Elton and Davy Jones are so tight.
One of my favorite bands is Rage Against the Machine. I dislike the vocal style, but those guys put out music as if they were one person. They probably put in hours with one another and a metronome.
I grew up listening to classical music, but was allowed to pick whatever kind of music I liked. Thanks Mom and Dad.