The Melancholy of Kon's Readers

And no, I am not a fool for misspelling tribute. You are the fool for not understanding.

Oh yes, I can change!
I love Lynyrd Skynyrd. Though I confess that I never heard of the band since GH2 (what a freakin' shame). Srsly, hearing and playing Free Bird for the first time, I was not easily attracted. Maybe because I was focused on pressing the green, red, yellow, blue and orange buttons instead of listening. But the 2nd time around I had a feeling. This is one perfect song.

Starting with the acoustic guitar intro played by Steve Gaines (Chords: G-2nd fret on top string-E-E-F-C-D, strum them upwards and yes, I memorized it), it already has a big epic feel to it. It somehow sounds dramatic and all. Billy Powell later starts his keyboarding skills with a mellow touch. Artimus Pyle heats things up with the beat of his drums. Leon Wilkenson adds to that with his bass guitar*. When Allen Collins starts playing his part, it blends very, very well to the acoustic guitar. But the showstopper is yet to come, Garry Rossington puts his finger to the 7th fret of the 4th string and slides it toward the 12th making the intro to his ever-amazing slide solo. His slide guitar made the harmony in the early part of the song while the rest of the guys made the rhythm. It was slow and may even sound boring to others (who have a crappy taste in music), but the sound was very, very well-constructed and it has an appeal which no other song can make. Later, Ronnie Van Zant grabs the mic and sings.

"If I leave here tomorrow Would you still remember me? For I must be travelling on, now, cause theres too many places Ive got to see. But, if I stayed here with you, girl, Things just couldnt be the same. cause Im as free as a bird now, And this bird you can not change. Lord knows, I cant change.

Bye, bye, its been a sweet love. Though this feeling I cant change. But please dont take it badly, cause lord knows Im to blame. But, if I stayed here with you girl, Things just couldnt be the same. Cause Im as free as a bird now, And this bird youll never change. And this bird you can not change. Lord knows, I cant change. Lord help me, I cant change."

Death. That was the theme in the beginning of the song. In fact, death was a theme in other LS songs too. I have no idea why. What exactly is in Ronnie's mind? To be free, perhaps. To escape the fate or the clutches of death and be free. As free as a bird.

The song continues with its slow tempo and ballad-ish tunes until the last line of the song. And then comes one of the most famous solos in history. Gary Rossington lets go of the single string and switches to playing chords as Allen Collins shifts his fingers lower, to play the high-tuned solo. And there you have it, perhaps one of the most mind-blowing tune you'll encounter. Sure, it's simple and sounds a little plain when compared to.. say, Jordan, but it has a melody that is truly memorable. The fast, upbeat chain of movements of Allen's fingers were really amazing. That's the solo that defines Southern Rock.

Later, the infamous Ed King joins the pack, making his own solo to counter Allen's solo**. Two lead guitars- both soloing? THE EPITOME OF AWSOME. It is actually like a guitar duel if you ask me. It is just lovely when you hear Allen's solo on the left speaker and Ed's solo on the right. Both are equally great and it never gets chaotic as the two manages to get the job clean. Billy continues his past-faced keyboarding as Gary swings to the jive of the solo with his rhythm guitar. After an astonishingly lengthy solo, the pack ends it by hitting some chords and making the outro solo (which is defined as "end wankery" in GH2) which is also lengthy.

You know what else is with this song? It is once performed in their live concert, and they did not perform it in the main portion of the concert nor the encore, but it is instead played in their 2nd encore! Imagine the crowd going wild- "PLAY FREEEE BIIIIIRD!!!", "WE WANT FREEE BIIIIRD!!!", or "F*CK YOU FOR NOT PLAYING FREEEE BIIIIIRD!"

CLICK ME
One of the fast parts of the FB solo. And heck, I have no idea how I can pull it off on an acoustic guitar.

*In the album version, Ed King was the one who played bass, but I'm based on the live version. Which is an extended version with extended solos.
**In the album version, Allen Collins played both solos (but of course, he recorded them on different times).

Definition
Other songs that defined LS? Well, there's always the oh-so-famous Sweet Home Alabama. If you can remember, this song is actually featured in a Simpsons episode with Marge singing the chorus. The tunes are uh, groovy and still impressive and in fact, this was considered as Lynyrd Skynyrd's best. This time, Ed King plays the lead guitar and made the awesome riff. But no, the rock anthem Free Bird owns it.

Also, try listening to That Smell (which is inspired by Gary's accident), Double Trouble (which is just darn fun) and one of their singles Gimme Three Steps.

The Afterburn
In short, the 70's southern rock group really made history during their era, even before I was born. And if only that plane crash didn't happen, we may still see the old, classic Lynyrd Skynyrd.

So yes, count this entry as a tribute to the fellas who dedicated their life to make such outstanding music.

To the present members of LS, good luck and more power. Prove why Lynyrd Skynyrd was and IS one of the best bands ever.

Johnny Van Zant · Gary Rossington · Rickey Medlocke · Mark Matejka · Billy Powell · Ean Evans · Michael Cartellone · Dale Krantz-Rossington · Carol Chase · Ronnie Van Zant · Allen Collins · Leon Wilkeson · Ed King · Artimus Pyle · Steve Gaines · Bob Burns · Hughie Thomasson · Randall Hall · Owen Hale · Kurt Custer · Mike Estes · Leslie Hawkins · JoJo Billingsley · Cassie Gaines · Jeff McAllister · Greg T. Walker · Kenny Aronoff


Note: LS was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last 2006.