Happy Independence Day American’s, I was privileged enough to be in your country during the 4th of July weekend, and boy was it a blast. Most people don’t know the cheer size of America, roughly about 3500 miles from one coast to another. It’s so huge it has 3 different time zones within the country itself. Now today’s review is about possibly one of the most AMERICAN bands I can think of. Everything about their music evokes patriotism towards their country and they don’t get more classic than good ol’ Lynyrd Skynyrd. Where do I start with this band, definitely in my top 5 all-time rock bands, I think Lynyrd is why I started listening to so much American Rock. As always I wasn’t born listening to Free Bird, I first heard about the band when Sweet Home Alabama the movie hit India. A very crappy movie to say but the soundtrack of the movie is pure ecstasy. Then I saw Con-Air and after that I was a total total Lynnie Skynnie junkie. Mind blowing vocals, guitar solos and cheer presence on the big stage; Lynyrd Skynyrd had all the essentials required for ruling the rock charts for years to come.
However the band while on tour met with a tragic accident where their plane crashed and all but one of the original members survived. A sad end to what would have been a stellar rock and roll career. However they did release some of their best work before the crash. They had 5 albums from 1973 to 1977, most of them where cult hits. Arguably their greatest song has to be from their first album “Pronounced” released in 1973. With monster hits like “Free Bird”, “Simple Man” and Tuesday’s Gone”. Even till today the guitar solo in the end of the “Free Bird” is one of the toughest to ever play and many a band have tried to cover this timeless classic, but only in vain. You will find a lot of their songs centric around Whiskey, The countryside, the classic rock and roll image of a guy riding across America on a Harley and the true spirit of the United States of America. America has changed like in a million ways since the 1970’s however their undying spirit does remain even until today. Most of the people wouldn’t blink an eye to do something in the name of their country. When you visit places like Independence hall during the 4th of July, whilst listening to Lynyrd, you are evoked with such a sense of patriotism it’s scary. Being an Indian I thought I would experience such a feeling only when Dhoni hit that majestic six to win us the World Cup, but I must say I have to take off my hat for the Americans. They might not be the most hospitable, or smartest guys around but man they love their Country. I think bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd are a paramount example of that fact, and I couldn’t think of any better way to pay tribute to this country on their Independence Day. This one’s for you America. Thank you for all that you have given us, fast food, cars, ridiculously obese people, casinos and CLASSIC ROCK!!! I’d like to end this post by saluting those bands that came from America, who changed Rock and Roll forever with their music, enigma and spirit.
Gary Rossington, the original band’s only remaining member still tours with the band. It’s good to see the spirit of Lynyrd Skynyrd still alive and kicking with the band still performing gigs and recording albums. Another couple of good albums are “Vicious Cycle” and “God & Guns”. Even these two albums have phenomenal songs such as “Unwrite That Song”, “Floyd”, “Skynyrd Nation”, “God & Guns”, “That’s How I Like It” and my personal favourite “RED, WHITE and BLUE”!! Sit back with a nice cold beer and enjoy one of the greatest CLASSIC Rock Bands of all time. Its a no brainer really that I have to recommend the entire discography of Lynyrd. Its easily the best investment you will make. Still if you're only looking for their greatest albums I'd say have a look at these:
- 2003 - Vicious Cycle
- 2009 - God & Guns
- 1973 - Pronounced Lynyrd Skynyrd
- 1974 - Second Helping
- 1976 - Gimme Back My Bullets
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