Here are five videos on YouTube that I think every music fan should watch.
1. Queen – Live at Wembley Stadium (1986) Baby I Don’t Care.
This one makes the list for these reasons: Freddie Mercury’s crazy Betty Boop shirt, his decision to wear a British policeman’s helmet during the song and because it is a good lesson in how to take a very simple song from the early days of rock n’ roll and make it completely original and fun for a live performance. If only we could all be this good.
2. Jackson Browne – The Pretender
This is a great solo piano version of a wonderful song. In addition to the music, Jackson gives a brief explanation of the writing process. And the writing process is something I’m always keen on hearing about.
Simply hilarious.
4. Vladimir Horowitz – Schummann’s Traumerei in Moscow (1986)
If this isn’t the most beautiful thing you’ve heard in days you’re either deaf, or living with the most gifted musician in the world. Color me schmaltzy but the slow fade into the crying man at 1:29 does it for me every time. Horowitz illustrates an important musical lesson here: that simplicity can be as powerful as complexity. This is unadorned and spectacular.
5. The Humbugs – Employee of the Month
First, some full disclosure. Adam Marshall, lead singer of the of the Humbugs, is a friend of mine. We frequently play at the same song circle on Monday evenings. But even if I didn’t know Adam, I’d be giving this video the props it is due. Great song, tight harmony and its at the old Acadia Cafe location, which musically speaking, was far superior than the new location. But the new location has its charm.
Enjoy the videos, folks.
– Grant Dawson
