Zack: I had an argument with a coworker about how
awesome the Allman Brothers are. He said he tends to get bored pretty early on
in those 20-minute jam songs, which I took as enough reason for him to get on
Ritalin because, seriously, focus up there’s some major awesomeness going on in
there. But the one thing we both agreed on is that Duane Allman is the greatest
slide guitar player of all time. I mean the guy just does some ridiculous
stuff. Even though he isn’t a fan of the Allman Brothers, that fact was enough
to get him to put Duane in the top 5 of greatest guitarists (although not as
high as I had him). And that, I think, is the most important part of the Allman
Brothers’ legacy. Whether you’re into what they’re doing or not, everyone has
to admit that every member – Duane most specifically – was a freaking
incredible musician. They just played with so much seemingly freestyling
whimsy. They’d fly all over the place, but never lose control. I’ve listened to
a lot of the Allman Brothers studio albums, and they’re some great ones. But
nothing comes close to hearing them play live. It’s clear to anyone that this
was their natural environment.
Favorite Tracks: Whipping Post; Statesboro Blues; In Memory
of Elizabeth Reed
Emily: It's not surprising that the Allman Brothers' breakthrough was a live album. Their freewheeling style lends itself to improvisation with each musician feeding off each other and the audience. That just can't be done when each musician records their own parts, alone, in an empty studio save for a few producers. At Fillmore East captures their live energy and excitement. Simple rock tracks are turned into explorations of rock guitar sounds, stretched to as long as 25 minutes. I know I complain sometimes when artists do this, but here it makes total sense. These songs aren't meant to be restrained into hooks, choruses, and 30 second solos. They're more of a journey, and I'm glad the Allmans recorded them live so we can all go on the journey with them.
Favorite Tracks: You Don't Love Me; Done Somebody Wrong; In Memory of Elizabeth Reed
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