You can see The Eagles on stage in 2013 – what better way to kick off music with an “E”?
You know the drill – music by Artists beginning with the letter “E”, or the song doing so…let’s begin with a song from my hometown of Seattle…
“Even Flow” by Pearl Jam
The 90’s “grunge” sound was defined by several bands: Soundgarden and the “super unknown”, Nirvana and “teen spirit” and of course Pearl Jam, who sang about Jeremy:
“At home drawin’ pictures of mountain tops
With him on top, lemon yellow sun
Arms raised in a “v”
And the dead lay in pools of maroon below”
This was definitely music about disaffected youth, which leads us to “Even Flow”:
“Even flow, thoughts arrive like butterflies
Oh, he don’t know, so he chases them away
Someday yet, he’ll begin his life again, yeah
Oh, whispering hands, gently lead him away
Him away, him away…
Yeah!”
Here is the powerful performance by the band:
The band still records and tours, and their music remains as powerful as ever…speaking of bands who transcend time, here is one from the 70’s that is still recording and touring as well:
“Evil Woman” by The Electric Light Orchestra
Some of the biggest mainstream pop hits of the 70’s and 80’s came from “ELO” and mastermind Jeff Lynne.
Well, Lynne is taking ELO out on the road again – and here is a recent live version of the classic pop song “Evil Woman”, with a lush orchestral sound:
Jeff Lynne and the band were finally recognized by The Grammys – you can see that tribute here:
Here is another one of my favorite bands of all time:
Eagles – “Take It Easy”
The iconic debut album cover…a sunrise over the desert, announces the arrival of The Eagles, and a debut album that included “Witchy Woman”, “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and of course “Take It Easy”.
It was their first big hit, written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey, and is still one of their signature songs. Here is their live 2013 performance in Chicago, with Glenn rocking out the lyrics…he is missed by all fans:
Did you know they got their start backing up Linda Ronstadt? Here’s how Linda remembers it:
Time to fly across the pond and check in with a terrific British band with an “E”:
Elbow – “Asleep In The Back”
This British band is one of the most acclaimed of the last decade, but this gorgeous song, from their debut album, is still the greatest for me:
Elbow still releases acclaimed music, one of a number of British bands I love…here are a few more, including one I say is for people who think Coldplay are too hard-edged:
Here’s another great English singer/songwriter, with one of his catchiest hits:
“Everyday I Write The Book” – Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello has had a long career making music, but this 1983 music video shows him off to his most joyous:
Elvis got his start in the 70’s with such power pop/punk songs as “Watching The Detectives” and “Alison”, and he still releases great music.
Still across the water, how about this iconic 80’s band who still tours today:
“Everybody Wants To Rule The World” – Tears For Fears
My wife and I saw Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, Tears For Fears, live in Los Angeles in September…they were phenomenal – listen to their terrific live version of their signature hit:
The band performed 90 minutes of non-stop hits – see my review of the entire concert, plus more music, by clicking here:
Finally, this volatile Artist has been “Slim Shady”, “Rap Boy” and more…and just keeps coming back…
“Guess who’s back, back again
Shady’s back, tell a friend”
Eminem – “Without Me”
The song was Eminem’s return after the successful The Marshall Mathers LP, intended as a sequel to “The Real Slim Shady” and essentially saying that he is back to save the world. It also refers to Eminem’s role in the music industry and his effect on culture.
“So the FCC won’t let me be
Or let me be me, so let me see
They try to shut me down on MTV
But it feels so empty without me”
Here is the great video:
So there you have it, music and musical Artists with an “E” – you can go to my main page to see what I shared for letters “A” through “D”…let me know what you think!
Great ‘E’ selections, John. Especially the ‘double E’,with Elvis Costello, and ‘Everyday…’
I will add another favourite from ELO for ‘E’. Their amazingly symphonic hit record, ‘Telephone Line’.
Best wishes, Pete.
Pete, you are right: “Telephone Line” was one of Jeff Lynne’s most haunting songs, and a great use of orchestra with it – thanks as always for your comment, and yes, “Everyday” was for you specifically based on a previous comment!
Thank you – I try to throw something “current” in there – but mostly songs or Artists that I grew up with and have stayed with me – appreciate the comment as always!
johnrieber 
I have never heard of Elbow!
Tears for Fears is one of my favorite bands. I am jealous you saw the concert. 😉
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Cindy, still amazed at just how good they were and how much joy emanated from the stage!
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Great ‘E’ selections, John. Especially the ‘double E’,with Elvis Costello, and ‘Everyday…’
I will add another favourite from ELO for ‘E’. Their amazingly symphonic hit record, ‘Telephone Line’.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Pete, you are right: “Telephone Line” was one of Jeff Lynne’s most haunting songs, and a great use of orchestra with it – thanks as always for your comment, and yes, “Everyday” was for you specifically based on a previous comment!
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I love these alphabetic retrospectives of yours – I learn so much and they prompt so many memories 🙂
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Thank you – I try to throw something “current” in there – but mostly songs or Artists that I grew up with and have stayed with me – appreciate the comment as always!
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