Singing Songs with looooooong instrumental introductions
 

Some of the best songs from last century (and this one, too) features long instrumental parts before the sining begins.

One that brings to mind, of course, is 'Stairway to Heaven' by Led Zeppelin. 48 seconds of piano and violins before Plant begins singing. Another is 'What'd I Say' by Ray Charles. One minute and a half before Ray starts singing.

Can you address any more such songs?

Shine on you crazy diamond - Floyd (good live versions have 5 minutes or so pre-singing)
2 Step - DMB (at least 2 minutes)

Shit, lots more...

Lotta yes tunes and a couple dead tunes offhand

One* of us had better update the "Do you smoke pot" thread, because I always thought I heard guitar and flute.



*One? HA!

When performed live you have to add in the time riding the mic-ed up Harley onto the stage. Nothing like a little co to keep your audience in check. :right:

Works great for political conventions too. I think we can safely credit GWB's successful nomination to oxygen deprivation at the 2000 Republican Convention.:right:

Fair enough. What do you blame Kerry's nomination on?

the Battle of Evermore....which also has the distinction of having no discernable drums in it.

Ok, 'Stairway' had some flutes too.

Stairway didnt have any piano OR violin...

...but it did have guitar and, not a flute, but, if i'm not mistaken, a recorder.

Thanks Ibram, I was getting paranoid about my own memories. And I think you're right, it's not a flute. Something like that though, I think recorder sounds right.

The Eagles, Hotel California....From the Reunion 2: Tour Live In The Fast Lane.... after the Hell Freezes Over Tour.....2:19 introduction before Henley starts singing...