Dave's Side One

Dave's Side One

By Art of Listening RecordsMusicMusic CommentaryMusic History
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Dave's Side One episodes

  • Saturday Hot-Take: Concerts Were Better Before Giant Screens
    The best concerts were the ones where you left with ringing ears, a sore throat from singing, and a story to tell. Giant screens made concerts more convenient for the people in the back, but they took away some of the magic that made live music special in the first place
    4 min
  • The Rise of Triple-Guitar Rock Bands
    This triple-guitar approach gave rock a richness and power that felt overwhelming in the best possible way. It allowed for complex harmonies, trading solos, and a fullness that made the music feel larger than life
    4 min
  • The Art of the 70s Guitar Solo
    What made 70s guitar solos so special was their variety. You had Gilmour’s lyrical, emotional approach, Page’s epic storytelling, May’s theatrical flair, and Montrose’s aggressive melodicism. Each player had a distinct voice, and that diversity made the decade incredibly rich for guitar lovers
    5 min
  • Concert Openers That Instantly Hooked
    These songs didn’t ease the crowd in — they attacked. They set the tone that this was going to be a night to remember, and they gave the audience permission to lose themselves right from the start
    4 min
  • The Loudest Arena Rock Bands of the 70s
    What made these bands so loud wasn’t just volume for volume’s sake — it was presence. They understood how to use the size of the venue to their advantage, creating a wall of sound that made every fan feel like they were part of something enormous and unforgettable
    5 min
  • Sunday Slow Down: Sailing - Soft Rock at Its Smoothest
    Beyond the technical beauty, “Sailing” has this magical ability to slow time down. Whenever I play it, the outside world fades away. The gentle groove and dreamy melody make you want to close your eyes and drift. It’s the musical equivalent of a deep breath and a long exhale
    4 min
  • Technical Skill Doesn’t Always Make Better Music
    I’m not saying technique is bad. It’s impressive. But when it becomes the main point — when players are showing off instead of serving the song — the music suffers. I’d rather hear Neil Young play one imperfect, heartfelt note than sit through a 15-minute technical festival of self-love that forgets to have a melody or emotion
    4 min
  • Session Musicians Behind Huge Hits
    These session musicians brought consistency, creativity, and professionalism to every track. Many famous 70s hits owe as much (or more) to the session players as to the named artists. They were the secret weapon behind the polished, radio-ready sound that defined the decade
    5 min
  • Basslines You Feel More Than Hear
    These basslines weren’t just holding down the low end — they were driving the songs, creating hooks, and giving the music its backbone and personality. A truly great 70s bassline could make you move even when the rest of the song was subtle
    4 min

About Dave's Side One

From the publisher's feed

Talk about music, vinyl, classic rock, classic jazz, and whatever else comes to mind. Hosted by one of the founders of Art of Listening Records - Dave Gwilliam.