Universally regarded as one of the best and most iconic lead guitar work on an individual track, the master, Elliott Randall performs Reelin’ in the Years.
(The doubled guitar riff played on flute almost ruins this for me.)
20 years ago-
This year–> (76 years of age)
There are some really good guitar intros, but that has to be the best.
Reelin’ In The Years is one of those songs that if I tune into it on the radio and it has already started, it is not worth listening to. Yeah, it’s a great song, but it is a letdown if you miss the beginning.
I’ll be around by the Spinners and Stardust by Artie Shaw are like that. If I miss the beginning, I don’t want to hear the rest. I like them, but i will be distracted by thinking about the opening that I missed.
Awesome! Brings back memories for sure.
I agree though – the flute has no business here.
He’s got a humbucker pickup on a Telecaster, the best of Gibson and Fender all at once.
And run through a Twin.
Classic combination
On the recording it’s a strat, not a tele – a 1963 strat with a PAF humbucker.
And that is straight into an Ampeg SVT bass amp. One of the best sounds ever.
Which best is one of the best?
The solo was ranked as the 40th best guitar solo of all time by the readers of Guitar World magazine and the eighth best guitar solo by Q4 Music.
I wish it were worded in his bio like BFH stated it since it’s subjective even among the so called experts, there’s a lot of room between 8 and 40.
Speaking of intros, British transplant Victor Feldman’s (RIP) conga intro to “Do It Again” from the same Steely Dan album, ‘Can’t Buy A Thrill’ is totally bitchin’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQnW-MxAU6U
Lead-in still makes the hair on my neck stand up. While I hate getting old, I sure have some great memories.
Story goes this was the 2nd take as the 1st take got ruined or deleted or what ever (you mean like wiped with bleach or something?) and “not as good” as the 1st run. Steely Dan was adamant to obsession about preserving all tracks after the loss.
Seems like a happy guy – that’s great.
God Bless him.
mortem tyrannis
izlamo delenda est …
You don’t notice the flute.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCPj4JPbKtA
The absolute coolest tarantella (!) ever played.
He does seems truly joyous.
I love playing the flute!
Elliott was one of my better guitar students.