My first thought was Geddy's screaming "Every nerve is torn apaaaaarrrrrt" at the end of "Cygnus X-1," because I am nothing if not completely predictable in my love of Rush.
Great topic, timely topic, and great picks! Purple were my favorite band for many years--I saw them three times live and I'm just grateful I still have my hearing! My favorite screamer today, since Angela Gossow retired, is Tatiana Schmayluk of the Ukrainian band Jinjer. This song was released shortly before the Russians invaded. "Vortex" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiaOSGZTwtY. I included it in the"Album of the Month" list, so now you're one song ahead! Oh, if you want to hear Angela: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEUayPRyF-Y
Thanks, Charles. You were so lucky to see Purple in person, and three times, but glad they didn't give you tinnitus or send you to the hearing aid store!
Incredible screaming in both of those vids. The Vortex imagery is amazing and quite mesmerizing.
"Vortex" strikes me a prescient--I wonder how deliberate was. Meanwhile, Angela is a mom, and apparently very sweet. Good thing; it would be terrifying to have her scream at you.
When I was in college my friend Neal (also a big Yes fan) was intrigued by Billy Idol's screaming in "White Wedding." He felt it was one of the rare and honest screams in popular music. While I never loved the song myself I think he may have had a point. It's quite shrill!
Yeah, no one screamed quite like Ian Gillan, with the possible exception of Arthur Brown, whose screams on "Fire" and "Nightmare" are among my all-time favorite throat-shredding moments. And then there's Bon Scott on AC/DC's "If You Want Blood," which is probably my all-time fave song to play when I'm really pissed off...
Oh yeah, great pissed off song, no question about it, and some great screaming on Highway to Hell too.
I had to watch Arthur Brown again and I remember Fire, but it's the first time I've heard Nightmare and the video I found is actually a hoot. (I'll have to use that in a follow-up post.) I read that Ian Gillan credits him with influencing his screaming, so a cool connection there.
Oh god yeah - Bon’s scream at the end of “Highway to Hell” makes it sound like his entire skin covering is being yanked off his bones in one fell swoop!
Tripped to a lot of it, live and in person, climbed walls, rushed turnstiles and thrashed with the best of them. But I'm a grownup now, and evolved, not beyond the music, but the childish things of my youth.
From the time of my birth till the present I have been at liberty to act in such ways because America is a Constitutional Republic of States governed by elected representatives and exists only at the behest of the American people, "this land is your land, this land is my land". Fascism, and all the other Wiki definitions of collectivism have never entered my lexicon since they do not factor into historical record here, beyond propaganda. The historical record of collectivism resembles more a murderous dictatorship sort of like the one we just dropped a mop on. "Sometimes violence is the answer" is a slogan I hear on all sides.
I was born an American and remain one, Americans are my people, and this land is our land, it can be yours too. You may call me a Constitutionalist as written; it even contains provision for change should folks come to disagree with it. And the Declaration of Independence is very current in today's divisive environment.
We dance to the music, lyrics are just the vision of a poet, it's really about the music.
Just a little tough love sister, I'll still hang with ya'.
You might remember me writing that I don't do politics on this stack, so I'm not sure if you're interpreting me as saying or implying any particular view with this post, but certainly that wasn't my intention except to express a general frustration over not knowing what the heck is going on in the world and how to make sense of it.
Three of the bands were British and only one of them American, but really I chose all of them only because I love the way the lead singer screams, and they're great songs.
So I'm glad you're still willing to hang with me, but not sure why I'm needing a little tough love bro!
Only because indoctrination is a thing Ellen, nothing new, e.g.: The Apartheid era is in American history as opposition to slavery resulting in violence and burning cities here, while no news was disseminated regarding the brutal murders taking place in South Africa, principally farmers who worked their land for generations, then resulting in starvation for millions. I only point it out because language matters and reflects a world view. It's my service to you, and my duty. Music is part of popular culture, which is influential, and a poor substitute for critical thinking. Love music, beating the drums of war is not what I'm after.
It's only a word Ellen, and I'll defend you're right to speak it with my life. If you truly believed, I would point it out. Everything that happens in America is by default American, just like everything that happens in the world ends up in our homes.
That the comments in here only reflect the music doesn't escape my notice, since it's not about the politics. Their point is well taken, as is yours.
If you're talking about the word 'fascism,' I used it based on the apparent intention of the band Yes and the video director to depict a man being taken in for questioning by secret police in their video. Although at the end of the video they imply that the scenario occurred in his imagination as opposed to real life. The word is not meant to reference anything else in my post. But I have edited to make that crystal clear, so thanks for that.
Well, I wouldn't want to be the cause of any censorship since that would be a fascist thing to do. I only reacted because we share the same anxieties, and these colloquialisms are being slung all around mainstream media as a part of asymmetric warfare, like Extreme Leftist Ideology and other language to further create divisiveness. In this environment it's damn hard to find a middle ground. It's also why offensive speech is protected, and the exchange of ideas is the hallmark of American principles, and a celebration of individualism.
Yes, I hear you and appreciate your concern around not getting myself into any hot water given what's going on around the use of language. So many terms now have lost their original meanings and have become contested. I've noticed that a lot in comments here on substack where I think terms are being used for exactly the opposite of what they actually mean.
So I've amended the post to reflect that it's the band's conception rather than my own. I'm not making any political points here other than that listening to rock music is a great way to get frustration out of your system, which seems like a pretty sane and healthy approach to deal with the inanities of life these days.
And here we are, trying to find equilibrium while so easily being drawn into the morass, (like a whirlpool) innocent discourse snatched away by an ever-growing population of powder kegs with short fuses. My own brother reacts with glaring hatred at the mere mention of a thing which effects all of us at every level. Honest discourse has been violated while it is the very thing that can restore us to humanity. We should talk about it, negotiate it until these feelings are dissipated, or go into a room and scream it out as you suggest.
Since making a course change myself, these issues are all the more apparent. The complexities are so overwhelming that nothing is working as it should, we cannot speak freely, travel safely or embark on trade without this serpent rising up against us. I hope this helps you to figure out what's going on in the world, as for solutions...the worst thing to do in a crisis is nothing.
Milo is a force of nature and redeems me of all my sins.
Thanks, Daniel. I've been meaning to write a post on the best screams for a while now. I just bought a Deep Purple CD and was listening to "Space Truckin'" and loved the screaming in it and thought now is a really good time to do this. It does seem to have resonated with folks.
Fun topic, and yes catharsis/outlet for frustration quite needed these days. . .
My all-time fave is probably John Lennon - greatest screamer in rock this side of Little Richard - and my fave JL moment is on "Leave My Kitten Alone."
Also very effective is Joe Cocker's scream in the studio version of "With A Little Help From My Friends."
And jumping to the modern era - how can we ignore Wet Leg? This scream has become iconic, at least to their fans (of which I am one) - scream is at 4:00, kind of a crazy-ass video but worth sticking it out:
That is a crazy-ass and totally fun video. Love it, reminds me of Napolean Dynamite but with a British cross-dressing twist. Excellent scream.
Joe Cocker, one of my all-time faves and love that song and the scream.
Funny that I've never heard that Beatles tune and it's such a good one. Must revisit everything they've done one of these days. John is fab even when he's being a knob!
Oh yes! Linkin Park does have some great ones! Crawling, One Step Closer, In the End aside from Numb are all ones my youngest and I did a lot of scream-singing to on the way to school LOL
With my sons, a good screaming song is “Dream On”
My daughter landed on one of my favorite screaming songs accidentally when she played “Violet” by Hole on the way to school one day!
good picks!
"Dream On" yes, should have thought of that one!
I hadn't heard "Violet" before but just listened and that's a great one too. Screaming all the way through.
Yes!! I love Voilet! Also, Olympia by Hole is a great screaming song 😊
There’s a great scene in the movie Stealing Beauty where Liv Tyler is screaming along with Olympia
https://youtu.be/jMduBHqBaD8?si=uyeDuNJYqzGYUBjN
What a perfect example of screaming along!
Violet didn’t come to mind but it should have. Great pick!!
Oh yeah, this is great, Ellen!
My first thought was Geddy's screaming "Every nerve is torn apaaaaarrrrrt" at the end of "Cygnus X-1," because I am nothing if not completely predictable in my love of Rush.
Some excellent screaming by Geddy there. Surprised to hear that you love Rush (lol)!
It's the rumor on the street. Thanks for the laugh!
Great topic, timely topic, and great picks! Purple were my favorite band for many years--I saw them three times live and I'm just grateful I still have my hearing! My favorite screamer today, since Angela Gossow retired, is Tatiana Schmayluk of the Ukrainian band Jinjer. This song was released shortly before the Russians invaded. "Vortex" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiaOSGZTwtY. I included it in the"Album of the Month" list, so now you're one song ahead! Oh, if you want to hear Angela: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEUayPRyF-Y
Thanks, Charles. You were so lucky to see Purple in person, and three times, but glad they didn't give you tinnitus or send you to the hearing aid store!
Incredible screaming in both of those vids. The Vortex imagery is amazing and quite mesmerizing.
"Vortex" strikes me a prescient--I wonder how deliberate was. Meanwhile, Angela is a mom, and apparently very sweet. Good thing; it would be terrifying to have her scream at you.
Sweet is not the word that would come to mind. Hope the lullabies are not heavy metal versions!
Vortex is such a graphic vision. You do have to wonder.
When I was in college my friend Neal (also a big Yes fan) was intrigued by Billy Idol's screaming in "White Wedding." He felt it was one of the rare and honest screams in popular music. While I never loved the song myself I think he may have had a point. It's quite shrill!
It's not a fave of mine either, but great example as I can see/hear Neal's point!
Yeah, no one screamed quite like Ian Gillan, with the possible exception of Arthur Brown, whose screams on "Fire" and "Nightmare" are among my all-time favorite throat-shredding moments. And then there's Bon Scott on AC/DC's "If You Want Blood," which is probably my all-time fave song to play when I'm really pissed off...
Oh yeah, great pissed off song, no question about it, and some great screaming on Highway to Hell too.
I had to watch Arthur Brown again and I remember Fire, but it's the first time I've heard Nightmare and the video I found is actually a hoot. (I'll have to use that in a follow-up post.) I read that Ian Gillan credits him with influencing his screaming, so a cool connection there.
Oh god yeah - Bon’s scream at the end of “Highway to Hell” makes it sound like his entire skin covering is being yanked off his bones in one fell swoop!
Yes! He mastered the art, that one. (What an image!)
I’d like to add Heart’s “Barracuda” to the list!!
https://youtu.be/PeMvMNpvB5M?si=bdlDN8pAiiASNtJ2
I love Heart and "Barracuda" -- burn burn burn barracuda! Great recommendation.
Yes! 🔥🔥🔥
Of course, Daltrey’s cathartic release as the band kicks back in on “Won’t Get Fooled Again” … oh if only it were true.
Iconic song and scream! They could've written that song today, and yeah, wish it were true too.
Would you consider adding Rodger Daltrey’s scream in the Who song “Won’t Get Fooled Again”? Seems apropos.
Of course! Someone else also brought up that one, so you're in good company. Amazing song and perfect for these times.
Love the topic! Mary Clayton (Gimme Shelter), and Welcome to the Jungle.
Thanks, Paul. Love both of those examples!
Clare Torry on Pink Floyd’s “Big Gig in the Sky”. Still gives me goosebumps!
Me too! Otherworldly.
Tripped to a lot of it, live and in person, climbed walls, rushed turnstiles and thrashed with the best of them. But I'm a grownup now, and evolved, not beyond the music, but the childish things of my youth.
From the time of my birth till the present I have been at liberty to act in such ways because America is a Constitutional Republic of States governed by elected representatives and exists only at the behest of the American people, "this land is your land, this land is my land". Fascism, and all the other Wiki definitions of collectivism have never entered my lexicon since they do not factor into historical record here, beyond propaganda. The historical record of collectivism resembles more a murderous dictatorship sort of like the one we just dropped a mop on. "Sometimes violence is the answer" is a slogan I hear on all sides.
I was born an American and remain one, Americans are my people, and this land is our land, it can be yours too. You may call me a Constitutionalist as written; it even contains provision for change should folks come to disagree with it. And the Declaration of Independence is very current in today's divisive environment.
We dance to the music, lyrics are just the vision of a poet, it's really about the music.
Just a little tough love sister, I'll still hang with ya'.
Good evening, David!
You might remember me writing that I don't do politics on this stack, so I'm not sure if you're interpreting me as saying or implying any particular view with this post, but certainly that wasn't my intention except to express a general frustration over not knowing what the heck is going on in the world and how to make sense of it.
Three of the bands were British and only one of them American, but really I chose all of them only because I love the way the lead singer screams, and they're great songs.
So I'm glad you're still willing to hang with me, but not sure why I'm needing a little tough love bro!
Only because indoctrination is a thing Ellen, nothing new, e.g.: The Apartheid era is in American history as opposition to slavery resulting in violence and burning cities here, while no news was disseminated regarding the brutal murders taking place in South Africa, principally farmers who worked their land for generations, then resulting in starvation for millions. I only point it out because language matters and reflects a world view. It's my service to you, and my duty. Music is part of popular culture, which is influential, and a poor substitute for critical thinking. Love music, beating the drums of war is not what I'm after.
It's only a word Ellen, and I'll defend you're right to speak it with my life. If you truly believed, I would point it out. Everything that happens in America is by default American, just like everything that happens in the world ends up in our homes.
That the comments in here only reflect the music doesn't escape my notice, since it's not about the politics. Their point is well taken, as is yours.
If you're talking about the word 'fascism,' I used it based on the apparent intention of the band Yes and the video director to depict a man being taken in for questioning by secret police in their video. Although at the end of the video they imply that the scenario occurred in his imagination as opposed to real life. The word is not meant to reference anything else in my post. But I have edited to make that crystal clear, so thanks for that.
Well, I wouldn't want to be the cause of any censorship since that would be a fascist thing to do. I only reacted because we share the same anxieties, and these colloquialisms are being slung all around mainstream media as a part of asymmetric warfare, like Extreme Leftist Ideology and other language to further create divisiveness. In this environment it's damn hard to find a middle ground. It's also why offensive speech is protected, and the exchange of ideas is the hallmark of American principles, and a celebration of individualism.
Yes, I hear you and appreciate your concern around not getting myself into any hot water given what's going on around the use of language. So many terms now have lost their original meanings and have become contested. I've noticed that a lot in comments here on substack where I think terms are being used for exactly the opposite of what they actually mean.
So I've amended the post to reflect that it's the band's conception rather than my own. I'm not making any political points here other than that listening to rock music is a great way to get frustration out of your system, which seems like a pretty sane and healthy approach to deal with the inanities of life these days.
Hope you and Milo are doing well!
And here we are, trying to find equilibrium while so easily being drawn into the morass, (like a whirlpool) innocent discourse snatched away by an ever-growing population of powder kegs with short fuses. My own brother reacts with glaring hatred at the mere mention of a thing which effects all of us at every level. Honest discourse has been violated while it is the very thing that can restore us to humanity. We should talk about it, negotiate it until these feelings are dissipated, or go into a room and scream it out as you suggest.
Since making a course change myself, these issues are all the more apparent. The complexities are so overwhelming that nothing is working as it should, we cannot speak freely, travel safely or embark on trade without this serpent rising up against us. I hope this helps you to figure out what's going on in the world, as for solutions...the worst thing to do in a crisis is nothing.
Milo is a force of nature and redeems me of all my sins.
Great topic. I’ve never seen this approach before. Trust you to come up with it. 😀
Thanks, Daniel. I've been meaning to write a post on the best screams for a while now. I just bought a Deep Purple CD and was listening to "Space Truckin'" and loved the screaming in it and thought now is a really good time to do this. It does seem to have resonated with folks.
Fun topic, and yes catharsis/outlet for frustration quite needed these days. . .
My all-time fave is probably John Lennon - greatest screamer in rock this side of Little Richard - and my fave JL moment is on "Leave My Kitten Alone."
Also very effective is Joe Cocker's scream in the studio version of "With A Little Help From My Friends."
And jumping to the modern era - how can we ignore Wet Leg? This scream has become iconic, at least to their fans (of which I am one) - scream is at 4:00, kind of a crazy-ass video but worth sticking it out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGg-hitVZKQ
That is a crazy-ass and totally fun video. Love it, reminds me of Napolean Dynamite but with a British cross-dressing twist. Excellent scream.
Joe Cocker, one of my all-time faves and love that song and the scream.
Funny that I've never heard that Beatles tune and it's such a good one. Must revisit everything they've done one of these days. John is fab even when he's being a knob!
Wow, this was a great distraction for me Ellen, thanks!! I’ll throw a few out there.
Some good screaming in Pink Floyd’s “One of My Turns”: https://youtu.be/BOay-7aqLks
LInkin Park has had some great screaming songs including “Numb”: https://youtu.be/ATwqL9F2IPs
I love Ed Kowalczyk’s screaming on “I Alone”: https://youtu.be/FNrQOUtXYOo
I actually just realized that I could probably do this all day, lol, so I’ll just do one more, Skunk Anansie’s “Weak”: https://youtu.be/nPglNjxVHiM
Oh yes! Linkin Park does have some great ones! Crawling, One Step Closer, In the End aside from Numb are all ones my youngest and I did a lot of scream-singing to on the way to school LOL
YES! I was hoping Judas Priest would be on this list.
Oh good! I just love Rob's scream in this song.