My A to Z in musical taste: B.

Before we get on to the Bs, I'd like to take this opportunity of saying that you won't be subjected to the most famous North Korean sensation that I came across on YouTube recently. It was one of those suggestions that pop up by the side and I just had to take a look. But I'll let you make that decision yourself should you find it.

My B journey begins with bagpipes. I don't know if you have to be a Scot or not but hearing the skirl of the pipes raises the hairs on my neck. I don't go around screaming, "Freedom!" but it gets close.

Anyway, my offering is the following performance at the Massed Pipes and Drums at the Royal Military Tattoo Edinburgh 2013:

This next one I can only give you audio to. You see, this band is so well produced/mixed whatever that live, they just don't do it for me - from what I've seen on the 'tube anyway. Their albums have been few and far between and had numerous personnel changes. My favourite tracks all feature the vocal talents of Mr. Brad Delp. I'm talking of course of that fine American band, Boston.

That's my favourite, "Something About You"

 Next up are a couple of Germans, one you'll have heard of and one you haven't (probably).

Firstly, the one you've heard of. The piece runs to an age, comes in four parts. This is the part you know with a minimalist production from Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra. Leave your politics and home and give your ears a feast on this:

This from the German you know, Beethoven.

The second German you've probably never heard of unless you're a "European".

Lyrics on screen in German and Italian, sing along with THAT crowd to Andrea Berg:

I probably heard this via Radio Tirol via the good old internet. I've heard a lot of stuff on the internet/radio combo but I take full responsibility.

Next up some more "Europeans", a nice pair from Spain - next door to Portugal:

That was Baccara with an early hit, "Yes Sir, I can boogie".

Did I mention that the Eurovision Song Contest was in May? A quick Youtube search for ESC Kiev will give you access to all 43 participants this year. Just sayin'.

Next up some more "Europeans", this time from Italy. I give you that great ESC-type title, Da Ba Dee from Blue.

The Bs would not be complete without this lot, all two and a half minutes of them. An early memory of mine from the best period of the Beatles, before they went weird:

I'll end with this collection:

This B would be for Blues. Like most of this compendium of stuff, I make no bones about who is listed. I could have had a whole section devoted to the Blues. I've picked ZZTop for that fine Elmore Leonard tune. I've picked Grinderswitch, also playing an old Elmore Leonard tune and finally Stevie Ray.

BTW, did you manage to hear that Grinderswitch track without expecting to hear John Peel interrupt?

So there you have it. When could you come across a blog with blues, classical and Europop all in one place?

As usual, feel free to leave any comments.

Until the next time, with some tasty Cs, cheerio!