9 votes

X Japan - Art Of Life (1993)

6 comments

  1. [2]
    vord
    Link
    One of the greatest songs ever written. I discovered it circa 2003, and can't believe I've never shared it here.

    One of the greatest songs ever written. I discovered it circa 2003, and can't believe I've never shared it here.

    2 votes
    1. h3x
      Link Parent
      Once upon a time I used to be able to play most of this song on the guitar. Some of the solos and arpeggios are fiendishly difficult, but it’s such a cool song that my teenage self couldn’t help...

      Once upon a time I used to be able to play most of this song on the guitar. Some of the solos and arpeggios are fiendishly difficult, but it’s such a cool song that my teenage self couldn’t help but try. Thanks for letting me relive those days!

      1 vote
  2. [2]
    kingofsnake
    Link
    Is X the band where the characters are cartoon crows or something? My friend's Japanese obsessed sister listened to them back in the day. Looking forward to listening later.

    Is X the band where the characters are cartoon crows or something? My friend's Japanese obsessed sister listened to them back in the day. Looking forward to listening later.

    1 vote
    1. mantrid
      Link Parent
      X, later renamed to X Japan, has a look that might be called glam metal or early visual kei, but they're all real people -- no animal or cartoon characters.

      X, later renamed to X Japan, has a look that might be called glam metal or early visual kei, but they're all real people -- no animal or cartoon characters.

      2 votes
  3. mantrid
    Link
    It's a great song, although I prefer the version with a shortened piano solo. I understand the effect they're going for with the chaotic piano, but it goes on just a bit too long for me.

    It's a great song, although I prefer the version with a shortened piano solo. I understand the effect they're going for with the chaotic piano, but it goes on just a bit too long for me.

    1 vote
  4. cesarandreu
    Link
    Oh man, this is my favorite song too. I sometimes sit down just to listen to it through to the end and bask in the experience. It makes me wish I had a bit more artistic skills because I think you...

    Oh man, this is my favorite song too. I sometimes sit down just to listen to it through to the end and bask in the experience. It makes me wish I had a bit more artistic skills because I think you could elevate the work a bit further with a well paired video experience.

    The only other musical experience that I feel comes close is the album The Human Equation, by Ayreon. It's about a man who enters a coma while being forced to confront his emotions and memories over the course of 20 days. Each song is a different day. Art of Life is my favorite song but The Human Equation is my favorite album.

    1 vote