The Late Movies: Isolated Music

In Aristotle's work Metaphysics, he postulated that "The whole is different from the sum of its parts." Tonight for the Late Movies, we're applying that concept to a few classic rock songs.

Using certain audio programs, it is possible to isolate specific elements of a song (drums, guitar, bass, piano and vocals). What we're left with is a fascinating look at the technical aspects of a song and amazing examples of transcendent talent. Each of these elements combines to make something much greater, but equally as powerful.

Leading off tonight is Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, joined by singer Merry Clayton on the track "Gimme Shelter." Wait for Clayton's performance late into the song...she seems almost unhinged, but her vocals are sublime.

Next up is Eddie Van Halen's isolated guitar work on "Hear About It Later."

Here is John Lennon's guitar work on the Beatles classic "Strawberry Fields Forever."

This clip features John Entwistle of The Who laying down the bass for their epic track "Won't Get Fooled Again." This is a great video because, in addition to the audio, you have a visual of him playing and see his incredible skill.

Speaking of The Who, here is their track "Baba O'Riley" with featuring nothing but piano & synthesizer.

One of the greatest drummers of all time, Neil Pert from the band Rush, shows why he's so highly regarded on their track "Tom Sawyer."

Turning now to isolated vocals, we go back to The Beatles for "Ticket To Ride."

And here is David Lee Roth with his vocal work on "Running With The Devil."

"Bohemian Rhapsody," one of my all time favorite songs, is an incredibly complex piece of music. The first of two clips from the song, here is the piano track in isolation.

And here is the vocal track for "Bohemian Rhapsody." Hauntingly beautiful.