Iron Maiden's GREATEST Opening Track?

[@OldGuitarMan]

I was around 16 or 17 and in high school when this album came out. There’s such a difference between going back after the fact as opposed to being there in the moment, in the sense of how something is perceived as part of a total life and world landscape - in this case, 1986. In may be unpopular and even inconceivable to say this to the fanbase, particularly the younger demographic therein, but my memory of Somewhere in Time’s reception in my corner of the ‘86 metal word was lukewarm-to-disappointing. EVERYTHING in the mid-80s was synths. You couldn’t escape them. In the metal world, we’d endured Turbo and - while personally, I liked it - most of my metal friends simply abandoned Judas Priest. I was always more open to different musical approaches, even very commercial ones like Turbo, but most of the metal crowd I knew had been pulled hard to the Metallica/Megadeth/Testament/Metal Church/King Diamond type of sound, that aggression and imagery. So when Somewhere in Time came out, lots of them looked at it as Iron Maiden’s Turbo. Of course, it’s not, but remember - these are 1986 teenagers I’m talking about. I do remember a lot of us liked the Wasted Years video and they seemed to buy into that song, to an extent, even though it had that huge 80s pop chorus. They still loved Adrian’s open E string Lick of the Beast that defines the song. In fact, most of us were guitar players, and figuring out how to play that became required learning. But after a listen or two, the album was mostly shelved. Admittedly, even that young version of me found the album, overall, a little cold and unmemorable relative to the five studio albums that proceeded it. At almost 54 now, I see things differently, but that’s a different story. I remember a lot of the more hardcore metal guys being in disbelief, visibly frustrated, not understanding how a band that wrote “The Number of the Beast”, “The Trooper” And “2 Minutes to Midnight” expected them to think a song about jogging was cool. Even now, old me loves the music and vocal melodies on “Loneliness”, but still can’t connect with it lyrically. And old me still isn’t much of a fan of “Heaven Can Wait”, but it’s okay. But I understand and love the album as a whole now. Removed from the peripheral 1980s noise it was released into and me being relatively evolved from that confused teenager, I see, feel and hear its artistry now. A lot of the record felt cold and impenetrable then, but that - as Nico said here - is by design. Many of the songs are designed to evoke those 80s Blade Runner atmospherics. Even the hard pivot from Powerslave’s more traditional guitar tones to the more processed, compressed, “futuristic” (for 1986) tones of SiT lend themselves to this. So yeah, I took the long way around to warming up to this album, but I fully got there by the late 90s. Age is such a double-edged sword, but it certainly helped me appreciate the cinematic atmospherics of Satellite 15 and then get stranded in space, lost without trace in 2010 - when the guys finally decided to return to an overall science fiction theme for the first time since 1986. Thanks for the video, Nico ✌🏻

[@petetobey3933]

We’re the same age (17 in ‘86), and I can vouch for exactly what you say - Somewhere in Time was seen as “oh crap, Maiden found synths, too.” It wasn’t all bad, just felt like they were leaning towards what ended up being heard on Seventh Son, which doubled down on the synths (and I consider THAT to be their Turbo). I did enjoy some of the SiT tracks, but it was disappointing on the heels of Number, Piece of Mind and Powerslave. “Wasted Years” was a favorite among my crowd, and yes, those of us who played guitar HAD to learn the opening lick. That said, I’m with you looking back at Somewhere in Time, it has grown on me as one of my top five favorite Maiden albums of all time - the guitar work is some of their absolute best! By the way, “The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner” is based on a short story from the ‘60s by the same title that explains the song much better. I vaguely recall reading it in high school and making the connection - and it’s actually my favorite solo on the album.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I absolutely love that you took the time to share your recollection of that time in such a thoughtful and insightful manner. It adds so much value to the discussion and it is very much appreciated. Thank you!

[@petetobey3933]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Thank you for all the videos and insight, Nico, it's very much appreciated that you take the time to do what you do.

[@OldGuitarMan]

@@petetobey3933 It's interesting, isn't it, how different we can perceive something just based on our own personal lives at the time, and even the general culture around us at the time. When I revisit Somewhere in Time now, I see it as part of the vast tapestry of music that Iron Maiden has woven for 40+ years - a link in the chain. But in 1986, it was like, "Damn. Most of this doesn't feel right to me." Because all we knew were those first five studio albums - which set the standard for our expectations of what Iron Maiden was - and because it followed the magical bombast of one of the best live albums ever made by any band, Live After Death. Even though "Wasted Years" was huge, the album as a whole was a hard sell to my corner of the metal community in the rust belt of the US. And you're right, two years later those people who lost interest with Somewhere in Time gave Seventh Son a couple of spins and were meh, more of the same. They didn't come back. They did the same with Ram it Down, too - no interest, no forgiveness after Turbo (although, of course, Priest would eventually wrench back almost all the hardcore metal community to them in 1991). I think what people who didn't live through the metal years of the 80s will never be able to understand was how saturated we were with legendary metal bands, so much so that it was really impossible to appreciate what we had. Iron Maiden releases an album now, I'm buying $500 worth of different versions and editions, six shirts, and declaring a personal holiday when it's released. Back then it was, "Oh, a new Maiden tape? Cool. We'll play it when we go to the mall later." I can tell you personally, for me, at the time I did not appreciate living in an age where people like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Dio and all the rest were (arguably) peaking. But our lives are swirls of emotions, uncomfortable evolutions and erratic compasses as teenagers, and we just try to find our way, find who we are and who we might be going forward. Peripheral things like pop culture, like music, like Iron Maiden, can and do get lost in the maelstrom. So yeah, with Iron Maiden - and remember, they're my favorite band - when they release this album in 1986, what we begin to fear is, "Is this it? Will they never be dark and pure metal like before?" Because in the moment there's no backwards perspective, no further tapestry woven yet, just the here and now that was '86. Thanks for the info on "Lonliness". I had no idea it was based on a novel. As you know, information was at a premium in those pre-internet days and I've never researched or heard about it since. I will now, and hopefully it'll help me past the roadblock I have with it lyrically. Thinking about that song, it occurs to me now that Stephen King had an 80s sci-fi novella called "The Long Walk" that would've fit a similar narrative. Steve should've used that, dammit ;)

[@sjbelias]

I couldn’t of said it better! 🤘🏻🎸

[@UltraPvnk]

Best album of all time for me.

[@felixplaza823]

I agree 100%!

[@jimmymorneau6180]

Me too

[@synns6898]

Seventh son of a seventh son for me, though all 80s maiden is great.

[@hdbclone116]

Somewhere In time for me personally 😂

[@nolan_muscat]

Easily best maiden album W opinion W mans

[@IronDemon89]

Adrian and Dave: How much chorus would you like on the guitars, Steve? Steve: YES!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

😂😂

[@radmed979]

The way Dave and Adrian play together just intertwine masterfully and the way Steve and Nico fill the backbone and Bruce brings it home. There's nothing like it there in a league of their own.

[@johnmalatesta751]

Loneliness of the Long distance runner is another killer Jam. The intro is just brilliant.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Absolutely! And if you like that song, I'm sure you'll enjoy this video 😃 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJTUi51vnLmejsU

[@darrenc8776]

I always love loneliness of the long distance runner what a tune. Ive alway been a massive fan of to tame a land too

[@johnmalatesta751]

Also ....stranger in a strange land. These songs are in my opinion what set them apart.

[@ettio]

My favourite album is Somewhere in time followed by A matter of life and death. And this year me and my son are gonna hear some of these great SIT songs live for the first time ever.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

That is gonna be a memorable experience for sure!!

[@carzz185]

the complexity of this song makes it amazing... every solo in this album is a masterpiece, that's why i love this album and this song is among my top 5 from the band

[@lukkysparxx]

My favorite album, and one of my favorite solos by Adrian Smith. That solo ending always gives me goosebumps

[@eldesgraciado6690]

SOMEWHERE IN TIME was OUR favorite album, for me and all my friends back in school and the old neighborhood!!!!!

[@blakkno666]

I 100% agree.. it still sounds totally awesome, futuristic and impressive even now

[@jasong546]

Back when that came out, I bought the vinyl and wore that thing out! Until I knew every little drum fill and stray lick and each little thing Bruce sang. I loved it because it was different than the previous albums but still firmly Iron Maiden.

[@ColonelClaypool]

Thanks a lot. Has my favorite Adrian solo!

[@FortressofShred]

By far my favorite Iron Maiden album. The songwriting, the production, the performances.... it's absolute perfection! The guitar tones are unreal!

[@richardsmith8115]

My favourite Maiden album, not surprising as I started listening to music in the early 80s by listening to synth music. As I progressed to rock music this album stood out immediately when my friend first played it to me. Still a regular listen for me.

[@VideoWare-ox9qv]

I was blown away the first time I've heard this song and the fact it wasn't on the 'best of the beast' compilation. What an epic song and album, Somewhere in time is really amongst their best stuff.

[@JuxtaCrucem]

The guitar sound in Stranger in a strange land is monstrous. You have the guitar tone perfectly set to 'Maiden.'

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Many thanks! And yeah that song sounds huge - lots of cool stuff going on in that one too!

[@JuxtaCrucem]

@@LicksOfTheBeast You analyse Maiden very well.

[@antinhumppaa]

Life defining album and opening track. They also opened with it the concerts somewhere on tour. Which was my first live concert in the fragile age of 12. It just blew my mind.

[@werc85music]

This, Moonchild and The Wicker Man are my absolutely fav Maiden album openers..

[@Nomadbyfate1465]

A topic best discussed over many, many beers I think 😂 The highlight of this for me has always been Nicko’s drumming throughout the instrumental section. It’s incredible how he drives the changes in rhythm behind the solos.

[@jakkew5753]

Watching this hours after I got out of the Future Past show! For YEARS I've felt like this was the perfect show opener and wanted them to play it and other SIT songs live! I never thought they actually would, albeit I'd actually witness it! It's an experience I will never forget! And while SIT isn't quite my favorite Maiden album, the songs on it, especially this one, personally resonate with me for a number of reasons. Everything from the futuristic sound to the subject matter. It even reminds me of my oldest surviving memories as if I furst heard the record when I was young. Which is extremely ironic, considering there is a song called Deja Vu. Oh well, I guess we're all just caught somewhere in time!

[@headhunter8106]

First, thank you for having the balls to actually say "ghetto blaster," the actual name for it. Second, I clearly remember myself and a few friends dying in waiting for the album release to see what they could possibly follow up Powerslave with. Then we spent ages scanned the whole cover, front and back, to pick up all the cool references. Suddenly, we hear that first big bass chord with the synth, and we all go "Whaaaat the fuuuucckk...." We were just about to be 14 at the time. It was the fastest gallop we'd ever heard Maiden play, and every part of the song just kept bringing things up another notch.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

You know... I didn't even think about the term until you mentioned it. 😅😅😅 I grew up in the east end of Montreal and that's just what we all called it. Maybe it's because many of us learned English somewhat second hand (in my case, it's my third language) and we didn't ever think about the etymology of terms like that. I actually don't think I ever even heard someone say boombox until long after they were made obsolete. 🤷🏻😄 I only got into them a bit after SIT, but I did have a similar experience with the intro to Moonchild, but from Powerslave to SIT, I can imagine how you all lost your minds if you were already into the band. 😃🤘

[@rodoherty1]

​​@@LicksOfTheBeast English is your third language? What are your first two? And in what order? And how come? Just curious! Wonderful channel!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

@@rodoherty1 Italian is my mother tongue. I was six years old when we came to Canada and because we were in Montreal, I had to learn French to go to school. At the same time, many of the cool tv shows, movies, and music that liked were in English so I had to learn it pretty much at the same time. When I was 26, I moved back to Italy for the better part of 10 years so during that time I was speaking Italian and Neapolitan most of the time 😊 Finally moving back to Canada, I had to switch my brain again. I guess that's why I have this weird accent that is a mix of Italian with a Neapolitan cadence, Quebecois French, and English I picked up from various sources like TV, growing up in an Italian neighborhood in Montreal and the last 11 years living in Toronto. 😅

[@SeaOfMadness]

Long time coming - So good to see focus on this amazing album. Nice one!

[@andreiapinheiro8347]

Love this song. Quite upbeat. I think it would be perfect for opening the shows at Future Past Tour.

[@justinrowland5191]

Somewhere in time, man. I agree wholeheartedly.

[@Joseph_Klein]

I love this that C and Am pre chorus riff and ofc Adrian's solo

[@iainholmes2735]

It's such a great album. I bought it on the day of release in Sept 86. I really gave it a good listen a couple of weeks later whilst the cold rain fell outside the window. Made me think about the nature of Time, and why we should seize the day. The cover art is brilliant. Cheers.

[@bradchervel5202]

Somewhere In Time is Maidens best album. It hits on all warp drives

[@jozefemperor]

I remember how they wrote this album: doing nothing but going to pubs on some island in the middle of winter, for few weeks. And then remebered they have to write album, so they did it in 2-3 weeks. amazing

[@DolkkarToyznstuff]

From Caught Somewhere in Time all the way to Alexander the Great, it's always a treat to indulge in this album from beginning to end. Thank you for the in depth breakdown of this classic and legendary album.

[@SomewhereInTheMaidenverse]

I love these kinds of videos because I realize there is so much in the song that I’ve missed. It’s fun to go back and listen to the song after watching the video. CSiT is so dreamy and perfect from beginning to end. It takes you right back to 1986, yet is timeless at the same time. It showcases why Dave and Adrian were such a strong guitar duo. It’s that “mental thing” that Adrian has talked about. Their chemistry was just off the charts. Still mind blowing after all of these years. And Bruce’s vocals on SiT are my favorite compared to any other Maiden album that he’s done. (I know not everyone feels that way).

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

"...takes you right back to 1986, yet is timeless" is an excellent way to describe this song - this whole album really! 😊 Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@wiqtur]

For some reason I overlooked this song for some time when I first discovered Maiden… but man, nowadays is one of my favorites, what a masterpiece! Adrian’s solo is one of the “funniest” ones to play

[@darkorama]

Bruce vocals on the chorus gives me the goosebump. It was excellent vocal performance.

[@Baboonfromdatoon]

This content is amazing

[@sixgunlover274]

Bought SIT when it was released and always loved it to death. Brilliant 80s vibe to the production and the songs are killer.

[@low_e_music]

Excellent lesson on one of the greatest songs of all time. I thought I had figured out the song but there were a few parts that I wasn't quite right on. Thanks for the in depth breakdown.

[@darrenc8776]

I remember the first time I played the somewhere in time album as a kid it was like nothing else it was so futuristic sounding. The album cover just drew me in I remember staring at it for ages before I played it. Your right Nico what an opening track Steve's bass Dave and Adrian play that riff wow its like I'm transported to another world or 'time'. I think the whole track list on somewhere in time just blends so well. How the title track fades then wasted years comes in outstanding. Cheers again for the memories Nico

[@Trygvar13]

The Somewhere In Time and Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son albums had very interesting sounds and I was actually sad that they reverted to older sounds after those two albums. I understand why Bruce and Adrian felll that was a step in the wrong direction.

[@darrenc8776]

@@Trygvar13 I do like No pray and loved the sound of that album. I always used to think as a kid back then that Maiden made there music according to the album art 😂 seventh son is like a moon landscape and somewhere it time is so out of this world so the sound is futuristic. When you think of the albums you can see were my thoughts came from

[@Sebastian_Mroczek]

Always love these breakdowns as you can hear more clear what is going on within each part of the song and each player😃. Makes you like the songs even more and give an insights of how to play them, and maybe also how to compose similarly. I am waiting for the big announcement that you've mentioned during the live video- I hope this will be your IM guitar course or something like that🤞🏻😁🤞🏻

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

That's the idea! Glad it's coming across that way 😃 As for my announcement... it'll the first of many and I will get it out as soon as I have the green light to do so ☺️

[@ws90ninety]

This is awesome, Nico, this is pretty much a COLLEGE LEVEL CLASS on one of my favorite songs ever!!!!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you!! 🙏

[@rocknrollresignation93]

Great to see this monster of a track get some appreciation!

[@Aurainmaker]

I'm just dreaming in hope that when they come to open the future past tour, we're treated to this opening harmony screaming at us. Opening a concert with this, to me, is a statement. "We are Iron Maiden, you're going to have the best 2 hours of your year". I'm sure they'll play it, but I need to hear this live before the boys call it a day.

[@gfgranja]

I always think of this album as the Adrian smith album, his work on SIT is just fantastic

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Yeah with almost half of the album's 8 songs written entirely by Adrian alone, it's fair to say he had a very big influence on the overall sound and feel.

[@turuntashtheboo7681]

Songs , album, time when it was made, for me was greatest!! 1986,'87,'88(when other gem was made - Seventh son...)!!! That was by some of us maybe best period of band's inspiration for making songs!! And this is FANTASTIC VIDEO that proof it!!! My friend you just did what someone should do long time ago... To show, to prove that this song is something unique and special!!!

[@stavrosdrakopoulos7551]

Amazing.... The band, the album, the song, Nico's playing and explanation, everything! Perfect!! 🤘

[@andreasdeutinger7319]

nice memories. because i was young and didn‘t have much money to buy many records, i just had somewhere in time and live after death. and played those two every day for months. i still can play every song and sing all the lyrics. fun times.

[@ianbeale2527]

I bought the 12" picture disc of "Stranger in a Strange Land" on a whim based on a school friend's recommendation. I was 15 at the time and was blown away within seconds of playing it. All I knew of Iron Maiden in 1986 was what I remembered from listening to the charts on the radio back in 1982 and hearing "Run to the Hills" - but, although I liked it, I never owned a record player back then or had any sort of means of buying it at the time. As I got older any birthday/Christmas money in those days went on buying Queen's back catalogue on cassette. However, as soon as I could, I bought "SiT" and like most kids spent hours both listening to and looking at the cover's artwork. Then I started buying Maiden's back catalogue and discovered earlier stuff I found more to my "newly acquired" Metal taste. Stranger will always be my favourite Maiden song. But these days, in my 50's, the only Maiden album I play in it's entirety is "Seventh Son..." which is only ever played on my own in my motor.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thanks for sharing! Seventh Son is a hard one to turn off once it gets started... It almost begs to be heard from start to finish!

[@renatoscarpa583]

Caught somewhere in time blowed my mind up as a kid....i remember a friend of my brother forget this cd at home and i put it into the stereo...while i was stil looking at the artwork the cd started and i was captured instantly!! i will never forget that moment ...best opener ever! 2 place be quick or be dead 3 moonchild in my opinion!!....up the irons guys!! sorry for my english

[@BenScott777]

Couldn't agree more, mate! Excellent analysis.

[@jeanrunkle1059]

I just learned Adrian's solo from this and omg I nailed it for the first time. What a burst of Energy you can get after nailing a solo. God I love that solo!!! This whole song just puts a smile on my face every time and seeing them playing it live again made me cry tears of joy!!

[@3iopen]

Wow, Nico! As always just another fantastic breakdown of a classic Maiden track...Somewhere In Time is one of my favorite records to!

[@MonkeyRush93]

While I don’t understand a lot of the music theory vernacular, I’m still extremely invested the entire time as you explain the parts! I also appreciate the fact that you give equal time to Steve’s extraordinary bass work, and not overindulging on Adrian’s and Dave’s guitar parts! Thanks for the killer breakdowns!!! 👍 🤘

[@richardcharlesworth6069]

My favourite as well. I was 15 at the time and the song and the album takes me back to good and bad times; all of which shaped me to who I am today.

[@Yalbou]

Their best and most under rated album

[@teemuk1225]

Finally video about my favourite maiden song! This is probably the hardest maiden song to play on bass because of the tempo. Awesome video as always!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I am only now beginning to practice my finger picking on bass so in a way, everything is challenging for me atm, but still...I can tell this is murder on the right hand even for a fairly experienced player 😅

[@teemuk1225]

@@LicksOfTheBeast yeah it is, i've been playing bass over 10 years and my right hand still hurts after this song..

[@jayheath1971]

Fantastic breakdown. I know drums aren't the focus here, but it's worth noting that Nicko's masterful performance (particularly his machine-gun right foot) is an indispensable part of this composition.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I agree! I just don't like to talk drums too much because I can't play drums at all 😄 but I probably should give it a little more attention

[@fbettr2627]

This is the most exhaustive and comprehensive analysis of 'Caught Somewhere In Time' on KZbin. BRAVO! And thank you for your hard work and for taking the time to dissect and demonstrate the layers upon layers of amazing playing and beautiful arrangements featured in this grand opening song. In my opinion, 'Somewhere In Time' is IRON MAIDEN's most accomplished and consistent studio album. Derek RIGGS' futuristic artwork, inspired by BLADE RUNNER, is also a masterpiece in its own right. Adrian SMITH is the definitive MVP on 'Somewhere In Time'. I became a huge fan of IRON MAIDEN one year after 'Seventh Son Of The Seventh Son' was released; however, the album that resonates the most with me is 'Somewhere In Time'. I appreciate how many early fans were insulted with IRON MAIDEN's use and introduction of guitar synths. The guitar synths on SIT don't distract, they supplement the amazing songwriting and beautiful arrangements.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thanks a bunch!! Glad you enjoyed this and I appreciate your kind words a whole lot. Cheers! 🤜🤛

[@stevenbruno2752]

My favorite Maiden album as well! Feel similar, Nico! Just love the unique sound/vibe of the album. It was actually the first Iron Maiden album I bought new as it came out.

[@crispybits3765]

This was always my favourite IM album too. You describe perfectly that feeling when I first heard the intro and the sound of the album overall was just perfectly matched to the artwork which I spent countless hours pouring over.

[@saturnskull1242]

I feel exactly the same about this album, which is my absolute favorite iron maiden album. It really makes me travel while listening to it

[@normangradin1689]

I completely agree ! Caught Somewhere in time , I think is quite different from the other Iron Maiden albums , the sounds are ethereal , the riffs are really strong and the production is incredible considered how old is this album!!!! This is one my favored Albums ever!

[@alexlazar8694]

One of their bast tracks tbh

[@afunkadidljazzfuser9298]

Totally agree! Best Maiden album and best Maiden OT ever. I also agree sentence by sentence with everything you've said about your feelings with the album...same vibes too!

[@benburnett8109]

Caught Somewhere in TIme is an excellent Album/opening song. That being said, Nikko, you are wrong about this being your favorite. Your favorite opening song is actually Aces High. If you listen closely you will hear that Caught Somewhere in Time is merely an advanced version of Aces High. Therefore, this Makes Aces High your favorite. Seriously, I love the content. Youve brought fresh thoughts to a band/music that I adore.

[@nixx4401]

Exactly the best opener! Feels like The Millenium Falcon is jumping into hyperspace. Love for Iron Maiden and Star Wars joined at some point in my childhood))) Pace of the track, marvellous guitar melodies and bass line, insane vocals and amazing drumming - every beat is in its place. It took some years to realise all the layers of the track. My first Maiden album. My favourite one still. 🎸👍🙏🤘✌️🔥🤪😎

[@suetruett3812]

this song is one of my favorites.. Love the melody and parts, all together everything fits so perfectly. The video is awesome too Nico.

[@ElieZ]

definitely one of my favorites - to my surprise when I went to the maiden concert in philly few weeks ago it was the first song!

[@willmcwithey6796]

Your love for Somewhere in time and of course your great lessons on these amazing songs just got you a sub. Appreciate the time you put in. Thank you.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you very much and for the the tone, there is a video about my Bias FX II settings in the gear & guitars playlist. That's what I was using for this video 🙂

[@jamesharmon7733]

That opening track still sounds like the future to me. All these years later…

[@Jonsoar]

Totally agree about this album. I only became a Maiden fan in the last 6 years.

[@jjaramos]

Can't wait for the Time Machine tour, I'm just hoping Adrian plays all of his solos live. I know Janick will take the Heaven Can Wait solo but really want to see Adrian playing the solos to Caught Somewhere In Time and Alexander The Great (assuming they will play them!) as this entire album was a highlight reel from Mr. Smith!

[@UrbanSkyProject]

Caught somewhere in time the song is a statement of intent no doubt. The best album opener by far, the band is clearly pushing its limits on this track. Adrian Smiths solo is a ripper, favourite solo to play next to stranger in a strange land ;)

[@plasmavoid3783]

Really love your explanations both musically and thematically. You really nail it :D And not to mention, it's my favorite Maiden album. Any chance you can share that sweet JP DSP tones you're using for the rhythm and leads?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thanks so much!! The guitar and bass sounds in the video are done with Bias FX II. Same settings I describe in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5bEdnZrpaibqLc

[@tracemartin5652]

Freakin amazing as always! The breakdown of all the different parts and components that make up this classic. I saw the Somewhere in Time tour in LA when I was 23 and it blew my mind! So freakin fast - so freakin good. Dave was my favorite player but his speed was incomprehensible as I had only been playing guitar for a couple of years. Then I saw Adrian Smith. His solos and the rest of his guitar work was on a completely different level. Stranger in a Strange Land and Wasted Years were like a drug I needed every day. Years later I had a 6 cd changer in my car and Powerslave (the Duelist and Flash of the Blade!), Somewhere and Live After Death Never left the changer for 7 years - til the car was totaled.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

That must have been an incredible experience!! That blade runner into CSIT intro alone... Damn!

[@scottblankenship650]

This is one of my favorite songs ever!!!!!

[@LordNerevar1]

You can build a whole Sci-Fi IP just around this song. I love it!

[@gulanhem9495]

Somewhere in Time is not only the best Maiden album, it's the best metal album in the history of mankind.

[@itsamiianastasis5786]

YES! Caught somewhere is definitely my favorite on the album and one of the best openers for me. Only behind the wicker man

[@Pewtooyou]

This is my favorite Maiden album too...I was floored when it came out...This tour was the 3rd of the 7 times I've seen Maiden..."Up the Irons".....Great video Brother!!!🤘👍🤘

[@Aurainmaker]

I also want to add, this is one of your best videos to date. Great production value, love that you've played a bit of bass too, but most of all, your passion for this is so abundant it is infectious.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

That is very encouraging! We feel we're getting a bit better at this now that we're in our third year of making videos. Sara is learning new editing techniques and I think I'm getting a bit better at putting together the ideas, how much detail to explore to keep it interesting without overdoing it... I am also starting to practice on bass a bit every day so that I add a bit more of that in these videos. Since the bass is such a fundamental part of the band's sound, I thought it was about time I put a bit more effort into it 😊 Thanks again for the kind words. Cheers!

[@freakazoid314]

As majestic as the song. This call for a follow-up video with the solo details, including the rhythmic part, which is interesting in the choice of chords. Grazie come sempre Nico!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

A solo tutorial could be something I will work on in the future. Definitely a lot worth analyzing in there! The rhythm guitar parts to both solos are all in this video btw 🙂

[@freakazoid314]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Yes, I meant the chords in relation to the solos, of course. I really like your way of explaining things, even if it's something that I already know, it feels "fresh" in the way you tell them.

[@nekroskeleton2311]

I agree with you, somewhere in time is the best of the best !

[@eliasHZAT]

really hope they open the show this year w this track

[@theuktravellerinspain5082]

I heard they are opening with Can i play with madness

[@eliasHZAT]

@@theuktravellerinspain5082 well i'm about to kms

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I'm pretty sure they will open with the Blade Runner theme leading to this, like the original tour. I could be wrong, but I think starting like that is an absolute must.

[@eliasHZAT]

@@LicksOfTheBeast YES ! This is a tribute tour to the most forgiven 80's album by the band, oppening with can i play with madness would be a crime ...

[@davidredmond292]

For me, Somewhere in time and Seventh Son are tied for my all time favorites. It used to be that SIT was second but I changed my mind over the years..

[@FifthAvenueChannel]

Hi Nico!!! Awesome. As always!!!. I love this kind of video where you analyze the structure of a song. Keep on going my friend!!!

[@glenl9472]

Can't thank you enough for this breakdown of one of my favorite songs. You're interpretation absolutely makes sense and showed what it is that makes this song so big from the technical and songwriting perspective. To me this album caught me somewhere in time and never let go - still to this day.

[@omagodosgraves]

I'm about to watch this, but even before I felt like comment one point: the bass here is the hardest to play, as far as speed and endurance. Almost 180bpm, which in the 2 finger gallops amount to 9 fingers hitting the really heavy gauge string per second, 540 fingers per minute, and full song almost 4.000 fingers hitting the rotosound's 'heavy metal'!!!!!! Insane and unreal!!!!! Everything in this track is awsome, just like Somewhere in Time whole album. Thank you for this video Nico, I got so excited that I liked It and shared it's link to my band mates even before watching It! UP THE IRONS BLOOD BROTHERS!!!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Wow thanks so so much!!! I hear you about the bass line.... Why do you think I played it on guitar with a pick? 😂😂 I'm still a beginner on bass (especially when it comes to the right hand) but it's obviously a ridiculously fast gallop even for a more experienced player with decent stamina... Craziness!

[@carlosvenegasmeza8467]

Great video. This is one of my all time favourites, a masteriece.

[@cristianomachadodeoliveira2087]

Exceptional ! Thank You Nico! Greetings from Maiden fans and guitar players from Brazil !

[@sergeyshalukhin2025]

Great job. Nico, thanks for the detailed analysis of my favorite song! Like the album.

[@tomatrah6678]

great video! I love this song

[@BlkCal30t]

I feel exactly the same way about this album, it just takes me away like nothing else ever has.

[@guitarstorms]

Again another great lesson thank you bro

[@freddyferrillo9704]

Nico, this video is an absolute excellent tutorial. You should be complimented by Adrian Smith and Dave Murry. Because you"re that knowledgeable of both of them. You have the gift that they both have!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I think I'm still far off (especially because I will never write such iconic and memorable music) but I do try to learn from their styles and pay tribute as good as I can for the wonderful gifts they've given all of us over the years 😊 I appreciate your kind comment a whole lot, thank you!!

[@shahedhasnat]

The first Iron Maiden album I heard when I was a kid was SIT and the opening guitar melody of CSIT blew me away. SIT is also my favorite album.

[@MrLA666]

Great Nico! I cant wait to see it live!!! 6 months to go. It will be absolute memorable!!!! Love that guitar tone. Will eventually get this Adrian Signature my self some day. Cheers 🇧🇷

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I'm looking forward to it too! Super excited for this tour 😃 The Adrian signature is a great guitar, but it has nothing to do with the tone you hear on this video. That's all through the Bias FX plugin and with that amount of gain, chorus, reverb and delay, it'll sound pretty much the same on any guitar. I get great sounds with my $300 Donner (I haven't changed a single thing on it!) 😊

[@peterk4626]

100% best opener ever, and as you say groundbreaking with the synths. I think it set up the next album Seventh Son perfectly too. Senjutsu comes close as an opener too imo. Somewhere in time though, the guitar duels of Dave and Adrian are just phenomenal, they bounce off and with each other so masterfully from 1st song to last.

[@LeoIndini]

This was great. You should consider doing this kind of deep analysis in other songs. Thank you a lot!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Glad you enjoyed it! I've already done others and will continue to do more. Here's a playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLQgRhFw-raxGbcpRH8mxO5uY418c96n-O

[@jongoulder2515]

Love this (and all your videos!) - I think I am with you that this is one of my favorite albums - genuinely cannot wait for the future past tour!

[@zigsrig]

Perfect album! The synths didn't sit well with a lot of people back then, but I thought they filled things in nicely.

[@waffle_burger8499]

CSIT is an absolutely colossal opening track, I remember the first time I heard CSIT from a battered old cassette tape and it really did transport me to another dimension, I'd literally never heard anything like it, ever! The other really important fact about this album is that Adrian and Bruce both had really strong songwriting contributions on it, probably more than any other album. You can really hear the difference in all the 1990's IM stuff where the songwriting and songs are nowhere near as strong.

[@michaelgoudis344]

Bruce wrote nothing on this album, as he didn't like the direction the band was taking there. This album was written by Harris and Smith, except Deja vu which was Harris/Murray.

[@waffle_burger8499]

@@michaelgoudis344 You're right, I checked it and my mistake. Strange that Bruce didn't like the direction considering it was one of the greatest albums.

[@mariathetrooper]

Maiden fanbase really needed someone to delve deeply into all of those music details. It has always been delightful for me, and to see someone equally fascinated by those mysteries is just awesome. Keep up the great work, Nico! We need that!😀👊

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thanks so much, Maria!! And your avatar totally rocks 🤘🤘

[@mariathetrooper]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Many thanks!! I really appreciate it!👊🤘