Rock with strings


Good day fellow musicheads! This goes against my inner rock child, but as I age (gasp), I find myself digging rock/pop string section Lps. Moody Blues made the definitive expression with Future days and the Zombies Odyssey is amazing. This seems a predominantly British genre, and at times very pretentious (haha), but one has to applaud the ambition. Any other suggestion? Also, I'm pretty content with the sacd version of Future Days, but curious to see what others have. Safe and happy upcoming Turkey Day to all. And...go Lions!

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So this thread seems to have evolved from the original "strings" topic to encompass acoustic instruments of all flavors. Quite frankly my favorite music is from those who explore the use of unique instruments in a rock format. Someone mentioned flute. Mr. Anderson did a phenomenal job with the flute. In an interview he said the reason he took up the flute was due to the fact that he felt he wasn't good enough on guitar (could have fooled me). Another phenomenal use of flute was Peter Gabriel in Genesis. I am always amazed at how the guitar work of Steve Hackett melded so well with Tony Banks keyboards and Peter's flute.

As for strings, I would suggest taking a look (you tube) at the version of "Rainsong" that Robert Plant and Jimmy Page performed with strings in the background. It's very cool especially with Jimmy playing acoustic guitar. He's simply amazing!

There is so much good music out there that involves strings/acoustic instruments.....many have been mentioned but consider also, Loreena McKennitt (what a wide variety of instruments she employs), ELP and the outstanding guitar work of Greg Lake also Neil Young, check out Afrocelt Sound System for some Celtic based world music, even DMB use violin, and a variety of wind instruments, Traffic (more flute)....I could go on and on. Geez, how can you knock Jethro Tull? Listen to Mother Goose!

Just gave the new Camel "Snow Goose" Cd first serious listen off headphones. Gorgeous. This is a real audiophile symphonic rock treat! I think I've ascended. Highly recommended! πŸͺ🎢🎢🎢
Neil Young's first solo LP had some great string arrangements, courtesy of Jack Nitzsche.

Not 60s/70s, but string arrangements by Beck's father on Sea Change and Morning Phase add a lot to those recordings.
Most anything by Al Stewart should satisfy your need for a more refined rock sound, including orchestration and acoustic guitar, not to mention many lyrics based on historical events.
Grateful Dead / Terrapin Station
Nico / Desert Shore
King Crimson / Any of there early releases