Songs for Black Days: Scott "Wino" Weinrich | Page 2 | Revolver

Songs for Black Days: Scott "Wino" Weinrich

Doom icon shares 8 songs that have helped him through dark times
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With a resume that includes trailblazing riff-warriors like Saint Vitus, the Obsessed, Spirit Caravan, the Hidden Hand and Shrinebuilder — not to mention collaborations with Dave Grohl, Rob Halford, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward and others — Scott "Wino" Weinrich is known as one of the major godfathers of doom metal. But he's also made his name as a solo artist, creating stirring acoustic folk music that's as heavy in its own way as his more feedback-soaked endeavors. And just like most of us, he finds respite and catharsis in the music of others, from Blue Öyster Cult to Thin Lizzy.

"I think music plays a crucial role in overcoming the melancholy, worries and anxiety of our black days of life," he tells us. "My favorite M.O. would be to wake and crank the stereo. In my personal case, that would be an old-school rig, with a Seventies Pioneer amp, and a couple large, robust Fisher speakers, and proceed to dream."

For our continuing "Songs for Black Days" series, we asked the musician to share a few songs that have helped him through dark times. Below is what Weinrich offered up.

Gov't Mule - "Gov't Mule"

OK. This song, lyrically and musically, just brings me up. The descriptively defiant lyrics, which sort of inspire thoughts and feelings of hope, and the almost inhuman harmonica solo by the Blues Traveler dude ... If that don't push your foot, I don't know what will! 

Humble Pie - 'Performance Rockin' The Fillmore'

I prefer the original vinyl release way back when. I have been listening to this record since my early youth. It would be on the "if you were stranded on a desert island, what records would you bring" list ... and the song "Stone Cold Fever" with Peter Frampton at 19 years old on second guitar. If Steve Marriott's voice and onstage banter don't put the outside world away, and both his and Frampton's amazing guitar playing doesn't help your soul, I can't help ya!

Blue Öyster Cult - "Hot Rails to Hell"

Again, inspiring hopefully defiance and nonconformity, which are ingredients in my book to help defeat the dark blue days!

Jimi Hendrix - "I Don't Live Today"

It's a strange life and no matter what's happening, I will always be in the mood for this song.

Tyler Childers - "Hard Times"

The songs "Nose on the Grindstone" and "Hard Times." Dark tunes can help the melancholy and this is stripped down passion. Amazing.

Thin Lizzy - "Are You Ready"

Are you ready to fight, "go down swinging"? There ya go.

The Mahavishnu Orchestra - "Eternities Breath"

The spiritually uplifting theme and musical virtuosity of this piece has always improved my outlook on the day.

Frank Zappa - "Montana"

It's the guitar solo here I am talking about. Listen to that solo when you're feeling down. It helps me.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of resources.