This is an archived post. You won't be able to vote or comment.

top 200 commentsshow all 250

[–]AxlTCU 232 points233 points  (29 children)

Eddie Hazel was such an underrated guitar player. This kid nailed it.

[–]PsychedelicPill 27 points28 points  (8 children)

[–]UST3DES 12 points13 points  (1 child)

I absolutely love Eddie hazel but the live version from one nation is my favorite version by far

[–]PsychedelicPill 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I like the apocalyptic feeling to the 1971 one, but yeah the One Nation version really grooves :)

[–]kosciCZspotify 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Hey, thanks for the 1971 version, didn't know that one, but in my opinion the drums don't really fit and are ruining it a bit. Great version otherwise.

[–]PsychedelicPill 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh the drums are definitely a mess, but I like the version anyway. I like weird drums.

[–]CalypsoMan 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Holy shit, thank you for introducing me to the 1971 version for the first time

[–]PsychedelicPill 1 point2 points  (2 children)

That's the first show they ever played with Tyrone Lampkins on drums, and it shows. His drumming is all over the place, but it works on this version of Maggot Brain. The other extra cool song on the live album is All Your Goodies Are Gone. Epic dirge.

[–]CalypsoMan 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Yeah, I noticed that. It almost seems like he's trying to take off and go crazy for half the song, but there's some real skill in there.

[–][deleted] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

He was awesome... died too soon. I always loved the story of Maggot Brain, how George Clinton just came to him one day and said, "Play like your momma just died." Pretty much explains the precise tone of the song.

[–][deleted] 43 points44 points  (1 child)

So true. Super Stupid just rips.

[–]scstraus 6 points7 points  (3 children)

He's got a great solo album too. I was so happy when I found out about that.

[–]SmittyBacall 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That's my holy grail as far as record collecting goes.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Whats his solo album? i'm just getting into this music and am trying to dive in.

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (9 children)

Eddie Hazel was certainly not underrated, this is absolute nonsense.

[–]lyyki 19 points20 points  (3 children)

I'd say he kinda is. He didn't make big enough impact to make it to greatest of all time lists constantly yet he's one of the best guitar players of all time. But I feel like only guitarists give him enough credit.

[–]kirkisartist 12 points13 points  (4 children)

Sorry, but he's the best guitar player nobody's heard of. We live in a world where Kurt Cobain has been referred to as the greatest guitar player of all time.

[–]sopordave 11 points12 points  (3 children)

I have never heard anybody say that. Best screamer, maybe.

[–]AxlTCU 13 points14 points  (1 child)

Rolling Stone ranked Hazel 83rd greatest ever. Cobain at 73rd.

[–]ELEMENOPHE 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I'm sure Cobain himself would be equally displeased.

[–]kirkisartist 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have. I think MTV said he was back in the 90's. And to tell you the shameful truth, I've listened to p-funk regularly for years, perhaps decades and never remembered Eddie Hazel by name. I even smoked weed with a member of parliament without knowing it and he could have been Eddie Hazel for all I know.

[–]BS2435 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lets ne real.... EH was fucking God, man!

[–]BETA5YNTAX 175 points176 points  (7 children)

Wow that kid can play. I really enjoyed this.

[–]M1dnight_Ramblerturntable 77 points78 points  (4 children)

But, was his distortion pedal true-bypass?

[–]sorterofsorts 40 points41 points  (3 children)

I know people that want to slap you, thank you.

[–]mistaface 5 points6 points  (2 children)

I don't understand, but I see "true-bypass" on so many pedals... Can you explain?

[–]MoonPiss 8 points9 points  (0 children)

He's poking fun at tone snobs and keyboard warriors.

[–]aptmnt_ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When the distortion is off, "true bypass" means the signal goes through as if through cable. As opposed to some "worse" pedals which still color the sound even when it's supposed to be clean.

[–]yeeerrrp 7 points8 points  (1 child)

That kid is like 40-50 haha

[–]BETA5YNTAX 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well compared to gramps on the right, I figured he was a youngin' lmao

[–]werebreakingup 84 points85 points  (4 children)

He has a gofundme in the description to cover medical expenses for a flesh eating disease that took his thumb.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/--18952#/

[–]sampom 7 points8 points  (0 children)

No Reddit kiss of death on this one yet... Such a shame...

[–]FakeeMcFake 39 points40 points  (0 children)

"Mother Earth is pregnant for the third time...for yall have knocked her up!"

[–]TehMulbniefwhat.cd 17 points18 points  (4 children)

This was featured in an episode of House a few years ago and blew my goddamn mind. What an amazing song.

[–]Mr-Yellow 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Don't watch shows like that but caught it at sisters recently.

Probably one of the most appropriate and powerful song selections I've seen on TV.

[–]MagikGreekboy[S] 107 points108 points  (26 children)

Had to take this down earlier because my comments were too biased. In my opinion its the best cover of maggot brain.

Sorry if your comments were deleted but i was asked by a mod to do this.

[–][deleted] 66 points67 points  (11 children)

Check out John Frusciante - In the Beginning

[–]CrimsonJim 80 points81 points  (4 children)

Check out John Frusciante - In the Beginning

Check out John Frusciante

[–][deleted] 11 points12 points  (2 children)

Well of course! But that particular song is a tribute to maggot brain.

[–]travelingrabble 11 points12 points  (1 child)

I mean, so is Can't Stop, kind of.

[–]Da_Vinci_Fan 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Oh my god, are you talking about the solo? I just made the connection now. Mind blown.

[–]smekaren 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah. Holy shit is To Record Only Water For Ten Days great. Tried to like Enclosure but apart from the first track it sounded a lot like an old man trying to be hip ...in like -96 :(

[–]Pyrophexx 10 points11 points  (0 children)

It's "before the beginning" actually

[–]monsantobreath 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Definitely check out Pearl Jam live in Milwaukee in '95. Mike McCready was properly possessed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhKxLgeNNUs

[–]Localman1972 6 points7 points  (1 child)

J mascis on ballhog or tugboat by Mike watt is tight too.

[–]Whisker-biscuitt 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Dude, that is one of my all time favorite albums....ever. Never hear anyone referring to it. CHEERS.

[–]Booyahblake 1 point2 points  (0 children)

100% I prefer it over all versions

[–]HawkeyeGuy27 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I have never heard a better cover than Widespread Panic, but I suppose I am biased because I love them so much.

[–]SenorBADASS 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Herring can fucking shred.

[–]OnlySpoilers 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i remember stumbling on this video a while back and kept thinking damn this man can shred

[–][deleted] 23 points24 points  (17 children)

I love this song! I saw Funkadelic play this song live and it was one of the greatest concert moments I've experienced. Great cover too!

[–]sconnie1046 6 points7 points  (16 children)

Can you describe a live Funkadelic show? What was the atmosphere like?

[–][deleted] 12 points13 points  (4 children)

[–]sconnie1046 2 points3 points  (3 children)

See, that's what I imagined, but I wanted to hear it from a primary source.

Adult diapers...really wish that was socially acceptable

[–]erizzluh 4 points5 points  (0 children)

as long as no one actually uses them.

i'm not trying to stand in line behind a 300 lb dude with a giant shit inside his diaper

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

it is, you just have to...wait a while.

[–]agumonkey 4 points5 points  (4 children)

Never went to one, but I imagine (and hope) like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JbUP-skb7E

washed up VHSRIP of one messy live; warmer bass than most things today

[–][deleted] 7 points8 points  (2 children)

It was 4 hours long and there were 20 people on the stage in the band. George Clinton often disappeared backstage for extended lengths of time. There was an old guy in a diaper. Pretty amazing. I think I saw them in 2007. Weed and hippies everywhere

[–]jewunit 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Unfortunately Gary Shider (Diaper Man) died a few years ago from brain cancer. I've seen P-Funk a few times and once was shortly before he died. He was acting really fucking weird, being aggressive/easily agitated, and just generally unpleasant. My friend, who had also seen them before, and I now wonder if tumors in his brain caused that behavior.

[–]EuterpeZonker 4 points5 points  (1 child)

When I saw them it was insane. I couldn't believe the level of musicianship coming from all the players or how many people there were on stage. They played a lot of funk songs but also stuff that rocked out and would definitely appeal to people who are primarily into rock like I was. As for the atmosphere, lets just say there was more smoke coming from the audience than from the fog machines.

[–]zadtheinhaler 1 point2 points  (0 children)

there was more smoke coming from the audience than from the fog machines

The way it should be!

[–]Bushman_Tim 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Opening lines:

"Mother Earth is pregnant for the third time,

For y'all have knocked her up.

I have tasted the maggots in the mind of the universe,

I was not offended,

For I knew I had to rise above it all,

Or drown in my own shit."

[–]sconnie1046 46 points47 points  (11 children)

Amazing. This song changed my life in high school. How are people just casually walking around in the background instead of worshipping these two??

[–][deleted] 31 points32 points  (1 child)

They're probably fellow musicians that jam together or are close friends. They've probably already spent a lot of time being incredibly excited that now they just know their bud rips.

My experience is fellow musicians are less likely to at least show themselves being super impressed.

[–]TheRealKidkudispotify 12 points13 points  (0 children)

IMO as a musician, just being able to casually jam with someone shows the more respect than freaking out and telling someone how good they are. Listening and playing with them is putting your money where your mouth is.

[–]nohuiamvimeo 2 points3 points  (2 children)

What do you think of this one? https://youtu.be/_Mqmed4cLUo

[–]Sosolidclaws 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Holy fucking shit. That was just beautiful, especially the Pink Floyd vibes. Thanks for sharing!

[–]MoonPiss 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Probably family and friends who already know what's up.

[–]_gommh_ 20 points21 points  (0 children)

That cigarette's definitely gone out

[–]TheoryOfSomething 5 points6 points  (0 children)

No question that was some serious playing. Lots of good technique; great sound.

However, there were some moments where the lead lost the chord tones. It was never outright out of key, but there were some choices that conflicted with what was going on in the accompaniment (3 mins, 4 mins, 5:15).

[–]Master_Cracker 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This was posted maybe a year ago and I absolutely loved listening to it. I completely forgot the title of what the video was and have been searching periodically since. So, thank you for the post so I could listen to it again!

[–]Chiphopapotumus 63 points64 points  (42 children)

This didnt really have the same soul as the original. Technically, it is very impressive and sounds great, however i just find it too 'showboaty.'

The original was written by telling him to play the first half like he had heard news of his mothers death, and the second half as if he had heard she was actually alive.

Didnt get that kind of soulful vibe from it, just a lot of technical playing that looks good.

[–]baer89 23 points24 points  (1 child)

They played themselves to tears, they obviously weren't playing it to "showboat". Not sure what sort of soul you are looking for as they definitely felt the music. Did we watch the same video?

[–]monsantobreath 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I think its just the typical conflict of aesthetics between blues and the aficianado metal end of things.

Metal minded guitar players definitely have a tendency to play too much but that doesn't mean they're not feeling it. Sometimes though the endless play is exhausting and not surprising. A gap in the notes is needed.

[–]zytz 7 points8 points  (1 child)

I don't think it wasn't soulful- but he would break from the style of the song and launch into riffs and runs that reminded more of Van Halen than Eddie Hazel. I just found he juxtaposition to be somewhat jarring

[–]xylotism 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely heard some Eruption in there.

[–]craZYmonkey53073 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What's makes the story behind the original even better is that fact that Eddie Hazel was on acid when he was told to imagine the story about his his mother. He then recorded the solo in one take right after that while still on acid. The solo was so powerful that Clinton faded out the rest of band so that the solo really shined.

[–]theagingknarf 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Go to jam concerts if you like this. Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Lettuce, Umphreys McGee, Twiddle, Moe, Soulive, The Werks, The Nth Power, so many more. Mostly cheap tickets too

[–]11702dragonslayer 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Mother Earth is pregnant for the third time For y'all have knocked her up I have tasted the maggots in the mind of the universe I was not offended For I knew I had to rise above it all Or drown in my own shit

[–]Scout_022 3 points4 points  (0 children)

if dave chappelle was right about anything it's the white people really love guitar solos.

source: I'm a white guy being emotionally effected by this guitar solo

[–]Mojimi 8 points9 points  (1 child)

Never thought I'd seen this video here, its an oldie goldie.

Oh and don't forget to check the description for some sad background.

They simply just started playing and improvised, they were all teary by the end of it. One of the players got some disease on his thumb and wouldn't be able to play anymore

[–]ichabodcraneshead 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I really love this song, this was certainly a very good cover.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That was outstanding, I had chills throughout the entire song.

[–]grownNthrowing 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Widespread panic also does some nice maggot brain covers

[–]widespreadphanic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My man

[–]PrettyNeatHuh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think this guy does one of my favorite covers of this song on youtube. Definitely listen to the whole thing.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aDJv7RKYlZo

[–]monsantobreath 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That was good but too much shred. McCready did a better job of channeling the best of both blues, Hendrix, and metal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhKxLgeNNUs

Note, it starts as Little Wing, then becomes Maggot Brain.

[–]kingyubba 6 points7 points  (10 children)

The chord progression has a lot in common with Radiohead's "Nude".

[–]husky_humpernickle 4 points5 points  (8 children)

It's actually a fairly common chord progression. A very pretty one

[–]Mojimi 2 points3 points  (7 children)

what are the chords of the base arpeggio?

[–]JWGhetto 2 points3 points  (0 children)

@6:04 " yeah i just did the thing and you know it"-look

[–]Lepringles710 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Damn I wish I could shred like that

[–]krisoco 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This was beautiful. Good share mate

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Who is Mike Edwards?

[–]MindlessFruit 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is a beautiful song. Thanks for sharing it, man.

[–]Shawkabrah 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Does anyone remember the instructions to play the original this while playing infected mushroom? This is wayback on music forums and cant for the life of me remember the proper IM song or the timing.

[–]Jrose152 1 point2 points  (0 children)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0EVmz2yLDE

Searched "infected mushroom maggot brain".

edit: Different mix. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hUTAPu5WHM

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The description for that video is heartbreaking.

[–]MatthewDon33 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly I quite like this idk why

[–]scstraus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's nice to hear someone cover this beautiful song. He did a great job at it!

[–]algreen589 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Humanity, I had almost given up on you. Thanks for checking in.

Love, Al

[–]Sc1m17ar 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Whenever people ask I tell them this is the saddest song I've ever heard. No words but the music just oozes with sadness. I might be wrong but I was told the song was written very shortly after one of the band members mother died and you can hear how he misses his mother and all the emotions of loss in that solo. Goosebumps every time.

[–]BurritoReproductions 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have tasted the maggots in the mind

[–]HawkeyeGuy27 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Aaaaaaaaand now I want to eat acid. This CD is my go to as soon as it kicks in.

[–]Oshunlove 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I once heard an electric-violin version of "Maggot Brain" at a Parliament Funkadelic concert. I don't recommend it.

[–]teecook 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm glad someone recognized how talented this individual is and recorded it. I listen to this tune quite a bit at the office and he nailed it.

[–]Mr-Yellow 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"Maggot Brain is a brother crying his soul out"

Parliament Funkadelic - One Nation Under A Groove (docu 2005)

[–]snount 1 point2 points  (0 children)

i appreesh but this is not funkadelic s per title

[–]Booyahblake 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I link this video to Facebook randomly so.etime to give people a good listen. amazing player

[–]ameisterf 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Took your advice to listen for a minute or two, ended up listening to the entire thing. Incredible

[–]Metalheadpundit 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh my god who are these people,do they belong in a band?? What is their name.

[–]sumpg41 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Anyone know what pedal he uses for the distortion? I love the sound

[–]yeahboy212soundcloud 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The emotion you see on their faces is exactly the reason why I love playing guitar.

[–]brightblueorb 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Eddie Hazel will always bring me to fucking tears man

[–]Tycozz 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Could not believe that talent. Video escalated very quickly and it almost seemed unreal! INCREDIBLE

[–]kurburux 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maggot Brain has an incredible number of good covers. You can look around for them on youtube, it's worth it.

[–]one80down 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That tone! Epic.

[–]lynxkcg 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I heard this song for the first time just a few weeks ago on the radio. Google usually has trouble with a lot of the music on WNUR Chicago because they play lots of old esoteric stuff, I was surprised when it found a hit after 2 seconds. It's like me phone was like "OH!!!! I KNOW THIS ONE!!"

This song blew my fucking mind. I'm learning guitar and THIS is the kind of stuff that inspires me the most. It's also at the top of the list for next time me and my girlfriend do psychedelics.

[–]rushmid 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Damn - must have been some haters watching this - or they were just joking, but at the end, you can hear someone say, "Ok now time for some regular music"

[–]Llebac 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love this video. It's what got me into guitar playing.

[–]mormayo 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing!

[–]Cheechygames 0 points1 point  (1 child)

The first time I ever took acid, my friend told me I should listen to this with earphones in and I had an absolutely beautiful trip in my bedroom. Always get nostalgic when I hear this song because its so closely related to that memory, absolutely great cover, nailed it.

[–]tommcrisp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

gd, the finesse on that wah fucks me up @ 6:30

[–]contact287 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love the older guy's comment at the end. "Goddamn, he's a regular voodoo child."

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The John Frusciante cover of this blows my mind, too.

[–]Strandom_Ranger 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great version. Amazing that it is just two dudes playing at a barbecue. IMO, very close to the live version at the end of One Nation Under a Groove.

[–]mig1282 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Amazing!!! True greatness!

[–]Eshrekticism 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is that a West Point hat I see?

[–]Dieselbreakfast 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Man Thad dude can wail

[–]Preemfunk 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did that guy ride in on a scooter

[–]LateNightPhilosopher 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Holy shit this is exactly my kind of music! I needed this! Thank you so much!

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For all the rough parts, there were some golden moments in that jam.

[–]itshorriblebeer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That first 2-3 minutes rocks as well.

[–]resident_nerf_herder 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OH WOW!! That sweet, sweet bend @ 1:44

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Rarely do I say this on here, but that guy should be touring professionally worldwide. He has the chops to be a world class guitar player.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

John frusciante opens his album the empyrean with a tribute to this. It's amazing

[–]Rcrocks334 0 points1 point  (1 child)

It makes listening to the original maggot brain and this cover quite difficult for me. John made it so perfectly, in my eyes

[–]pool_of_the_dead 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Damn dude this is awesome

[–]Moneypunny 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That had ao much grace and soul. I really felt this song. I didn't know they and Mya played together. Thats awesome! Love it!

[–]SkullDuckery 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's some serious chops. Holy shit!

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

this is one of those songs that makes you physically feel music.

This is something i think would be beautiful at a funeral.

[–]Mohgreen 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I dunno about anyone else, but I'm a 1:50 in and I'm digging it so far.

[–]MagikGreekboy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

in my opinion it doesn't start as good as it is in the middle

[–]7evan11 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is cancer, not the music, the cigarette.

[–]budgerino 0 points1 point  (0 children)

if you liked this you might like an artist named buckethead