Gentle Giant - Three Friends / Octopus

Apr 14, 2021
Music Tickets

Introduction

Welcome to On The List OTL, your ultimate destination for Arts & Entertainment - Performing Arts enthusiasts. Here, we bring you the legendary album 'Three Friends' by Gentle Giant, showcasing their remarkable track 'Octopus'. Get ready to delve into the intricate musical compositions and progressive rock mastery that defines this masterpiece.

The Album - Three Friends

Three Friends is the third studio album by Gentle Giant, released in 1972. With its unique blend of progressive rock, classical influences, and complex arrangements, this album remains a standout in the genre's history. Let's explore the key elements that make Three Friends an unforgettable musical experience.

Track Listing

  • "Prologue"
  • "School Days"
  • "Working All Day"
  • "Peel the Paint"
  • "Mister Class and Quality?"
  • "Three Friends"

The Concept

In Three Friends, Gentle Giant tells the story of three childhood friends and their journey from innocence to adulthood, each facing different challenges and experiences along the way. The album explores themes of identity, friendship, and the complexities of life's transitions.

The Musicians

Comprised of consummate musicians, Gentle Giant members display their exceptional skills throughout the album:

  • Derek Shulman - Lead vocals and saxophone
  • Ray Shulman - Bass guitar, violin, and vocals
  • Gary Green - Electric and acoustic guitars
  • Kerry Minnear - Keyboards, cello, and vocals
  • John Weathers - Drums and percussion
  • Phil Shulman - Saxophone, trumpet, and mellophone (formerly a member, contributed to the album)

Octopus - The Iconic Track

One of the standout tracks on Three Friends is 'Octopus'. This song perfectly encapsulates Gentle Giant's unique sound, showcasing their unparalleled musicianship and fearless experimentation.

The Composition

'Octopus' begins with a hauntingly beautiful piano intro, evoking a sense of wonder and mystery. As the song progresses, intricate guitar riffs and melodic bass lines intertwine, establishing a rich musical tapestry. The haunting vocal harmonies and intricate instrumental sections elevate the track to extraordinary heights.

Lyrics and Themes

The lyrics of 'Octopus' explore the themes of individuality, independence, and the importance of embracing one's own uniqueness. The evocative storytelling and thought-provoking imagery make it a lyrical masterpiece that resonates with listeners even today.

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Ellie Katz
The dynamism of Gentle Giant's music keeps me captivated from start to finish.
Oct 26, 2023
Tim Kilgallon
The intricate interplay of instruments in 'Octopus' creates a rich, textured sonic experience.
Oct 11, 2023
Ray Besson
Gentle Giant's music has a timeless quality that resonates with listeners across generations.
Oct 10, 2023
Billy Parker
The complexity of the musical arrangements is awe-inspiring.
Sep 17, 2023
Steve Barbera
The attention to detail in Gentle Giant's compositions is unparalleled.
Aug 30, 2023
Sara Swearingen
Gentle Giant's musical odyssey through 'Octopus' reveals the band's boundless creativity.
Aug 28, 2023
Olivier Lucas
The fusion of intricate time signatures makes Gentle Giant's music a delight to listen to.
Aug 14, 2023
Talkdesk
The depth of emotion conveyed through the music is truly captivating.
Aug 13, 2023
Alexandra Wojewodzic
Gentle Giant's music is a testament to the band's artistic vision and collaborative spirit.
Aug 6, 2023
Tiffany Kaderka
The multifaceted nature of 'Octopus' showcases the band's boundless creativity.
Aug 5, 2023
Anneliese Hill
The seamless fusion of diverse musical elements in 'Octopus' is truly impressive.
Jul 13, 2023
Aaron Norton
Gentle Giant's ability to seamlessly blend various musical styles is truly impressive.
Jun 28, 2023
Daniel Harris
The sonic landscape of 'Three Friends' is both expansive and immersive.
Jun 23, 2023
Denise S
The meticulous attention to composition in 'Octopus' is truly commendable.
Jun 21, 2023
Katie Friesema
The fusion of classical and rock elements in their music is truly unique.
Jun 12, 2023
Damian Linton
Gentle Giant's blend of rock and classical elements creates a rich sonic tapestry.
May 29, 2023
Aron Taylor
The progressive rock genre wouldn't be the same without Gentle Giant's influence.
May 21, 2023
Jake Irland
The layered textures in 'Three Friends' make each listen a new experience.
Mar 28, 2023
Evan Shelan
The musical dialogues within 'Three Friends' create a captivating sonic landscape.
Mar 27, 2023
Wilbert Pierrelouis
The interplay of melody and rhythm in 'Octopus' creates a mesmerizing auditory experience.
Mar 21, 2023
Unknown
Gentle Giant's music is a rich tapestry woven with intricate, captivating melodies.
Mar 20, 2023
Dale Alderson
The intricate musical weavings in 'Octopus' create a vivid sonic landscape.
Mar 3, 2023
Jessica Fortier
Gentle Giant's music feels like a captivating odyssey through the world of progressive rock.
Mar 2, 2023
Mike Correia
Gentle Giant's ability to evoke a range of emotions through their music is truly compelling.
Feb 19, 2023
Joan Dawson
Gentle Giant's ability to weave a musical tapestry of emotion and energy is truly remarkable.
Jan 29, 2023
Scott Sneed
The innovative musical arrangements in 'Three Friends' set a new standard for progressive rock.
Jan 24, 2023
Add Email
The complexity of 'Octopus' showcases the band's musical prowess.
Jan 13, 2023
Andrea Williams
The harmonious blend of instruments in 'Three Friends' creates a rich, immersive sound.
Dec 22, 2022
Mike Antras
The sonic journey of 'Three Friends' is a testament to the band's musical ingenuity.
Dec 16, 2022
Melissa Luppino
Gentle Giant's ability to convey profound emotional depth through their music is truly awe-inspiring.
Nov 27, 2022
Grayson White
The thematic depth of 'Three Friends' resonates with me on a profound level.
Oct 19, 2022
Kelsey Mills
The thematic depth and emotional resonance in 'Three Friends' creates a deeply immersive experience.
Oct 19, 2022
Claire Pisano
The sonic dynamism in 'Three Friends' takes the listener on a captivating journey.
Oct 6, 2022
Jackie Rose
Gentle Giant's musical craftsmanship is a testament to their dedication to creating timeless art.
Oct 1, 2022
Stacie Humpherys
The technical proficiency of the band members elevates the music to new heights.
Sep 27, 2022
Jennifer Kirkland
Gentle Giant's ability to transport the listener to new musical landscapes is truly remarkable.
Sep 26, 2022
Matthew Mascarenas
The craftsmanship in Gentle Giant's music is truly remarkable.
Sep 22, 2022
John Strockis
Gentle Giant's ability to push the boundaries of musical expression is truly commendable.
Sep 4, 2022
Angela Dellinger
The depth and breadth of musical influences in 'Octopus' showcases the band's artistic range.
Aug 17, 2022
Elizabeth Legaspi
Gentle Giant's music has an expansive quality that draws the listener in from the very first note.
Aug 16, 2022
Aniket Gune
Gentle Giant's musical tapestry is woven with intricate, captivating melodies and rhythms.
Aug 5, 2022
Audrey Meza
The evocative nature of 'Octopus' speaks to the band's profound musical sensibility.
Jul 30, 2022
Erin Andler
The layers of meaning and expression in 'Octopus' give it a timeless quality.
Jul 25, 2022
Mike Ludwig
The evocative nature of 'Octopus' is a testament to the band's emotive songwriting.
Jul 20, 2022
Not Provided
Gentle Giant's music has a depth that keeps me coming back for more.
Jul 20, 2022
Dave O'Brien
The intricate sonic nuances in 'Three Friends' reveal new layers of depth with each listen.
Jul 15, 2022
Estate Preservation
Gentle Giant's ability to convey complex emotions through music is truly awe-inspiring.
Jun 18, 2022
Claudia Rodriguez
The intricate counterpoint and harmony in 'Octopus' showcase the band's musical prowess.
Jun 11, 2022
Asly Agbuggo
The track 'Octopus' is a masterpiece in itself. Truly mesmerizing.
Jun 8, 2022
Glenn Yabuka
Gentle Giant's dedication to their musical craft is evident in the depth of their compositions.
Jun 6, 2022
Ritu David
Listening to 'Three Friends' feels like embarking on a musical journey.
May 31, 2022
Synetics Helpdesk
The intricate musical architecture of 'Three Friends' creates a multifaceted listening experience.
May 19, 2022
Richard Verney
The intricacy and complexity of the compositions in 'Three Friends' speak to the band's musical prowess.
May 10, 2022
Belinda Glyn
Gentle Giant's music offers a rich, immersive experience for the discerning listener.
Apr 15, 2022
John Cregier
Gentle Giant's music is a testament to the band's unwavering dedication to their craft.
Apr 13, 2022
Justin Loucks
Gentle Giant's discography is a treasure trove for music enthusiasts.
Apr 13, 2022
Tom Scott
Gentle Giant's ability to create a musical journey that resonates with the listener is truly remarkable.
Apr 13, 2022
David Cornhill
The instrumental prowess displayed in 'Octopus' is simply extraordinary.
Mar 30, 2022
Craig Brouyette
The eclectic musical influences in 'Octopus' make it a multifaceted listening experience.
Mar 27, 2022
Chuck Dye
The virtuosity of each band member shines through in every track.
Mar 20, 2022
佐々木
Gentle Giant's ability to create a musical journey that resonates with the listener is truly remarkable.
Feb 27, 2022
Lisa Parilla
The meticulous attention to detail in the arrangements is what sets Gentle Giant apart.
Feb 15, 2022
Jonnie Rosen
The interplay of musical motifs in 'Octopus' creates a rich sonic tapestry.
Feb 10, 2022
Art Vanwingerden
Gentle Giant's musical innovation and creativity shine through in their compositions.
Feb 4, 2022
Christoph Alexander Ganz
The intricate time signatures in 'Three Friends' add a layer of complexity to the music.
Feb 4, 2022
Diomira Cennamo
The eclectic mix of genres in 'Three Friends' showcases the band's versatility.
Jan 19, 2022
Rosanne Brandeburg
The symphonic grandeur of 'Three Friends' is a testament to the band's musical vision.
Jan 19, 2022
Terry Stone
Gentle Giant's inventive approach to songwriting sets them apart in the music industry.
Jan 13, 2022
Jeff Hamilton
I'm constantly amazed by the intricate interplay of musical motifs in Gentle Giant's tracks.
Jan 3, 2022
Nils Lahr
Gentle Giant's music is a testament to the band's mastery of their craft.
Dec 21, 2021
James McDonald
The nuanced interplay of instruments in 'Octopus' creates a rich, textured sound.
Dec 21, 2021
Schindler Ltd
The sonic tapestry of 'Three Friends' is a testament to the band's musical mastery.
Dec 17, 2021
Harrison Carbone
The eclectic blend of musical influences in 'Three Friends' creates a rich, immersive sonic experience.
Dec 15, 2021
Darron Wehland
The rich, dynamic textures in 'Three Friends' make it a compelling musical journey.
Dec 7, 2021
Aaron Richton
Gentle Giant's ability to evoke a myriad of emotions through their music is truly remarkable.
Nov 30, 2021
George Clough
Gentle Giant's experimental approach to music is what makes them truly exceptional.
Nov 30, 2021
Kocsis Mark
Gentle Giant's ability to create a multifaceted musical experience is truly impressive.
Nov 29, 2021
Zach Teddy
Gentle Giant's music is a true testament to the band's collective creativity and vision.
Oct 29, 2021
Stian Olsen
The rich tapestry of sound in 'Three Friends' envelops the listener in a sonic journey.
Oct 21, 2021
Ryan Wineteer
Gentle Giant's ability to push the boundaries of musical expression is truly remarkable.
Oct 16, 2021
,
The blend of ingenuity and emotional depth in 'Three Friends' makes it a truly compelling listening experience.
Oct 8, 2021
Jon Damon
The musical virtuosity displayed by the band members is truly commendable.
Sep 23, 2021
Karen Smith
The intricate musical motifs woven throughout 'Octopus' create a captivating auditory experience.
Sep 5, 2021
Jeff Rohr
The musical intricacy in 'Octopus' is a testament to the band's skill.
Aug 28, 2021
Marco Galaz
The thematic cohesion in 'Three Friends' is what makes it a cohesive, immersive listening experience.
Aug 21, 2021
Neel Shah
Gentle Giant's music is a captivating blend of innovation and emotive depth.
Aug 21, 2021
Stuart Anthony
The musical dexterity displayed by Gentle Giant is truly unparalleled.
Aug 1, 2021
Anke Riebel
The progressive and avant-garde elements in 'Octopus' are truly captivating.
Jul 19, 2021
Cindy Bengal
I can't get enough of Gentle Giant's progressive rock sound!
Jul 11, 2021
Benavia Jenkins
The symphonic elements in 'Three Friends' add a unique dimension to the album.
Jul 3, 2021
Claire Funnell
Listening to Gentle Giant's music feels like exploring a sonic labyrinth.
Jun 30, 2021
Lindsey Kraft
I absolutely adore Gentle Giant's intricate musical compositions!
Jun 16, 2021
Rocio Alavez
The intricate fusion of musical elements in 'Octopus' is a testament to the band's musical vision.
Jun 9, 2021
Darrel Papillion
Gentle Giant's music feels like a vibrant exploration of progressive rock's potential.
Jun 8, 2021
Moataz
The intricate musical dialogues in 'Three Friends' showcase the band's collaborative spirit.
May 27, 2021
Crystal Echeverria
Gentle Giant's 'Three Friends' album is a timeless classic!
May 19, 2021