Much of Maiden’s more wonderfully melodic stuff always struck me in a similar way to Wishbone Ash, with the guitars intertwining in and out....
Can you recommend a particular album that exemplifies the above?
Many metal bands are not unidimensional...
Right... I don't doubt it. I've heard very little.
I enjoy the music of those two Opeth tracks. The lyrics, not so much. Perhaps because I’ve experienced depression and anxiety, music that evokes what feels like a familiar emotional weight is difficult to listen to dispassionately as entertainment. This is not to say I only listen to happy music. Far from it. I saw the comment from the homeless suicidal guy, too. Just goes to show a given piece of music can elicit differing reactions from different listeners.
Personally, I think D. Krall is vastly overrated. I’m mystified as to why many audiophiles focus on her when there are, IMHO, far better Jazz singers out there, but that’s a topic for another day. I agree with what you assert about emotional connection and gear. My parents had a pretty good system for the 60’s but played strictly Classical and Broadway musicals. I didn’t dislike such music but hearing the Beatles and Motown on my cheap transistor radio in bed made a much deeper impression on me. And it had absolutely nothing to do with fidelity! I feel sorry for guys whose appreciation for music is dependent upon the sonics.