The Orchid solos still enthrall me like no other. Twilight and Apostle especially - they exist in this perfect moment when you're ready but still a little tense in expectation. Eeach solo has its climax, some kind of big bend or singular effect that punctuates and emphasizes. Given the somewhat storied nature of the songs on Orchid, I'd like to think that the solos have some kind of meaning, and that the elements that make them up were carefully conceived to convey some kind of deeper meaning...
BUT having read about how the Orchid lyrics aren't really about "much of anything", maybe they're just bitchin' solos.
The Amen corner has that twin solo thing.. the first one is relatively simple, and the second one shreds. I like that idea - expanding on a prior idea.
And of course, Moonlapse Vertigo. And White Cluster (that bouncy trade-off is SWEET) and Blackwater Park (it sounds like disease..)
I cannot fathom how people (my gf) can't like guitar solos.. When done properly, they aren't pretentious or 80s (though many are) - when played with purpose in mind, not formula, then it's a genuine musical move and deserves as much respect (not always more..) than any other part of the song.
..But I long for that wail.....