Even though MGMT is a band that has become quite popular in the indie music world, I still meet people everyday that have no idea who they are...so this is for you! In many ways, I believe that MGMT is groundbreaking because the basic instruments that make up a rock band (guitar, drums, bass) are of somewhat little importance in this duo...it's my belief that electronic means take the place of those major instruments. The first song I'm showcasing is probably their most memorable tune (and my personal favorite) "Kids" off the album "Oracular Spectacular." Now there are atleast two versions of this song that I know of: the EP version and the album version. I personally like the EP version much better. The differences are actually very present, especially since in the album version the song is about a 1/2 step lower (pitch wise) than the EP version. If you would like to listen to the album version, click HERE. Otherwise, enjoy the EP version, which to me sounds brighter and cleaner...just a better recording (musically) in general. So, sit back, gather some thoughts about the song, follow the lyrics, and rock out.
Lyrics to Kids :
(A-Section)
You were a child
Crawling on your knees toward him
Making momma so proud
But your voice is too loud
We like to watch you laughing
Picking insects off of plants
No time to think of consequences
(Chorus and B-Section)
Control yourself
Take only what you need from him
A family of trees wanting to be haunted (?)
Control yourself
Take only what you need from him
A family of trees wanting to be haunted
(a-Section)
The water is warm
But it's sending me shivers
A baby is born
Crying out for attention
Memories fade
Like looking through a fogged mirror
Decisions too
Decisions are made and not bought
But I thought this wouldn't hurt a lot
I guess not
Chorus 2x
(bridge)
Chorus 4x (also a sort of coda section)
In a lot of MGMT's music i've noticed, they have some sort of "noise" intro that makes way into the song. In this case, it's laughing children. This is a clever way to start the song, because it obviously imitates the title. The first musical thing we hear is this simple upward scale in an electronic synthesizer. What this basically tells the listener is that this song has an established diatonic key, which concerning music these days, is very rare (most rock songs today are very modal). This scaler passage basically sets up the main musical theme that we will be hearing throughout the song, and precedes what will be heard in the chorus. After this scaler passage is introduced, the harmony is then completely filled electronically. In terms of a beating pattern, the idea of a strong downbeat/weak upbeat alternation is quite apparent here. When the vocals finally enter, most of the musical extras drop out, and all you're left with is the vocals, the bass, and the synthesizer figure. What's interesting here is that even though scaler passage is dropped when the vocals enter, the same harmony remains intact even though the vocals are a different musical line. In the B-Section (when the chorus finally enters) all of the musical ideas that were initially introduced at the beginning, emerge along with the vocals, including that important scaler passage.
In the a-section (as opposed to the A-Section), all signs of a specific pulse drop out, and just the harmony and the vocals remain, almost as if it were just lingering there. When the line "decisions to, decisions are made and not bought" a very prominent pulse enters until the chorus re-emerges.
After the chorus, a very extended bridge enters which includes a very eratic synthesizer solo with a electronic trumpet-like fanfare that leads into musical variation on the opening scaler passage. What I mean by this is that this main musical them is changed and manipulated by means of different percussive qualities and even harmony! It's important to note that even though the harmony and percussive qualities underlying the scaler passage is changed, the scaler passage itself remains intact; those same notes are always present. This bring us to, what I'd like to call, the coda section (ending section) even though it's just the chorus being repeated about 4x. When we finally reach the ending of this song, it seems to just fade away with a shimmering electronic motive that lingers then dissolves.
In terms of the lyrics, they're a bit obscure, especially the chorus. I've even seen MGMT give interviews where they've admitted to creating the music before they write the lyrics, so in a way, this obscurity makes sense. My analysis of this song would be forgotten memories of childhood and how innocence is ever present in the fragile beginning stages of life. That eventually fades into adulthood, where are decisions can either make us or break us.
The next MGMT song I'd like to feature is entitled "Electric Feel." It's definately one of the more popular songs off the album. If you would like to watch the video, which you should because it's RIDICULOUS, click HERE. I've heard it described as Crazytown's "Butterfly" (remember them?) meets the children's movie"Fern Gully." The one I'm going to post here is rather cute because it features those creepy animals bands that little kids seem to love at Chuckie Cheese. Anyways, here ya' go. Follow along with the lyrics and boogie.
Lyrics to Electric Feel :
(A-Section)
All along the western front
people line up to receive
she got the current in her hand
just shock you like you won't believe
sun in the amazon
with the voltage running through her skin
standing there with nothing on
she gonna teach me how to swim
(B-Section-chorus)
i said ooh girl
shock me like an electric eel
baby girl
turn me on with your electric feel
i said ooh girl
shock me like an electric eel
baby girl
turn me on with your electric feel
(mini bridge)
(a-Section)
All along the eastern shore
put your circuits in the sea
this is what the world is for
making electricity
you can feel it in your mind
oh you can do it all the time
plug it in, change the world
you are my electric girl
(B-Section-Chorus)
i said ooh girl
shock me like an electric eel
baby girl
turn me on with your electric feel
i said ooh girl
shock me like an electric eel
baby girl
turn me on with your electric feel
(Main Bridge)
(Coda)
do what you feel now
electric feel now
do what you feel now
electric feel now
do what you feel now
electric feel now
do what you feel now
electric feel now
do what you feel now
electric feel now
This song starts out with an electronic swell into the main theme. After this swell, a strong bass motive enters, which incidently stays the same throughout the entire song. Lying on top of this strong bass is an embellished synthesizer motive that doesn't really take precedence in the song, but is used mainly for embellishment. When the guitar enters a few moments later, it serves the same purpose.
When the vocals enter, pretty much any extra musical embellishments (the synth and the guitar) drop out, just leaving the bass, drums, and vocals. When we finally get to the chorus, the bass remains intact, leaving out the synthesizer embellishment that was present in the beginning. After the first chorus, there is a "mini bridge" which isn't that long (hence the term mini) and only introduces one new musical idea in which what sounds like plucked strings, lie above the strong bass.
And finally, we get to the main bridge. It features the synthesizer solo from the beginning which is followed by a constant rhythmic build that leads into the coda ("Do what you feel now").
This song is very groovy, sexy, and almost goes back to the kind of dance (disco) music that we heard in the 70's. It's very dance-able. The lyrics very much reflect this kind of sexy, "come hither" dance music. Rocktastic.
Anyways, here's my analysis for today. Hope you enjoyed the music!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Tom Vek Isn't Saying Goodbyes
For those of you who haven't heard of Tom Vek (which are few, I only know one other person who listens to him), he is a British "pop" artist whose musical capabilities are rather unique compared to anyone else out there. His music blends and mixes many different musical genres like dance, rock, new wave, electronic, pop, mod etc. This whole myriad of genres is very interesting because you can't really pin him down to any one genre. His style is totally his own...and he does it oh so well. Before I say anything else about Tom Vek, take a listen to the first song. It's entitled "I Ain't Saying My Goodbyes" off his first album "We Have Sound" (damn right Tom Vek has sound!). If you don't want to read along with the lyrics (which you should, because they're really interesting) I encourage you to get up and dance. Disclaimer: the video is not the real one, because Universal Music Group is stupid and disabled their embedding. Whatevs, you can look it up on youtube here if you must see the video. Otherwise, just listen to the song posted here. Enjoy:
Lyrics to I Ain't Saying My Goodbyes :
(A-Section)
There is still so much to see
There is still so much to do
I can't be more than half way through
I know I'm wasting precious time
But I'll take it in my stride
I’ve got a lot of things to put right
(B-Section)
Don't get upset
It's not my time yet
I ain’t saying my goodbyes
Don't get upset
It's not my time yet
I ain’t saying my goodbyes
(1st Bridge)
(A-Section)
You won’t take life out of me
You can't take it out on me
I know a good enough reason will come along
I can't tell you how it feels
Ain’t no other way you'll heal
All these young men obsessed with death
(B-Section, chorus)
Don't get upset
It's not my time yet
I ain't saying my goodbyes
Don't get upset
It's not my time yet
I ain't saying my goodbyes
(Bridge)
(Coda)
You don't get upset
You don't get upset
You don't get upset
You don't get upset
The first thing that stikes me about this song is of course, the intro in the guitar which is of course preceded by a strong drum beat and bass (which in this case, is also used as a strong, somewhat "percussive, " rhythmic motive). This song immediately is tonally ambiguous, but the guitar has a sort-of V-I figure (think "ti-do"), but modal...there's not really a strong sense of tonality. The bass line is interesting when it enters because (like in most of Vek's music) it's continuous, with it's motives lying purely within the pulse. It basically stays rhythmically driving throughout the song. In many ways its role is more important than any percussion.
The tonality, as previously mentioned, is initially ambiguous with the entering guitar motive...and it stays that way! When the vocal line enters, a tonal center still isn't clearly established...or rather, it isn't as strong as the ear is used to hearing. This is a common theme throughout Vek's music. The vocals are curious because the only time you ever hear anything melodic is in the chorus, or as I've labeled, the B-Section. Other than that one section, Vek "sings" in a speaking-singing style that can probably account for the song's tonal ambiguity. Also, in the B-Section, the guitar keeps the rhythmic motive, but only changes chordally along with the bass.
The beat is extremely strong throughout the song which is why I really relate this to a dance number. Both the 1st and 2nd bridges show this. The first bridge is somewhat subtle, but unlike many rock numbers, lacks both the guitar and bass and just uses a synthesizer and other percussion. The 2nd bridge expands on this and intoduces this pulsating pumping sound created by a synthesizer. This is definately something you'd hear at a club. Both bridges aren't necessarily about establishing or expanding on any tonality, but purely about rhythm.
In terms of the lyrics, Vek's are just very slick, and somewhat modish. I gather that this song is about a young, immature (albeit "douchebag"), 20-something young man who's not willing to be tied down to one person and still wants to play. Hence the "don't get upset, it's not my time yet" and "all these young men obsessed with death." The latter is an interesting concept because the word "death" (according to a long history of music) is often a double entendre. Although, I can't really speak for Vek on the meaning of this particular line, this is just something that came to mind. Despite all this, he's not quite willing to give up whomever he's courting, thus keeping her on a string but unwilling to settle.
The second song is also from the same album and entitled "Nothing But Green Lights." I'm a little angered (again) because I can't post the video directly on the blog (Universal Music Group can kiss my...blog), so click HERE to listen to the song. I apologize and hopefully I will find a better way to ease the situation. PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK TO LISTEN TO THE SONG, IT'S IMPORTANT. Ehem, okay, here are the lyrics. Sit back, enjoy the video (by clicking on the link!!!!!), and we'll discuss:
Lyrics to Nothing But Green Lights :
I can see your eyes from here
I cant see anything imbetween
Everything i thought i ought to know about you has vanished
Like the snow when the sun comes out
Theres nothing but green lights from here
Nothing but empty roads
You and i gonna drive ourselves outta this town
In a 1989 black mercedes benz
(Bridge)
I can hear your voice from here, girl
And i cant hear no other sound
No need to spend anymore time apart
Thats it
Im not being left out anymore
I gotta hold on whats going on
I've got my foot in the door, so to speak
Theres nothing but green lights from here
Theres nothing but green lights from here
From here
This song is so cool, because you can almost imagine yourself driving (we don't do that in NYC, but just humor me a bit) and not having to stop for traffic, red lights, etc. In other words, "nothing but greenlights from here" is the equivalent of saying "it's all downhill from here." Again, we see this tonal ambiguity that Tom Vek is keen on, making the rhythm that much more driving. The pulse is established by an electronic "wave" of sound. It keeps going in and out. This curious fade and emerge cycle set the rhythm. The mood is very shimmering, almost as if one can see/hear the psychedelic flashing of traffic lights.
Okay, now going back to the tonal ambiguity. Unlike the previous song where some melody could be established, tonality is virtually obsolete here. When the bridge emerges with the FIRST entrance of the guitar (oh my! it's all synth up until this point) it just makes the tonality that much more ambiguous and unstable! But the good ol' bass stays the same, like the last tune.
This is the type of song I listen to when I'm done with a test/audition/something heavy. It's just so positive and great.
Now, listen to these songs again, and hopefully you'll hear some of what I'm talking about.
Lyrics to I Ain't Saying My Goodbyes :
(A-Section)
There is still so much to see
There is still so much to do
I can't be more than half way through
I know I'm wasting precious time
But I'll take it in my stride
I’ve got a lot of things to put right
(B-Section)
Don't get upset
It's not my time yet
I ain’t saying my goodbyes
Don't get upset
It's not my time yet
I ain’t saying my goodbyes
(1st Bridge)
(A-Section)
You won’t take life out of me
You can't take it out on me
I know a good enough reason will come along
I can't tell you how it feels
Ain’t no other way you'll heal
All these young men obsessed with death
(B-Section, chorus)
Don't get upset
It's not my time yet
I ain't saying my goodbyes
Don't get upset
It's not my time yet
I ain't saying my goodbyes
(Bridge)
(Coda)
You don't get upset
You don't get upset
You don't get upset
You don't get upset
The first thing that stikes me about this song is of course, the intro in the guitar which is of course preceded by a strong drum beat and bass (which in this case, is also used as a strong, somewhat "percussive, " rhythmic motive). This song immediately is tonally ambiguous, but the guitar has a sort-of V-I figure (think "ti-do"), but modal...there's not really a strong sense of tonality. The bass line is interesting when it enters because (like in most of Vek's music) it's continuous, with it's motives lying purely within the pulse. It basically stays rhythmically driving throughout the song. In many ways its role is more important than any percussion.
The tonality, as previously mentioned, is initially ambiguous with the entering guitar motive...and it stays that way! When the vocal line enters, a tonal center still isn't clearly established...or rather, it isn't as strong as the ear is used to hearing. This is a common theme throughout Vek's music. The vocals are curious because the only time you ever hear anything melodic is in the chorus, or as I've labeled, the B-Section. Other than that one section, Vek "sings" in a speaking-singing style that can probably account for the song's tonal ambiguity. Also, in the B-Section, the guitar keeps the rhythmic motive, but only changes chordally along with the bass.
The beat is extremely strong throughout the song which is why I really relate this to a dance number. Both the 1st and 2nd bridges show this. The first bridge is somewhat subtle, but unlike many rock numbers, lacks both the guitar and bass and just uses a synthesizer and other percussion. The 2nd bridge expands on this and intoduces this pulsating pumping sound created by a synthesizer. This is definately something you'd hear at a club. Both bridges aren't necessarily about establishing or expanding on any tonality, but purely about rhythm.
In terms of the lyrics, Vek's are just very slick, and somewhat modish. I gather that this song is about a young, immature (albeit "douchebag"), 20-something young man who's not willing to be tied down to one person and still wants to play. Hence the "don't get upset, it's not my time yet" and "all these young men obsessed with death." The latter is an interesting concept because the word "death" (according to a long history of music) is often a double entendre. Although, I can't really speak for Vek on the meaning of this particular line, this is just something that came to mind. Despite all this, he's not quite willing to give up whomever he's courting, thus keeping her on a string but unwilling to settle.
The second song is also from the same album and entitled "Nothing But Green Lights." I'm a little angered (again) because I can't post the video directly on the blog (Universal Music Group can kiss my...blog), so click HERE to listen to the song. I apologize and hopefully I will find a better way to ease the situation. PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK TO LISTEN TO THE SONG, IT'S IMPORTANT. Ehem, okay, here are the lyrics. Sit back, enjoy the video (by clicking on the link!!!!!), and we'll discuss:
Lyrics to Nothing But Green Lights :
I can see your eyes from here
I cant see anything imbetween
Everything i thought i ought to know about you has vanished
Like the snow when the sun comes out
Theres nothing but green lights from here
Nothing but empty roads
You and i gonna drive ourselves outta this town
In a 1989 black mercedes benz
(Bridge)
I can hear your voice from here, girl
And i cant hear no other sound
No need to spend anymore time apart
Thats it
Im not being left out anymore
I gotta hold on whats going on
I've got my foot in the door, so to speak
Theres nothing but green lights from here
Theres nothing but green lights from here
From here
This song is so cool, because you can almost imagine yourself driving (we don't do that in NYC, but just humor me a bit) and not having to stop for traffic, red lights, etc. In other words, "nothing but greenlights from here" is the equivalent of saying "it's all downhill from here." Again, we see this tonal ambiguity that Tom Vek is keen on, making the rhythm that much more driving. The pulse is established by an electronic "wave" of sound. It keeps going in and out. This curious fade and emerge cycle set the rhythm. The mood is very shimmering, almost as if one can see/hear the psychedelic flashing of traffic lights.
Okay, now going back to the tonal ambiguity. Unlike the previous song where some melody could be established, tonality is virtually obsolete here. When the bridge emerges with the FIRST entrance of the guitar (oh my! it's all synth up until this point) it just makes the tonality that much more ambiguous and unstable! But the good ol' bass stays the same, like the last tune.
This is the type of song I listen to when I'm done with a test/audition/something heavy. It's just so positive and great.
Now, listen to these songs again, and hopefully you'll hear some of what I'm talking about.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Joy Division to the World
If you know me personally, you know that I'm not a big fan of the punk genre that rose to popularity during the late 1970's-80s. I really don't understand why any sort of message of anarchy should overtake musical integrity. Bands like The Sex Pistols are 'well respected' to a certain few, but it's just angry music that lacks thoughtfulness. Despite my opinion (and I apologize for offending anyone), I do believe that one band coming out of this era understood the idea of musical integrity and how it should be kept intact: Joy Division. Unfortunately, they're lumped into this kind of anarchist-driven genre, but they're so much better than that! Ian Curtis' voice, though inherently "imperfect," has character and is more importantly, controlled and melodious. There's no yelling or screaming involved, just pure melody. The first song that I want to talk about happens to be my favorite Joy Division song. It's entitled "Disorder" off the "Unknown Pleasures" album. The video is very boring but it had the best sound quality of any I could find, so I apologize. Anyways, follow along with the lyrics, and enjoy the song:
Lyrics to Disorder :
I've been waiting for a guide to come and take me by the hand,
Could these sensations make me feel the pleasures of a normal man?
These sensations barely interest me for another day,
I've got the spirit, lose the feeling, take the shock away.
(Bridge)
It's getting faster, moving faster now, it's getting out of hand,
On the tenth floor, down the back stairs, it's a no man's land,
Lights are flashing, cars are crashing, getting frequent now,
I've got the spirit, lose the feeling, let it out somehow.
(Bridge)
What means to you, what means to me, and we will meet again,
I'm watching you, I'm watching her, I'll take no pity from your friends,
Who is right, who can tell, and who gives a damn right now,
Until the spirit new sensation takes hold, then you know,
Until the spirit new sensation takes hold, then you know,
Until the spirit new sensation takes hold, then you know,
(Coda Section)
I've got the spirit, but lose the feeling,
I've got the spirit, but lose the feeling.
Feeling, feeling, feeling, feeling, feeling, feeling, feeling.
The music itself is very minimalist and repetitive, but it has all the components of a good song. It starts with a basic drumbeat pattern that alternates between downbeats and offbeats. Right off the bat, you know that this song is going to drive. Then the bass enters with a motive, which is intervalically, very interesting. It's basically stacked 6th intervals (starting out with a minor sixth down, then a major sixth down), with an occasional minor third up (most notably on the first statement of the motive). This is interesting to me because, you don't hear a lot of stacked 6th's in rock music, but hey, anything goes. When the guitar comes in, it somewhat imitates the bass, but instead, it plays an alternating perfect 5th back and fourth, thus separating itself from the motive in the bass. During this introduction, the tonality of the song remains ambiguous (caused by these intervalic motives) until the vocals enter.
One of the things I love about Joy Division is Ian Curtis' voice. After I saw the movie "Control" I compared the voice of the actor who played Ian Curtis to that of the real Ian Curtis. Actually, the actor over perfected Ian Curtis' voice. I didn't like Curtis' voice at first, but it has grown on me. Though his intonation isn't necessarily accurate, his flatness is unique and works well for his style. As a musician, I'm constantly taught that being flat is worse than being sharp, but Ian Curtis is a rare exception to that rule. His voice has a raw, dark, and haunted quality that is one of Joy Division's greatest attributes.
The bridge in this song features the guitar, but I wouldn't necessarily describe it as a guitar solo. It's not very virtuosic, or something that I would describe as soloistic material. In other words, it doesn't really depart tonally or melodically from the rest of the song because it still concentrates on the alternation of intervalic relationships (like the beginning). In this case, the guitar concentrates on the alternation of major and minor 2nds (even using sliding techniques to incorporate both intervals). The guitar even changes placement in the register and moves up a minor 3rd. I believe that this is mainly to cause tension, ultimately leading up to the climax of the song. As discussed in previous posts, these songs keep building and building up to a certain point.
Before the climax, the guitar has what I'd like to call "crunchy" motives that are tonally and rhythmically ambiguous. This tension all leads up to the climax. At that point, the bass completely escapes the tonal direction of the other voices (musical lines), and obviously stands out as this motive that has no tonal relationship to the rest of the voices ("I've got the spirit, don't loose the feeling"). This is an excellent way to say "okay, here's the climactic moment!" In this way, the bassline's chromatic (half step motion) here is totally original from any other song, I've heard. This climax section is more of a coda (ending section) to the end of the song, because it's only introduced at the end and the previous sections are all pretty much tonally and rhythmically the same.
The next song I want to discuss is from the album "Substance." A rather haunting song, it's important to note that Anton Corbijn who directed the movie "Control," directed this video. It's more of a tribute to Ian Curtis than anything (for those of you who don't know, he committed suicide). Watch the vid, read the lyrics, and we'll discuss:
Lyrics to Atmosphere :
Walk in silence,
Don't walk away, in silence.
See the danger,
Always danger,
Endless talking,
Life rebuilding,
Don't walk away.
(Bridge)
Walk in silence,
Don't turn away, in silence.
Your confusion,
My illusion,
Worn like a mask of self-hate,
Confronts and then dies.
Don't walk away.
(Bridge)
People like you find it easy,
Naked to see,
Walking on air.
Hunting by the rivers,
Through the streets,
Every corner abandoned too soon,
Set down with due care.
Don't walk away, in silence,
Don't walk away.
This song is so poignant, powerful, but at the same time, very painful. I really beilieve that the video in this case accurately describes the mood of this song: very bleak, strange, and haunting. Like the last Joy Division song we discussed, the stanzas maintain the same melodic and harmonic nature, but the lyrics themselves are different. The only lyrical material that comes back is "don't walk away, in silence." Even though the stanzas pretty much remain the same, the singing material plays around a little bit, embellishing on the line, making it different from the previous stanza. Both bridges are interesting because they both seem to electronically blossom via synthesizer out of these dark lyrics, being the only colorful/hopeful thing about this sad song.
The lyrics themselves are not necessarily direct, but one can tell that it evokes the "atmosphere" of someone going through something quite heavy. I suggest you read about Ian Curtis to completely understand what can be seen in these lyrics. I imagine that these lyrics might be about someone who lacks a backbone to approach necessary confrontation (whether to a particular person or life in general). This lack of confidence obviously hinders him, and when he finally does confront what he loves, he's afraid that this one thing will leave him.
The way Ian Curtis sings in this song is so haunting. You can literally hear is voice crack, almost as if holding back tears in the last stanza of the song. He almost seems angry and jealous at one point when stating the lyrics "People like you find it easy, etc." It's heartbreaking. His unique flatness is extremely apparent here, but it's imperfect nature is what is so painful/beautiful about his voice and this song.
Anywho, this is all I can manage for now. Lots o' material. Listen to the songs again, think about what we've discussed, and see if any of it makes sense to you.
p.s. I WANT YOUR COMMENTS. I really want to know what you get out of these songs. I get sick of my own opinions.
Lyrics to Disorder :
I've been waiting for a guide to come and take me by the hand,
Could these sensations make me feel the pleasures of a normal man?
These sensations barely interest me for another day,
I've got the spirit, lose the feeling, take the shock away.
(Bridge)
It's getting faster, moving faster now, it's getting out of hand,
On the tenth floor, down the back stairs, it's a no man's land,
Lights are flashing, cars are crashing, getting frequent now,
I've got the spirit, lose the feeling, let it out somehow.
(Bridge)
What means to you, what means to me, and we will meet again,
I'm watching you, I'm watching her, I'll take no pity from your friends,
Who is right, who can tell, and who gives a damn right now,
Until the spirit new sensation takes hold, then you know,
Until the spirit new sensation takes hold, then you know,
Until the spirit new sensation takes hold, then you know,
(Coda Section)
I've got the spirit, but lose the feeling,
I've got the spirit, but lose the feeling.
Feeling, feeling, feeling, feeling, feeling, feeling, feeling.
The music itself is very minimalist and repetitive, but it has all the components of a good song. It starts with a basic drumbeat pattern that alternates between downbeats and offbeats. Right off the bat, you know that this song is going to drive. Then the bass enters with a motive, which is intervalically, very interesting. It's basically stacked 6th intervals (starting out with a minor sixth down, then a major sixth down), with an occasional minor third up (most notably on the first statement of the motive). This is interesting to me because, you don't hear a lot of stacked 6th's in rock music, but hey, anything goes. When the guitar comes in, it somewhat imitates the bass, but instead, it plays an alternating perfect 5th back and fourth, thus separating itself from the motive in the bass. During this introduction, the tonality of the song remains ambiguous (caused by these intervalic motives) until the vocals enter.
One of the things I love about Joy Division is Ian Curtis' voice. After I saw the movie "Control" I compared the voice of the actor who played Ian Curtis to that of the real Ian Curtis. Actually, the actor over perfected Ian Curtis' voice. I didn't like Curtis' voice at first, but it has grown on me. Though his intonation isn't necessarily accurate, his flatness is unique and works well for his style. As a musician, I'm constantly taught that being flat is worse than being sharp, but Ian Curtis is a rare exception to that rule. His voice has a raw, dark, and haunted quality that is one of Joy Division's greatest attributes.
The bridge in this song features the guitar, but I wouldn't necessarily describe it as a guitar solo. It's not very virtuosic, or something that I would describe as soloistic material. In other words, it doesn't really depart tonally or melodically from the rest of the song because it still concentrates on the alternation of intervalic relationships (like the beginning). In this case, the guitar concentrates on the alternation of major and minor 2nds (even using sliding techniques to incorporate both intervals). The guitar even changes placement in the register and moves up a minor 3rd. I believe that this is mainly to cause tension, ultimately leading up to the climax of the song. As discussed in previous posts, these songs keep building and building up to a certain point.
Before the climax, the guitar has what I'd like to call "crunchy" motives that are tonally and rhythmically ambiguous. This tension all leads up to the climax. At that point, the bass completely escapes the tonal direction of the other voices (musical lines), and obviously stands out as this motive that has no tonal relationship to the rest of the voices ("I've got the spirit, don't loose the feeling"). This is an excellent way to say "okay, here's the climactic moment!" In this way, the bassline's chromatic (half step motion) here is totally original from any other song, I've heard. This climax section is more of a coda (ending section) to the end of the song, because it's only introduced at the end and the previous sections are all pretty much tonally and rhythmically the same.
The next song I want to discuss is from the album "Substance." A rather haunting song, it's important to note that Anton Corbijn who directed the movie "Control," directed this video. It's more of a tribute to Ian Curtis than anything (for those of you who don't know, he committed suicide). Watch the vid, read the lyrics, and we'll discuss:
Lyrics to Atmosphere :
Walk in silence,
Don't walk away, in silence.
See the danger,
Always danger,
Endless talking,
Life rebuilding,
Don't walk away.
(Bridge)
Walk in silence,
Don't turn away, in silence.
Your confusion,
My illusion,
Worn like a mask of self-hate,
Confronts and then dies.
Don't walk away.
(Bridge)
People like you find it easy,
Naked to see,
Walking on air.
Hunting by the rivers,
Through the streets,
Every corner abandoned too soon,
Set down with due care.
Don't walk away, in silence,
Don't walk away.
This song is so poignant, powerful, but at the same time, very painful. I really beilieve that the video in this case accurately describes the mood of this song: very bleak, strange, and haunting. Like the last Joy Division song we discussed, the stanzas maintain the same melodic and harmonic nature, but the lyrics themselves are different. The only lyrical material that comes back is "don't walk away, in silence." Even though the stanzas pretty much remain the same, the singing material plays around a little bit, embellishing on the line, making it different from the previous stanza. Both bridges are interesting because they both seem to electronically blossom via synthesizer out of these dark lyrics, being the only colorful/hopeful thing about this sad song.
The lyrics themselves are not necessarily direct, but one can tell that it evokes the "atmosphere" of someone going through something quite heavy. I suggest you read about Ian Curtis to completely understand what can be seen in these lyrics. I imagine that these lyrics might be about someone who lacks a backbone to approach necessary confrontation (whether to a particular person or life in general). This lack of confidence obviously hinders him, and when he finally does confront what he loves, he's afraid that this one thing will leave him.
The way Ian Curtis sings in this song is so haunting. You can literally hear is voice crack, almost as if holding back tears in the last stanza of the song. He almost seems angry and jealous at one point when stating the lyrics "People like you find it easy, etc." It's heartbreaking. His unique flatness is extremely apparent here, but it's imperfect nature is what is so painful/beautiful about his voice and this song.
Anywho, this is all I can manage for now. Lots o' material. Listen to the songs again, think about what we've discussed, and see if any of it makes sense to you.
p.s. I WANT YOUR COMMENTS. I really want to know what you get out of these songs. I get sick of my own opinions.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Genius of Wolf Parade Cont'd
So, I don't want to be too repetitive on this blog, but I think Wolf Parade is just too important to not discuss. I don't think anyone realizes how amazing but overlooked this band is. I'm so incredibly eager to share their music to everyone. It's so satisfying and substantive, and these next two songs are probably their trade marks (at least off of the "Apologies to Queen Mary" album). The first song I want to share is probably their most famous song, "I'll Believe in Anything." Though it's not my personal favorite song off the album, it's truly remarkable and deserves all the credit it gets. Sit back, listen, follow the lyrics/watch the vid if you must, but most importantly, let it take your breathe away.
Lyrics to I'll Believe In Anything :
Give me your eyes
I need sunshine
Give me your eyes
I need sunshine
Your blood
Your bones
Your voice
and your ghost
We've both been very brave
Walk around with both legs
Fight the scary day
We both pull the tricks out of our sleeves
but I'll believe in anything
and you'll believe in anything
said I'll believe in anything
and you'll believe in anything
If I could take the fire out from the water
I'd share a life and you'd share a life
If I could take the fire out from the water
I'd share a life and you'd share a life
If I could take the fire out from the water
I'd take you where nobody knows you
And nobody gives a damn
said nobody knows you
and nobody gives a damn
and I could take another hit for you
and I could take away your trips from you
and I could take away the salt from your eyes
and take away the spitting salt in you
and I could give you my apologies
by handing over my neologies
and I could take away the shaking knees
and I could give you all the olive trees
oh look at the trees and look at my face and look at a place far away from here
Give me your eyes
I need sunshine
Give me your eyes
I need sunshine
Your blood
Your bones
Your voice
and your ghost
We've both been very brave
Walk around with both legs
Fight the scary day
We both pull the tricks out of our sleeves
but I'll believe in anything
and you'll believe in anything
If I could take the fire out from the water
I'd share a life and you'd share a life
If I could take the fire out from the water
I'd share a life and you'd share a life
If I could take the fire out from the water
I'd take you where nobody knows you
And nobody gives a damn
I said nobody knows you
and nobody gives a damn
I said nobody knows you
and nobody gives a damn either way
About your blood
your bones
your voice
and ghost
because nobody knows you
and nobody gives a damn either way
and now I'll believe in anything
Wow, powerful much? I'm going to try and not say too much about this song, because I think it's powerful nature speaks for itself. It starts off with this simple triadic figure in the synthesizer. This triadic figure outlines C major which to me is such an great choice for this song. It's the simplest of keys, but yet, WP is able to build so much momentum that it inevitably overtakes you. Like in true WP musical nature, it starts out simple with the outlining of a C Major triad, and then the layering happens. By the end there's just this one huge wall of percussive, building, sublime sound. The pulse never changes, but the number of voices (music lines within the song) add, subtract, and change.
The lyrics are actually not too obscure, even for Spencer Krug who's known for his poetic strengths. I think it's not to far off to assume that these lyrics describe desperately needing someone's physical presence when it's impossible (even going as far as needing their "ghost"). The music inevitably reflects that with its drive and build. The lyrics are repetitive (especially the "give me your eyes" chorus) but each time the lyrics are stated, the music gets more intense, more agitated, more different and thus you can really feel the intense passion and longing that the words represent. By the end of the song, the repetitive lyrics are so exhausted that the guitar and drums are just hammering away...but continues to draw the listener until it comes to an abrupt end, which in my mind, is the only right way to end this anthem. Now listen again and see if any of this makes any difference to you.
The second song to be discussed happens to be my personal favorite. It's a Dan Boeckner song that is the ultimate upper/downer (will discuss the lyrics in a bit). I can literally listen to this song ad naseum, and with each listen it gets better. Truly rocktastic. Give it a listen:
Lyrics to Shine A Light :
(Guitar Intro in Octaves)
(A-Section)
I keep my head up tight
I know my plans at night
And I don't sleep I don't sleep I don't sleep 'til it's light
Some folks float some are buried alive
There is an awful sound
This haunted town
It will not it will not it will not just be quiet
Some ghosts sink some will get called to the light
(a-Section)
I spend boring hours in the office tower
In a bus on a bus back home to you and
That's fine I'm barely alive
It's just a matter of time
No one gets out alive
And I'm content, I'm content, I'm content to be quiet
Some will sink some will get called to the light
(B-Section)
You know our hearts beat time out very slowly
You know our hearts beat time they're waiting for something that'll never arrive
You know our hearts beat time out very slowly
You know our hearts beat time they're waiting for something that'll never arrive
(A-Section, pretty much)
I keep my head up tight
I make my plans at night
And I don't sleep I don't sleep I don't sleep 'til it's light
Some folks float and some are buried alive
With our little boots, we built another world
Gonna chain, chain, chain, chain, chain, chain to the light
That's fine our blood is alive
(B-Section, pretty much)
You know our hearts beat time out very slowly
You know our hearts beat time they're waiting for something that'll never arrive
The reason I like this song so much is simple: I can bounce around to it. Again, we see this repetitive nature in WP that is so interesting and fun to me. The form is basically AaBAB (the capital letters meaning much same lyrics, harmonies, etc., lower case meaning same harmonies, different lyrics). When the guitar first starts out, it just plays continuous octaves. The ear isn't really able to discern the key of the song until the Vocals, synthesizer, and percussion come in. At that point, the guitar kind of drops out of the main precedence but still provides the necessary rhythmic drive and harmony. Off beats (weakbeats), especially in the second statement of the A section, are given a lot of care and importance which is pretty ballsy, rather than just feeling a strong downbeat pulse for the entirety of the song. Though the musical layering isn't quite as apparent as in "Modern World" or "I'll Believe in Anything," voices are still added in repetitive stanzas (for example the oohh-ing in the second statement of A). I really believe that WP uses this to not only make a repetitive stanza more interesting, but to build intensity without really making a conscious effort to change the volume persay. The end just goes into this music romp in which no key is discernable, coming to a rather abrupt but expected end.
In terms of the lyrics, they're a bit obscure, and granted I'm not a poetic junkie. However, I believe this to be a positive "sounding" song with negative undertones. To me, the lyrics are about a person who is obviously unhappy with their life/job situation, but has to go about his mundane day putting on a mask of confidence (????). He's/she's just letting the time pass by slowly and waiting for change to come, even though they know that chances of any change are bleak. In its own way, waiting for something positive that may never happen is a hopeful sentiment, but that's a discussion that I won't delve into in a music blog. Again, these are my own interpretations, and I'm eager to hear your thoughts. Anyways, this song is so balls to the walls and I will probably never get sick of it. Like always, take another listen and see if these ideas have any bearing.
If you don't like this song, I'm pretty sure you're a boring person.
Lyrics to I'll Believe In Anything :
Give me your eyes
I need sunshine
Give me your eyes
I need sunshine
Your blood
Your bones
Your voice
and your ghost
We've both been very brave
Walk around with both legs
Fight the scary day
We both pull the tricks out of our sleeves
but I'll believe in anything
and you'll believe in anything
said I'll believe in anything
and you'll believe in anything
If I could take the fire out from the water
I'd share a life and you'd share a life
If I could take the fire out from the water
I'd share a life and you'd share a life
If I could take the fire out from the water
I'd take you where nobody knows you
And nobody gives a damn
said nobody knows you
and nobody gives a damn
and I could take another hit for you
and I could take away your trips from you
and I could take away the salt from your eyes
and take away the spitting salt in you
and I could give you my apologies
by handing over my neologies
and I could take away the shaking knees
and I could give you all the olive trees
oh look at the trees and look at my face and look at a place far away from here
Give me your eyes
I need sunshine
Give me your eyes
I need sunshine
Your blood
Your bones
Your voice
and your ghost
We've both been very brave
Walk around with both legs
Fight the scary day
We both pull the tricks out of our sleeves
but I'll believe in anything
and you'll believe in anything
If I could take the fire out from the water
I'd share a life and you'd share a life
If I could take the fire out from the water
I'd share a life and you'd share a life
If I could take the fire out from the water
I'd take you where nobody knows you
And nobody gives a damn
I said nobody knows you
and nobody gives a damn
I said nobody knows you
and nobody gives a damn either way
About your blood
your bones
your voice
and ghost
because nobody knows you
and nobody gives a damn either way
and now I'll believe in anything
Wow, powerful much? I'm going to try and not say too much about this song, because I think it's powerful nature speaks for itself. It starts off with this simple triadic figure in the synthesizer. This triadic figure outlines C major which to me is such an great choice for this song. It's the simplest of keys, but yet, WP is able to build so much momentum that it inevitably overtakes you. Like in true WP musical nature, it starts out simple with the outlining of a C Major triad, and then the layering happens. By the end there's just this one huge wall of percussive, building, sublime sound. The pulse never changes, but the number of voices (music lines within the song) add, subtract, and change.
The lyrics are actually not too obscure, even for Spencer Krug who's known for his poetic strengths. I think it's not to far off to assume that these lyrics describe desperately needing someone's physical presence when it's impossible (even going as far as needing their "ghost"). The music inevitably reflects that with its drive and build. The lyrics are repetitive (especially the "give me your eyes" chorus) but each time the lyrics are stated, the music gets more intense, more agitated, more different and thus you can really feel the intense passion and longing that the words represent. By the end of the song, the repetitive lyrics are so exhausted that the guitar and drums are just hammering away...but continues to draw the listener until it comes to an abrupt end, which in my mind, is the only right way to end this anthem. Now listen again and see if any of this makes any difference to you.
The second song to be discussed happens to be my personal favorite. It's a Dan Boeckner song that is the ultimate upper/downer (will discuss the lyrics in a bit). I can literally listen to this song ad naseum, and with each listen it gets better. Truly rocktastic. Give it a listen:
Lyrics to Shine A Light :
(Guitar Intro in Octaves)
(A-Section)
I keep my head up tight
I know my plans at night
And I don't sleep I don't sleep I don't sleep 'til it's light
Some folks float some are buried alive
There is an awful sound
This haunted town
It will not it will not it will not just be quiet
Some ghosts sink some will get called to the light
(a-Section)
I spend boring hours in the office tower
In a bus on a bus back home to you and
That's fine I'm barely alive
It's just a matter of time
No one gets out alive
And I'm content, I'm content, I'm content to be quiet
Some will sink some will get called to the light
(B-Section)
You know our hearts beat time out very slowly
You know our hearts beat time they're waiting for something that'll never arrive
You know our hearts beat time out very slowly
You know our hearts beat time they're waiting for something that'll never arrive
(A-Section, pretty much)
I keep my head up tight
I make my plans at night
And I don't sleep I don't sleep I don't sleep 'til it's light
Some folks float and some are buried alive
With our little boots, we built another world
Gonna chain, chain, chain, chain, chain, chain to the light
That's fine our blood is alive
(B-Section, pretty much)
You know our hearts beat time out very slowly
You know our hearts beat time they're waiting for something that'll never arrive
The reason I like this song so much is simple: I can bounce around to it. Again, we see this repetitive nature in WP that is so interesting and fun to me. The form is basically AaBAB (the capital letters meaning much same lyrics, harmonies, etc., lower case meaning same harmonies, different lyrics). When the guitar first starts out, it just plays continuous octaves. The ear isn't really able to discern the key of the song until the Vocals, synthesizer, and percussion come in. At that point, the guitar kind of drops out of the main precedence but still provides the necessary rhythmic drive and harmony. Off beats (weakbeats), especially in the second statement of the A section, are given a lot of care and importance which is pretty ballsy, rather than just feeling a strong downbeat pulse for the entirety of the song. Though the musical layering isn't quite as apparent as in "Modern World" or "I'll Believe in Anything," voices are still added in repetitive stanzas (for example the oohh-ing in the second statement of A). I really believe that WP uses this to not only make a repetitive stanza more interesting, but to build intensity without really making a conscious effort to change the volume persay. The end just goes into this music romp in which no key is discernable, coming to a rather abrupt but expected end.
In terms of the lyrics, they're a bit obscure, and granted I'm not a poetic junkie. However, I believe this to be a positive "sounding" song with negative undertones. To me, the lyrics are about a person who is obviously unhappy with their life/job situation, but has to go about his mundane day putting on a mask of confidence (????). He's/she's just letting the time pass by slowly and waiting for change to come, even though they know that chances of any change are bleak. In its own way, waiting for something positive that may never happen is a hopeful sentiment, but that's a discussion that I won't delve into in a music blog. Again, these are my own interpretations, and I'm eager to hear your thoughts. Anyways, this song is so balls to the walls and I will probably never get sick of it. Like always, take another listen and see if these ideas have any bearing.
If you don't like this song, I'm pretty sure you're a boring person.
The Genius of Wolf Parade
For this post, I would like to concentrate on a song by the Canadian band Wolf Parade from their album "Apologies to Queen Mary." This song is entitled, "Modern World." Listen carefully, enjoy, follow along with the lyrics/watch the video if you want and we'll reconvene in about 3 mins:
Lyrics to Modern World :
(A Section)
I'm not in love with the modern world
I'm not in love with the modern world
I was a torch driving the savages back to the trees
Modern world has more ways
And I don't mention it since it's changed
While the people go out and the people come home again
(Bridge)
(a Section)
It's gotta last to build up your eyes
And a lifetime of red skies
And from my bed saying your haunted hissing in my bed
Modern world don't ask why
Cause modern world build things high
Now they house canyons filled with life
(2nd Bridge- Change to a major key!)
(B Section)
Modern world i'm not pleased to meet you
You just bring me down
Modern world i'm not pleased to meet you
You just bring me down
Modern world i'm not pleased to meet you
You just bring me down
Modern world i'm not pleased to meet you
You just bring me down
One of the first things that automatically grabs my attention is it's steady rhythmic pulse. Now, even though that's pretty much a given in all "popular" music, "Modern World" is different. The strong beats (for example, if a song is in 2/4 time, the strong beat would be 1, weak beat 2) are essentially hidden. This leaves only a driving chordal rhythmic motive in the guitar (I'm trying to explain this without sounding like a pompous musician, it's really important to me that this is easily understood).
If I were to relate this song to an Italian Art song from the Renaissance, I would call it more or less Bar Form (AAB). Although, I'm not going to do that, because Wolf Parade is so much better. In this case I would label it AaB, because the second section has a different set of lyrics, but incorporates the same tonality/rhythm, etc.
Something important to note is that the piece starts out with a minor tonality (that's why is may sound sad or dark), but then at the second bridge, something amazing happens! It switches to this glorious major like key with a really sexy cymbal crash that marks the change. The rhythmic pulse stays the same but there's this brilliant interchange between the bass and guitar (the guitar playing on the offbeats of the strong bass, "dove tailing" if you will). As this B-Section Continues, even more amazing stuff happens. There's constant layering between voices (voices meaning all the musical lines going simultaneously). Voices are constantly added and eliminated. This aspect of layering is one of the reasons I love Wolf Parade, particularly Dan Boeckner's music. It starts with the bridge: drums, bass/piano, guitar. Then vocals are added as well as a descending pattern introduced by the piano (I think). After that, there's a trade off and what sounds like a choir of vocals echos that same descending pattern in the piano line. Then the vocals are eliminated and the piano is given precedent. The piano line slowly fades, leaving the intact bridge section. The song subsequently ends how it begins the bridge section: that sexy cymbal crash.
I might be a nerdo, but I think analysis helps. Now you know EXACTLY why I love this song.
Lyrics to Modern World :
(A Section)
I'm not in love with the modern world
I'm not in love with the modern world
I was a torch driving the savages back to the trees
Modern world has more ways
And I don't mention it since it's changed
While the people go out and the people come home again
(Bridge)
(a Section)
It's gotta last to build up your eyes
And a lifetime of red skies
And from my bed saying your haunted hissing in my bed
Modern world don't ask why
Cause modern world build things high
Now they house canyons filled with life
(2nd Bridge- Change to a major key!)
(B Section)
Modern world i'm not pleased to meet you
You just bring me down
Modern world i'm not pleased to meet you
You just bring me down
Modern world i'm not pleased to meet you
You just bring me down
Modern world i'm not pleased to meet you
You just bring me down
One of the first things that automatically grabs my attention is it's steady rhythmic pulse. Now, even though that's pretty much a given in all "popular" music, "Modern World" is different. The strong beats (for example, if a song is in 2/4 time, the strong beat would be 1, weak beat 2) are essentially hidden. This leaves only a driving chordal rhythmic motive in the guitar (I'm trying to explain this without sounding like a pompous musician, it's really important to me that this is easily understood).
If I were to relate this song to an Italian Art song from the Renaissance, I would call it more or less Bar Form (AAB). Although, I'm not going to do that, because Wolf Parade is so much better. In this case I would label it AaB, because the second section has a different set of lyrics, but incorporates the same tonality/rhythm, etc.
Something important to note is that the piece starts out with a minor tonality (that's why is may sound sad or dark), but then at the second bridge, something amazing happens! It switches to this glorious major like key with a really sexy cymbal crash that marks the change. The rhythmic pulse stays the same but there's this brilliant interchange between the bass and guitar (the guitar playing on the offbeats of the strong bass, "dove tailing" if you will). As this B-Section Continues, even more amazing stuff happens. There's constant layering between voices (voices meaning all the musical lines going simultaneously). Voices are constantly added and eliminated. This aspect of layering is one of the reasons I love Wolf Parade, particularly Dan Boeckner's music. It starts with the bridge: drums, bass/piano, guitar. Then vocals are added as well as a descending pattern introduced by the piano (I think). After that, there's a trade off and what sounds like a choir of vocals echos that same descending pattern in the piano line. Then the vocals are eliminated and the piano is given precedent. The piano line slowly fades, leaving the intact bridge section. The song subsequently ends how it begins the bridge section: that sexy cymbal crash.
I might be a nerdo, but I think analysis helps. Now you know EXACTLY why I love this song.
Why I'm Starting this Blog
I truly believe that everybody is "musical." Whether or not you think you have an ear for it, talent, or ability to understand it, music is one of the most euphoric and mind-altering experiences humans can relate too. I mean, who's anti good music? Though everyone's taste is in some way different, I believe it is the one "universal language" that all people can understand.
Being in the classical music world, I decided to write this blog because I'm in constant search for music. I'm always listening to it, and I thought a blog would be a good forum to discuss/share new bands,artists, rare finds, etc. I welcome all types, and I encourage anyone reading this to share any new music. This blog is more or less directed to those poor music conservatory students who are so jaded and starved to hear something different to take them out of their world (although, this is a problem that is inherent in not just music conservatory students, but humankind).
I will primarily focus on things that catch my attention, discuss exactly why I like what I'm hearing (in basic musical terms), and try to create an understanding of what makes a good song attractive to the ear. Granted, you can't always pinpoint why you like a song, but it's worth trying, and ultimately rewarding. I'll concentrate on one or two songs in each post. I encourage that you listen to the song, find out what you like about it and make points of comparison to my thoughts, and then listen to it again. Trust me, it makes a song/piece of music so much more interesting once you pinpoint what it is that you like about it. Phew, anyways, let's get started!
Being in the classical music world, I decided to write this blog because I'm in constant search for music. I'm always listening to it, and I thought a blog would be a good forum to discuss/share new bands,artists, rare finds, etc. I welcome all types, and I encourage anyone reading this to share any new music. This blog is more or less directed to those poor music conservatory students who are so jaded and starved to hear something different to take them out of their world (although, this is a problem that is inherent in not just music conservatory students, but humankind).
I will primarily focus on things that catch my attention, discuss exactly why I like what I'm hearing (in basic musical terms), and try to create an understanding of what makes a good song attractive to the ear. Granted, you can't always pinpoint why you like a song, but it's worth trying, and ultimately rewarding. I'll concentrate on one or two songs in each post. I encourage that you listen to the song, find out what you like about it and make points of comparison to my thoughts, and then listen to it again. Trust me, it makes a song/piece of music so much more interesting once you pinpoint what it is that you like about it. Phew, anyways, let's get started!
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