Indeed, what a song! Thanks for the highlight, Michael! It was fun re-visiting it (and with such depth), and re-watching the video, itself a mini-masterpiece of editing! So many cuts that land on a beat, coincide with a cymbal crash, a drum beat or guitar chord. Coming out of the bridge, when that foot-kick splashes water just as they re-enter the chorus? Amaze-balls!
Whatever the song itself does for the emotions (and this one does a lot...I mean, the harmonies alone are impeccable!), the editor can add his/her touch in the vid by creative editing like that! Plus, in BBMak's case (ladies), it helps, too, that they're easy on the eyes! And, they were a landmark gaggle of lads in a "boy band," who cared nothing whatsoever about dancing! N'Sync THAT, Backstreet Boys!
Great stuff, Michael, and I'm happy a song I shone a light on caught your fancy...I hope your readers concur, and dig it, as well! I think they'd also love Taxiride.
Both turn-of-the-century "boy bands with instruments," BBMak and Taxiride (especially their "Everywhere You Go") were a refreshing bridge from the all-dancing, all-singing (but never touching an instrument) boy bands of the '90s to boy bands' eventual extinction, and the refreshing turn toward pop-played-by-musicians-and-not-choreographers era. Woo-hoo!🎶
This is right on Brad - and I have to admit the video of what at least appeared to be musicians actually playing - and I get it was overdubbed - but the capo on the acoustic caught my eye and somewhat overcame the “just another boy band” skepticism. Also there’s clearly way more instrumental voicings in there than just guitars/bass. Still, cool song, gave me a chance to talk theory tomorrow and it has the quality of being “catchy” - both lyrically and musically. Pretty easy to play capoed on 3, Brad - just sayin’….
"Easy to play capoed on 3"......oh, truer words were never spoken, Michael! For your readers, they should know I don't read (and haven't since 60 years ago playing accordion!), and the only other instruments I've played are voice and flute! In fact, of those 6 words of yours I quoted, I only know about a third of them!😁👉🎸❓
A very rich piece, Michael. Musical structure parallels that of poetry. It is a creative skill that is extremely difficult to master. I know about poetic structures, meter, tone, diction, prosody, etc. (I taught British Literature). Most people have no earthly idea how difficult it is to write any kind of sonnet ... thus the brilliance of Shakespeare. I can only imagine marrying it to melody. Much respect to your knowledge, Michael, and your ability to share it. -- Jim
Michael, what's your last name? I'm trying to finish writing my Paul Simon piece, and I want to use your comments on "American Tune." I'll also provide a link to your Substack.
Your comment, which is spot on, Jim - reminded me of one of my very early posts from almost a couple of years ago now:
"Reading a lot of classic poetry helps, even if the language is archaic and steeped in the idioms of the era it was written. Still, the meter, phrasing, rhyme and rhythm structure give insight into writing song lyrics. Some of my favorite poets are of classic poetry (Shelley, Browning), others more contemporary (Frost, Ginsberg [!!]) and many more in between. Reading well allows you to write well (or at least better). Poetry and lyrical music are akin in structure - if you read poetry by some of the greats aloud, you begin to see their phrasing and rhythmic structures, or at least your interpretation of those structures."
Indeed, what a song! Thanks for the highlight, Michael! It was fun re-visiting it (and with such depth), and re-watching the video, itself a mini-masterpiece of editing! So many cuts that land on a beat, coincide with a cymbal crash, a drum beat or guitar chord. Coming out of the bridge, when that foot-kick splashes water just as they re-enter the chorus? Amaze-balls!
Whatever the song itself does for the emotions (and this one does a lot...I mean, the harmonies alone are impeccable!), the editor can add his/her touch in the vid by creative editing like that! Plus, in BBMak's case (ladies), it helps, too, that they're easy on the eyes! And, they were a landmark gaggle of lads in a "boy band," who cared nothing whatsoever about dancing! N'Sync THAT, Backstreet Boys!
Great stuff, Michael, and I'm happy a song I shone a light on caught your fancy...I hope your readers concur, and dig it, as well! I think they'd also love Taxiride.
Both turn-of-the-century "boy bands with instruments," BBMak and Taxiride (especially their "Everywhere You Go") were a refreshing bridge from the all-dancing, all-singing (but never touching an instrument) boy bands of the '90s to boy bands' eventual extinction, and the refreshing turn toward pop-played-by-musicians-and-not-choreographers era. Woo-hoo!🎶
This is right on Brad - and I have to admit the video of what at least appeared to be musicians actually playing - and I get it was overdubbed - but the capo on the acoustic caught my eye and somewhat overcame the “just another boy band” skepticism. Also there’s clearly way more instrumental voicings in there than just guitars/bass. Still, cool song, gave me a chance to talk theory tomorrow and it has the quality of being “catchy” - both lyrically and musically. Pretty easy to play capoed on 3, Brad - just sayin’….
"Easy to play capoed on 3"......oh, truer words were never spoken, Michael! For your readers, they should know I don't read (and haven't since 60 years ago playing accordion!), and the only other instruments I've played are voice and flute! In fact, of those 6 words of yours I quoted, I only know about a third of them!😁👉🎸❓
A very rich piece, Michael. Musical structure parallels that of poetry. It is a creative skill that is extremely difficult to master. I know about poetic structures, meter, tone, diction, prosody, etc. (I taught British Literature). Most people have no earthly idea how difficult it is to write any kind of sonnet ... thus the brilliance of Shakespeare. I can only imagine marrying it to melody. Much respect to your knowledge, Michael, and your ability to share it. -- Jim
And thank you for your kind words!!
Michael, what's your last name? I'm trying to finish writing my Paul Simon piece, and I want to use your comments on "American Tune." I'll also provide a link to your Substack.
I’d rather just go by “Michael Acoustic” - feel free to use whatever helps from the post
Got it. Thanks
Your comment, which is spot on, Jim - reminded me of one of my very early posts from almost a couple of years ago now:
"Reading a lot of classic poetry helps, even if the language is archaic and steeped in the idioms of the era it was written. Still, the meter, phrasing, rhyme and rhythm structure give insight into writing song lyrics. Some of my favorite poets are of classic poetry (Shelley, Browning), others more contemporary (Frost, Ginsberg [!!]) and many more in between. Reading well allows you to write well (or at least better). Poetry and lyrical music are akin in structure - if you read poetry by some of the greats aloud, you begin to see their phrasing and rhythmic structures, or at least your interpretation of those structures."