Author Archive
Bee Gees-Too Much Heaven…
Posted by jgarnerprod in Hit Song Analysis, Song Geek on May 21st, 2013
So again, we hear the BeeGees starting with the chorus, and utilizing an asymmetrical phrase/measure count in the chorus. And the R&B influences are all over this thing!
And we also get the added bonus of a mod chorus for the ending! It’s set up from the verse, i.e. no bridge.
For some reason, this song shoots me into O’Jays mode (yeah, I know this is more uptempo than the Bee Gees tune), as they start with the chorus. Just that reminder of cross-polination between artists at any given time! (Don’t forget the Beatles trying write Motown songs when they wrote “Got To Get You Into My Life”):
Bee Gees-Jive Talkin’…
Posted by jgarnerprod in Hit Song Analysis, Song Geek on May 7th, 2013
Masters of arranging, and catchy hooks, Bee Gees “Jive Talkin’” is KILLER, and makes me think NO one currently would take the risks these guys did.
Take note, they choose to start with the chorus, which is always a cool option.
BUT, the big news is the synth solo at 1:07, which is in 7/4! (for all you non-musicians, that means it’s an asymmetrical phrase of 7 beats over 2 measures instead of the traditional 8 beats over 2 measures).
Another cool feature there is the drummer NEVER turns the beat around in those sections. The only thing close to this would be some of Sting’s solo efforts such as “7 days”:
Until next time…
another great mod…
Posted by jgarnerprod in Hit Song Analysis, Song Geek on April 9th, 2013
Continuing in my discovery of great modulations, here’s a gem I had forgotten about.
This modulation (2:00) kicks in after the bridge DOWN a whole step! For a comparison check out Train’s “When I Look to the Sky” for a similar move.
Great way to propel into the solo that follows.
And let’s not forget the fact that it’s possibly the only song known to correctly use the word “moot” in a lyric! 
Until next time…
More great Modulations!
Posted by jgarnerprod in Hit Song Analysis, Song Geek on March 26th, 2013
So sorry to be absent for awhile, but I recently got to play a cover gig (corporate), and was reminded of some GREAT songs that featured modulations creatively.
This first one features the Queen of Soul, Aretha! The modulation in this case comes after the 2nd chorus, as the featured sax solo (King Curtis).
What’s REALLY interesting, is that this was a late addition to Otis Redding’s original. (I’ve included both for contrast).
Arif Mardin was at the helm on this, so maybe it was his idea.
Keep in mind, this is a similar move to Semisonic’s “Closing Time”, except they did a mod PRIOR to the solo.
Just another tool in the tool shed!
Until next time…
Ladies and gentlemen, the groove…you’re welcome…
Posted by jgarnerprod in Song Geek on January 14th, 2013
This from a short lived show David Sanborn used to host.
The band defines “deep pockets”.
Unbelievable.
That’s all I got on this…
Until next time..
Hal David #5…”Always Something There To Remind Me”
Posted by jgarnerprod in Hit Song Analysis, Song Geek on January 8th, 2013
As a kid growing up in the 80s, I didn’t have a clue who Hal David and Burt Bacharach were, but I LOVED this song! It wasn’t until recently I realized that it was written and performed in the 60s!
Again, Bacharach displays his no fear attitude of unusual phrasing and meter in the verses, while Hal deftly crafts a lyric that seems as though it was always there with it in the first place.
Until next time…
Merry Christmas!
Posted by jgarnerprod in The "blah blah" on December 25th, 2012
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Jason Garner
Hal David #4…”I’ll Never Fall In Love Again”
Posted by jgarnerprod in Hit Song Analysis, Song Geek on December 21st, 2012
Masters of the singable lyrics, this single of Dionne Warwick’s has been covered by at LEAST 30 other artists.
2 points:
1) “Get enough germs to catch pneuomonia”, always makes me laugh!
2) dovetailing the end of the bridge into the last verse “That is why I’m here to remind you….what do you get when you fall in love…” Brilliant!
Okay, so maybe the “so for at least” gets a little sideways in the prosody department, but otherwise, this is another great example of Hal David’s effortless lyric writing (sounds that way anyway).
Just a few more, and we’ll step away from Hal into new territory.
Until next time…
just funny…
Posted by jgarnerprod in The "blah blah" on December 17th, 2012
I simply just couldn’t help but share this.
Classic song.
Classic singer/songwriter.
Classic garb.