Posts Tagged semisonic
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…
Song arrangement trick: Semisonic’s “Closing Time”
Posted by jgarnerprod in Hit Song Analysis on November 2nd, 2011
So, as a producer/arranger, one of the things that grabs my ear are unique arrangement ideas. A lot of times, at least in pop music, where verse-chorus-verse-chorus RULES as a song form, I’m always curious about what’s being done after the 2nd chorus. Basically:
To have a bridge, or NOT to have a bridge; THAT is the question!
Here’s a great example from one of my favorite all-time pop songs, Semisonic’s “Closing Time”.
Listen to what happens after the 2nd chorus. Basically, there’s a four bar interlude up a minor 3rd, then the intro kicks back in for two bars (in the original key) before the melodic guitar solo starts up.
What they didn’t do was write a bridge before or after the solo. They also didn’t kick right into the solo after the 2nd chorus. Nice work Dan Wilson!
Enjoy!