Hi there. I was having a discussion with a friend about songs that contain uncommon instruments. There were a couple of things we couldn't agree upon, and some of those have kept bothering me. So maybe somebody here can help me.
Q1: The Miracles' "Tears Of A Clown" contains a bassoon. But is this instrument responsible for both the high and low notes, or did they use another "uncommon" instrument for this song?
Q2: Is there a steel drum in Sting's "Love Is The Seventh Wave" or is that just a keyboard vaguely impersonating a steel drum?
Hope one of you can answer these questions so I can sleep well again! ;-)
― iknownothing, Tuesday, 17 July 2007 19:44 (eighteen years ago)
Tears of a Clown uses a bunch of orchestral instruments, and bassoon is a common orchestral instrument - although I suppose it is uncommon for it to have such a prominent place in a pop hit. I'm not sure what you mean by "both the high and low notes" -- the higher, more recognizable melody, I'm pretty sure, is played by flutes, while the lower counter-melody is played by the bassoon.
― Hurting 2, Tuesday, 17 July 2007 19:54 (eighteen years ago)
Bjork and the Reactable!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJvNMMGSkQM
― The Wayward Johnny B, Tuesday, 17 July 2007 20:02 (eighteen years ago)
Gimmicky synths are ten a penny. Check out the aulochrom:
Anthony Braxton: “François Louis is one of the great pioneers of this time period. His work with the Aulochrome is a serious breakthrough for acoustic instrumental exploration and research. With this instrument, it is clear that a third millennial opening has now been created and we can only thank Mr. Louis for his dedicated efforts. The Aulochrome is the first serious restructural breakthrough in wind instrumental conception and design since the other visionary Belgian master Adolph Sax began his work in the 1840's, setting up the stage for the modern era." http://www.jazzreview.com/f/user_images/4-1305-1706-1.jpg
― everything, Tuesday, 17 July 2007 20:05 (eighteen years ago)
That would be a Yamaha DX7 imitating the steel drum, wouldn't it? (Actually I have no clue. But I automatically assume that EVERY '80s keyboard sound I hate is produced by the DX7.)
― Myonga Vön Bontee, Tuesday, 17 July 2007 20:27 (eighteen years ago)
Joe Lovano plays some aulochrome on one of his recent records (I forget which) and it sounds awesome
― Hurting 2, Tuesday, 17 July 2007 20:30 (eighteen years ago)
"a third millennial opening has now been created'!!
― Martin Van Burne, Tuesday, 17 July 2007 20:31 (eighteen years ago)