Category Archives: Arrangements and Sounds
Wandering: Liz Phair, “Support System” (1994)
Following the very nonstandard Exile in Guyville (1993), Liz Phair’s second album Whip-Smart (1994) is a fascinating project in that she is all in for pop hooks and pop hits – I cite “Supernova” and “Cinco de Mayo” – and … Continue reading
The Voice that Pops: On Stevie Wonder
When a voice comes out front clearly in a musical mix, it’s said to “pop.” In a pop mix you want lots of things to pop, especially lead parts. Of course, not everything can — there must be foreground-background relationships. … Continue reading
Infectious: The Isley Brothers, “Twist And Shout” (1962)
Chubby Checker spreading the Twist [Post for a pandemic.] Hook experience is “infectious,” we so often say, because musical content can easily enter your system (getting past the membranes that sheathe your old preferences) and change your state while changing … Continue reading
The Octave that Reaches: Roy Orbison,”Blue Bayou”(1963)
We talk about singers reaching high notes. Why is that of any particular interest? Is singing high just a random talent, like whistling? Perhaps there’s more to it. Physically a higher-frequency wave is a more energetic wave, other things being … Continue reading
Inventor of Styles: Jorma Kaukonen on Baxter’s (1967)
Jorma Kaukonen, the lead guitarist for Jefferson Airplane, developed not one but three original lead guitar styles in the Airplane’s prime recording period of 1966-1968, one for each great album: the reverby Surrealistic Pillow, epitomized by the relentlessly note-bending solo at … Continue reading
The Combination: Baby Animals, “Painless” (1991)
In the past I’ve lamented the quick passing of a moment of peak interest in a song. Like on an actual mountain peak, you have to face the fact that there’s scarcely anything there and 99% of your time is … Continue reading
Comfortably Together: Traffic, “Heaven Is In Your Mind” (1967)
A December 1967 release: We’re sitting in Traffic’s living room and digging how the cozy ensemble isn’t trying too hard. The track speaks to us calmly and confidently like a jewel of a demo. Jim Capaldi’s unusual yet perfectly sensible … Continue reading
Hooks 