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Post by Kapitan on Mar 13, 2021 14:12:30 GMT
If you sing, play an instrument, or write music--is there a particular artist, album, or song that inspired you to do so?
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Post by B.E. on Mar 13, 2021 15:41:43 GMT
I started on bass guitar. This would have been around 6-7th grade. Tim Commerford of Rage Against The Machine was probably the first bassist that I really paid attention to. I still remember some of those parts. Like "Bombtrack", "Bullet In The Head", and "Guerilla Radio". I remember learning the intro to "Calm Like A Bomb" at music lessons. (Gee, nice song titles ) By the time I started lessons, though, my musical tastes were more fully formed and Paul was the bassist who was inspiring me. I remember learning how to play "Helter Skelter", "Something", and "Come Together". And, according to my old music book that I recently discovered and flipped through, "Happiness Is A Warm Gun". I was also into Weezer at around that time. I had joined a new band that had previously been a Weezer cover band. Later on when I started learning other instruments and writing a bit, I'm sure I was inspired by all the artists I discuss here. My interest in vocal harmony, though, is largely thanks to Brian and the Boys, of course!
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Post by B.E. on Mar 13, 2021 15:56:05 GMT
Also, I gotta mention John regarding songwriting. His introspective writing. And the increasingly stripped-back/raw arrangement and production style of his '68-71 work. I recall an interview (probably RS, 1970) where he talked about the limitations of songwriting and how, at the time, he was just trying to simplify it to its core, essentially. That type of thing really stuck with me. I like that.
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Post by Kapitan on Mar 14, 2021 12:38:35 GMT
I know I posted the question, but I'm having a really hard time answering it. I started playing guitar around 7th grade. (I think the summer after 7th grade is when I bought my first one.) And I know I had wanted a guitar for a good while before that--though in my mind, the choice was between a guitar and a skateboard, for some reason!
But I don't recall anyone in particular being the inspiration. I think partly electric guitars themselves were the inspiration. I remember lingering in music stores when we would be near enough one to duck in and thinking they looked like magical items. As for playing, though? I suppose the popular guitar heroes of the day like Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, and Stevie Ray Vaughn, as well as of course my favorites of the day, like Ace Frehley, CC DeVille, George Lynch.
As I got better and into high school, though: Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix. Far and away, them above everyone in those formative years.
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Post by Kapitan on Apr 15, 2021 20:15:38 GMT
I would imagine everyone here likes vocal harmonies to some degree, being Beach Boys fans. So...
When were you first attracted to vocal harmonies? (What group or artist, how old were you, was it conscious, etc.)
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Post by jk on Apr 16, 2021 9:54:17 GMT
I would imagine everyone here likes vocal harmonies to some degree, being Beach Boys fans. So...
When were you first attracted to vocal harmonies? (What group or artist, how old were you, was it conscious, etc.)
I think it was probably in 1961. I was twelve or thirteen at the time, and had just discovered Radio Luxembourg, where you could hear the actual records rather than be subjected to versions played by big band musicians who were literally taking care of business. That was when I first heard The Lettermen's gorgeous hit version of "The Way You Look Tonight". A magical moment, to be sure...
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Post by kds on Apr 16, 2021 12:14:00 GMT
I would imagine everyone here likes vocal harmonies to some degree, being Beach Boys fans. So...
When were you first attracted to vocal harmonies? (What group or artist, how old were you, was it conscious, etc.)
I think the first time I really took notice of vocal harmonies was around 1988 or 1989, I'd have been eight or nine, when Van Halen's When It's Love was big on rock radio. The "nah nah nah nah nah"s at the end were my favorite part of the song.
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Post by Kapitan on Apr 16, 2021 12:19:59 GMT
I had some sense of vocal harmony since I was pretty young, maybe 8 or so. I've said before how on a family trip across the country, an older brother bought a Kingston Trio cassette that we listened to in the car and he demonstrated how there were multiple parts, how we could sing them in harmony, etc. Church music was another example, as my dad would work up quartets with himself, a couple of my older brothers, and their friend.
But I didn't really put two and two together--that vocal harmonies could be in modern rock music--until a little later. It was always a separate thing. Even though by the latter part of the '80s I was already listening to example after example (Beatles, Bon Jovi, KISS and countless others), there was one song that made the power (and beauty) of vocal harmonies in the context of modern, relevant rock music blatantly obvious to me all of a sudden.
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Post by kds on Apr 16, 2021 12:23:56 GMT
I had some sense of vocal harmony since I was pretty young, maybe 8 or so. I've said before how on a family trip across the country, an older brother bought a Kingston Trio cassette that we listened to in the car and he demonstrated how there were multiple parts, how we could sing them in harmony, etc. Church music was another example, as my dad would work up quartets with himself, a couple of my older brothers, and their friend.
But I didn't really put two and two together--that vocal harmonies could be in modern rock music--until a little later. It was always a separate thing. Even though by the latter part of the '80s I was already listening to example after example (Beatles, Bon Jovi, KISS and countless others), there was one song that made the power (and beauty) of vocal harmonies in the context of modern, relevant rock music blatantly obvious to me all of a sudden.
I love that song. But, it's a shame that from that moment on, Extreme got pegged as a "ballad" band. It also didn't help that they had their breakthrough at the start of the 1990s. Obviously one of Extreme's biggest influences were Queen, who became the first band I ever really got obsessed with in seventh grade (1992 into 1993).
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Post by Kapitan on Apr 16, 2021 12:28:30 GMT
Yes, it wasn't long after "More Than Words" got huge that Freddie died. Extreme spoke about Queen quite a bit in that aftermath and of course performed at the Mercury benefit concert.
I'd say that year or two, 1991-92, was a huge transformation for me musically in large part stemming from those things. I got way more into Queen (as opposed to just recognizing a handful of songs) but also just hearing/reading Nuno and Gary talk about them made me think about music differently, including a lot more about harmony and arrangements.
So instead of being predominantly into guitar-based hard rock and blues (including classic rock), I moved into more melodic and harmony-rich rock and eventually pop, even shows like Andrew Lloyd Webber's.
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Post by kds on Apr 16, 2021 12:30:38 GMT
Yes, it wasn't long after "More Than Words" got huge that Freddie died. Extreme spoke about Queen quite a bit in that aftermath and of course performed at the Mercury benefit concert.
I'd say that year or two, 1991-92, was a huge transformation for me musically in large part stemming from those things. I got way more into Queen (as opposed to just recognizing a handful of songs) but also just hearing/reading Nuno and Gary talk about them made me think about music differently, including a lot more about harmony and arrangements.
So instead of being predominantly into guitar-based hard rock and blues (including classic rock), I moved into more melodic and harmony-rich rock and eventually pop, even shows like Andrew Lloyd Webber's.
I saw Extreme live a couple times after they reunited in 2008, and when they performed More Than Words, it was just Gary and Nuno on stage, letting the crowd sing some along. It was very reminiscent of what Queen used to do with Love of My Life.
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Post by Sheriff John Stone on Apr 17, 2021 14:23:07 GMT
I would imagine everyone here likes vocal harmonies to some degree, being Beach Boys fans. So...
When were you first attracted to vocal harmonies? (What group or artist, how old were you, was it conscious, etc.)
I've never been particularly "attracted" to vocal harmonies, and that was somewhat down the list of what attracted me to The Beach Boys - below melodies, arrangements, lead vocals and production values. While I was very young at the time, I do remember being intrigued by The Beatles' harmonies on their singles. John, Paul, and George had such distinctive voices that it was enjoyable to hear their blend(s).
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Post by carllove on May 23, 2021 17:54:02 GMT
The first song you remember liking:
In early 1964, I was six years old, and I remember my Mom coming home from shopping at the local Five & Dime store, now known as The Dollar Store. I was sitting on the living room floor watching TV with my older sister, and my Mom said, "I bought a record. It's by a group called The Beatles. They're really popular. Look at their hair!" Out of her shopping bag she pulled out the 45, "I Saw Her Standing There"/"I Want To Hold Your Hand" with picture sleeve.
I immediately went over to the record player, a tan, wooden RCA floor model, and put on the record. One, two, three, fah! My young mind was blown. It was a Brian Wilson/"Be My Baby" moment. I sat there in front of the record player and listened to that record over and over. It was one of those record players that automatically played the 45 continuously until you turned it off. After listening to "I Saw Her Standing There" several times, I turned the record over and did the same with "I Want To Hold Your Hand". I literally had my ear against the cloth in front which covered the speaker. That was the start of my music listening.
The first song I was embarrassed for having liked:
Other than The Beach Boys? Seriously, it wasn't cool to be a senior in high school listening to Endless Summer. I'm still that way, hesitant to mention that The Beach Boys are one of my favorite groups. I usually find myself having to explain why. If they only knew what I knew. Other than The Beach boys, it would have to be Sparks, or, at the time, their album, Kimono My House. First, the album cover was...a little different. Then, the music was...a little different. I remember the summer of my senior year in high school, and the football team was lifting weights in the weight room in the mornings. We all kind of took turns playing the album of our choice, and I chose "Kimono My House". I still remember one of the coaches saying, "What the hell is this?" Soon after that, there were requests to remove the album from the record player.
Kimono My House is a awesome album! I played my copy way more than my parents would have liked! Loved the cover as well!
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Post by carllove on May 23, 2021 18:07:52 GMT
I think it was TCK who shared some Facebook or other social media questionnaire about music. Those things can be kind of fun, in my opinion, and a nice way to not just spur conversation, but maybe get ourselves thinking about different topics than usual.
So I began putting together a list of questions about common musical experiences that people might have different, interesting responses to. Rather than do them all at once, I thought I'd toss them out a couple at a time (for as long as people care and as long as I or others come up with questions).
Don't worry too much about the exact question: if you don't have the perfectly accurate answer, just go with something close (e.g., if it says "the first" but you can't recall, just pick something from early on).
As always, while answers are fun, stories are more fun. So any anecdotes, context, etc., is appreciated!
Questions:
The first song you remember liking.
The first song—excluding literal children’s music—that you recall becoming embarrassed at having previously liked.
The first song I remember liking is Mas Que Nada. My parent’s had a copy of Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendez and Brasil ‘66. Always reminded me of the cool adult parties my parents used to throw, with the Tiki bar in the basement. I stole that album, Time Out by the Dave Brubeck Quartet and the Soundtrack to Valley of the Dolls when I went away to college. My folks didn’t listen to them anymore , so I don’t even think they knew they were missing! Still listen to them all. First song I was embarrassed to admit liking was The Air That I Breathe by The Hollies. I bought the 45 with my allowance money and mom heard it and said it was a “nasty” song because it was about sex. Back then, I guess the lyrics “Making love with you, has left me peaceful, warm and tired”, were what was considered raunchy back then!
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Post by Kapitan on May 23, 2021 18:27:23 GMT
The first song I remember liking is Mas Que Nada. My parent’s had a copy of Herb Alpert Presents Sergio Mendez and Brasil ‘66. Always reminded me of the cool adult parties my parents used to throw, with the Tiki bar in the basement. I stole that album, Time Out by the Dave Brubeck Quartet and the Soundtrack to Valley of the Dolls when I went away to college. My folks didn’t listen to them anymore , so I don’t even think they knew they were missing! Still listen to them all. First song I was embarrassed to admit liking was The Air That I Breathe by The Hollies. I bought the 45 with my allowance money and mom heard it and said it was a “nasty” song because it was about sex. Back then, I guess the lyrics “Making love with you, has left me peaceful, warm and tired”, were what was considered raunchy back then! Time Out is a great, great one! My dad had it, as well (maybe the only jazz album my parents had, actually), and so I knew it before I knew I knew it.
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