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Post by B.E. on Mar 18, 2021 1:26:58 GMT
There is plenty to say about these songs. I'll start by noting the interesting chord change--made famous in one of the documentaries--in "The Warmth of the Sun." On a casual listen, it simply sounds like a lovely ballad that fits nicely into the aesthetic of its day. A person might just lump it in with the I-vi-ii-V7 it almost resembles.
But it's fooling you.
The progression begins typically, with I (C major) and vi (A minor). But instead of going to a D minor (ii) or an F major (IV, a common substitute for the ii), it goes to an Eb major, which is a #ii or bIII. The chord's root is outside of the key, and is in fact a tritone away from the tonic, "the devil's interval." It is arguably the most tense interval, the one demanding resolution the most.
It treats that Eb major as a new tonic and goes to its vi, which is C minor. Then it returns to the original progression to conclude with a D minor (ii) and G, making the tritone-away "I-vi" a brief interruption to the standard progression.
Very simply, potentially jarring, but so smoothly arranged and performed as to sound not jarring, but interesting. It's one of those moments that piques your interest even if you don't know why or how. It keeps it from being a run-of-the-mill, formulaic ballad. It is exactly the way to innovate in popular music, in my opinion: work mostly within established norms, deviating just enough. Too little and you'll be at best pleasing; too much and you'll be annoying or confusing.
Thanks for this. I just had a ball playing it on guitar. What a beautiful chord progression! It really doesn't sound jarring at all on record. And, that augmented chord, I'm really starting to identify that as a Brianism in those days. It's such a nice little touch, and it's functional. You've also got that nice maj7 on " warmth of the sun" and the half step modulation later in the song.
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Post by B.E. on Mar 18, 2021 1:36:54 GMT
I'm not gonna lie, this is an odd pairing (and my ranking reflects that). They reached wayyyy back for "Warmth of the Sun". And, as much as "Dance Dance Dance" has grown on me, I think it's overshadowed by its b-side (which really isn't ideal). I mean, personally, I like them about the same, but "Warmth of the Sun" is just of another stature all together. I do wanna say that "Dance Dance Dance" seems to be a BBs hit that's lost in the shuffle. When I first really got into the group I was shocked to see that, not only was it a single, and a hit single, but it went to #8. It's absolutely a worthy production, but I guess it's just not as memorable as some of the others (e.g. lyrically).
I Get Around/Don't Worry Baby - 10 Surfer Girl/Little Deuce Coupe - 10 Little Saint Nick/The Lord's Prayer - 10 Surfin' USA/Shut Down - 9 Fun Fun Fun/Why Do Fools Fall In Love - 9 Be True To Your School/In My Room - 9 When I Grow Up/She Knows Me Too Well - 9 Dance Dance Dance/Warmth Of The Sun - 9 Surfin' Safari/409 - 8 Surfin'/Luau - 7 Ten Little Indians/County Fair - 7
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Post by Kapitan on Mar 18, 2021 11:44:50 GMT
The multiple comments on how "old" "Warmth of the Sun" was by the time of its release as this B-side don't sit quite right with me.
Yes, it was a couple albums old, so if that's all a person knew, it would seem ridiculous. But it was also written just 11 months prior, recorded nine months prior, released eight months prior. It wasn't as if they picked "Surfin"! These days, if any album has, say, three or more singles, it's a safe bet singles three and after are older than WotS was.
It's also worth noting, there was no new album from which to draw singles yet (though they were using songs that later ended up on the subsequent album). They're on their second Today! single, and the album wouldn't be released for another five months!
The real problem here is just too much product too quickly as opposed to the age of the singles, in my opinion.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2021 4:23:32 GMT
Kapitan. I think you're making the same exact argument that the berklee school of music professor does in the film documentary I just wasn't made for these times. Are you that same professor? I don't know music but I know what you're talking about because I heard that professor describe it ,but I would love to see you or another scholar play those parts on piano to show us all. Thank you for that great great post on the magic of the warmth of the Sun quote author=" Kapitan" source="/post/19610/thread" timestamp="1615815250"] I also gave this a 10.
There is plenty to say about these songs. I'll start by noting the interesting chord change--made famous in one of the documentaries--in "The Warmth of the Sun." On a casual listen, it simply sounds like a lovely ballad that fits nicely into the aesthetic of its day. A person might just lump it in with the I-vi-ii-V7 it almost resembles.
But it's fooling you.
The progression begins typically, with I (C major) and vi (A minor). But instead of going to a D minor (ii) or an F major (IV, a common substitute for the ii), it goes to an Eb major, which is a #ii or bIII. The chord's root is outside of the key, and is in fact a tritone away from the tonic, "the devil's interval." It is arguably the most tense interval, the one demanding resolution the most.
It treats that Eb major as a new tonic and goes to its vi, which is C minor. Then it returns to the original progression to conclude with a D minor (ii) and G, making the tritone-away "I-vi" a brief interruption to the standard progression.
Very simply, potentially jarring, but so smoothly arranged and performed as to sound not jarring, but interesting. It's one of those moments that piques your interest even if you don't know why or how. It keeps it from being a run-of-the-mill, formulaic ballad. It is exactly the way to innovate in popular music, in my opinion: work mostly within established norms, deviating just enough. Too little and you'll be at best pleasing; too much and you'll be annoying or confusing.
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Post by Kapitan on Mar 21, 2021 12:29:57 GMT
I'm not that (or any) professor, no. I wouldn't even say I'm really making an argument. But thanks for the nice words and yes, I am describing that same part of the chord progression.
On another note, reminder to everyone that today is the final day to vote in this thread!
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Post by Kapitan on Mar 22, 2021 11:39:25 GMT
Ten voters rated "Dance Dance Dance" and "The Warmth of the Sun" an average of 9.4. I'll update the main ratings thread and launch the next poll thread shortly.
Thanks for the participation.
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