Saturday, February 26, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
"Single Fins and Safety Pins" - The Japanese Motors
The first thing that i would like to do, is apologize for my lack of "podcast." This is a result of two main events, the loss of my camera charger (which was a great disappointment because I had wanted to make a video this week), and the failure of my microphone (also extremely frustrating because I found out that it was broken after trying to record with it). Both of these inconveniences are being dealt with (I'm ordering a new mic shortly, and my cousin has an extra charger for an identical camera and will be sending that to me). I promise that in the future my podcasts will be quite entertaining; I have some plans floating around in my head. That being said, here is my Script.
This song is "Single Fins and Safety Pins" (catchy tittle, huh?) by the Japanese Motors, off of their 2008, self titled record, "The Japanese Motors." Well if you've listened to the song, and you are a major follower of "traditional" Surf-Rock, you are most likely cursing me for categorizing this as surf. To respond; I'll admit that this was probably a bad choice for a first(ish) post as to, it might turn off a traditionalist, but to a general lover of music, this is a ruby in a mountain of rocks (no that wasn't a Meatloaf reference--well, maybe it was).
What says summer time better than seagulls and the sounds of waves crashing? Maybe some delay on a high D chord? Musically, and structurally this song is very simple following the progression of D (barred on the tenth fret) and slid down to a G (on the third). This is broken only during a bridge which drops the final G of the chorus to an E, to an A, back to an E, which then raises to a G for two beats and then to an A, creating a generic build leading us back into a final chorus.
We can differentiate the chorus from the verses because the verses make use of a simple staccato ed half note version of the progression, which sounds like a delayed effect which really gets one to nod their head along with it. Also, in the chorus we hear a very (very) quiet tremolo D note played throughout. To someone without knowledge of music, this might go by unnoticed, but someone who listens for these nuances will tell you that it is what makes the song. It's incredible how one near silent ringing note can drive a song forward and give it a summer feel.
So, okay, it takes more than just one note to make a song feel like summer--enter the "ahhs." As any backup singer will tell you, the correct combination of "oohs" and "ahhs" will add a beautiful fullness, and catchiness to any song. These really bring the chorus home; these and the utilization of references to "the beach where the summer shines." "Single Fins..." is chock full of summertime imagery. "Kick your shoes off and drink some wine... in the summer, the summer time,"sounds nice, doesn't it? One lyrical aspect that adds a constant drive to the song, is the second half of the chorus, which contains a new set of lyrics every time. One very memorable section of the verse is the "answering" of the call "hey dudes." It just is really cool, and wakes you up every time. If there is one song that could exist to blow away any winter blues and leave you begging for summer, it's "Single Fins and Safety Pins," (damn that's a catchy title!).
The solo to this song is very fun and it's hard not to dance to. It's very simple, but after the first listen, i found it to get old, but nonetheless , still a joy. It sounds slightly out of key, but that is the nature of the Surf-Rock guitar solo (not always, but it is a classic trait of vocal surf groups). The off-ish sound is coming from a hammer on and pull off of the 6th and minor 3rd to the D chord, followed by the hammer on, pull off, and bend of a G chord on top of the D. Maybe I'll write a post about how to play this style of soloing. That was too much talking wasn't it?
Okay, so i still have not given my justification for classifying this as a surf tune; mainly, summer time. A sub genre of traditional surf is the newer "Garage-Surf," which is (obviously) a combination of surf and garage elements. Surf-Rock is (or was traditionally) all about having fun in the summer time, which is a message this song gets across. This song encompasses main traits of the surf genre aside from subject matter, these being some of the effects used, the simplicity of the chord structure, the overall vibe, and most importantly, the solo!
Well, go out and listen to this song while driving around and wishing for summer to come and never end. Oh! The joy of Garage-Surf. The Japanese Motors have only one record released, which has some good tracks, this and "Better Trend" being my two favorites (go figure, the two singles off it. Now how can I be hipster?).
I will be returning in video form as Spartacus of the Gladiators of 2037, just as soon as I get my equipment working again.
This song is "Single Fins and Safety Pins" (catchy tittle, huh?) by the Japanese Motors, off of their 2008, self titled record, "The Japanese Motors." Well if you've listened to the song, and you are a major follower of "traditional" Surf-Rock, you are most likely cursing me for categorizing this as surf. To respond; I'll admit that this was probably a bad choice for a first(ish) post as to, it might turn off a traditionalist, but to a general lover of music, this is a ruby in a mountain of rocks (no that wasn't a Meatloaf reference--well, maybe it was).
What says summer time better than seagulls and the sounds of waves crashing? Maybe some delay on a high D chord? Musically, and structurally this song is very simple following the progression of D (barred on the tenth fret) and slid down to a G (on the third). This is broken only during a bridge which drops the final G of the chorus to an E, to an A, back to an E, which then raises to a G for two beats and then to an A, creating a generic build leading us back into a final chorus.
We can differentiate the chorus from the verses because the verses make use of a simple staccato ed half note version of the progression, which sounds like a delayed effect which really gets one to nod their head along with it. Also, in the chorus we hear a very (very) quiet tremolo D note played throughout. To someone without knowledge of music, this might go by unnoticed, but someone who listens for these nuances will tell you that it is what makes the song. It's incredible how one near silent ringing note can drive a song forward and give it a summer feel.
So, okay, it takes more than just one note to make a song feel like summer--enter the "ahhs." As any backup singer will tell you, the correct combination of "oohs" and "ahhs" will add a beautiful fullness, and catchiness to any song. These really bring the chorus home; these and the utilization of references to "the beach where the summer shines." "Single Fins..." is chock full of summertime imagery. "Kick your shoes off and drink some wine... in the summer, the summer time,"sounds nice, doesn't it? One lyrical aspect that adds a constant drive to the song, is the second half of the chorus, which contains a new set of lyrics every time. One very memorable section of the verse is the "answering" of the call "hey dudes." It just is really cool, and wakes you up every time. If there is one song that could exist to blow away any winter blues and leave you begging for summer, it's "Single Fins and Safety Pins," (damn that's a catchy title!).
The solo to this song is very fun and it's hard not to dance to. It's very simple, but after the first listen, i found it to get old, but nonetheless , still a joy. It sounds slightly out of key, but that is the nature of the Surf-Rock guitar solo (not always, but it is a classic trait of vocal surf groups). The off-ish sound is coming from a hammer on and pull off of the 6th and minor 3rd to the D chord, followed by the hammer on, pull off, and bend of a G chord on top of the D. Maybe I'll write a post about how to play this style of soloing. That was too much talking wasn't it?
Okay, so i still have not given my justification for classifying this as a surf tune; mainly, summer time. A sub genre of traditional surf is the newer "Garage-Surf," which is (obviously) a combination of surf and garage elements. Surf-Rock is (or was traditionally) all about having fun in the summer time, which is a message this song gets across. This song encompasses main traits of the surf genre aside from subject matter, these being some of the effects used, the simplicity of the chord structure, the overall vibe, and most importantly, the solo!
Well, go out and listen to this song while driving around and wishing for summer to come and never end. Oh! The joy of Garage-Surf. The Japanese Motors have only one record released, which has some good tracks, this and "Better Trend" being my two favorites (go figure, the two singles off it. Now how can I be hipster?).
I will be returning in video form as Spartacus of the Gladiators of 2037, just as soon as I get my equipment working again.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Epiphone Casino
I've had an Epiphone casino since over the summer. It's good for what I play (Beach Boys-ish surf rock with other influences such as the Beatles [so of course a Casino is perfect], Dinosaur Jr., Simon and Garfunkel, and Vampire Weekend), but it was never exactly what i would have wanted for straight up surf songs.
This guitar is not very twangy, which is a must for surf, but the only real problem I had with it was the lack of vibrato bar.
As you might have noticed, my Casino has a Bigsby vibrato mechanism. I have wanted to get one installed since almost before i got it. It took long enough, but it is finally installed and I love it. It is the greatest guitar in the world.
When I went to the store I was in the market for a semi-hollowbody, leaning towards a Gretsch Country Gentleman, and leaning away from the Casino (I already have a Hofner knock-off, so I figured a Casino would make me seem too Beatles obsessed; which i might be). I played many guitars including the Gretsch, Epiphones such as the Dots and Sheraton II, and the salesmen even let me play one of the cased Ricks, but obviously i couldn't afford that. Then he insisted I try the Casino--SOLD.
The Epiphone Casino has a very unique sound due to its hollow body and P-90s. It has a jangly sound which is perfect for Beatles songs. It is often regarded as just a rhythm guitar, but for the right style, it plays the most perfect leads. The best example I can give is "Get Back" by the Beatles. It's so smooth and warm in the higher registers, and down lower it produces a very short and defined punch.
The Beach boys never used a Casino (they did ocasionally use an Epiphone Sheraton), but i find that a Casino produces a nice soft tone for some of their songs, which is nice because it doesn't over power the vocals (one of the most important instruments the Beach Boys used).
I could go on and describe all the music that the Epiphone Casino is good for, but I'd rather let you experiment on your own. Mainly I was just excited about finally getting the Bigsby on. Not only is it functional, but when I took it out at my gig last night, the compliments on the look, sound, and feel of the guitar just came flooding in. It is more than just an amazing guitar, it's a work of art. I can't wait to play again; all of my songs had a drastic increase in surf vibe thanks to the vibrato effect. We sounded more surf than ever, all thanks to my new Bigsby (well, maybe it was our matching sweaters).
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
What is "Surf Rock?"
"Surf Rock" originated in the late '50s (mostly in Southern California) to serve as dance music. It is notably an instrumental genre, but many vocal surf acts did exist; these vocal acts are the ones that took most notice, such as the Beach Boys.
Musically, Surf Rock is a genre that, much like Rock & Roll, features fast tempos and is almost always played in 4/4. Traits of the instrumentals include major keys and tremolo picking patterns. Surf is just an evolution of '50s Rock & Roll.
Instrumental surf makes use of very sharp (precise) melodies, usually played on a guitar.
The surf sound is defined as much by the equipment and effects used as it is by the playing style. I prefer a clean sound as opposed to a distorted/crunchy one. Something that is not in any means debatable on the other hand, is REVERB. Advances is guitar effects gave musicians the ability to create new atmospheres with their playing. Dick Dale (essentially the founder of surf music) used reverb to create the illusion of being in the water, and used his playing to emulate the thrill of surfing.
A surf guitarist tries to get his (or her; I wouldn't want to offend any pretty ladies) guitar to sound like it's dripping wet. This can be acomplished in a few ways.
The Jazzmaster and Jaguar are typically favored. Fender guitars are still to this day regarded as some of the best guitars for surf music.
They are not the only ones though, just try and avoid humbuckers. SINGLE COILS!
Obviously Fender basses are a very acceptable bass, particullarly the P-Bass.
Vocal surf acts usually incorporated the extensive use of harmonies, resembling the style of Barber-Shop. Example: The Beach Boys.
Musically, Surf Rock is a genre that, much like Rock & Roll, features fast tempos and is almost always played in 4/4. Traits of the instrumentals include major keys and tremolo picking patterns. Surf is just an evolution of '50s Rock & Roll.
Instrumental surf makes use of very sharp (precise) melodies, usually played on a guitar.
The surf sound is defined as much by the equipment and effects used as it is by the playing style. I prefer a clean sound as opposed to a distorted/crunchy one. Something that is not in any means debatable on the other hand, is REVERB. Advances is guitar effects gave musicians the ability to create new atmospheres with their playing. Dick Dale (essentially the founder of surf music) used reverb to create the illusion of being in the water, and used his playing to emulate the thrill of surfing.
A surf guitarist tries to get his (or her; I wouldn't want to offend any pretty ladies) guitar to sound like it's dripping wet. This can be acomplished in a few ways.
- Using your amp's built in reverb: this most likely will not get you a genuine surf tone unless you're planning on spending a couple grand for a nice vintage Fender Reverb. Other amp's built-in effects aren't bad, they will get the job done if you play many diverse styles like I do.
- Effects pedals: These will do it. They're cheap (sometimes, but there's no need to get one that's too expensive, what are you trying to prove?), and they have a great sound, if you find a good one. Fender Reverb pedals are brilliant; you won't even notice that you're playing; you'll think you're listening to a Venture's record.
- For all those big spenders out there, who want to be a legitimate and well respected surf musician, there are Fender Spring Reverb Units.
The Jazzmaster and Jaguar are typically favored. Fender guitars are still to this day regarded as some of the best guitars for surf music.
They are not the only ones though, just try and avoid humbuckers. SINGLE COILS!
Obviously Fender basses are a very acceptable bass, particullarly the P-Bass.
Vocal surf acts usually incorporated the extensive use of harmonies, resembling the style of Barber-Shop. Example: The Beach Boys.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Mission
Surf is not dead; It's just hiding. "Surfs You Right" is here to bring you forgotten classics, and hidden gems from the world of Surf Rock. Here you'll hear the music, and learn how to create it yourself.
I have only recently gotten into this amazing genre myself, so as I explore into its wonders, I will share my findings with you.
I have only recently gotten into this amazing genre myself, so as I explore into its wonders, I will share my findings with you.
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