marino Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Guys, a bit of assistance, please... Next week, with very short notice, I'm called to record/shoot a small series of short video clips to "demonstrate the synthesizer to the general public." (very silly, I know, but hey, it's a job) I will have *very* little time to prepare. I'm thinking to dedicate one of the clips to known melodies which most people would recognize, played on synthesizer. For pratical reasons, I'll only bring one synth, my MEK. That's mono, so no "Jump" or "Africa" riffs. Just melodies; melodic melodies. Also, perhaps I will be able to use a digital piano to sweeten/comp some of the melodic lines. I'm searching for some really obvious material - something that would ring a bell in the ears of the general public. Until now, I have thought of a few famous lines from Italian prog rock (PFM, Banco, Orme), plus... Emerson's "Lucky Man" Vangelis' "Chariots of Fire" Europe's "The Final Countdown" (urgh!) Zawinul's "Birdland" intro bass line I need a few more. Something recognizable, and possibly, originally played on synth. (although I'm thinking to also play ultra-famous stuff like Ravel's Bolero, etc.) But I've discarded things like Jan Hammer or Dream Theater, because not many people would recognize those. Don't be afraid to suggest the obvious... I'm thinking to include the "X-Files" theme too! Something by JM Jarre too perhaps, but most of his melodies seems to require the support of the sequenced rhythm section.... I'm not an expert though. Any Jarre theme coming to mind, which could hold well with little or no accompaniment? Also, Wakeman... right now, I can only think of the little Minimoog motif from "Catherine Parr". Any other suggestion? To be honest, I'm so occupied and worried with every kind of other stuff at the moment, that my brain is not working at full speed on this sudden commitment. So your suggestions are very welcome! Thanks a lot in advance! Carlo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David R Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Stevie Wonder - "Boogie On Reggae Woman" bassline P-Funk - "Flashlight" bassline and/or the lead line from "(Not Just) Knee Deep" (recycled in De La Soul's "Me Myself & I") Weather Report - "Black Market" (maybe too obscure?) Billy Joel - "Angry Young Man" solo? My Site Nord Electro 5D, Novation Launchkey 61, Logic Pro X, Mainstage 3, lots of plugins, fingers, pencil, paper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BernMeister Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Ciao Carlo Hmm let's see: Pink Floyd. "Run" and probably many others. Styx. The intro to "fooling yourself" Almost anything Giorgio Moroder. Much if his dance Music contribution as well as film music. Theme from "Midnight express" American tv theme songs. "The Rockford files" Lots of dance songs if you're into them... I'm sure others will chime in with many more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CEB Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Not sure how recognizable these would be in Europe. Axel F Popcorn (disco hit) Frankenstein Sweet Dreams (I think it is a MEK preset) Autobahn Doctor Who themes. "It doesn't have to be difficult to be cool" - Mitch Towne "A great musician can bring tears to your eyes!!! So can a auto Mechanic." - Stokes Hunt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marino Posted October 23, 2014 Author Share Posted October 23, 2014 Thanks. "Run" should be ok, although I think I'll use it in a different clip, dedicated to the use of sequencers. "Black Market" is probably a good suggestion too. About American TV series, some (like "X-Files") had huge following in Europe,while others are almost unknown... so it depends. Same for groups... Styx, for example, aren't well-known here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allan_evett Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Harold Faltemeyer: 'Axel F' Theme - from the movie, "Beverly Hills Cop". As I recall, it was a worldwide, instrumental hit. The instrumental melodic hook from "Centerfold", by J. Geils Band. 'Someday, we'll look back on these days and laugh; likely a maniacal laugh from our padded cells, but a laugh nonetheless' - Mr. Boffo. We need a barfing cat emoticon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marino Posted October 23, 2014 Author Share Posted October 23, 2014 Not sure how recognizable these would be in Europe. Axel F Popcorn (disco hit) Frankenstein Sweet Dreams (I think it is a MEK preset) Autobahn Doctor Who themes. Thank you. Popcorn is a good candidate. Also, Kraftwerk... but I think Radioactivity would be more recognizable. With a little pad underneath from the digital piano.... Keep 'em coming........... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marino Posted October 23, 2014 Author Share Posted October 23, 2014 Harold Faltemeyer: 'Axel F' Theme - from the movie, "Beverly Hills Cop". As I recall, it was a worldwide, instrumental hit. I think that the Cop Theme, like most Axel F stuff, would lose too much by playing it 'naked', with no rhythm section support. Radioactivity has the same kind of problem, but it was so hugely popular that I think it could pass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Zeger Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 All these have memorable mono synths Herbie - Chameleon Nu Shoes - I Can't Wait Beach Boys - Good Vibrations Human League - Don't You Want Me Thomas Dolby - She Blinded Me With Science Aha - Take On Me New Order - Blue Monday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marino Posted October 23, 2014 Author Share Posted October 23, 2014 All these have memorable mono synths Herbie - Chameleon Nu Shoes - I Can't Wait Beach Boys - Good Vibrations Human League - Don't You Want Me Thomas Dolby - She Blinded Me With Science Aha - Take On Me New Order - Blue Monday Chamaleon is good, but it gave me one more idea, much more recognizable by the 'regular' public: Rockit! The other '80s pieces should be also fine; I might pick up a couple. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobadohshe Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Ghostbusters? Workin For The Weekend - Loverboy The line from 'Just what I Needed' - The Cars The synth lead to 'Ain't No Fun' (a totally filthy Snoop Dogg song that everyone 35 or younger knows). You can play the chords underneath with the piano. Same goes for the line off 'Gin and Juice' from the same album (doggy style). The opening to 'Just Can't Get Enough' - Depeche Mode. Kawai C-60 Grand Piano : Hammond A-100 : Hammond SK2 : Yamaha CP4 : Yamaha Montage 7 : Moog Sub 37 My latest album: Funky organ, huge horn section https://bobbycressey.bandcamp.com/album/cali-native Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smanzella Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 ELP - Touch And Go Inspector Gadget Theme Yamaha CP-73, Hammond SK Pro 73, Yamaha MODX 7, Roland Fantom 06, Roland VK-8M, Yamaha FS1R Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DulceLabs.com Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Spanish Flea! [video:youtube] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brettymike Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Here is one of the greatest synth songs ever created (that everyone will recognize) - Gary Numans "Cars" > http://youtu.be/qXEu1odjKZM Another awesome synth song - Flock of Seagulls "I ran" (actually you need the whole Flock of Seagulls band sorry ) Synths with serious balls out of Queens "I want to break Free" > Brett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerrythek Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Harold Faltemeyer: 'Axel F' Theme - from the movie, "Beverly Hills Cop". As I recall, it was a worldwide, instrumental hit. I think that the Cop Theme, like most Axel F stuff, would lose too much by playing it 'naked', with no rhythm section support. Radioactivity has the same kind of problem, but it was so hugely popular that I think it could pass. I think you're being too critical - Axel F would certainly work "naked" - it's very recognizable, and the first pass of the melody was "naked" in the original. Go for it! Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerrythek Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 -deleted- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerrythek Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Usher - Yeah Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markay Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 All excellent suggestions but is there anyone on the planet who wouldn't recognise the Nutbush synth lead? A misguided plumber attempting to entertain | MainStage 3 | Axiom 61 2nd Gen | Pianoteq | B5 | XK3c | EV ZLX 12P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leh173 Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 I think you'd get away with Oxygene Part 4, very recognisable mono synth line. Roland Fantom G6, D-70, JP-8000, Juno-106, JV-1080, Moog Minitaur, Korg Volca Keys, Yamaha DX-7. TG33, Logic Pro, NI plugs, Arturia plugs etc etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tobias Åslund Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 the lead line is almost monophonic... [video:youtube] Too much stuff, too little time, too few gigs, should spend more time practicing...! 🙄 main instruments: Nord Stage 3 compact, Yamaha CP88, Kurzweil PC4, Viscount KeyB Legend Live Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill H. Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Not exactly themes, but anyone under 40 will immediately recognize these synth riffs from recent pop and hip-hop: [video:youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy-5d4r_6Y8 [video:youtube] [video:youtube] [video:youtube] [video:youtube] I've got tons more if you want them. These were just off the top of my head at 3am. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joegerardi Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Well, I hate to be the one to say it, but... "Jump" by Van Halen. Also, "Separate Ways" by Journey. ..Joe Setup: Korg Kronos 61, Roland XV-88, Korg Triton-Rack, Motif-Rack, Korg N1r, Alesis QSR, Roland M-GS64 Yamaha KX-88, KX76, Roland Super-JX, E-Mu Longboard 61, Kawai K1II, Kawai K4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richforman Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 How about the main synth hook from "Only Time Will Tell" by Asia? Rich Forman Yamaha MOXF8, Korg Kronos 2-61, Roland Fantom X7, Ferrofish B4000+ organ module, Roland VR-09, EV ZLX12P, K&M Spider Pro stand, Yamaha S80, Korg Trinity Plus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hurricane hugo Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 The Dr. Who theme Darude's "Sandstorm" that Avicii song that's dominated radio this year (don't know what it's called) That dropping bass part from Icona Pop's "I Love It" The Minimoog riff from Rush's "Tom Sawyer" You're in Italy, so you pretty much have to go with at least one Genesis riff. "Follow You Follow Me," perhaps? http://blip.fm/invite/WorkRelease Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sven Golly Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Well, I hate to be the one to say it, but... "Jump" by Van Halen. You hate to say it because it demonstrates that you didn't actually read the original post? I'll only bring one synth, my MEK. That's mono, so no "Jump" or "Africa" riffs. Just melodies; melodic melodies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Six-string-man Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Sven it's a good job you're here to keep us in line, otherwise this place would go to hell in a hand-basket. SSM Occasionally, do something nice for a total stranger. They'll wonder what the hell is going on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 How about Take On Me by A-Ha, definitely Axel F, intro to Howard Jones' Don't Try to Live Your Life in One Day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theo Verelst Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 Dolce Vita (Ryan Paris) Funky Town (Lipps inc.) Some famous Culture Club lick "Groove is in the heart" (Dee Lite) T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillNeverPost Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 - "Just what I Needed" by the Cars has been mentioned but the opening synth lead from "Let's Go" may be more recognizable. - Opening of "Moments In Love" by Art of Noise (the breathy vox sound from a Fairlight - it may be sampled but it counts IMO) - Opening lines from "Don't Go" and "Situation" by Yaz/Yazoo - Opening of "Just Can't Get Enough" by Depeche Mode - Opening synth line (on JP8) from "Save a Prayer" by Duran Duran - Opening synth lead on Steve Winwood's "While You See A Chance" I could have added others but you say you need monophonic only. Obviously, the 80's are a gold mine of synth sounds but there may be more actual monophonic synth leads from the 70's. But if you say that a band like Styx is not well known in Italy (the synth lead in "Come Sail Away", for example, is iconic on this side of the Atlantic) I don't know which bands from the 70's WOULD be well known there. In any event, in choosing from those decades you are very much depending on the memories of the audience, and on their ages - the "young folk" probably won't recognize one in ten songs from back then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill H. Posted October 23, 2014 Share Posted October 23, 2014 that Avicii song that's dominated radio this year (don't know what it's called) Yeah absolutely! Don't play Jean Michael Jarre. Today's modern EDM artists are thousands of times more popular than he ever was... even in his prime! Check out the view count on "Wake Me Up" - close to half a million views! And the downloads were in the tens of millions. It's theme (which first appears at 1:10)should give your MEK a good workout with it's layered digital and analog components. [video:youtube] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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