bvdd Posted May 21, 2004 Share Posted May 21, 2004 Another current thread is talking about song tempo changes, but I didn't see this aspect of the story mentioned: Unintentional tempo change. Years ago I coined the phrase (at least I THINK it's mine) 'Adrenaline Rush' to describe how bands seem to automatically speed up in a song. We get so carried away with the song's energy that without knowing it the song is WAY faster than when it started. The Stones were mentioned in that thread and they are probably my best all time example (I'm old) of "A-R". Early Stones' records often showed a hint of this, but in live shows - forget it. 'Satisfaction' sounded like 'Communication Breakdown'. In many (but not all cases I'm sure) lack of discipline is the culprit IMO. It's damn difficult to 'contain' the energy of Rock 'n Roll .. as it's energy is what gives it LIFE. And it seems to take years to learn how to 'ride the wave' of the song while keeping it in a particular tempo 'zone'. In my teen years, I would playback reel-reel tapes of my band's show the night before and be amazed at this strange phenomenon. How could we possibly have NOT NOTICED when it was happening?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barandine Vondenger Posted May 21, 2004 Share Posted May 21, 2004 i made notes on the floor sheets comparing them to the slowest and fastest songs so we would be aware of it.. you must be very anal about it. click it.. and tap it and discuss and FEEL IT and be ready to throw it all out the window come jam time ahahahah! think LIVE FOGHAT! and not that fake foghat that was out for awhile. Frank Ranklin and the Ranktones WARP SPEED ONLY STREAM FRANKIE RANKLIN (Stanky Franks) <<< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prague Posted May 22, 2004 Share Posted May 22, 2004 It's very common amongst rock musicians. Loud = fast Soft = slow As with any other aspect of music, it just needs attention. Besides, didn't the "studio" versions of whatever songs rock? Yes, they did. Even tempo doesn't mean it doesn't rock (only undisciplined musicians think playing faster means it rocks more). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hound Dog Posted May 22, 2004 Share Posted May 22, 2004 Iron Maiden is another group I have noticed who really rushes things in their live shows. Many of their songs are fast anyway (Killers, Run to the Hills, Aces High) The music ends up sounding alright, but the real problem is that they out run the singer. Sometimes it's all Bruce can do to get all the words out. Yum, Yum! Eat em up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dasher Posted May 22, 2004 Share Posted May 22, 2004 Hell, listen to the original Chameleon by herbie Hancock and the Headhunters. Damn near doubles the time. Mike Clarke and Paul Jackson are total groove monsters, but they DEFINITELY get carried away! (I played a gig with them once in Vallejo backing these three young soul singers - wannabe Supremes, The rhythm section was so powerful (and overpowering) the girls wre in tears by the end of the second song! We never got asked back, I wonder why..,. The best way to learn not to rush is to play to a click track for a few weeks. Then, when you're on stage, continually mentally reference the original tempo every few bars - if it's rushing, pull back. If you can't do that, quit music and get a gig working for NASCAR... Dasher It's all about the music. Really. I just keep telling myself that... The Soundsmith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salyphus Posted May 22, 2004 Share Posted May 22, 2004 There seems to be an assumption that tempo changes are a bad thing. I don't agree with that assumption. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bvdd Posted May 24, 2004 Author Share Posted May 24, 2004 Originally posted by Saul Asner: There seems to be an assumption that tempo changes are a bad thing. I don't agree with that assumption.Saul, I'm not referring to subtle human feel changes that we all make, even when we play to a click track. There's nothing inherently 'bad' about that. I AM talking about times when the adrenaline is rushing and we're in a hot groove onstage .. and then the tempo takes off because we're overwhelmed by the energy. That results in a complete loss of the feel of the song and while it's happening, we're under the illusion that it's fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dasher Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 There seems to be an assumption that tempo changes are a bad thing. I don't agree with that assumption. Well, as was just stated, minor 'human' changes are fine, deliberate tempo change is fine, but when you're starting to get a good groove, and the pocket is right THERE, and the bass player starts to drag, and drag more, a n d m o r e... It's like having a boat anchor on each finger! And when the drummer starts rushing (notice it's NEVER me! ) and the finely crafted unison line with the sax suddenly gets faster than one of you can play (and it's not written to be...) Dasher It's all about the music. Really. I just keep telling myself that... The Soundsmith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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