Rock n Roll Radio

A really poppy Derailleur song, written and sung by our bass player.

I don't love all of the effects that were slathered over Mark's voice; the intent was to make it sound like he was coming out of an old-time radio, but I don't know if it really works. Otherwise, this is one of my favorite Derailleur songs. I'm playing keyboards, and I think this is where I really started gaining some confidence playing an instrument that had always been foreign and intimidating to me before.

(Get Flash to see the track player.)
posted by COBRA! (5 comments total)

It's not that often that you hear a tune speed up that much once the drummer comes in. The guitarist, with the opening riff, actually slows down the tempo after the 4-stick count-off. Then the drummer enters after 4 more bars, and it's awaaaaaaaay we go! It's almost like the drummer was listening to some other count-off somewhere else in the universe! That's kind of amazing in and of itself.

And indeed, it's interesting that you'd describe something like this as "really poppy", especially considering the extreme EQ on the vox and the general lo-fi, DIY rock quality of the track. Makes me wonder a little: what does the term "poppy" mean to folk these days? Is it the formal structure of the tune that makes it "poppy" for you?

Can't make out most of the lyrics, but I did catch something like "say goodbye to rock and roll". Now, don't take this personally or anything, but that would actually probably be a good thing at this point: if more musicians started saying goodbye to rock and roll, and started trying some slightly different paths and strategies. I think there's too much falling back on easily replicated "rock" characteristics, and that (as a result) there's just a whole lotta music out there that sounds incredibly samey.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:30 AM on September 21, 2007

It's not that often that you hear a tune speed up that much once the drummer comes in. The guitarist, with the opening riff, actually slows down the tempo after the 4-stick count-off. Then the drummer enters after 4 more bars, and it's awaaaaaaaay we go! It's almost like the drummer was listening to some other count-off somewhere else in the universe! That's kind of amazing in and of itself.

Y'know, I never noticed that; but now that you've pointed it out, it's kind of hilarious. It might be an artifact of how we recorded the song (although I think the drums and rhythm guitar tracks were recorded on the same take; I can't remember for sure). Ultimately, it's kind of funny because that moment encapsulates some core band personalities pretty well: Bob (drums) really likes to play things fast, Grant (guitar) really likes to play things mellow, and the tension between that either adds to or detracts from our sound, depending on your taste.

And indeed, it's interesting that you'd describe something like this as "really poppy", especially considering the extreme EQ on the vox and the general lo-fi, DIY rock quality of the track. Makes me wonder a little: what does the term "poppy" mean to folk these days? Is it the formal structure of the tune that makes it "poppy" for you?

That's also pretty interesting to think about; I guess I'm just thinking about poppiness in relation to the rest of the Derailleur catalog, instead of the wider world of music. You're right, structure's really the only thing driving that, since the second we actually start playing we're smearing our usual garage-y sound all over the pop structure.

Now, don't take this personally or anything, but that would actually probably be a good thing at this point: if more musicians started saying goodbye to rock and roll, and started trying some slightly different paths and strategies. I think there's too much falling back on easily replicated "rock" characteristics, and that (as a result) there's just a whole lotta music out there that sounds incredibly samey.

I mostly agree with you, but it depends a little on what a group's end goal is; lots of people just want to revel in the form and have a good time, without worrying about taking music to strange new places. That's not really where I'm at, but a lot of people are and I can't really say there's anything inherently wrong with feeling that way.
posted by COBRA! at 7:06 AM on September 21, 2007

Ha, what a great discourse! Poppy? Heh, if this was cleaned up a bit, professionally mastered, it could probably play on mainstream radio. At least here in San Diego.

Overall, this is pretty rockin'!
posted by snsranch at 2:39 PM on September 21, 2007

It is ironic that you reference him as a "kick ass drummer" in the lyrics when he plays so sloppy-- he needs to close up those hi hats. But it's not all him, the whole thing needs to be tighter before it will really work.

It's not a bad song, there's potential here if you re-record it. Lose the effects on the vocals and bring them up some in the mix, and try to get everyone on the same groove. You might want to try new lyrics too-- it's going to be hard to compete with The Ramones on a rock n roll radio song.
posted by InfidelZombie at 10:52 AM on September 22, 2007

Flapjax- there's a lot of samey music on those other paths too. It's more about the personality you bring to it than the particular form.
posted by InfidelZombie at 10:57 AM on September 22, 2007