Some people, I hear, always dreamed of being back-up singers. The Supremes for Diana. The Pips for Gladys. You know, that sort of thing. I won't lie. I think I only ever dreamed of being Diana and Gladys--but there's a special spot for really good back up.
And that's today's amazing insight into writing really terific kids' music. (And remember, I think about this sort of thing because I want to figure out how to do it really, life-changingly well).
#1 Best Use of a Righteous Back Up Band
"John the Rabbit": Elizabeth Mitchell, YOU ARE MY FLOWER
I love this song for the regular-guy-ness of it. Maybe she should have been Elizabeth Mitchell & the Yes Ma'ams . . . well, I mean, for that song at least. And try to imagine the song where Elizabeth just says those words for herself. Right. TOTALLY not the same.
A well-placed back-up can make a good song really terrific.
I think I'm going to put an ad up on Craigslist so that I can have a righteous back up band for my next CD:
WANTED: Regular people to say context-appropriate words over and over in order to aid impact of children's song. Call 1-800-BEMYRIGHTEOUSBACKUPBAND
I'll let you know if anyboy calls.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
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1 comment:
Three cheers for the backup singers, the chorus, and the clappers. And don't forget the tambourine shakers: both the Bradys and the Partridge family knew the depth that instrument gave to their ouvre.
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