Once again, this week's psa is brought to you by smac. I seriously cannot stop listening to this song by Josh Garrels.
Mason Jar Music Presents... Josh Garrels from Mason Jar Music on Vimeo.
I think one of the things about popular music that bothers me the most is its lack of color. There's a technical term for it that I learned in Music Theory II and have now forgotten. Basically, the instrumentation is all pretty much the same (as are the chords, but that's another matter). What I love about this clip is the unique combination of sounds. It's one of the things I love the most about orchestral music. There's so much variety and depth to it. Listening to popular music doesn't train your ear to notice this stuff, which makes me sad, because it means a lot of really great music goes unappreciated and so many people are missing out on a lot of really great music.
so I love it when contemporary artists utilize orchestral musicians. It's a chance to hear something new. I mean, that's kind of an implied part of creativity. The other thing I love about the above performance is that Josh Garrels is a Christian artist. I am sorry, but so much of worship music and contemporary "Christianese" is trite and frankly just boring. I like Josh Garrels' music, but his harmonies are pretty simple, which is why this is so well-done. The added color is exactly what is needed. Now I wish I could work for Mason Jar Music.
Here's another example of a contemporary band (Radiohead) using orchestral sounds. This technique can become really cheesy, violins have that tendency, but I think this is done really tastefully.
Okay, one more and then I'm done. I just can't help it! There's so much awesome music out there that isn't being listened to! so the other great thing about that Josh Garrels' piece is the way it builds. There's a definite shape to it, which I love. so here's another piece it made me think of which also utilizes orchestra and builds really well. And it's about trains, which I like. Thanks for inspiring me, smac.
4 comments:
Friend! I am so glad you are equally addicted to that piece-- it is so beautifully musically and lyrically. And I love it when you write about music-- and when you write in general, but it's great to "hear" you discuss one of your passions.
Have you checked out some of Mason Jar's other recordings? I've been browsing around, apparently they've produced some others.
Also, I LOVE YOUR THAI PRESENTATION (in the previous post)! I laughed so hard at the captions- and you can say that all in Thai??? You just went up a thousand more points in my book...
I LOVE YOU!!! And freaking miss you!!!!!!!!!!
:-)
timbre?
Either that or texture. I just can't remember.
I love all of these. As usual, Heidi, you post some of the best music lying around on the net. Sara MacPherson, I have never met you, but your taste in music is great.
Post a Comment