I was going through my record collection today and came across Herb Alpert’s 1971 release, Summertime (not available on CD, argh!) and put it on. Kathleen and I talked about how if we could only have access to one label’s catalogue it would be A&M Records. After all, they had Herb Alpert, The Police, Burt Bacharach, Sergio Mendes and Cat Stevens.
Cat Stevens rose to fame at the age at 19 with the hit The First Cut is the Deepest in 1967. (Versions by Rod Stewart and Sheryl Crow are perhaps more well known than the original). After falling ill with tuberculosis in 1968, Stevens took a couple of years away from the limelight, then released the introspective album Mona Bone Jakon in 1970. And this takes me to the point of this post.
In my opinion, the song Katmandu is one of the best examples of simple yet interesting musical arrangement. It starts very simply with an single guitar, then voice, then suddenly an additional guitar just strumming a couple of chords. The chorus arrives and so does the bass. The bass line is pretty much straight eighths and adds a lush bottom end. There is also a beautiful flute part played by Peter Gabriel. A simple glockenspiel part completes the arrangement.
There are many great simple arrangements by Simon and Garfunkel, Nick Drake and Neil Young. For me, none have the character that this recording does. It works because the arrangement suits the song perfectly. I encourage you to listen for yourself.
Cat Stevens – Katmandu
When recording your own music always ask yourself, “Does this part really add to the song, or am I just adding parts for the sake of it?” It is very tempting to keep adding. After all, with many software based studios, your track count is only limited by the speed of your computer and your imagination. But every track you add should be bringing something to the song, not just filling the blanks. This is where producers can really help you out. If you’re doing things on your own, be ruthless and “kill your children” (so to speak). Less is often more. -mc
triple j Unearthed is a gem of a website from Australia. Not content to simply feature terrific new artists from down under, they also offer a free 3-page PDF primer on DIY recording. Three pages is admittedly just a very basic intro to do-it-yourself recording, but it’s surprisingly useful if you’re just getting started. Their mixing tips are bang on.
Here in Canada, I like Exclaim! magazine’s Where I Play section, which gives an inside peek into the home studios of musicians from across Canada—from Ninja Tune heavyweight Amon Tobin’s “mountain of digital and analog gear” to avant-garde musician Jesse Zubot’s “chaotic mess of wires, cords and blinking electronics.” It’s fun inspiration for any recording musician. -kf
Or close to it. Carole Pope is playing in my town this weekend. Okay, so I really only know High School Confidential, but I never get tired of that song. Besides, Carole is a phenomenal performer – I once had the privilege of seeing her perform at the (relatively) tiny Sneaky Dee’s in Toronto, of all places – and I have nothing but respect for musicians who really give it their all on stage.
…I think the whole Rough Trade thing was that we just didn’t care, we were just going to play what we liked – which I think is the way to be an artist. Be very true to yourself – I’m going to do what I do, and I’m going to be me, and I’m going to play what I want to play, and people are either going to like it or not like it, and people loved it.
Yeah, so maybe I’ve heard that a million times from a million different artists. Who cares. I can’t help it, I love her. Carole’s devil-may-care attitude belies the fact that she still respects her audience – she must! – since she just puts on such a damn good show. And this, dear friends, is a fine example to emulate in recording. Be true to your artistic self, make the best recording you can make, and respect your audience’s right to love it or hate it. -kf
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Cat Stevens rose to fame at the age at 19 with the hit The First Cut is the Deepest in 1967. (Versions by Rod Stewart and Sheryl Crow are perhaps more well known than the original). After falling ill with tuberculosis in 1968, Stevens took a couple of years away from the limelight, then released the introspective album Mona Bone Jakon in 1970. And this takes me to the point of this post.
The British go one step further. 
Here in Canada, I like 
…I think the whole Rough Trade thing was that we just didn’t care, we were just going to play what we liked – which I think is the way to be an artist. Be very true to yourself – I’m going to do what I do, and I’m going to be me, and I’m going to play what I want to play, and people are either going to like it or not like it, and people loved it. 
