IT'S A SONG THING

Music has changed over the ages; it is not the same as it once was. Some "contemporary" musicians use older music as a base for new sound mix. For example, Crossroads by Robert Johnson; his style is a little sloppy, its more natural, the sounds feel pure, authentic. In a way Johnson’s style projects melancholy & sadness. While Crossroads by Eric Clapton is a little bit more sensual, not as melancholic as Johnson’s. The sound thought it’s simple, it’s not as raw. The beat is mellow & easier to the listener. Another example would be Spoonful by Howlin’ Wolf, vs. Spoonful by Cream. Now, Howlin’ Wolf has a fancy beat. It music that provokes you too bounce around while you listen to it. The mix is quite simple. What actually make the song are the voice & the delicacy of the guitar, bass & drums. The same compass makes it enjoyable. Cream’s version spite of keeping the same compass spices the things up a little. It creates the same feeling of bounciness, but the sounds are not as subtle as Howlin’ Wolf’s version.

Now we have You Shook Me by Muddy Waters vs. You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC. Muddy’s version is sexy, slow, his voice marks the pace taking you into that mellow relaxing state. His voice sounds like silk it’s smooth & enjoyable, soft & tender. Then we have the counterpart, AC/DC’s rock version takes you to a “hyperish” state. The mix amongst drums & guitar is magnificent. Vocals are not as silky as Water’s, but instead they are sort of pitchy which gives an interesting turn to the song.

Let’s talk about Manish Boy by Muddy Waters. The beat is the classic blues beat. The guitar has this sticky “sexy bad ass” beat, creating an empowerment atmosphere, it’s the type of song that plays when the hero/sexy guy walks into the bar and orders a beer. The mix is simple, vocals & guitar.

Cocaine by Eric Clapton has a bouncier beat. Thought its simple, the verse & chorus repeat over & over, the style is soft, it’s certainly something I would listen to while making chores. It sort of lifts your spirit.

Finally two songs from Stevie Ray Vaughanand, Pride & Joy & Cold Shot. They are a mixture between blues & rock. The sound is interesting. It’s a good mixture, but it’s not my favorite style. Thought it lifts my spirit I am still not sure of how I feel. The mix between rock & blues is good. But I thing I have an old lady soul & rather have rock or blues, not both.