From Chris Fahey Sent Fri, Dec 12th 1997, 20:05
From Chris Fahey Sent Fri, Dec 12th 1997, 20:05
> From: Brad Shelton <xxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx> > "Odd" time-signatures are actually not that big-a-deal Well, it doesn't take a genius to make a non 4/4 track, but when you hear a really good non-4/4 track it's mind bending. I'm not a drummer - in fact, i have no musical skill whatsoever, so when I hear a non-4/4 beat (and recognize it as such) its quite an interesting experience. My first introduction years ago to good alternate beats is the classic Dave Brubeck "Time Out", a record 100% full of songs with experimental time signatures, including the famous "Take Five" now heard endlessly in those shitty Lexus ads or whatever they are. Half the songs on Laika's newest record "Sound of the Satellites" are 7/8, and unlike many 7/8 tracks I've had the misfortune of having spewed at me by self-important art-rock acts at the knitting factory, Laika manages to make 7/8 groovy and very danceable. People who bob their heads up and down and look for the one two one two in their pathetic dance repetoire will probably still have a hard time, but anyone who really feels the music when dancing will easily get into the swing of this stuff. If you ask me, Laika pretty much defines the term "IDM". (From what I understand, some (particularly early) 20th century clasical composers break so free from this whole "time signature" thing that you sometimes can't even use the term "time signature" when describing their music. And more recently, experimental bands like Zoviet France just make a buttload of interesting noises with rhythms only occasionally surfacing. But since we're talking about popular (and daceable, usually) music here, I tend to gravitate towards more mainstream conventional stuff like AE, Squarepusher and Panasonic ;) -Chris