Comments on: Combinatoriality in “Loser” by Beck http://www.midside.com/2007/12/27/combinatoriality-in-loser-by-beck/ popular music theory, analysis, and criticism Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:23:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: trevordeclercq http://www.midside.com/2007/12/27/combinatoriality-in-loser-by-beck/#comment-3150 trevordeclercq Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:18:56 +0000 http://www.midside.com/2007/12/27/combinatoriality-in-loser-by-beck/#comment-3150 Good point, Diego. Rhythm is certainly one of the central elements in making a successful song. But of course, there are other elements, too, like harmony, melody, texture, etc. Exactly how many specific parameters exist has never really been pinned down. Moreover, how to quantify each one is still mostly a mystery. Whenever we focus on one specific domain (in this case, texture), it is almost always at the expense of every other domain. This is not to say that those other domains are not important, or even less important. I think we can all agree, however, that no matter how important any given element is (say, rhythm), there are other factors that are also crucial to the success of a piece of music. I think it is thus worth discussing many factors - even those that are arguably not the primary ones - in our search for musical understanding. Good point, Diego. Rhythm is certainly one of the central elements in making a successful song. But of course, there are other elements, too, like harmony, melody, texture, etc. Exactly how many specific parameters exist has never really been pinned down. Moreover, how to quantify each one is still mostly a mystery.

Whenever we focus on one specific domain (in this case, texture), it is almost always at the expense of every other domain. This is not to say that those other domains are not important, or even less important. I think we can all agree, however, that no matter how important any given element is (say, rhythm), there are other factors that are also crucial to the success of a piece of music. I think it is thus worth discussing many factors - even those that are arguably not the primary ones - in our search for musical understanding.

]]> By: Diego http://www.midside.com/2007/12/27/combinatoriality-in-loser-by-beck/#comment-3126 Diego Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:10:25 +0000 http://www.midside.com/2007/12/27/combinatoriality-in-loser-by-beck/#comment-3126 Like Jimmy Webb says in Tunesmith the rhythm is taking more importance each day. The same world that we live is more practical, more essential. In the beginning was the rhythm, it´s said in Songwriting for Dummies. I think the more the rhythm is understood by producers the more communication with people, in pop music. In this understanding is not only the hit but also current art. Thanks, Diego Rengifo Bogotá, Colombia Like Jimmy Webb says in Tunesmith the rhythm is taking more importance each day. The same world that we live is more practical, more essential. In the beginning was the rhythm, it´s said in Songwriting for Dummies. I think the more the rhythm is understood by producers the more communication with people, in pop music. In this understanding is not only the hit but also current art.
Thanks,

Diego Rengifo
Bogotá, Colombia

]]> By: trevordeclercq http://www.midside.com/2007/12/27/combinatoriality-in-loser-by-beck/#comment-1761 trevordeclercq Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:46:47 +0000 http://www.midside.com/2007/12/27/combinatoriality-in-loser-by-beck/#comment-1761 Thanks, Ollie. What does "Gerf" mean, btw? Is that like "Gulp?" Thanks, Ollie. What does “Gerf” mean, btw? Is that like “Gulp?”

]]> By: O-Face http://www.midside.com/2007/12/27/combinatoriality-in-loser-by-beck/#comment-1745 O-Face Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:52:28 +0000 http://www.midside.com/2007/12/27/combinatoriality-in-loser-by-beck/#comment-1745 Gerf. I think I just learned something. Nice blog, Trev! Gerf. I think I just learned something. Nice blog, Trev!

]]> By: Lee Stirling http://www.midside.com/2007/12/27/combinatoriality-in-loser-by-beck/#comment-1621 Lee Stirling Sun, 06 Apr 2008 16:03:55 +0000 http://www.midside.com/2007/12/27/combinatoriality-in-loser-by-beck/#comment-1621 Enjoying your blog. Thanks! Enjoying your blog. Thanks!

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