I have never purchased an entire album on iTunes before I came across Bruno Mars’ new album, but Doo-Wops & Hooligans made a believer of me. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the smash hit “Grenade” or even “Just the Way You Are” that pulled me in. Rather, I was enticed by tracks like “The Lazy Song” (a song as relaxing as its title implies) and “The Other Side” (a song with smooth vocals from Mars and Cee-Lo Green, and a rap verse courtesy of B.O.B). However, there was one track that caught my eye that wasn’t the biggest hit and doesn’t even have its own video; that track is “Runaway Baby”.
Upon hearing it for the first time, I just thought “funky, what a funky song!” the bass just rings out and makes itself known with a tight riff. The guitar and bass work in tandem to lay down a slick verse and a solid chorus, and I love how they drive the beat of the song. Meanwhile, Bruno Mars sings with an inflection reflecting the sly and charismatic lady-killer character described in the lyrics.
The bassline was so infectious that I knew I would want to learn it the moment I heard it. For the main riff and second verse I used the tab by “rbnbass” on Ultimate-Guitar.com. It is a solid tab, especially since he (or she if it is a “she”) claims it as his first; however, the chorus didn’t really suit me. It was a pretty simple progression so I came up with it myself (it’s simply B, B♭, E♭, A♭). The riff itself wasn’t entirely complex either; it is a funky line that with a little practice can sound very well-done.
As for the video, I added some effects to make things interesting and I had to really play out the low notes so the microphone could pick it up. The name of the game is improvement from the week before and I think I accomplished at least that much.
Review
I have been paying particular attention to iTunes’s Discovery Download this week: “Violin” by Amos Lee. It is a folksy tune, and something about the bluesy-country instrumentals and the haunting echoes pulls me into this one. It is also notable to point out that his album reached #1 in iTunes album sales (and still sits there as of Friday the 28th). Speaking of albums, check out Talib Kweli’s new CD, Gutter Rainbows if you’re tired of garbage hip-hop. Many people I talk to have never heard of him and I wish they’d give him a listen! It’s the kind of music that makes you think, and that is exactly what hip-hop today needs.
I love Amos Lee. I have his self-titled CD, and my favorite song of his is 'Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight.' His voice has such a soulful quality, and this song pretty much puts me in a trance. I have not had the chance to listen to his new album, but I'm excited to get it.
ReplyDeleteFirst, very well done. I didn't comment on this one last week, but I like the way that you're doing your blog. It is interesting and very artistic. The bass is one of those interesting instruments that is always sort of pushed to the back of bands. In songs, you don't hear it much over the sounds of the singer, the drums, and guitar. That being said, I've never really heard a stand alone bass playing music. It sounded a lot of different than I was expecting. Instead of being slow, as I was expecting, it was pretty fast paced. Simply put is was very fun to listen to and very beautiful.
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ReplyDeleteI admire you, Marvin. This is a very involved passion blog.
ReplyDeleteI want to comment on buying entire iTunes albums. I feel like the entire album is like one complete work of art. If I only buy a couple songs, I feel like I can only say that I am a fan of the songs, not the artist.
The best albums are when you can feel the songs all being one. It's the difference between a "greatest hit" collection and one solid piece of art. Take the Suburbs, by Arcade Fire (check them out!)for example. Every song has been placed in that album for a reason. The songs even run into each other.
I'm so glad you bought the whole album =)
I really like the set up of this blog. Really cool, I continue to be impressed. It was funky! And cool. I'm going to be YouTubing some Bruno Mars!
ReplyDeleteLet me start by stating I LOVE BRUNO MARS! His smooth tone and catchy beat gets me every time! I enjoy watching how you progress with your music each week. I think "Runaway Baby" was a great choice!
ReplyDeleteI missed this blog last week (mostly 'cause I couldn't play the video in class Friday) but I'm so glad I caught up with at home this weekend. Love what you're doing with this blog!
ReplyDeleteAs a keyboardist/vocalist, I've really come to appreciate good bass (and drum) playing over the last year. Plus, playing with talented bass players is just a lot of fun.
Do you know Victor Wooten? I have to admit he's the only bass player I actually know by name, but I really like him. I saw him play with Bela Fleck in Prague a few years ago, and was surprised to see that he had this huge following. But the guy is GOOD, so it makes sense.