Author: Mod of the Day

Willie Nelson + Waylon Jennings | Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys

Chalk up another mod for MotD regular Rob Penttinen: Although it was first written and recorded in the 1950s, the signature version of the Country classic “Mama, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” was performed by Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings for their 1978 album “Waylon and Willie.” The tune reached #1 on the US Country charts and crossed over to the US Pop chart as well, peaking at #42. This live version, recorded at Nelson’s own charity event Farm Aid in 1986, modulates up a whole step at 1:10.

Chris Thile | I’m Nowhere and You’re Everything

American Bluegrass/Newgrass mandolinist Chris Thile, known for his work with Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers, released his fourth solo album, Deceiver, in 2004. After a chaotic bridge from 2:50 to 3:10, “I’m Nowhere and You’re Everything” modulates at 3:10, 3:42, and 4:06.

From The Houston Chronicle‘s review: “If you expected Thile to cater to Bluegrass orthodoxy and Newgrass’ oft-meandering constructs, this album’s title suggests you’ve been duped.”

English Beat | Sugar and Stress

1982 saw the release of the album Special Beat Service by The English Beat (known back then in their native UK as The Beat). The band was one of the most dynamic Ska Music groups of the late 70s and early 80s. “Sugar and Stress,” a track from the album, is an up-tempo dance rave-up that modulates up a whole step at 1:57.

The Manhattans | Shining Star

The Manhattans’ 1980 release “Shining Star” won a Grammy for best R&B vocal performance for duo/group. The tune reached top 10 across a range of US charts: Adult Contemporary, R&B, and Hot 100 (Pop). After a false modulation (a quick key-of-the-moment-shift, followed by a return to the original key) at 1:34, the tune finally modulates for real at 2:46.

Make Them Hear You (from “Ragtime”)

Today we feature “Make Them Hear You” from Ragtime (1996), with music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and book by Terrence McNally. The musical is based on the novel of the same name by E.L. Doctorow. The performance is by Brian Stokes Mitchell; the key change is at 1:27.

Jacob Collier | Once You

I have been meaning to introduce the MotD audience to Jacob Collier‘s music for awhile, so here is one of his songs, “Once You” (2018). Collier is truly one of the most incredible musicians and thinkers I have ever come across, and I highly encourage you to check out his other stuff on YouTube. It will blow your mind. A big shout-out also to June Lee, who does painstaking transcriptions of many of Collier’s songs, giving us the opportunity to follow along. There are too many key changes in this tune to list, so I will just leave you to listen. Enjoy!

Arturo Sandoval | Emily

The all-too-often overlooked jazz standard “Emily” (Johnny Mandel and Johnny Mercer) has been covered by many greats, from Sinatra to Tony Bennett — and here by trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. The tune was the title song for the 1964 movie The Americanization of Emily. This arrangement features a lovely intro through 0:19; the form begins in earnest in C major before briefly touching on a key-of-the-moment (A major) for a few bars (0:39 – 0:48), then reverting to C.

Spanky + Our Gang | Sunday Will Never Be the Same

Intrepid MotD fan Paul Steckler points out the single modulation at 2:19 in the middle of a section of Bach-inspired vocalese in “Sunday Will Never Be the Same” by Spanky and Our Gang (1967). The tune, which reached #9 in the US and was another example of Sunshine Pop, scored the biggest hit for this short-lived band from the late 60s.