Tag: 2000s

Jamiroquai | Time Won’t Wait

An overdue MotD debut today for British “acid” funk band Jamiroquai, submitted by frequent contributor JB. According to AllMusic.com, the band has “amassed a steady stream of hits in the U.K. and experienced chart success in just about every other area of the world, with an irresistible blend of house rhythms and ’70s-era soul/funk…” The band explores themes of “rising technology and the deterioration of human interaction,” perhaps best demonstrated in its initial 1996 worldwide hit, “Virtual Insanity.”

Released on the album Dynamite in 2005, “Time Won’t Wait” is a dynamic dance blowout — reminiscent of some of the best 70s disco/funk jams, but with better chords! After an intro in D minor and a jump to F minor at 0:36, the tune alternates between these two keys. After the chorus starts with a familiar Fmin/Cmin/Bbmin/Gbmaj progression from 1:21 – 1:28, we’re treated to a cascade of new syncopated chords hitting every two beats, starting with a very prominent F major. At 1:51, the cycle starts again.

Nate Wood | Stand By Your Man

Nate Wood is perhaps best known as the drummer for the modern electric jazz quartet Kneebody, which the New York Times calls “a resolutely un-pindownable band” using “a common jazz instrumentation to make a somewhat less common amalgam of urban-signifying genres, from electro-pop to punk-rock to hip-hop.”

In addition to working with Kneebody since 2002, Wood has balanced sideman stints with the likes of George Harrison, Sting, Chaka Khan, guitarist Wayne Krantz (Steely Dan), Armenian pianist Tigran Hamasyan, and Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters). Wood’s several solo releases (starting with 2003’s Reliving) showcase his writing and vocal abilities; he played and recorded every instrument on the debut album.

“Stand By Your Man” has a plodding groove, but features a dense harmonic tapestry. Starting in C major, the track shifts about mysteriously, its cadences far from expected. Near the end of the track (3:04) the tonality shifts, obscured by the unconventional harmonies and frequent inversions. At 3:30, the fog clears: the harmonies simplify as the first phrase is repeated, now unmistakably in D major.

Big Mountain | Baby, I Love Your Way

Peter Frampton‘s “Baby, I Love Your Way” was originally released in 1975 as a single, and when it didn’t gain any traction he included it on his live album Frampton Comes Alive the following year, helping the album become a huge hit. The track also appeared in the 2000 movie High Fidelity, performed by Lisa Bonet. The cover featured here, performed by the American reggae/pop band Big Mountain, reached #6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and #2 on the UK Singles Chart. Key change at 3:16.

Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (from “All Shook Up”)

“Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” is featured in the 2005 Elvis jukebox musical All Shook Up. Most every cover of this song (and the original, released in 1961) includes a key change or two, but this one at 1:42 is particularly dramatic.

Enrico Pieranunzi | Jona Che Visse Nella Balena

Italian jazz pianist Enrico Pieranunzi, who has played with the likes of Chet Baker, Paul Motian, and Charlie Haden, released the trio album Play Morricone (2002) with bassist Marc Johnson and drummer Joey Baron. The album’s focus is the broad discography of composer Ennio Morricone, who has written over 400 scores for film and TV.

“Jona Che Visse Nella Balena” (Jonah Who Lived In The Whale), a solo track, modulates at 1:18, 2:36, and 4:10.

Barbra Streisand | What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve

Happy New Year’s Eve! Thank you all for making 2019 a memorable one at MotD, introducing new music to our libraries, with key changes brightening every day. We close out the year with “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve,” performed by Barbra Streisand from her 2001 album Christmas Memories. Key change at 2:47. See you in 2020!