Tag: USA

Rufus Wainwright | Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk

Vocalist/pianist/composer Rufus Wainwright released “Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk,” the first track on his sophomore album Poses, in 2001. Wainwright benefited from classical piano and composition training and has carved out two career niches: a unique brand of chamber pop and opera composition. From AllMusic‘s review: the tune “combines classic Gershwin/Brian Wilson pop feels along with a strong sense of French cabaret show tunes” — nowhere more clearly than in this live version.

Starting in E major, a modulation to E minor hits at 0:50 and reverts to E major at 1:26; the pattern continues from there.

Nikko Ielasi + Nikkollective | Bang Bang

While this tune doesn’t feature a modulation until the instrumental outro, it’s a standout harmonically. A cover of “Bang Bang,” the hit 2014 collaboration by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj, this 2015 live cover features a profoundly re-harmonized arrangement by bandleader and keyboardist Nikko Ielasi. Starting around the 1:00 mark, the energetic new arrangement of the one-chord original version really kicks in — and never lets up.

Rosemary Clooney | Hey There

“Hey There,” from the 1954 musical The Pajama Game, was subsequently recorded by several prominent artists after John Raitt performed it in the original theatrical production. Rosemary Clooney‘s version reached #1 on the Billboard chart in 1954. Written by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, the ballad modulates at 0:42 and then reverts to the original key at 1:04.

Commodores | This Is Your Life

Busy mod scout JB contributes “This Is Your Life,” a single from The Commodores‘ second studio album, Caught in the Act (1975). Reaching #13 on the R&B chart, the track was written by the band’s most well-known member, Lionel Richie, who later went on to huge solo fame as a performer and songwriter.

After a lush chorus (starting at 2:38) which brings the entire band’s backup vocals into the equation, the modulation is at 3:24. The tempo of this soul ballad is so leisurely that it actually sounds completely plausible when played back at 1.25 speed!

Ray Charles | Stompin’ Room Only

MotD member Mark Mahoney contributes today’s mod: the 1961 album Genius + Soul = Jazz by the legendary Ray Charles featured this simple blues-based tune, dressed up by a no-hold-barred big band arrangement by Quincy Jones and Ralph Burns. The band was comprised of members of The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra and a group of NYC session players. In 2011, the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

The tune features several modulations; the first is at 2:27. Happy weekend to all!

Keith | 98.6

An American performer named Keith (yes, just Keith) released the single “98.6” in 1967. The song reached #7 on the Billboard chart and #24 on the UK Singles Chart in 1967. The Tokens, the Brooklyn-based doo-wop group better known for “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” provided back-up vocals.

The tune features a few instrumental breaks featuring key-of-the-moment glimpses. But the actual modulation is at 2:47 as the instrumental outro begins.

Kali Uchis (feat. Bootsy Collins) | After the Storm

Colombian-American R&B/Neo-Soul songstress Kali Uchis released “After the Storm” in 2018. This whimsical track features collaborators Tyler the Creator and funk bassist / vocalist / icon William “Bootsy” Collins.

“The saying ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ is a perfect way to describe this new track,” (ListenMag). “A silky smooth bass groove (provided by none other than Bootsy himself) which plays along the bouncing synths, transports you to an era of love, soul, and funk.”

Modulations hit at 1:43, 2:07, as the bridge starts at 2:31, and 3:07.

Kenny Loggins + Stevie Nicks | Whenever I Call You Friend

“Whenever I Call You Friend” by Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks (1978) was released among a slew of late-disco tunes. The track stood out for its kinetic pop sound despite its string-heavy arrangement. There are plenty of modulations, particularly from the instrumental bridge (2:30) onward. The tune, written by Loggins and Melissa Manchester, went top ten in the US and Canada.

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.”