Submitted by: Submitted by laxman
Views: 472
Words: 2305
Pages: 10
Category: Music and Cinema
Date Submitted: 04/03/2012 12:00 PM
Introduction:
In 1966 recording techniques were brought rock music to new heights in the studio, the Beatles and the Beach Boys accomplished this with the release of the albums Pet Sounds and Revolver respectively. The Beatles used the recording studio to manipulate sounds and make their music sound unreal as an example on the track “Tomorrow Never Knows”. The Beach Boys used the studio much differently using not nearly as much sound manipulation, for example the track “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”. These two albums will change the way music is recorded. Since the release of these two albums, many of their predecessors followed in their footsteps in the genre of avant-rock. Two great examples are Jimi Hendrix and King Crimson; these two artists display clear evidence of direct influence from the music of Pet Sounds and Revolver. Two tracks where these influences can be heard are “Waiting Man” by King Crimson and “1983 (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)” by Jimi Hendrix. “Waiting Man” and “1983 (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)” are great examples of how Pet Sounds and Revolver changed the course of Rock and Roll, and this essay will explain that connection.
Song analysis and song description of “1983 (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)”:
“1983 (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)” was released in 1968 on the Jimi Hendrix Experience album Electric Ladyland, two years after Pet Sounds and Revolver were released. “1983 (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)” is considered to be one of the most psychedelic song Jimi Hendrix has ever written. “The song features Jimi Hendrix on multiple guitars, bass and vocals, Mitch Mitchell on drums, and Chris Wood on flute. Various sound effect overdubs were also added” ("1983... (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)", 11 Dec. 2011). Hendrix in this song sings about how he wants to escape a war torn and every other terrible thing that’s going on in this world at the time, such as the Vietnam War. He wants to escape by using a “machine” most likely symbolizing drugs,...