The little-known instrument heard on many famous songs

The Mellotron is a little-known and often misunderstood musical instrument that is getting some love courtesy of a new documentary called "Mellodrama."

WNYC's excellent "Soundcheck" program provided a nice overview of the Mellotron and its enormous impact on music over the past 50 years. The Mellotron, which was sold in the States as the Chamberlin, was the first electronic sampler, using a variety of keys to trigger prerecorded sounds on strips of tape. Crude technology, yes, but it was good enough to serve as the foundation for tons of classic songs, including "Strawberry Fields Forever," Nights in White Satin," "2112" and "Kashmir." Today, the Mellotron is relatively ancient technology, but even Kanye West has just discovered its magic.

I've known of Mellotrons for years, after first reading about them on the liner notes to "In the Court of the Crimson King."  But I never really knew what they did or how they worked or that it basically sampled the sounds of other instruments. Or that its use was so widespread, and not just to add quick textures to songs. I've been inspired to go back and listen to lots of old music with a near ear.

So, we have documentaries on the Mellotron and the Theremin (see previous post). What's next? The E-bow, as suggested by a Soundcheck reader? Naw. My vote goes to the Linn drum machine, which for better or worse, dramatically changed drumming with its robotic precision but flat sound.

For music geeks: 4 worthy podcasts

I had some time off work the last few days and had time to catch up on some interesting music podcasts:

1. All Songs Considered has a wonderful interview with Beatles historian Kevin Howlett on the new Beatles remasters. If you’re a Beatles fan, there’s all kinds of wonderful insight into the new things listeners can hear for the first time. But the podcast also serves as a primer on the opportunities and challenges of recording and preserving music in the digital age. I’ve blogged and Tweeted about things like the Loudness War and the “warmth” of analog recordings but save your time and spend 22 minutes on this podcast.
2. The wonderful WNYC show Souncheck examines the songs people choose to have played at a funeral. I’ve given some thought to this one and really haven’t settled on any one song that captures my thoughts on life, death and everything in between. I’ve told my friends and family to simply make sure there’s a kegger backed by a variety of my favorite songs, with a good mix of punk, power pop and soul. What would your funeral song be?
3. On the heels of the Chris Brown sentencing, Soundcheck examines the topic of when bad people make great art. Brown, Phil Spector, Spade Cooley are among the bad folk who come to mind when this issue is raised. But an interesting side discussion comes from Randy Cohen, the NYT Ethicist columnist, who talks about how Richard Wagner’s horrible rep is softening in some Jewish circles.
4. The power of the pause: Weakened by the Loudness Wars that have ruined to 40 radio and inspired by this Slate.com article, Soundcheck offers a broader look at how the pause can be the most striking element in a song. 

The amazing Charlie Poole

I've found myself diving deeper into old American roots music in recent years, and today got an introduction to the legendary Charlie Poole.

Charlie Poole (courtesy of WNYC.orgSoundcheck, one of my favorite radio shows, presented a terrific interview with Loudon Wainwright, whose new double CD is a tribute to Poole and his music, which laid the groundwork for country music and roots music in general.

Poole sold a half-million records in the 1920s -- remember this was a time when record players (aka Victrolas) were in their infancy. In other words, he was the Garth Brooks of his day.

Sadly, Poole, like many famous musicians, died an early death at age 39, the loser in a 13-week booze binge. I'm not ready to buy Wainwright's album or the box set mentioned in the podcast, but this 23-minute segment is well worth the listen for music fans digging into the roots of modern music.

Update on Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 10:11 PM by Logan Molen

AllMusic has a deeper history of Poole.