Snowman999
Active member
For the most part Ramones songs are under 3 minutes, and the early stuff is under 2 minutes. They are what's known as the exception to the rule. There are others, but very few.
Since I don't speak in musical language, I hope I can make my point clear. Because it can only help when recording.
I've listened to a lot of unknown artists on this site and many others. With some songs I wonder, why wasn't this ever released? It's a great song. Are there problems within them that a record company wouldn't allow? Yes. That's one reason.
I believe the main reason is the arrangements. There aren't many records you can put on where you can listen to a verse or chorus, and there aren't musical changes within them that are distinct to that verse and chorus. That's what most of us are missing. Those little changes that make you want to continue listening, because the music is constantly changing.
When you're recording, think about what verse 2 has that 1 doesn't? How do I build that chorus up so the 3rd time doesn't sound exactly like the 1st or 2nd? It isn't just changing a vocal melody slightly that keeps it interesting, if the music remains the same.
Did you ever notice breaks are usually great in songs, even when they're simple? That's because it's a change. Your ears are hearing something different.
This may read like a common sense moronic point that everyone follows. But they don't. When you can listen for 20 - 30 seconds and its 2 guitars, bass and drums, and they're all straight forward and rhythmic, it might sound good. But it's probably not going to attract much attention.
Arranging is sometimes harder than writing a melody and chords. Ronson and Page are masters at it. Just listen to any Beatles song, holy Toledo, hats off to Sir George Martin. He barely goes two measures without something changing, and making it sound perfect.
This is just my opinion. I do believe it's the difference between a good song and a great song.
Since I don't speak in musical language, I hope I can make my point clear. Because it can only help when recording.
I've listened to a lot of unknown artists on this site and many others. With some songs I wonder, why wasn't this ever released? It's a great song. Are there problems within them that a record company wouldn't allow? Yes. That's one reason.
I believe the main reason is the arrangements. There aren't many records you can put on where you can listen to a verse or chorus, and there aren't musical changes within them that are distinct to that verse and chorus. That's what most of us are missing. Those little changes that make you want to continue listening, because the music is constantly changing.
When you're recording, think about what verse 2 has that 1 doesn't? How do I build that chorus up so the 3rd time doesn't sound exactly like the 1st or 2nd? It isn't just changing a vocal melody slightly that keeps it interesting, if the music remains the same.
Did you ever notice breaks are usually great in songs, even when they're simple? That's because it's a change. Your ears are hearing something different.
This may read like a common sense moronic point that everyone follows. But they don't. When you can listen for 20 - 30 seconds and its 2 guitars, bass and drums, and they're all straight forward and rhythmic, it might sound good. But it's probably not going to attract much attention.
Arranging is sometimes harder than writing a melody and chords. Ronson and Page are masters at it. Just listen to any Beatles song, holy Toledo, hats off to Sir George Martin. He barely goes two measures without something changing, and making it sound perfect.
This is just my opinion. I do believe it's the difference between a good song and a great song.