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For this installment of #threetunesday, as initiated by @ablaze, I went mixolydian? How so?
Well, I was trying to figure out whatever a round was called, proper, musically. I remember stumbling across an old Leonard Bernstein video about the Beatles, and more specifically, how "curious" and "fascinating" the album Revolver was to the composer. I agreed and have forever more been a Bernstein fan since I found that video on YouTube.
He was a musical composer, first and foremost. I could never get into his scores, per se, but I could always get into his passion when directing a Beethoven or Mahler. I'd recommend a YouTube search or two if you have any interest in that style of music with him at the helm. Very good (and I'd be happy to send links if interested!)
Along the way, I also stumbled upon his discussion regarding the mixolydian scale with the "off" 7th note. Curious, too; I must say I was intrigued as two of his examples for young people included two of my favorite bands of all time. Have you guessed who they might be? Well, you might have an idea shortly.
So here we go...exploring 1960's musical genius Bernstein and his take on pop music's use of the mixolydian.
Tommy James and the Shondells : Hanky Panky
Again, that 7th off note is hidden in that Hanky Panky lyric. It's that "off note" that is based on a very old scale structure...don't worry, I'll include the reference video below.
The Kinks : You Really Got Me
Barbaric? Sure...but you can Bernstein gets them. Another running about in the Mixolydian sequence of notes....
Can you guess who might be the third example? I'll give you a hint...last name Lennon, first name John...and George...and Paul...and Richard. (Sorry Macca, in case you read this one too)
The Beatles : Norwegian Wood
I had to mix this one up a bit and throw in the Anthology version for this one. Fun fact: if you listen to the very end, John sings, "And, when I awoke, I was alone, this bird had flown....so I lit her afire, isn't it good, Norwegian Wood..." I always used to throw that one out on those Karaoke nights; one must keep it unpredictable, just like the Beatles!
There it is. Another #ttt; the Bernstein reference in focus is below too:
Long live the mixolydian!!