References

Edwards, B. (Producer). (2009). Bob edwards podcast [Audio Podcast]. Brian Wilson Podcast.  Retrieved from http://soundcloud.com/chrispyspears/brian-wilson-podcast


Elliott, B. (1998, June). The beach boys pet sounds liner notes. Retrieved from http://www.bradelliott.com/writings/ps.html


Elliott, B. (1999). The beach boys pet sounds liner notes. Retrieved from http://www.bradelliott.com/writings/ps2.html


Howard, D. (2004). Sonic Alchemy. Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard Corporation.

The Beatles - "Revolver"

One of the main, respectable qualities of the Beatles is the fact that they are versatile.  Prior to their recording of the Beatles album “Revolver”, I feel like they were more poppy, catchy, and structured.  Upon the recording of the album “Revolver”, the Beatles had become involved with a few new things.  Not only was there an inclusive presence of the musical instrument the sitar (also previously used in “Rubber Soul”) but also there was an additive political influence within “Revolver”.  On that note, this was an album that had a very serious tone to it.   This was possibly due to the Beatles experience and influence of India, using LSD and Art.  The band used these three components to help create their album taking not only for India’s history, LSD’s experience and the emotional expression of Art.  Using the studio as an instrument was a huge part of what the Beatles were as band. They used ADT (automatic double tracking) to enhance the sound of voices or instruments during the recording process.  I feel that this is a form of instrumentation because it is making an impact on the sound of the song.  Specifically within “Revolver”, the Beatles delayed copy of an audio signal that was then combined with the original to create a term known as tape delay.  John Lennon himself was a huge fan of using something called flanging.  It was said at many points that the Beatles had create this sound effect, however, there is much speculation over whether or not they actually had. This is an intricate process that involves engineer's alternately pressing and releasing his finger against the flange of the supply reel on one of two synchronized tape machines.  At the same time, the audio signal was combined and transferred to a third machine, slightly slowing the machine then allowing it to come back up to speed and in sync with the other.  This creates a fuller effect.  Before doing this essay, “Revolver” was always my favorite album of the Beatles.  Now, knowing more about it, I love it even more.  I feel that everything from their lyrics expression to their vocal tracking, along with their instrumental production and creation is very innovative and would go so far as to say historical.

The Beach Boys - "Pet Sounds"

Prior to “Pet Sounds”, The Beach Boys sound was not nearly as full, nor as experimental. The songs had a simple message, most of which were derived from the lifestyle of southern California during the 1950s, yet had vocal harmonic genius that of the do-wop groups from the late 1940s. The surfer, beach life was definitely portrayed through these young Californians (even though only one of them knew how to actually surf) with tunes like “409” and “Surfin’ USA”. The creativity behind The Beach Boys and all of their hits was due to their founder, producer, composer and engineer Brian Wilson, the oldest of the three Wilson boys. It was from listening to groups like The Four Freshmen that inspired Brian to start a vocal group. His fascination with recording made him one of the first engineers to use “overdubbing”.  Just as Brian and The Beach Boys got their start on this revolutionary style of rock n’ roll, the British invasion hit America with bands like The Beatles. It turns out that Brian Wilson would be so enlightened by The Beatles record “Rubber Soul” that it set his inspiration for the most famous record by The Beach Boys, and maybe of all time. The record “Pet Sounds” was a collaboration of Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, an ad-man who barely knew Brian. Brian Wilson used methods he learned from Phil Spector to record the album, giving it a fuller sound and using the natural room reverb from the studio. The musical arrangement was spectacular, and the vocal harmonies were majestic. Instruments like string section, horn section, bicycle horns/bells and the use of the theremin complimented songs such as “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and the beautiful “God Only Knows”. “Pet Sounds” was one of the first albums to use an actual theme and story in their album, the sense of growing from childhood to adulthood.  These techniques and use of instrumentation were revolutionary during this time period. This album set the bar for so many genres such as psychodelic-rock and other forms of rock n’ roll.

As a lover of music, I feel that “Pet Sounds”, in my eyes, has all the right elements for the music that was being produced back in that day. Having the capability to compose an orchestra and add the most unique instruments are reasons why Brian Wilson will go down in history as one of the greatest producers of all time.  I have learned a lot of good recording techniques just by listening and researching this album.

Welcome to the Phil Jahnke Music History 2 Blog

Hello Blogger! (I assume there is only one of you)

My name is Phil Jahnke, but you can call me Phil. I am currently a student at Full Sail University. Before moving out to Orlando, Fl I was living in Chicago, Il (the place where I call home) with my Mom, Dad, two brothers (both older) and the spoiled golden retriever I have ever seen, Bailey. After high school graduation in 2007 I spent 2 years wondering around Elgin Community College, taking a few classes here and there. During my time at ECC I was informed about Full Sail University and did some research on the school's programs. Less than a year later I was enrolled in the college for the Recording Arts Bachelors program and have been here ever since.

Music has always been the most important part of my life. I never saw myself doing anything else (well, except for winning the lottery and marrying the Playmate of the Year). I have faith in myself and Full Sail that I will be able to enhance my knowledge of music and my love for sound and creating amazing tracks.

I hope you enjoy the opinions I have in my Blog and maybe I'll look back on this and my time at Full Sail and think about all the facts and knowledge I gained.

-Phil