I've currently got it at number two in my 1984 music videos playlist, so hopefully it might get some more recognition. ua-cam.com/play/PL6oCQqv2KW6WBP9zuxJho3EYft723UBI7.html
I am truly gobsmacked!!! Thank you for explaining this. For many years I always had it in my head that there was a synthesizer "slide" from the C♮ (around 5.20). What a GREAT video and break down of such an iconic 80s tune. A very greatful thank you Jonas Wolf Music.
Always wondered if Nik was inspired by Godley & Creme’s "An Englishman In New York" for this song? Has that similar mallet part, pulsing rhythm and interesting chord changes.
Amazing how he can make these modulations from key to key the gimmick of the song. Similar to how Wide Boy uses the Coltrane changes. I would say that he uses dorian and major, and not minor and major in the verse melody. I know this isn't a Nik Kershaw channel i think you should do Cowboys and Indians from The Works.
4:24 I think this kind of intuition is often idealized as a gift you have by birth. Just because you aren't aware of a theoretical construct behind what you do (which I honestly doubt in Kershaw's case, even though he might not use our classical language), it doesn't mean you haven't practiced it. Composers practice composition from a young age and test out what sounds good, and if you are a theoretical person or not, you sharpen your intuition that way. Whatever you can do without theory, you could probably do it better with theory.
Yeah, talking of 'blessed people group' was probably a little exaggerated and not intended to be too serious... Nevertheless I would continue to state that you don't necessarily can do things better with a theory mindset, sometimes too much theory can stand in your way (experienced that a lot) - and people like Nik Kershaw as far as I can tell from the interviews I saw just have a good hand experimenting around till the thing sticks.
@@jonaswolfmusic1775 Of course you have to use theory the right way. If you treat theory as a definition of your limits, it will destroy your creativity. But when you use it as a tool to find more possibilities, it will inspire it.
I can totally agree that treating theory as a definition of one's limits is bound to destroy one's creativity. And theory of course can be a very useful tool to explore new possibilites. But neglecting all tools can also lead to some very interesting and in many cases innovative results. And from my experience, some people really fare better with the latter way. (Me, being a trained music theoretician, of course struggles a lot to do so sometimes.)
Human Racing, Easy, City of Angels, LABATYD, Walkabout and Don Quixote. Those are some songs with interesting changes. All his songs are interesting whether it's musically or lyrically, hence Monkey Business, Wide Boy.
@@aubindemontfalcon5967 Since you mentioned it the second time now, I covered Know How in my most recent Nik Kershaw analysis video. Look it up if you haven't already: ua-cam.com/video/fpD19zBWimY/v-deo.html
The best pop song ever made and it gets virtually zero respect or recognition.
I've currently got it at number two in my 1984 music videos playlist, so hopefully it might get some more recognition. ua-cam.com/play/PL6oCQqv2KW6WBP9zuxJho3EYft723UBI7.html
Thanks for these NK videos. I really think Nik Kershaw is among the most underrated songwriters of the 80's.
I am truly gobsmacked!!! Thank you for explaining this. For many years I always had it in my head that there was a synthesizer "slide" from the C♮ (around 5.20). What a GREAT video and break down of such an iconic 80s tune.
A very greatful thank you Jonas Wolf Music.
thank you for your enthusiastic response! 🙂
Always wondered if Nik was inspired by Godley & Creme’s "An Englishman In New York" for this song? Has that similar mallet part, pulsing rhythm and interesting chord changes.
Amazing how he can make these modulations from key to key the gimmick of the song. Similar to how Wide Boy uses the Coltrane changes. I would say that he uses dorian and major, and not minor and major in the verse melody. I know this isn't a Nik Kershaw channel i think you should do Cowboys and Indians from The Works.
4:24 I think this kind of intuition is often idealized as a gift you have by birth. Just because you aren't aware of a theoretical construct behind what you do (which I honestly doubt in Kershaw's case, even though he might not use our classical language), it doesn't mean you haven't practiced it. Composers practice composition from a young age and test out what sounds good, and if you are a theoretical person or not, you sharpen your intuition that way. Whatever you can do without theory, you could probably do it better with theory.
Yeah, talking of 'blessed people group' was probably a little exaggerated and not intended to be too serious... Nevertheless I would continue to state that you don't necessarily can do things better with a theory mindset, sometimes too much theory can stand in your way (experienced that a lot) - and people like Nik Kershaw as far as I can tell from the interviews I saw just have a good hand experimenting around till the thing sticks.
@@jonaswolfmusic1775 Of course you have to use theory the right way. If you treat theory as a definition of your limits, it will destroy your creativity. But when you use it as a tool to find more possibilities, it will inspire it.
I can totally agree that treating theory as a definition of one's limits is bound to destroy one's creativity. And theory of course can be a very useful tool to explore new possibilites. But neglecting all tools can also lead to some very interesting and in many cases innovative results. And from my experience, some people really fare better with the latter way. (Me, being a trained music theoretician, of course struggles a lot to do so sometimes.)
The interlude sounds like a sonic the hedgehog level
I've thought something similar to that for many years, but thanks for putting it into words.
Can you do an analysis on Bogart or You Might by Nik? kind regards! :)
Coming soon. ;-)
@@jonaswolfmusic1775 😍👌🏻
Human Racing, Easy, City of Angels, LABATYD, Walkabout and Don Quixote. Those are some songs with interesting changes. All his songs are interesting whether it's musically or lyrically, hence Monkey Business, Wide Boy.
Stay tuned. New video on Nik Kershaw is about to come. I think you will like it. ;-)
KNOW HOW is really one of his most ingenious, inventive songs. Very complex song, although absolutely stunning in its melodies.
@@aubindemontfalcon5967 Since you mentioned it the second time now, I covered Know How in my most recent Nik Kershaw analysis video. Look it up if you haven't already: ua-cam.com/video/fpD19zBWimY/v-deo.html
Listen to "Cowboys and indians" chorus, he did a similar thing.
I covered that one within my one hour Nik Kershaw analysis, you might like it. :)
weirdest song ever,but absolutly exciting 🥰🤣👍
Getting to number 14 in the UK charts was pretty good for such an unusual-sounding song.