Why every musician is OBSESSED with
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2024
- On today’s episode of DeadWax, Jack and Ryan are joined by singer-singwriter/guitarist Ariel Posen as they dissect the magic of Sting’s hit “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” and attempt to solve the riddle of why musicians and non-musicians alike are obsessed with Sting.
HUGE thank you to our guest for this episode: Ariel Posen!!
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Hosts: Jack Conte, Ryan Lerman
Guest: Ariel Posen
Executive Producer: Ryan Lerman
Production Managers: Jason Shadrick, Rachel McGowan
Video: Jenny Baumert
Editor: Adam Kritzberg
Theme Music Mixed by: Caleb Parker
Podcast Producer: Isaac K. Lee
#jackconte #ryanlerman #thedeadwaxshow #deadwax #musicians #musiciansreact #music #sting #arielposen
We need an episode on Prince and get Questlove as a guest
This, a hundred times yes
million times yes
That could go for HOURS... yes please
Holy balls yes!
That actually had one already. They covered Kiss and something from one of his new records on that episode
In the Sting/Miller interview with Beato, they mention how the bass lick in verse only appears once, which bring an element of surprise to the song because the listener is waiting for that lick
Yup. He does it once in the first verse, not sure about the second verse, I think also once. But I think he does it twice in the last verse.
God I love that Dead Wax is back! I love the musical nerdy breakdown of music. As a learning musician its so informative and an awesome way for me to learn. Thanks guys!
What I most love is how the lyrical theme of losing one’s faith in all these foundational things-religion, government, science, etc.-and the life-altering disorientation that would cause is echoed in the musical theme of a shifting, often uncertain key. Feeling that the verse is possibly in D, possibly in A; having these challenging sustained notes countering the chords; pivoting through the pre-chorus from A to E-all of these mimic what life feels like when the normal things can’t be trusted.
But then the chorus lyrically and sonically pulls us into the most solid ground we have left-“my faith in you” paired with a rising set of chords based on E (the guitar/bass’s lowest note), almost as if he’s attempting to build a new foundation to stand on. But the modal feel of it hints at how it too might all fall apart, and how losing that final thing to believe in (“you”) would be the most devastating.
It’s such a powerful way to deliver a declaration of devotion, a love song that is more than just the standard pop tropes. It hits so hard.
Love this interpretation!
Bruh why is this analysis so good
Love the new format of the show! But would also love if you brought back the song/album recommendations - the what are you listening to right now section. So valuable - Got me into a lot of new music!
yes! we will get back to that ;)
Ten summoners tales is utterly glorious
100 %
Masterpiece of an album. Always considered it a 6th Police album.
I don’t read music. I have no training in theory. But I find this video utterly captivating and entertaining. I learn so much just by watching you all share your passion and nerd out on the musicianship. I sincerely appreciate this channel for helping me listen and pay attention in new ways.
Every time I hear this song it just SOUNDS like the 90s--in a great way. It's like one of those songs that takes you to a time and place.
With this episode, Deadwax is officially back!!! This was perfect guys. You have recaptured the old vide and energy and it was so enjoyable. If you can maintain this overhead, there is no need to go any higher. The guest was perfect and knowledgeable. Thanks for bringing it back.
I love the energy. This feels like sitting in the room with my big brother and his friends, and I keep nodding like I have ANY CLUE what they're saying. "Yeah! I DO hear that shuka-shuka-shuka throughout. NO WONDER IT'S IN A!"
In his interview with Beato, Sting talks about the importance of "surprise" in music. This analysis reinforces that idea.
I would really like to take music lessons with these guys.
The way that theory was taught to me was SO uninspiring that I let it slide, never progressed and became basically a self taught "ear" player. This left me with huge gaps in my musical understanding to this day.
Listening to Jack & Ryan (and in this case Ariel) though, hearing them apply their knowledge to analysing songs is so exciting and makes so much sense to me in context. The way it's applied here the theory and the "ear" are all part of the same thing.
Omg!!! I’ve ALWAYS been blown away by the sheer genius of this song! SO happy to see someone else nerd out on the hidden complexities that Sting so effortlessly swim in. Love it!!
Yes!!! Massive Sting/The Police fan…so glad you reviewed IIELMF, one of the greatest and underrated pop songs ever, also my favorite band lineup…Sancious, Miller and Colaiuta, killer!
As a kid I used to listen to this song a lot (around 1995) and even though I knew nothing about music theory (still don’t), every little thing you single out here I remember standing out to me! That’s crazy.
Dude, the depth they are going into in these conversations is literally unrivalled. Incredibly insightful and actually helpful.
Could totally do with a super nerdy 2 hour podcast version of this format. Please?
Love Ariel- what a player he is. And by all accounts a thoroughly decent human being too- ya love to hear it! :)
19:23 thanks so so much for devoting time to the issue of loudness, I feel like only hardcore audiophiles talk about this and then it becomes somewhat of a meme, but the sound of an album is SO much defined by the breathing room it has (or doesn't have) that it's truly lost in subsequent 'remasters' (think, for instance, Speaking in Tongues by Talking Heads. One of the most dynamic pop/rock albums out there). On the other hand, some album have REALLY suffered because of the loudness wars in the late 90s onwards. I mean people are literally trading around a leaked pre-mastered version of RHCP's Californication because it's SO brickwalled that it can't really be thought of as an artistic choice. That was truly just 'make it as loud as it goes so it stands out on the air'
Dang where can you find that copy of Californication??
This is like watching chefs describe each ingredient in your favorite meal. 😃
Great analogy!
So much for artists (labels) blocking or demonetising content like this. I instantly want to listen to more sting again. And I’m probably not the only one who feels this way after an analysis like this!
Jack's "Goddammit" @43:45 i nearly fell off my chair
Gentlemen, I understand maaaybe 20% of what you're discussing on the technical domain, but on the composition, the structure, the instrumentation and the melodic domains, I am deeply appreciative of your total geek-out analysis of this record. Incredibly illuminating; thank you!
I'm glad you guys got to the swing of the groove. The tambo is a huge factor in the feel. So many great swingy feels on this record. And I always loved how infrequently Sting drops that tasty bass fill in the verse. Genius in lots of ways.
What a great episode! I appreciate all the work y’all have put into making analyzing music so fun, insightful, and inspiring.
So happy you guys are back! LOVE THIS CONTENT!!
Larry Adler on Harmonica. Legend. 😊
This episode of you guys nerding out over one of the best songs ever actually brought me to tears! Your enthusiasm is so compelling! Thank you for this!
Just keep those kind of episodes coming! I could listen to it all day 😊.
Soooo interesting conversation!
Amazing video chaps! Great to see Ariel on the panel too. Love the jams. Keep them coming ya legends!
Super nerdy and I'm here for it!!! Great episode.
This episode was f*#%ing EPIC! I could have easily listened for another hour or two! That was SO incredibly revelatory, educational and entertaining. Thank you for breaking down one of the best tracks ever recorded with such insight 🙏👍🏼💛🎶
soo happy that you guys are back with these videos
I am so glad you guys are back ❤❤❤
Guys, I love that youre back.
Great episode.
Please continue to ask your guests for new music recommendations. You guys always knock it out of the park!
Love that you're back. Please don't go away again!
This could be twice as long. Enjoyed every second
A masterful song for sure. I was lucky enough to see this tour in the early 90’s.
Love Sting, and so happy you choose one of my favourite songs of his!
Boys, that was the best episode yet! The amount of detail and understanding the three of you bring to the table is amazing. I've been listening to that song for basically my whole adult life, but there is so much to discover. Like in a master painting, the amount of dedication, time and thought a group of brilliant musicians put into this recording back in the 90ies at Stings lake house can not be appreciated better than by another group of great artists deep diving for all the shiny bright bits that lie hidden under the surface.
Oh, and bring back Ariel, his is such a chill dude, not to mention his ripping power, if needed.
Fantastic analysis! The excitement of discovering the pivot chord is so fun!
Thank you guys ! Please do more of this in depth deconstruction’s.
This made my week, didnt know you were back
the way you guys discuss his use of modulation brings to mind the single ‘Can’t Stop Thinking About You’ (one of his latest)
He took a simple, straight forward tune, and extracted so much from it by manipulating basic chords…just brilliant.
I love the way you just sit and geek-out on this amazing song, I used to do it in the past (not in this level of details as you do...) with a friend, geeking on Sting songs was a thing, and when you talk about the modulation to E (around 40:00) I was thinking "that corresponds with the "let me say this first" lyrics" - 10 sec later Ariel says it! priceless.
Conclusion: "Sting should run for President." Love goes out to Ryan Lerman! 🥰🤩🥰
Such a joy watching this video. Love all the nerdy comments and discussions.
Ready for part 2 🙏
This was so much fun!! Cheers from Argentina 🍻
so so happy to listen to your infectious positivity and musical knowledge guys :)
Thanks y'all, that was ridiculously fun. I remember this song striking me as utterly genius back in the day when it dropped, and now some folks with the requisite knowledge have managed to help me understand why. Much appreciated! Oh, and ditto on a Prince-focused episode. I was thinking the same thing when y'all were discussing how rare talents can skirt the fine lines between approachable pop with mass appeal and highly nuanced, intricate arrangements loved by music nerds. Great stuff!
This is one of favourite songs, along with Let your soul be your pilot. Although have many of his albums and have lucky to watch him live a few times.
This song is like most a journey and detailed layers if you actually listen.
Sting is such a brilliant song teller. The music is another level for me. He enjoys the journey and everyone else is in for the ride too
This is one of my favorite songs ever. Maybe my favorite.
Me and my Dad have always LOVED Sting
This was too much fun, so many gems.
This is so dope!
Good to have you back.
This is what i love about these episodes. music geeks on an adventure.
fab, fab, fab, another great show. pleeeeez, keep'm coming ...
The "Pa..pa.."-method of analyzing harmony works for me every time. Nice.
Really great analysis. I’ve been a Sting/Police fan since college (first saw them live in 1981!!!). I’ve always known Sting is an amazing musician, but y’all have given me a completely new perspective on his genius. Really cool.
Finally dead wax is back !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Needed you guys to come back so bad.
Love this show!
Hey Jack - you are “all over the place” in the best possible way! Don’t ever get slick! LOVING that you guys are back!!!!!
Great one - thanks!
Please do a part 2!!!!
And part 3.
There better be an episode 2 for this song, that was too much fun to stop now. 😁
Great episode! A lot of it is over my head theoretically but very enjoyable anyways. As a bass player myself I would like you to consider doing an episode of another of my favorite bass players… Brian Bromberg. (Especially his double bass work)
Love this episode. Including the rambling!
That chorus is paradoxically circular yet feels always evolving
I was obsessed with this song when I was little and completely forgot about it til now.
5:22 That bass thingy is extremely sticky and defining, but it only happens once in the entire song 😅
I was about to bring this up as well! ”He toys with your expectations” with this one as well. The hook is so good that you only need it once but you still think it’s there even though it’s not. Great stuff!
My god I've missed you guys. Please follow up with a part deux !
Now I need an episode explaining the 'volume wars.' I too like a mix with headroom. Dire Straits, Steely Dan, that sound. This was a completely engrossing episode!
I feel like the tempo in all these 90s songs (as in your Fugees example) derives from legendry UK band Soul II Soul. With their syncopated rythm, starting from the end of the 80s, they influenced a wide genre of music.
Love Soul II Soul also
Love this show so damn much. Don't go away like before - those were dark days.
Insanely good content. Love me some Dead Wax. I feel compelled to shout out that Ryan’s socks match the album cover perfectly. It’s the small details.
This is where I DREEAAAMMM to be as a musician, to have musician friends like THAT
Same
From the moment I got it in 93 it’s been a huge factor in all of my listening since that first purchase
Love the long form gents!
I don't understand half (okay more than half) of what these guys are talking about but still find this whole video compelling. I was super proud of myself when I picked up on the clever, "Let me say this first" lyric before Ariel noted it. Thanks!
Sting's best album. Also my favourite drum album.
The kick and snare gives it a 3/2 clave feel too.
let's keep it PG... 🤣. And nice beat boxin' Jack! I love it when I look at a video that's an hour and I think "nah" but then I just get pulled in and watch every minute. well played dudes.
I forgot how much I missed this show
Please do the "part II of the exact same song"!!! :'D lovely!! Bravo!
Man this is so great!!!... can I bring the beers next time???
This is not only my favorite song by Sting, but possibly my favorite song ever.
At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, you could have talked about this song for another 2 hours without running out of things to say. So glad Dead Wax is back!
Yess!!
I love you are back, guys. I would love a extended format of this kind of videos. Is there available more staff in some other platform?
will start putting more stuff up at patreon.com/scarypockets !!
Jack seems high af on coffee during this 😂❤
This show is great for musicians, fans, intelligent minded people non musically gifted. I thought of this 10 years ago wish i woulda capitalized , I can play drums and guitar, but not formally trained. Great episode. Sting is god like in ways
Hearing the breakdown on each transition, it so hard for my mind not to wander to Trent Reznor. It’s strange how much of a visceral reaction I get from truly amazing music.
The genius of this song is that modulates between 5 different tonic key centers! C, A, E, G, and B here they are listed in each of their sections, I hope this helps anyone trying to figure out this song!!
Intro key - Am (aka C)
Verse 1 key - A
Chorus 1 key - E
Verse 2 key - A
Chorus 2 key - E
Bridge/Verse3? key - starts in Em (aka G), modulates into A, and then modulates very briefly into E before
Chorus 3 key - B
Chorus 4 key - E
Outro key - Em (aka G)
Fantastic to see talented musos commenting on other musos musical choices - Ariel remembers similar kick rhythms from the 90's?!?
Great use of penultimate. It's my favourite.
I think Ten Summoner's Tales was Sting's apex moment as a solo artist...which is cool since it was like 10 years into him as a solo artist. The live gig they filmed in some English country house perfectly captures the vibe...just a bunch of super talented musicians, having a lot of fun. Old enough to be super honed...but young enough to really swing for the fences.
If I Ever Lose My Faith In You, Fields of Gold, Seven Days, and Shape of My Heart are all 10/10 perfect songs imo.
Sting is amazing! I suggest an episode with Prince too. Unfortunately, most people don´t know how great and versatile he was as an artist/musician.
To interview Prince they would need to cross the Styx river, and that could be a little problematic.
Great episode. Also. Sting's vocal range is worth of a whole episode. It's right up there with that of Freddie Mercury.
Ten Summoners Tales def needs appreciation as a one of the great but overlooked concept albums.
The haunting #4 motif, the sixteenth note drum anticipation, chordal analysis, modulations, etc. is high level and helps to understand, appreciate Sting’s masterpiece, better. These guys are not only great musicians but great teachers!! 😊