Songs that Changed Music: Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer

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  • Опубліковано 10 лис 2020
  • ➡️➡️Learn more about Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel: producelikeapro.com/blog/stop...
    ➡️➡️ Watch Artists That Changed Music: Peter Gabriel: • Peter Gabriel: Artists...
    Certainly, the next decade became a time of discovery for Gabriel - personal and musical. On the musical side, he began releasing a series of four self-titled albums , which his fans have since provided with their own nicknames (“Car” (1977), “Scratch” (1977), “Melt” (1979) and “Security” (1982)). While several of the solo albums include charting singles, it was Gabriel’s fifth album, So (1986), that gave him his first and only number one hit - “Sledgehammer.” With an irresistible groove, a horn part straight from Stax, and brilliant production, “Sledgehammer” transformed Gabriel from an edgy seventies rocker into a eighties pop superstar.
    Although “Sledgehammer” would turn out to be a massive success, appealing to a large and diverse audience, Gabriel did not have such grand intentions with the track when he began.. Gabriel reflected on the song’s success in 2012 explaining:
    “With “Sledgehammer,” everyone thinks, “Oh, he must have created that to get a hit.” And it wasn’t done that way. In fact, Tony Levin reminded me that he was packing his bags to go home, and I called him back into the studio, saying “I’ve got this one idea that maybe we can fool around with for the next record - but I like the feel.” That was “Sledgehammer.” It was late in the day and we just fell into the groove, landed a beautiful drum track on it, a great bass line and it all came together.”
    The song certainly does come together, bringing innovative sounds and diverse influences into one incredible track. It opens with a synthesized Japanese shakuhachi flute sample, played on Gabriel’s Fairlight CMI. Pulling from his progressive rock roots, the free flowing flute sound draws the listener quietly in before the horn section dramatically announces the onset of the song’s magnetic groove. Drummer Manu Katche captures a funk influence with an eighties pop of the gated reverb snare. Tony Levin’s bass line is exciting and catchy, while also sounding impossibly smooth. The classic fretless tone is paired with the attack of a pic, giving it that bright and rhythmic edge. He runs this through an octave pedal, giving it that modern sound. The guitars provide the funky yet stable core that allow the active bassline to take center stage.
    Undeniably critical to this entire mix is the soul influence and energy of the horn section. Expressing his excitement about having Wayne Jackson - who had played in the house band at Stax records and toured with Otis Redding - play trumpet for the track, Gabriel told WMMR Radio in 1986:
    “as a teenager, soul music was one of the things that made me want to be a musician. It was really passionate and exciting… Wayne Jackson, who plays on that track, was also with Otis Redding and was touring with him when I saw them in London. So that was a thrill for me, just to get a whole lot of fan stories. But I think the song was more influenced by many of those Stax and Atlantic tracks rather than Otis particularly.”
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 1,6 тис.

  • @Producelikeapro
    @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +86

    What songs would you like us to cover in this series?

    • @joevendors243
      @joevendors243 3 роки тому +27

      My Sharona- the Knack

    • @rb-kd4ry
      @rb-kd4ry 3 роки тому +14

      Jimi Hendrix.... Song--Bold as love!!!!

    • @Boobypoppop
      @Boobypoppop 3 роки тому +4

      TTD-Holding on to You. A rare diamond and, seemingly a different recording method to rest of the album. Maybe it was recorded separately in another studio? However, it's a stand out track (in production terms ) on a great, great album. I would love to hear your take on it . Keep up the good work!
      From a big fan in Leicester England.

    • @rborawski
      @rborawski 3 роки тому +14

      If you haven't done a Beatles tune yet, might I suggest Sgt. Peppers? 4 tracks of wonderfulness!

    • @SvexTheDragon
      @SvexTheDragon 3 роки тому +40

      Enjoy The Silence by Depeche Mode

  • @jalabi99
    @jalabi99 3 роки тому +89

    Thanks to Rick Beato and the UA-cam algorithm for making me aware of this channel. Subscribed!

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +4

      Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate it

    • @allenmontrasio8962
      @allenmontrasio8962 2 роки тому +2

      me too

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  2 роки тому +1

      @@allenmontrasio8962 thanks ever so much

    • @cwalters7399
      @cwalters7399 Рік тому

      The professor of Rock following brought me here. Brilliant channel

    • @adriendecroy7254
      @adriendecroy7254 Місяць тому

      Warren is next level compared to Rick Beato. Legit stuff which can come only from years in the industry (not that Rick doesn't have that, but I find Rick less profound).

  • @mrnelsonius5631
    @mrnelsonius5631 3 роки тому +79

    When I was a little kid, pre-school, I was obsessed with Sledgehammer. First song I ever LOVED. Flash-forward to age 12-13, I wanted a bass. I hadn’t listened to Gabriel in years (listening to 90s grunge) but the first thing that came out of me with that bass, that I had to figure out, was this song. It was a part of my DNA. I’ve been playing bass for a living since :)

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +8

      Thanks ever so much for sharing! Amazing story! Tony Levin is truly inspirational

  • @schlaackmusic
    @schlaackmusic 3 роки тому +134

    Tony Levin playing a fretless with a pick like an absolute S A V A G E.

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +9

      Yes! Incredible

    • @liamb8624
      @liamb8624 3 роки тому +10

      I became obsessed with trying to emulate the tight percussive ghost notes sitting in amongst the main riff. Phenomenal bass playing and production from an incredible album.

    • @iamfantastic.iamgreat3649
      @iamfantastic.iamgreat3649 3 роки тому +1

      @@Producelikeapro When was that.?

    • @thechristianbernal1108
      @thechristianbernal1108 3 роки тому +1

      It’s not a bass- it’s a stick

    • @schlaackmusic
      @schlaackmusic 3 роки тому +1

      @@thechristianbernal1108 Oh really? For whatever reason I thought he only played the stick live. That's cool to know!

  • @barcellos61
    @barcellos61 3 роки тому +82

    Saw Peter Gabriel in Rio de Janeiro, 1993. Tony Levin on bass, David Rhodes on guitar, Manu Katché on drums and David Sancious on keyboards. Just picture that. What a band! What a show!

    • @jluther1755
      @jluther1755 Рік тому +2

      Saw that same show at The LA Coliseum. Shankar on Violin and Paula Cole singing 🔥

    • @garymcdonnell5791
      @garymcdonnell5791 2 місяці тому

      Wow man' fair play!! Ya lucky sod haha😊 so cool is right man.. All my best mate from Gary Liverpool UK...

  • @SlowhandGreg
    @SlowhandGreg 3 роки тому +166

    "Don't give up" makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up every time, the whole album is a masterpiece building on his previous work

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +12

      Agreed 100%!!

    • @rickanderson1683
      @rickanderson1683 3 роки тому +15

      As much as I love the studio version, and Kate Bush in general (owning several of her cds), the live version with Paula Cole is one of most amazing things I've ever heard. She was a star of that tour.

    • @alaricgoldkuhl155
      @alaricgoldkuhl155 3 роки тому +7

      I can't hear it without crying like a girlyman. I wish Kate and Peter got married and had hundreds of song-children together.

    • @javascript6948
      @javascript6948 3 роки тому +2

      Such a great song even Willie Nelson covered it.!!!!

    • @DavidLazarus
      @DavidLazarus 3 роки тому +1

      Yes, love that song too! I sang it earlier today; albeit in my car with the windows rolled down in an empty part of a shopping center parking lot. :^D

  • @toomanyjstoomanyrs1705
    @toomanyjstoomanyrs1705 6 місяців тому +3

    Peter Gabriel not only has my all time favorite video with "Sledgehammer" but my all time favorite romantic song in "in your eyes."

  • @georgesgauthier
    @georgesgauthier 3 роки тому +55

    This is not meant as a slight, but having watched Rick Beato "What makes this song so great" videos for years and always feeling him fall short of what I wanted in a video essay, is is such a pleasure to have discovered your "Songs that Changed music" series. This focus on production, arrangement and influences as well as context is so much more illuminating than simply breaking down chord progression. What an absolute delight! Thank you and keep up the good work.

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +15

      You’re very kind, I like to feature songs that were really important and do the best I can to cover all aspects of the writing, recording and production! Rick does great work and I’m honoured to be included in a discussion with him.

    • @MetteC5
      @MetteC5 9 місяців тому +1

      Thanks George, I've been wanting to write a similar comment but thought that I was alone in noting Rick falling short in numerous ways. So, as you, I'm absolutely delighted to have discovered this series!

    • @Unbiasedlistener
      @Unbiasedlistener 7 місяців тому +1

      I am in complete agreement.

    • @williamthomas2278
      @williamthomas2278 6 місяців тому +2

      Please note that Rick Beato is teaching about music as a writer and composition more than as a cultural influence. I love both shows for different reasons

    • @MetteC5
      @MetteC5 6 місяців тому +1

      @@williamthomas2278 That's a fair point and I see what you mean, but the problem with Rick is that he's teaching _through_ a very American cultural prism, which often leads to toe-curling inaccuracies as regards music outside of the US. Those of us that have a broader horizon are weary of his US-centric misrepresentations and have stopped watching his videos.

  • @Noone-of-your-Business
    @Noone-of-your-Business 3 роки тому +100

    Woah! 40% of the entire video's length dedicated to the fretless bass!
    I *approve!!* 👍😁

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +6

      Hahahaha Thanks ever so much!

    • @mightyV444
      @mightyV444 3 роки тому +3

      Makes sense, though: It's the song's most important ingredient, next to Peter's vocals, and also its foundation. And yeah, being also a bassist I loved that, too :-))

    • @MrJpbmusic2005
      @MrJpbmusic2005 2 роки тому

      "Fretless Bass +Otave pedal =Marriage made in heaven ..the Fretless Bass never got the respect it truly deserved despite being common among 80s British pop music..

  • @SingaporeSkaterSam
    @SingaporeSkaterSam 3 роки тому +48

    Don’t forget Games Without Frontiers, that did quite well too, 1980 - a magical time to be growing up music wise.

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +2

      It’s not forgotten my friend! Masterpiece

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +4

      Just one of many videos to come! Thanks ever so much for watching

    • @pungarehu
      @pungarehu 3 роки тому +1

      79 to 81 was THE golden age

    • @kobayashiMaroo
      @kobayashiMaroo 3 роки тому

      and "Family Snapshot" . . . no song gets the hairs on my neck sparking like "and I let the bullet flyyyyyyyyyyy......"

  • @thelasthourgetready
    @thelasthourgetready 3 роки тому +15

    I always knew Peter Gabriel was special as a child Solbury Hill always moved me in a way I cant explain but I never realised how much detail went into sledgehammer amazing.

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +1

      Agreed! Gabriel is one of the greats! Only a couple left!

  • @russellbutterfield1419
    @russellbutterfield1419 3 роки тому +68

    So.......One of the best albums ever produced.

  • @budgreenwood9359
    @budgreenwood9359 3 роки тому +104

    I had the incredible honour of meeting the man himself at Real World Studios in 1992 when we were mixing some of our album there, he was an absolute gentleman !
    I also got to play all his keyboards !

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +5

      Wow! Amazing! Thanks ever so much!

    • @keykrazy
      @keykrazy 3 роки тому +4

      What all did you see there? Care to share manufacture & model #'s you remember seeing there? Any notable modules spotted in the racks?

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +2

      @@keykrazy yes, enquiring minds want to know! Haha

    • @TelecasterLPGTop
      @TelecasterLPGTop 3 роки тому

      Cool, he's one of my musical heroes. Must have been a real buzz to meet him.

    • @robmanueb.
      @robmanueb. 3 роки тому +10

      I worked with an Iranian refugee who told me he was his biggest fan, he showed me a picture of him and Peter together. I asked him how he got the picture, he told me he kept asking people where he lived until someone gave him his address, went and knocked on his door. Peter came out and was happy to be photographed with his no 1 fan. Pretty cool and humble.

  • @paniccleo
    @paniccleo 3 роки тому +52

    That bass sound is so iconic. So intensely deep and liquid.

  • @lynette599
    @lynette599 2 роки тому +16

    As a non-producer and non-musician, I have just subscribed...LOL..the musicality of these musicians is just mind-blowing.. Greetings from South Africa.

  • @johantibbelin417
    @johantibbelin417 3 роки тому +40

    The amazing horns is what really does this song for me. But then I'm a saxophone player.

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +2

      Love the horns! Thanks ever so much!

    • @TheOnlineBusker
      @TheOnlineBusker 3 роки тому +1

      Sax is one of the coolest instruments, and I'd bet it's one of those that so many people say they would "love to learn" but never even think about it! Off to check out your channel dude to see if there's any cool sax there!!

    • @TheOnlineBusker
      @TheOnlineBusker 3 роки тому

      Ha! it's about coding! Didn't expect that! Cool too!

  • @budgetguitaristcom
    @budgetguitaristcom 3 роки тому +28

    I've seen Peter Gabriel twice. He was AMAZING. What an artist.

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +1

      Agreed 100%! Thanks ever so much!

    • @DavidLazarus
      @DavidLazarus 3 роки тому

      I only saw Peter on the US tour. Great show though! Darn sure wish I had been old enough to see him with Genesis!

    • @realdocloco
      @realdocloco Рік тому

      Same, saw him twice in the early to mid eighties - incredible showman and music quality that still impress me today. Some of the best concerts in my life.

  • @mattcambrian1215
    @mattcambrian1215 3 роки тому +15

    When the horns come rising in on verse two, this song becomes something special. Probably the best pop song ever.

  • @stereoroid
    @stereoroid 3 роки тому +36

    Another vote for Owner Of A Lonely Heart by Yes. The whole dynamic with producer Trevor Horn - whose stint in the band just a few years earlier led him to switch to production - is fascinating. The story I heard is that he literally got on his knees to beg the band to finish it, that's how big he (correctly) thought it would be.

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +2

      Marvellous idea Dirk!!

    • @stereoroid
      @stereoroid 3 роки тому +1

      @@Producelikeapro Not to mention that bizarre music video, and the presence of most of the Art Of Noise on there.

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +1

      @@stereoroid yes, wonderful!

    • @joefry22
      @joefry22 2 роки тому +2

      Yeah, I remember “Owner of a Lonely Heart” sounded so distinctive when it came out. It just jumped out of the speakers. Cool, melodic songwriting combined with Trevor Horn's crisp, modern production.

    • @cowboixxxl
      @cowboixxxl 2 роки тому

      Hell Yes to Yes

  • @Texicus_Reddicus
    @Texicus_Reddicus 3 роки тому +6

    Seinfeld bass + fresh prince drums + peter gabriel = sledghammer

  • @youraccount7003
    @youraccount7003 3 роки тому +9

    Peter must have had the overall sounds in his mind and worked on creating them in reality. What musical genius.

  • @timcent7199
    @timcent7199 3 роки тому +47

    I'm blown away by the technical details presented, and how clearly you speak. Too bad I don't understand a single word of it. I just watched because I love this song. I'm tempted to watch another one now. Thanks!

  • @brandoncrow3741
    @brandoncrow3741 3 роки тому +7

    This entire album, So, is a MASTERPIECE. Peter Gabriel is a musical genius. 🔥

  • @lisajohnson521
    @lisajohnson521 3 роки тому +29

    I LOVE me some PG. He has one of the best voices ever.

  • @silviopuertas
    @silviopuertas 3 роки тому +47

    This song was a huge hit here in Brazil in the late 80s, because it was the theme song of the TV series Sledge Hammer, which was broadcasted by Rede Globo, the largest Brazilian TV network.

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +5

      Hi Silvio!! Thanks ever so much!

    • @TogonzoMedia
      @TogonzoMedia 3 роки тому +2

      Interesting irony: when ABC promoted the show here in the states, all the adverts featured Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer". But when the show actually premiered, we get this iconic Danny Elfman, over-the-top, 007/Untouchables sounding theme with a horn section and a operatic bridge!

    • @sophieschollsreinkarnation5078
      @sophieschollsreinkarnation5078 2 роки тому

      @@TogonzoMedia Yeah, it confused me a lot as a kid ... I was a big fan of the series and thought the song was about it. They came out in the same year also.

    • @pu5epx
      @pu5epx 2 роки тому

      I saw the clip at 'Fantástico', is one of the strongest memories I have from childhood, so good it was

  • @GrexKhusan
    @GrexKhusan 3 роки тому +19

    When you got Levin&Katché, you can be pretty sure that the rhythm section is nothing less than brilliant.

  • @hobbyknight546
    @hobbyknight546 3 роки тому +33

    I remember when this song came out. OH CRAP I must be old now

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +4

      Haha me too! I hear you!

    • @toonertik
      @toonertik 3 роки тому +2

      @@Producelikeapro Yeah... but some of us were in our LONG pants by then>> :P

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +2

      @degrande707 haha indeed!

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +3

      @@toonertik haha very true!

    • @mightyV444
      @mightyV444 3 роки тому +1

      Not as old as the artist himself, though ;-) I was 16 then, turning 51 next month. Still have great memories of '86 :-)

  • @pthaynes
    @pthaynes 2 роки тому

    Peter Gabriel's Genesis era vocals can be entrancing at times.

  • @davidzachmeyer1957
    @davidzachmeyer1957 3 роки тому +10

    The album was beautifully engineered, with a wonderful clean, crisp sound. The opening high hats on "Red Rain" set the tone for the rest of the album.

  • @Adam-hs1ft
    @Adam-hs1ft 3 роки тому +57

    0:59 Haha, Genesis Exodus

  • @Tibbon
    @Tibbon 3 роки тому +7

    I had the opportunity to do some sessions with Tony Levin about 15 years ago, and it was so fun to spend time with him and learn how he works.

  • @lastdaysguitar
    @lastdaysguitar 3 роки тому +12

    So cool to see Tony Franklin on this, hes one of my very favorite rock bassists!

  • @michiellombaers3198
    @michiellombaers3198 3 роки тому

    Nice that you mention Colin Broad. One of the unsung heroes of the engineering industry. And a super nice guy too.

  • @iengineer_247
    @iengineer_247 3 роки тому +25

    This is a crazy song but I lovvvvvvveeeee the production. I thought the bass was a synth bass at first!!!! I love the horns and the drums my goooddddnnneeessssssss!!!!!

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +3

      Me too! Amazing Production!! Thanks ever so much!

  • @delphinbringsby6768
    @delphinbringsby6768 3 роки тому +18

    I never realized how much the Seinfeld bass theme was inspired by this tune.

    • @GarethGras
      @GarethGras 3 роки тому +1

      That "bass" theme is played on a synth so maybe even more than you think

  • @softnerdrocks
    @softnerdrocks 3 роки тому

    Hands down, this is the best show on UA-cam!!

  • @songlove7777
    @songlove7777 3 місяці тому

    You can tell that Sledgehammer wasn't contrived to be a hit. It's one of them classics that were a hit because they were brilliant. That's the holy grail. It combines all of Gabrielle's experimentation and innovation with spontaneous and powerful melody. It's also produced to hit the speakers big and relentless like a juggernaut, or, dare I say... sledgehammer.

  • @peterldelong
    @peterldelong 3 роки тому +4

    Peter and Paula Cole on Secret World Live. You’ll never hear a better vocal duet, the gold standard.

  • @chriscuthbertson
    @chriscuthbertson 3 роки тому +10

    One of the best basslines ever.

    • @DavidLazarus
      @DavidLazarus 3 роки тому

      Nah. Great, but far from best. Both Tony and others have played better.

    • @janbures5203
      @janbures5203 3 роки тому

      Best bassline imho is Normans Watts Roy’s Hit me with your rhytm stick.

    • @DavidLazarus
      @DavidLazarus 3 роки тому

      @@janbures5203 - There's really no such thing as "best". There will always be others who have done it better. Besides, this is largely subjective anyway.

    • @janbures5203
      @janbures5203 3 роки тому +1

      @@DavidLazarus I know its very subjective, thats why I said IMHO ;)

  • @humphreygobo6576
    @humphreygobo6576 3 роки тому +2

    Great song! Especially as a gateway to more Peter Gabriel.

  • @diamondd2778
    @diamondd2778 3 роки тому

    Tony Franklin is a LEGEND! Thank you!

  • @trevornokesmusicltd5357
    @trevornokesmusicltd5357 3 роки тому +18

    The Album 'So' is Fantastic, when i got Married our first Dance song was 'In Your Eyes' Stunning Song in all ways.

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +2

      Thanks ever so much Trevor!

    • @mightyV444
      @mightyV444 3 роки тому

      I remember reading an interview with Osbourne's Ozzy in the mid 90's in which he was talking about his then brandnew album 'Ozzmosis': He said he was blown away when hearing Peter Gabriel's 'So', that it was an absolute masterpiece, and that it also was his inspiration to create his own masterpiece with his latest album; And he reckoned he'd gotten pretty close, too :-) I then bought that album out of sheer curiosity, and I actually did like it a lot! :-))

  • @randallfrank5682
    @randallfrank5682 3 роки тому +6

    Yes "So" was a great album, however my favorite song on it is "Big Time." The play on words is what really grabbed me. "I've been stretching my mouth to let those big words come right out".

  • @rockmusichistorylesson7401
    @rockmusichistorylesson7401 Рік тому +1

    Peter Gabriel is brilliant

  • @TheMichaelBeck
    @TheMichaelBeck Рік тому +1

    I graduated HS in '86. What an amazing experience growing up listening to such great musicians. We were spoiled.

  • @jurgenschuler8389
    @jurgenschuler8389 3 роки тому +3

    I remember buying the record and playing it until it was virtually scratched to death. Then I bought the CD... And I was just a teenager with no money to fool around.
    And, please, let me repeat my comment above: "Word Up!" Perhaps including the cover versions.

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +3

      Thanks ever so much Jürgen!

    • @mightyV444
      @mightyV444 3 роки тому

      Cameo's 'Word Up!' had popped into my mind also, when watching one of the previous episodes! I still 'see' the red undies over skin-tight black pants on the singer, in the original video clip x-)) From '86 too, like 'Sledgehammer' :-)

  • @bluefen
    @bluefen 3 роки тому +3

    Surely the 'icing on the cake' is Peter's incredible vocal...

  • @ArcadeMusicTribute
    @ArcadeMusicTribute 3 роки тому +1

    One of my alltime favorite songs EVER!

  • @scottdunn2178
    @scottdunn2178 Рік тому

    One of the greatest MTV videos of all time.

  • @jeffbridges6110
    @jeffbridges6110 3 роки тому +10

    I was 8 when this came out. But i'll never forget it. It's one of the songs that got me into drums. Such a great song.

  • @terminalbliss
    @terminalbliss 3 роки тому +6

    The Up album by Peter Gabriel is so under rated... the production on it is insane. Of his earlier work, I love the song intruder from "melt".

    • @MKPiatkowski
      @MKPiatkowski 7 місяців тому

      I love it more than So. That album is a true masterpiece.

  • @paulstinebiser2459
    @paulstinebiser2459 3 роки тому +1

    I’m not that musical. I never “heard” the baseline of this song before until this video. Thanks for opening my eyes...er...ears.

  • @RichardvanderVeen
    @RichardvanderVeen 3 роки тому

    The only single vinyl I ever bought :) ... ROCK ON !

  • @30Irwin
    @30Irwin 3 роки тому +6

    Gabriel has said that his gorgeous Real World studios was paid for from the success of this song and album.

  • @lorenzoguarn
    @lorenzoguarn 3 роки тому +24

    Having just bought a Boss Octaver I was playing this bass line all day... One of my all time favourite, I’m going to watch the video and I hope to hear more about the bass sound! Love the series Warren!

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +3

      Thanks ever so much Lorenzo! Yes, it was combination of the Boss Octaver and chorusing!

    • @tonygonzales6961
      @tonygonzales6961 3 роки тому

      @@Producelikeapro
      ./hh"it

  • @J-DUB-F1
    @J-DUB-F1 3 роки тому +1

    SO I broke my Walkman Pro listening to that song!!......had it in sitting on my lap while I air drum'd along, and the walkman sliped, hit the floor, the end!.....bollocks Gabrial !! :-(
    Definitely one of my favorites of the era. Just out of high school, every party cover band was playing it. The perfect blend of shiny eighties'ness and funky soul groove. The video was a huge step forward, and raised the creative bar for every other band ;:-)

  • @Theconsciousoutkast
    @Theconsciousoutkast Рік тому +1

    I love that video this is how I found your channel I still listen to sledgehammer and watch the video in 2022...one of my best memories being a baby in the 80's

  • @teslatravels4197
    @teslatravels4197 3 роки тому +11

    One of my favorites. Still have the record I bought back in the day. I always feel 20% happier after I listen to it. Actually, it's more like 23%.

  • @gavindont
    @gavindont 2 роки тому +4

    Man, between you, Rick Beato and David Bennett my head is exploding with all this music theory and studio know how and I'm all the richer for it. So thank you, it's so very much appreciated!

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  2 роки тому +2

      You’re very kind! Thanks ever so much! Humbled to be included with such greats!

  • @stratofever1
    @stratofever1 3 роки тому +1

    Sledgehammer is an amazing piece of music, but it was a game changer in terms of Music Videos more than music itself

  • @Cimbarius
    @Cimbarius Рік тому +1

    this is a fantastic film document - every Peter Gabriel should watch this, million thanks - very interesting.

  • @1MBStudios
    @1MBStudios 3 роки тому +19

    Anyone else get shown this song by their parents because the "weird music video" made such an impression they had to show their kids?

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +5

      Haha no, however that’s cool to hear! It’s wonderful to see just how successful it is (it’s Peter Gabriel’s second biggest song) however only those old enough even remember the video! Just goes to show how amazing the song is!

  • @abelincoln95
    @abelincoln95 3 роки тому +20

    Another "slam dunk" Warren! A song on the City Of Angels soundtrack that gets under the radar "I Grieve" is one that really sticks in my brain.

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks ever so much Abe!

    • @mrufino1
      @mrufino1 3 роки тому +1

      I grieve is amazing. The Up tour was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen, and he ended with that if I remember correctly.I didn’t realize that was on the city of angels soundtrack.

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +1

      @@mrufino1 fantastic! Thanks for sharing

  • @oolongoolong789
    @oolongoolong789 3 роки тому

    Yep, it was the video that made this song so memorable. The tune was catchy but without all that extraordinary award-winning animation by Aardman and the Quay Brothers the song would never have become such a massive hit.

  • @fernandoferrero699
    @fernandoferrero699 3 роки тому +1

    I got to meet Ian Cooper at metropoly long time ago ,,incredible experience,, the nicest and so much knoledge.

  • @mikemorecroft3220
    @mikemorecroft3220 3 роки тому +23

    I am not a great social media commentator but I have to say your youtube channel is epic. Educational for me as a home based songwriter/producer but also fascinating and of general interest when you do episodes like this which cover both bases for me. Brilliant stuff.

  • @marksiebenaler3250
    @marksiebenaler3250 3 роки тому +55

    You just pick bangers every single time. These videos are the highlight of every day they are released. Could I request you do XTC's "Making Plans for Nigel"?

  • @dzezikus
    @dzezikus 3 роки тому +1

    I just listen to it one hour ago. And then I found Your video. Nice. Tomorrow I will listen again in my living room with much bigger loudspeakers. I missed the power of the bass. Now it is to late to listen loud enough.

  • @rebellucy6200
    @rebellucy6200 2 місяці тому

    That bass is stuck in my head. Unreal soul, funk and pop all combined into perfection on this track!

  • @IvanLendl87
    @IvanLendl87 3 роки тому +6

    Thanks so much for this video, Warren! You break songs down so beautifully and this one is no exception. Peter Gabriel along with great players such as Tony Levin, Manu Katche, David Rhodes, Wayne Jackson, and Daniel Lanois' masterful production resulted in a brilliant track. I have never tired of listening to this classic song (or anything off of SO for that matter).

    • @mightyV444
      @mightyV444 3 роки тому +1

      @Ivan Lendl - I also used to watch tennis on the TV a lot back then, with you and your mates Becker, Agassi, McEnroe, Graf, Navratilova... ;-))

  • @tonyrapa-tonyrapa
    @tonyrapa-tonyrapa 3 роки тому +38

    Tony Levin - 'nuf sed!

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +1

      Yes, incredible player! Thanks ever so much!

    • @augmentedkeys5971
      @augmentedkeys5971 3 роки тому +2

      That's 'enough said.'

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +2

      @@augmentedkeys5971 hahaha I think we know what they meant haha

    • @augmentedkeys5971
      @augmentedkeys5971 3 роки тому +1

      @@Producelikeapro A slight. My son now wants to learn how to make "Beats". NO! "They're called drum patterns!" Kids these days... I've been waiting for this day and this scary day that my son (12) would say that he wants to make Rap beats. No!!! I tell him - no, you only get to listen to the Beatles. Those types of Beats. I said. Okay, if you want to hear some cool "rap" stuff. Then listen to M A S S I V E A T T A C K. Done. :)

    • @mightyV444
      @mightyV444 3 роки тому +1

      @@augmentedkeys5971 - I was briefly playing in a covers band here in NZ last year called 'Nuff Zed' x-))

  • @randalclarke5487
    @randalclarke5487 3 роки тому

    Oh dude... Tony Franklin!!!! That's awesome

  • @NightBazaar
    @NightBazaar 3 роки тому +1

    No two ways about it. Sledgehammer is a foot stomping classic.

  • @HiVoltish
    @HiVoltish 3 роки тому +22

    I LOVE these, good onya mate!
    Gated reverb, I froze my butt off in an unheated garage driving my self crazy trying to get that snare sound in the early 80's.

  • @kickbiker7920
    @kickbiker7920 3 роки тому +8

    I really love this series. The fact that its coming from a producer/musician's perspective really adds to it. It bounces along with your links and isolated tracks. It's clear you LOVE what you're doing. Music history at its finest! These are good enough to be seen by a wider audience BBC etc ...

  • @David-Field.Stuff01
    @David-Field.Stuff01 3 роки тому +1

    A fantastic song by a real innovator and inventor.

  • @nickcarter4006
    @nickcarter4006 3 роки тому +1

    I’m a simple man... I see someone praising this classic banger, I ring the bell

  • @nicolasjoan6515
    @nicolasjoan6515 3 роки тому +3

    1986 the year I was born 🤣👍 Still Peter became such a big influence on me later on. There is just something about that voice and his songwriting/arrangements that almost always grab your attention right away. And don't get me started about all the amazing theatrical stuff he does live, it's so overwhelming ❤🤩 Maybe growing up or skyblue next?

  • @bruceh92
    @bruceh92 3 роки тому +4

    Daniel Lanois produced it. That's why it's so good.

  • @Sabotage_Labs
    @Sabotage_Labs 4 місяці тому

    One of the best live shows I've seen was Peter Gabriel in 1991! Amazing show!

  • @ryKirwan1
    @ryKirwan1 3 роки тому +1

    Best reference mix EVER! Great did Warren 🎼🎹🎸🎤👍🏻

  • @rockostiffredi4276
    @rockostiffredi4276 3 роки тому +3

    I'll never forget Tony Levin playing this song live at the Roskilde Music Festival in the mid 90's, with Peter and the band. Also quite impressed with his percussive bass playing style using 'drum' type sticks as an extension to the fingers of his right hand. Really different approach to the bass.

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +2

      Amazing!! Roskilde is such an incredible festival!! That would have been wonderful to see him there!

  • @jennw6809
    @jennw6809 3 роки тому +6

    I remember so well hearing Shock the Monkey on the radio in high school and obsessing over So in college. Great analysis. I think the whole album is actually timeless music!

  • @andrewstevenson3807
    @andrewstevenson3807 3 роки тому +2

    Fantastic vid, my fave bass line ever! Shame I had to suffer through 12 sodding adverts during these 18 minutes though.

    • @mightyV444
      @mightyV444 3 роки тому

      Yes, Warren's and also Darrell Braun's channel are always chocker with ads for me, too.

    • @Blogspierre
      @Blogspierre 3 роки тому

      I don’t work for YT, but I will tell you honestly YT premium is the best deal. Zero ads, plus a full featured music app, on par w/ Spotify etc.

  • @bkp1283
    @bkp1283 2 роки тому +1

    1 second in on sledgehammer . I start to smile . the Bass work is amazing . outstanding video.BKP.

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks ever so much

    • @bkp1283
      @bkp1283 2 роки тому

      @@Producelikeapro your welcome just a fanBKP . check out Bird Youmans.

  • @_McFly_
    @_McFly_ 3 роки тому +4

    Just heard it yesterday because I felt the need for a perfectly produced song! Headphones on and enjoy! Love it!

  • @MarcBecker_Music
    @MarcBecker_Music 3 роки тому +4

    Awesome, thank you, Warren.. I love this song and the music video blew me away when it come out back in 1986 ... when I was 16 years old! Time flies.

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +3

      Hi Marc! Thanks ever so much! Yes, time flies!!

  • @socialstoic2099
    @socialstoic2099 2 роки тому +1

    This song almost transcends music it's that good!

  • @PhaktTheIsolationist
    @PhaktTheIsolationist 3 роки тому

    Love it when bad-as-fuck, old school musicians open their mouths and speak polite, quaint, oldy world English. What a ledge.

  • @TMS5100
    @TMS5100 3 роки тому +4

    On the topic of great songwriters, i'm amazed how often Jeff Lynne is overlooked! Very distinctive vocals and every song of his is an insidious earworm.

  • @jeremyholcombe3202
    @jeremyholcombe3202 3 роки тому +3

    I've always loved this song. And it's not my usual fare. Just now I found out why. Daniel Lanois!!! He is THE man when it comes to record production vision as far as I can tell...everything from Dylan, to Willie and Emmylou. And his own albums are amongst my favourites of all time. Never knew he did Sledgehammer. Cheers Warren. Made my day!

  • @KeithCopeland778
    @KeithCopeland778 2 роки тому +1

    A KILLER BASS LINE BY A KILLER BASSIST!!! SOUNDS LIKE A MUSICMAN STINGRAY (NEVER GETS LOST IN THE MIX)!

  • @elmolewis9123
    @elmolewis9123 3 роки тому +1

    This series is remarkable

  • @JoakimKanon
    @JoakimKanon 3 роки тому +4

    Favorite verse, all time.

  • @robertpettersen3577
    @robertpettersen3577 3 роки тому +3

    Along with Big time and Digging in the dirt, these are great PG songs.
    Like PLAP says, might´ve been labeled mainstream pop but still xceptionell music!

  • @JPMJPM
    @JPMJPM 3 роки тому

    I’d love to watch a video retrospective of Peter Gabriel’s work. He is my favorite male musician.

  • @Bring_MeSunshine
    @Bring_MeSunshine 3 роки тому

    Another classic tune. I'd been a fan of Peter Gabriel since he left Genesis. While this broke him into a mainstream audience - and rightly SO, it comes from a superlative album all round - in the intervening years between 'car' and 'security', he released some of the most original and powerful music of any performer, ever. But, my tastes always had an ear for the 'left field' and the arty, and 'Melt' and 'Security' really took risks and broke boundaries. When this came out - especially with that wonderful Aardman video to accompany it, it was a wonderful validation of a great artist, at his peak. So many wonderful tracks on one LP; Don't Give Up, Red Rain, In Your Eyes, Mercy Street, Big Time and, of course this. You wanted to be Gabriel at this point, because he hadn't put a foot wrong, and had a legacy of great art, to boot

  • @mcclure1977
    @mcclure1977 3 роки тому +7

    These are fascinating videos. It's amazing to hear how disparate influences - motown in this case, chant, reggae, etc, in the Message in a Bottle videos - are all combined to make something that comes to sound absolutely new, and eventually, totally familiar. Hope you keep making these!

  • @buddyalbert5808
    @buddyalbert5808 3 роки тому +5

    I just watched his Secret World Tour Concert. Brilliant. I can’t find the right adjectives to describe his voice. Warren, you are bringing a smile to my face with these videos.
    Thank you
    PS Tony Franklin! Wow
    Also I worked with Wayne Jackson in Memphis Tn in the 90s.

    • @guitboxgeek
      @guitboxgeek 3 роки тому +2

      Must be nice to ring up oh, let's say Tony Freakin' Franklin to talk about one of the coolest fretless bass lines by one of the best fretless bass players!

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +2

      @@guitboxgeek haha yes, truly blessed!

    • @Producelikeapro
      @Producelikeapro  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks Buddy! So glad you enjoy them!

  • @DerekPower
    @DerekPower 3 роки тому +1

    This was my childhood 😁