Songs That Kept Me Company: From Menken’s Magic to Global Hits
As a passionate musician and lover of melody, I often find myself caught up in the beauty of a single song, listening to it incessantly until it becomes a familiar friend. These are the songs that keep me company, our shared journey of discovery and emotions.
Discovering the Wonders of “Never Had a Friend Like Me”
Currently, I am learning “Never Had a Friend Like Me,” a song that reminds me of the phonetic learning process. As a child, I learned to say certain foods phonetically, much like pronouncing something at Taco Bell. For example, “toma-tilers tommy tilla tomatatatata.” It was so catchy, and it stuck with me, even as I try to pick up “Never Had a Friend Like Me”.
The song is rich in music theory, with a sheet music sheet and chord progressions that challenge even the most seasoned musicians. However, it's the bassline, which I’ve affectionately named the “flying bassline,” that has finally resonated with me. It’s a melodic sequence that goes:
Look at a piano and use your left pinky to whack at C3 to D2 to Eb3 to A2.
The rhythm resembles something like this:
“knees toes knees toes eyes ears eye ears mouth knees toes knees ears mouth”
Despite the constant chord changes, I find myself more focused on the internal understanding of the song rather than the technical aspects. To fully embrace the music of Lin-Manuel Miranda and his works, one must dive into their very essence, embracing the “fretless” nature of music.
“Tobacco Road” and the Nashville Teens’ Catchy Tune
Sometimes, a single song can become so ingrained in our lives that it just won’t leave us alone. For the past few weeks, that song for me has been “Tobacco Road” by The Nashville Teens. This British band, after initially being mistaken for a southern American band due to the music and vocal style, has left an indelible mark on my musical journey.
This journey can be a bit of a cultural mix-up. For years, I believed that bands like The Nashville Teens and The Swinging Blue Jeans were from the American South. It wasn’t until later that I discovered they were, in fact, British. Similarly, when I named my band Savannah in the past, many people thought we were from Georgia, only to find out we were based elsewhere.
“Tobacco Road” has a timeless quality to it, with its memorable melody and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with many. The song’s journey across different versions and languages further emphasizes its global appeal. Interestingly, The Nashville Teens originally recorded “Tobacco Road,” but it was later covered by various artists, each adding their unique touch.
Exploring Cultural Nuances Through Music
Let’s take a step farther and explore music that bridges cultural and linguistic divides. One such song is “Tai pilsētā” by Tatar Renat Ibragimov, written by Latvian poet Jānis Peters and translated by Azerbaijani poet Onegin Yusif olu Hacqasmov. The song, also known as “Наш город” in Russian, reflects a strong connection to a specific place. Renat Ibragimov, a musician who has made significant contributions to music, performs the song in both Latvian and Russian versions, offering a unique perspective on identity and culture.
While Renat Ibragimov’s performance is compelling, I have a preference for the Russian version sung in Kazan by Rina Ibragimov, the musician’s daughter. The video of Rina Ibragimov singing on the streets of Kazan in 1979 offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture and history. Another notable performance is by Aija Kukule and Mirdza Zivere, who sing the song in Latvian. However, I have a particular affection for the Russian version, as Alla Pugacheva's rendition adds an extra layer of emotional depth with its powerful performance. Overall, the song serves as a poignant reminder of the richness and diversity of music and culture.
Conclusion
From “Never Had a Friend Like Me” to “Tobacco Road,” and now to songs like “Tai pilsētā” or “Наш город,” each piece of music holds a special place in my heart. These songs are more than just melodies; they are companions on a journey of self-discovery and emotional resonance. Whether you're a fan of the intricate basslines of Lin-Manuel Miranda or the timeless tunes of The Nashville Teens, there’s always a song that will stay with you, shaping your musical journey in profound ways.