Surf music is often cited as the origin of three-chord guitar rock and most modern guitar melodies yet one of surf's biggest impact on music was on the recording end. Originally called "echo", reverb in the simplest of terms bounces sound around within the recording (at this time it was often record straight to tape and later a 4 track). Reverb since the 50's has become a huge part of popular music, it affects everything from modern mainstream pop to the deepest of underground noise-rock or thrash punk. Here are two examples of reverb:
This is Dick Dale's seminal "Let's Go Trippin'" a very famous surf rock instrumental.
Here is DIIV's track "Human" off of their debut album released late last year (2012).
Both songs utilize reverb, or the bouncing of sound, to create a larger space in which music is heard. Dale uses a smaller "wet" reverb found in Fender amps whereas Cole Smith (the guitarist of DIIV) uses reverb to create an echo chamber in which he records the entirety of the album.
Another innovation available in reverb is the ability to broaden what could be done with 4-track recording equipment. Unlike large studios of today, the older 4-track forced musicians to think carefully of how to craft a song with only 4 inputs. The standard (drums, vocals, guitar, bass) was useful but in some cases bands wanted both a rhythm AND lead guitar. Here is an example of reverb allowing for a guitar to make a larger impact within the confines of a 4 track.
"California" an early surf punk song by the band the Simpletones (whom would later reform as the Vandals during the hardcore era of the 1980's) of the late 1970's was recorded in a very DIY sense. Yet even within the confines of sparse recording gear the band generate a huge "wave" of sound using reverb. Specifically, the guitar sounds almost detached from the rhythm section and comes crashing in and out of the song thus allowing for a "bigger" feel.
Ultimately, the infusion of reverb into popular music completely revolutionized music as we think of it today.
This is an exemplary post. Thanks so much for enlightening me with your own insights into the impact of reverb and sharing some new tunes with me and your classmates! Excellent work, keep it up.
Gabe -
ReplyDeleteThis is an exemplary post. Thanks so much for enlightening me with your own insights into the impact of reverb and sharing some new tunes with me and your classmates! Excellent work, keep it up.
Trey