Feb 2022 rock-and-roll bo-diddley-beat racecars
I'm so glad you can't copyright a drum part.*
This is someone who starts off street racing, then does some stock cars, then drag racers, then finally gets a chance to drive a rocket car to try to break a record. It's not inspired by anyone in particular, I just thought it would be a fun story.
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Had Knopfler in mind (probably Calling Elvis, since I think Pocaro played a Bo Diddley beat there somewhere), though it might not be obvious.
Played the lead with a pick which was pretty unusual for me.
This was the hardest drum part I've ever had to play, just the switch between the verse patterns and the chorus drove me crazy and I kept trying to get it in a single take. I actually tried programming it, and then spent literally 4 hours today trying to get it right, and had to give up when the neighbors complained ... and honestly I've been just wracked with stress about it all day. On the plus side, since I hadn't quite finished it, it forced me to cut a longer solo from the end, which is fortunate since I barely had any ideas for the first one, and it's a better song for my limitations.
I'm fully aware that doing parts until they're perfect is supposed to be what March is for, but I just couldn't bring myself to present it half-assed.
That said ... I actually think it was worth the frustration, because in my completely biased opinion it rocks quite righteously.
*Okay, it's actually not the Bo Diddley beat verbatim on the verses. The original beat was all the 16ths, but there are a couple skip beats even on the tom groove. This was primarily because I couldn't get my left hand to cooperate reliably with the accent on 1-a, and I found that if I just skipped the right hand note on 2 it made it sound like I hit the left hand note harder. There are some other skip beats here and there just based on feel but they aren't all necessarily intentional.
Should mention: The production is really straight forward, but I use my trick of a 100% wet close alternate take of the lead vocal for the slapback. There's a much milder slapback on the actual lead vocal, too. Overall it adds a little something that just the delay doesn't.
D
Been at it for years but never had a good run
Gotta get ahead from the starting gun
But if ya start too fast then you’ll spin your wheels
Can’t beat the clock if ya aint’t got the feel
Partial chorus
G A
I got a shave too close and got put in the wall
If ya can’t walk away you at least can crawl
Said sit in the pit, ya need time to heal
Can’t win a race if ya ain’t got the feel
Chorus
G
Gotta hold it together for one more lap
Bm G
Mmm hmmm
A
You gotta close the gap
I was making good time but came out of the groove
You’ll get put in the dirt if ya lose your cool
I cut a turn too close and let go of the wheel
Can’t stay out front if ya ain’t have the feel
I got a new coat of paint for my rocket car
Got my rocket fuel and an extra gear
You wanna beat the clock? Well now here’s the deal:
It’s just like breathing when you’ve got the feel
@raspberry33 Feb 2022
Can't go wrong with a Bo Diddley beat. Just ask, oh, Buddy Holly, the Stones, George Thorogood; Johnny Otis... Enjoyed this! Good lyrics.
@jp123 Feb 2022
Oh, yeah! Great use of a classic groove! Nice playing, too! Really enjoyed this.
@aflinner Feb 2022
Excellent. Most triumphant!
Really enjoyed listening to this. So many good things to be said about every aspect, and it all melds together into a solid song. Gold star, man.
@joetime Feb 2022
This rocks! Love the “got the feel” hook, that’s a real winner (teehee)! This really does have the feel, mix is right and tone on the vocal and guitars is spot on.
Lyrics are relay strong - rhythm of the stressing is very tight. One lyrical note - “put in the “ dirt/ wall… I’d change one of those slightly. Put in the wall sounds more natural.
We’ll done!
@tseaver Feb 2022
Fun write: setting that beat to a racetrack story is a great fit. Great hook for the chorus. The solo is a perfect fit.
@blindkiwi Feb 2022
This rocks right off the bat. Loves me a bo diddley beat and you doing it well. Great change up into the chorus and love the tone on the solo. Cool track!
@musicbymichelle Feb 2022
Nicely done!