Today’s music is flawless- vocals are miraculously doctored to perfection, rhythms are perfect. Recording studios are filled with computers and software to make sure that the music you buy (or steal) sounds perfect.
So when I hear a bad note (they are few and far between), I wonder why they’re left in the recording. Did the budgeted money run out? Did the artists feel that it wasn’t worth fixing? Maybe they didn’t hear it? For the most part, it doesn’t bother me- it adds some humanity to the performance.
Here are a couple flubbed notes in rock recordings. I’m sure there are many more, and I don’t count jazz or live performances.
“Bulls on Parade” by Rage Against the Machine
from the album “Evil Empire”
At the very end of the song, bassist Tim Commerford either misses a note or dampens it with his finger accidentally. I kind of like the effect, but I really doubt it was intentional.
Only One – Goo Goo Dolls
from the album “A Boy Named Goo”
It sounds to me like drummer George Tutuska speeds up throughout the song. I don’t know, maybe it’s intentional. I think it adds a sense of urgency to the song.
Too bad singer John Rziznik felt he had to sing “f***ing up takes practice.” Why couldn’t he sing “screwing up takes practice?” Otherwise this song rocks.
Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin
from the album “Led Zeppelin 4″
One of the greatest rock songs ever recorded has a bit of a missed note in one of the guitar solos performed by Jimmy Page. He’s certainly forgiven.
Have you ever noticed any flubs or bad notes in popular recorded music?
