Bluey, Background Jazz, and the 'Best' Metal Guitar Solo
Digest
This episode of Strong Songs tackles listener questions about diverse musical topics. It begins by differentiating the larynx from a talk box, setting the stage for discussions on time signatures, vocal techniques, and the music industry. Listeners inquire about the rhythmic complexities of songs like The Police's "Beds Too Big Without You," Lydian Collective's "31," and Randy Newman's "I Love L.A.," prompting detailed explanations of reggae influences, mixed meters, and rhythmic "fake outs." The episode also delves into the prevalence of generic background music on streaming services, exploring the economic pressures driving this trend and recommending Liz Pelley's "Mood Machine" for further reading. A transmasculine listener's question about voice changes during testosterone-induced puberty leads to an interview with voice teacher Nevada Jones, offering valuable advice and exercises. Further questions cover Marty Friedman's guitar solo in Megadeth's "Tornado of Souls" (highlighting musicality over technical skill), the Bluey theme song's rhythmic variations, and the lead sound in Sly & The Family Stone's "Sex Machine" (exploring the potential use of early talk box technology). Throughout, Kirk Hamilton provides insightful analysis and expert perspectives, making this a comprehensive exploration of music theory and the music industry.
Outlines

Introduction & Listener Questions: Music Theory & Industry Insights
The podcast introduces the concept of the larynx and talk box, then dives into listener questions spanning diverse musical topics, including time signatures, vocal techniques, and the impact of streaming services on music production.

Mailbag: Thrash Metal, Singing, and Odd Time Signatures
Kirk Hamilton introduces the mailbag segment, focusing on questions about streaming background music, thrash metal guitar solos, relearning to sing after voice changes, and complex time signatures.

Live Triple Click Show Announcement & Strong Songs Live Show Potential
Kirk announces a live show for his Triple Click podcast, hinting at the possibility of a future Strong Songs live show incorporating music and singing.

Analyzing Rhythmic Complexity: The Police, Lydian Collective, and Randy Newman
Detailed analysis of the time signatures and rhythmic structures in The Police's "Beds Too Big Without You," Lydian Collective's "31," and Randy Newman's "I Love L.A.," exploring reggae influences and mixed meters.

Streaming Music, Voice Changes, and Guitar Solos
Discussion on the origins of generic background music on streaming services, followed by a question about voice changes during puberty (with a transmasculine perspective) and an analysis of Marty Friedman's guitar solo in Megadeth's "Tornado of Souls."

Vocal Training, Song Analysis, and Talk Box Technology
An interview with voice teacher Nevada Jones on adapting to voice changes, followed by analyses of Leo Sayer's "Telepath," the Bluey theme song's rhythmic variations, and the lead sound in Sly & The Family Stone's "Sex Machine."
Keywords
Larynx
The voice box; the organ in the neck containing the vocal cords, responsible for voice production.
Talk Box
A musical effects device creating vocal-like sounds.
Time Signature
Musical notation indicating beats per measure and note value.
Reggae Groove
Characteristic rhythmic pattern in reggae music.
Mixed Meter
Music using multiple time signatures.
Musicality
The quality of being musical; encompassing phrasing, melody, harmony, and emotional expression.
Vocal Folds
Two folds of tissue in the larynx that vibrate to produce sound.
Transmasculine Voice
The voice of a transgender man, often undergoing changes due to hormone therapy.
Library Music
Pre-recorded music licensed for use in various media.
Streaming Music Ecosystem
The complex interplay of streaming services, artists, labels, and listeners in the digital music landscape.
Q&A
What are the key differences between a larynx and a talk box?
A larynx is the natural voice-producing organ; a talk box is an electronic effect modifying instrument sound.
How can a singer adapt to significant voice changes?
Find a qualified voice teacher, focus on a unified voice, practice regularly, and be patient.
What contributes to generic background music on streaming platforms?
Cost-effectiveness and data-driven decisions by streaming services prioritizing cheap music.
What makes Marty Friedman's guitar solo in "Tornado of Souls" so highly regarded?
Its musicality, memorable melodies, and masterful control of dynamics.
What are the rhythmic complexities in the Bluey theme song?
A consistent time signature with added bars of five and rhythmically placed character names.
Show Notes
How should you count The Police's "Bed's Too Big Without You?" Why do so many people revere Marty Friedman's solo on Megadeth's "Tornado of Souls"? What's going on with those pauses during the Bluey theme? And what the heck is that sound on Sly and the Family Stone's "Sex Machine"? Those questions and many more on the first mailbag episode of Season Seven.
Thanks to Nevada Jones (voice) and Scott Pemberton (guitar) for their expert contributions!
REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
- "Bed's Too Big Without You" by The Police from The Police, 1979
- "Thirty One" by Lydian Collective from Adventure, 2018
- "4K Cozy Coffee Shop with Smooth Piano Jazz Music for Relaxing, Studying and Working" on YouTube
- Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playbook by Liz Pelly, 2025, and a Harper's excerpt about Spotify's "Perfect Fit Content" initiative
- "Executive Blend," "Funky Fanfare," by Keith Mansfield, and "Organ Mania" by Keith Mansfield and Alan Hawkshaw from KPM 1000 Series, Vol. 1
- "Tornado of Souls" by Megadeth from Rust in Peace, 1990
- "Sex Machine" by Sly and the Family Stone from Stand!, 1969
- "Show Me The Way" by Peter Frampton from Frampton, 1974
- "Bluey Theme" by Joff Bush
- "The Organic Sound of Bluey, with Sound Designer Dan Brumm" - Twenty Thousand Hertz
- Demonstration of the Kustom Electronics Bag Talkbox
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