Backstage With the Band

[FitchFY]

So I get message from my buddy, Deke, about jamming with his band tonight, a local cover band I’m friends with. Their drummer can’t make practice, and I may start with them as a sub, so I said “Sure, Deke, I’d be happy to. If there are any songs you want me to brush up on, just let me know.”

I didn’t grow up on classic rock, but Deke goes “yeah, just learn ‘Barracuda’ by Heart.” I kind of 'd right away, as I’ve seen the comments here about all the odd changes in the song.

So I grabbed my coffee and iPhone at work today and charted out the tune in a rush. Just sent Deke this picture, informing him I’ll be fine for it tonight.



Us drummers are CHARMING SOBs, ain’t we?

[Thy God]

My band covered Barracuda for a Halloween set, and it was probably the second toughest song for us to get down (Surprisingly, the toughest was Don't Fear the Reaper...for similar reasons.)

[Thy God]

My band covered Barracuda for a Halloween set, and it was probably the second toughest song for us to get down (Surprisingly, the toughest was Don't Fear the Reaper...for similar reasons.)

[ckcondon]

Nicely done! Love the fish.

[ckcondon]

Nicely done! Love the fish.

[tlbonehead]

I love Ann and Nancy. Barracuda is one of my least favorite songs by them. Can't stand it. Not a fan of most "galloping" songs actually.

[vanlatte]

I remember trying to play that as a kid with a bunch of other musically challenged kids that knew nothing yet about time or counting - so it was a confusing mess of

Do this ten times, then this twice, then this four times, then...



Come to think of it this may be the most often butchered song ever and I respect anyone that actually pulls it off.

[guido61]

Played this song for years and years. It was a signature piece for my big hair 80s band. I don't recall ever counting through it. It was more of just a case of knowing it well enough (I had already heard the song for years before I ever attempted playing it) to just know how it goes.

Not sure how the drummers approached it. We played it with at least half a dozen different drummers. I don't recall it ever being that difficult for any of them or them ever complaining about the time signatures.

Great song though.

[nchangin]

Originally Posted by Thy God

My band covered Barracuda for a Halloween set, and it was probably the second toughest song for us to get down (Surprisingly, the toughest was Don't Fear the Reaper...for similar reasons.)

You know when I read your post brought back memories, for the life of me getting the time right on Don't fear the reaper is sooo overlooked, such a simple song yet the tempo is so hard to get tempo just right

Barracuda: did it with a female singer once, a bear and as noted goofy timings and I can't imagine it's a fun key to sing in either. That was one of the hardest songs to get right, I think some RUSH tunes were easier, i.e., in the same band we did limelight.

Speaking of heart: Saw Black Crowes open up for them in I think 90' and they were great and very energetic show. Heart played for exactly 1.5 hours as headliner, no encore and she didn't move all night - two thumbs down for them live. Their drummer though guy has some excellent chops

[FitchFY]

Originally Posted by nchangin

Their drummer though guy has some excellent chops

He really does! As mentioned, I didn't grow up on those `80s tunes like many people here, so my knowledge of Heart is very sparse. The drummer has a great Bonham-esque groove and shuffle with plenty of ghost notes. They're next on my list of bands to further check out...

... especially after seeing the Kennedy Center Honors video of them performing "Stairway to Heaven" with Jason Bonham behind the kit!

[Mutha Goose]

I filled in for a Heart cover band once... they have a lot of funny little timing things going on... extra measures thrown in... weird harmonic approaches... deceptively complex and yet simple... it works for them, but I am not a fan at all!

[chadd]

It was never my favorite song, but I loved this version.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqQkECIn738

[guido61]

Originally Posted by chadd

It was never my favorite song, but I loved this version.

Sounds pretty much like a note-for-note cover of the original to me.

[wesg]

The drummer has a great Bonham-esque groove and shuffle with plenty of ghost notes.

I don't know if it's true or not, but I heard Heart started life as a Zep tribute band. I can believe it, those chicks are awesome, and can certainly nail those Plant-esque high notes.

Hey, I was just Googling and found this... holy crap