With a brief look at some notables along the road, Chang Terhune’s Music Mondays aims to shed light on both new and old(er) music over a wide spectrum of sound (and vision). This week: The Clavioline (Del Shannon, The Tornados, The Beatles), The Stylophone (David Bowie, Kraftwerk).
The Clavioline and The Stylophone
With the advent of electronic amplification of sound came many innovations. We know of the most obvious such as audio mixers, amplifiers, microphones. Suddenly the musicians who fought to be heard above the drums or brass instruments had a secret weapon that could drown just about everything out. Eventually this led to the development of synthesizers we know of today. Before then were a number of odd little instruments that we see as novelties today yet in their time were as new and revolutionary as the latest and greatest synthesizers out today.
The Clavioline ::
First we shall start with the Clavioline, an analog synthesizer invented by engineer Constant Martin in 1947 in Versailles. It consisted of a keyboard and speaker. The sound produced is a high buzzing, now easily recognizable as a staple of mid 20th century science fiction and horror movies (much like the theremin yet played in a different, more traditional manner on a standard 12 tone keyboard). Several manufacturers created their own versions of the Clavioline including the Japanese company Ace Tone which would eventually become part of the Roland synthesizer company.
Del Shannon :: “Runaway” — As there are many recordings of the 1950s and 1960s to use the Clavioline I’ve chosen a couple personal favorites. The first is the classic “Runaway” by Del Shannon. Max Crook plays one on this track. Crook dubbed this the Musitron, though it was really a heavily modified Clavioline. It’s almost like an electric violin here though it’s got a distinctly unique and otherworldly vibe to it. Personal note: if you own a dog they love it when you “play” the solo along their spine and ruffle their fur. Not recommended for chihuahuas or Anatolian shepherd dogs
The Tornados :: “Telstar” — Joe Meek was a legendary English producer in the 1960s who tragically ended his life far too soon due to mental illness. While alive, however, he produced a number of amazing songs from a tiny apartment in London. In 1962 he produced this song using a Univox organ and a Clavioline (history doesn’t tell us exactly, but experts believe this to be the instrument). “Telstar” became a massive worldwide hit, yet 62 years later is little known. It’s got that yearning, hopeful tone to it that futurism brings as if showing us a vision of humanity among the stars.
The Beatles :: “Baby You’re A Rich Man” — It’s hard to imagine one having never heard this song but perhaps that’s just my advanced age talking? Any any rate this and Telstar are considered the best examples of the Clavioline in use. Here it’s used to replicate an Indian shehnai. I’ve included two videos for this, one being the actual song then another that isolates the tracks which is always fascinating to me.
And the isolated tracks ::
The Stylophone ::
The Stylophone is a mini analog keyboard instrument played with a stylus (or a fingernail if desperate) invented in 1968. Nowadays you can pick up some very faithful recreations in a variety of styles. But back on its release there was the stylus and the keyboard which was a flat metal surface. Simple but when amplified very effective. Many played a stylophone on several recordings but there was one in particular which almost every human on the planet has heard at least once.
David Bowie :: “Space Oddity” — I mean… C’mon. Can’t say much more than that does right? (In fact DuBreq made a Bowie version of the Stylophone.
And finally my absolute favorite use of the Stylophone by the masters themselves.
Kraftwerk :: “Pocket Calculator” — This video is sheer perfection and I can add nothing to it but only to say Florian colds rocks the modified Stylophone like the boss he was. Also en Italiano!
Until next time.
