Luke's Medley: October 2012

Often considered the spare part instrument or the the one to give the singer so they can 'join in', the tambourine actually plays an important role in rhythm with it's unique sound that spans across all genres and cultures.

It doesn't have to be used incessantly (as Chris Martin tells an eager fan!), although being tasered for using one certainly seem harsh, but from The Beatles to Motown to Florence + The Machine the power of tambourine will continue to slip under the radar.

Here's my 6 part appreciation:

1. The perfect intro:

Jets Overhead - Boredom and Joy

Jet - Are You Gonna Be My Girl

Lupe Fiasco - Daydreamin'

2. Dictating the tempo

The Beatles - Day Tripper

Gwen Stefani - The Sweet Escape

Jackson 5 - The Love you Save

The White Stripes - The Denial Twist

Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out

3. Keeping rhythm during quieter parts

Feeder - Just The Way I'm Feeling

Laura Marling - My Manic and I

4. Power and Echo

Lucy Rose - Bikes

Amy Winehouse - Back to Black

Florence and the Machine - Never Let Me Go

5. Adding percussive depth and layers

Florence and the Machine - Between Two Lungs

Diane Birch - Valentino

Fatboy Slim - Brimful of Asha

KT Tunstall - The Girl and the Ghost

6. Accentuating the snare drum