I'd like to start this as a permathread where we discuss the latest Rick Beato video where he breaks down a classic song. I always loved 'Head over Heels', but seeing the isolated tracks broken down and Beato playing the raw chords on his piano really brings my appreciation to a new level.
Tears for Fears is a severely underrated band. No wonder Steven Wilson loves them and was put in charge of their 5.1 remixes. There is so much to learn from Roland Orzabel's compositions.
It's really good because: a) Beato is a real musician - he demonstrates melody lines, chords himself on instruments; he also knows music theory for those that are interested b) he breaks down the song in ways you will not see anywhere else I guess if you can't be a 'rock star' in 2018, you can teach clinics and do what Beato does. There are other ways to make money in music than the traditional methods.
To me his series is a lot better than all the cover videos. 99% of these covers are pretty **** to begin with. So instead of that, I like his approach where he simply 'covers' a melody line or a chord sequence as part of analysis. This series is a breath of fresh air compared to all those retarded 'x reacts to heavy metal' channels.
One of my favorites was for Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down", peeling back the layers and highlighting all the craftsmanship that went into such a deceptively straightforward sounding song.
He mentioned on his channel that he knows someone who got him these multi-track tapes. He has an impressive amount, it appears. I believe a few were removed by youtube after copyright complaint(s) but most remain.
Beato is the smartest guy in the room when it comes to breaking down songs. He has an amazing ear and is a studio-level musician on several instruments. Cool dude too.
I watch most of them, but he never actually talks about what makes the song great. Just tells you what chords are being played, etc. Knowing the name of the chords isn't what makes the songs great.
Well for many, like the Tears for Fears song, he discusses how the melody follows or expands on the chord progression, and what notes are used in the melody, as the song shifts modes are it goes.
That one is one of my least favorites of the ones I've watched because it ended up being mostly a guitar lesson, and I'm even a guitar player. I prefer the ones where he spreads his discussion across all the instruments, like Toto's "Rosanna" is a really good one. Though I'm much more a fan of Steely Dan and "Kid Charlemagne" than Toto and "Rosanna."
I like Beato's videos. And Adam's Neely as good as Beato, too. (sorry, never could resist a terrible pun)
Check out his vid on Blink 182’s “All the Small Things”. You’ll never listen to the song the same way again.
Agreed. His STP, Led Zeppelin, Yes, Nirvana (Heartshaped Box) and Toto break down videos are my favourite.
Alanis Morisette - You Oughta Know His video gave me appreciation for the production and Flea’s bass playing. He appears to have access to copies of the multi tracks.
What a pedantic, nitpicky thing to say. His infectious enthusiasm and effusive praise for how these chords work together along with melodic and rhythmic elements is the real fun of this series, for me
Yeah, he doesn't take the next step pointing out how all the parts coalesce into greatness. It is hard to pinpoint exactly (greatness) because it's a combination of so many things. And it's art...so subjective. I enjoy his deconstructions immensely.