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Post by scorpiodog on May 7, 2014 10:45:32 GMT
Ok, ok it's an acoustic instrument forum. But I think there are a fair number of us who sing, so this is probably fair to write about.
Our esteemed leader made a remark in another thread that someone singing in an American accent was forgiven. (which was nice of him, I thought).
I happen to agree that singing in a faux American accent regardless of context is a bit silly, but I find myself doing it sometimes. So that's an item for discussion.
I also dislike singers (and a lot of the new generation of pop singers who use acoustic guitars seem to do this) who habitually sing at the top of their range, creating a kind of plaintive wail.
Anybody have any likes/dislikes or comments or tips on singing?
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Post by delb0y on May 7, 2014 11:45:58 GMT
Best I chime in as it was my American accent.... First of all, I'm from Gloucester, and if I sing in my normal accent it sounds like I'm a poor version of a Wurzal. Nothing wrong with the Wurzals - I can't remember if they were the first or second band/artist I ever saw live (it's between them and George Hamilton IV). But it was a good gig (as was George). Anyway, singing with a West Country accent is great for cider drinkers or Bill Bailey comedy sketches, and maybe I'd get away with a tale of Elver fishermen in my natural accent, but it's not great for singing story songs about blues-singers, devils, morticians, cowboy outlaws, or any of the other characters that inhabit my songs. I suppose I could put on an accent from somewhere else in Blighty, but that would be no different in a way to the one I've adopted. In fact - I no longer realise I do it, as there was no intent behind the accent. I opened my mouth to sing and that's what came out. Years of listening to music from across the pond, I guess (and Mick Jagger). Hints and tips - always open to learning about singing. I'd like to learn how to do it properly... I know, take lessons. I keep thinking about it and one day when the £££s are in better shape I might well do. That said, I do tend to enjoy the story-teller like vocalists - John Prine, Jeffrey Foucault, Ray Wylie Hubbard - and that's kind of why i sing like I do. We use what we've got, I guess. Probably the one and only thing I dislike about singing and singers are those very skilful and talented folk who have the amazing ability to use 24 notes when one would do. I much prefer to hear an unadorned melody (unless it's Django doing the adorning) or a tastefully adorned one, rather than a demonstration of vocal pyrotechnics. Things do seem to have improved in this regard lately, but a few years ago you couldn't turn on the wireless without hearing such things. Kind regards Derek
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Post by scorpiodog on May 7, 2014 12:31:44 GMT
Ah, but Derek, the context of your song would have made any non-American accent sound wrong. And I think the same thing applies to most John Prine songs (I'm not familiar with the work of the others you mention - perhaps you might put a couple of links to their songs in the Acoustic Cafe section). If it seemed like I was criticizing you (says he deliberately using an American spelling to provoke controversy) I surely did not mean to. I loved your song and the performance.
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Wild Violet
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Post by Wild Violet on May 7, 2014 12:34:57 GMT
I always sing with an American accent...
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Post by scorpiodog on May 7, 2014 12:51:55 GMT
Well stop it! You live in Lincolnshire now!!! I think you can be forgiven, WV!
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on May 7, 2014 13:27:03 GMT
Yes indeed Paul - good thread topic! Derek's song, as I said at the time, and as you also remark, couldn't be done in anything but an American accent without sounding odd. But in general I really much prefer to hear people singing in their speaking voice, just going up and down (in the right places) a bit more, though not to the extent of the 24 notes instead of one that Derek ( delb0y)dislikes too! Most people, self included, don't particularly like their own voice, which is a pity, especially if it leads to deliberate efforts to change it all the time. Yes, it can be helpful for some songs to maybe move to a more neutral version of a very strong regional accent, but by and large I love to hear accents coming through in singing. I avoid songs I know won't fit my way of singing, which does exclude a fair bit, though some I do change around a little to suit me better. Am also guilty, like Paul ( scorpiodog) of lapsing now and again. Always exceptions of course, but I find it hard to "act" a song, and so I also mostly avoid songs that I can't sing without feeling some connection with in the feelings/situations expressed lyrically - I think this maybe helps me stay with my "own" voice - for better or for worse! With apologies (and thanks for not throwing things) to all who have heard me sing - I doubt I'll get any better, and am, at my age, likely to get worse! Keith
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Post by Martin on May 7, 2014 14:10:47 GMT
Growing up, I thought that all singing had to be done in an American accent. Pop/rock music was probably to blame for this idea, and seeing a lot of successful early British pop bands (e.g. Beatles, Rolling Stones) through to the stuff I was listening to (e.g. U2, Simple Minds, Def Leppard) taking this attitude, it came as quite a shock when I first heard The Proclaimers Since getting into acoustic music several years ago and going to folk clubs, my eyes (and ears) have definitely been opened, and I sometimes cringe now when I hear myself lapse into 'Merkin. Not because there's anything wrong with it, just because it's a 'put on' voice for singing. I do have to force myself to remember to sing stuff in my own accent at times, and even then it can sound jarring (even allowing for my shoddy vocal ability). So, I firmly believe people should sing however they feel most comfortable and in whichever accent suits them, the song they are singing, and (perhaps) their audience.
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davewhite
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Post by davewhite on May 7, 2014 14:21:47 GMT
I find that singing with a Klingon accent works best
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Post by Martin on May 7, 2014 14:35:29 GMT
I find that singing with a Klingon accent works best Hab SoSlI' Quch!
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Post by davewhite on May 7, 2014 14:57:44 GMT
I find that singing with a Klingon accent works best Hab SoSlI' Quch! Proves my point
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Post by brianr2 on May 7, 2014 15:47:18 GMT
I sometimes cringe now when I hear myself lapse into 'Merkin. ...and so you should, bearing in mind the correct definition of "merkin", eg here! Brian
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Post by davewhite on May 7, 2014 16:03:09 GMT
I sometimes cringe now when I hear myself lapse into 'Merkin. ...and so you should, bearing in mind the correct definition of "merkin", eg here! Brian Wow - that Merkin certainly does Klingon Certainly explains the origin of the Sporran
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Post by missclarktree on May 7, 2014 17:08:57 GMT
I thought it was to do with the problem of extending vowel sounds to fill the length of the note, but now I'm not so sure. The thought of singing hymns and psalms with an American accent has just popped into my mind, and how ridiculous that would sound - as ridiculous as blues in an East Lancs accent.
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Post by 007 on May 7, 2014 17:29:15 GMT
I thought it was to do with the problem of extending vowel sounds to fill the length of the note, but now I'm not so sure. The thought of singing hymns and psalms with an American accent has just popped into my mind, and how ridiculous that would sound - as ridiculous as blues in an East Lancs accent. Eee by gum lass theres nowt wrong with a East Lncs accent singing the Blues. George Formby or One eyed George as he was known in Preston had a big hit in 1935 with his version of Blues Runs the game
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Post by missclarktree on May 7, 2014 17:38:07 GMT
Well, I can't find it on youtube, but I'm sure it must have sounded very sensible indeed.
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