dhanners623 Posted March 25, 2020 Share Posted March 25, 2020 Since most of us have time on our hands now, I have started a new YouTube initiative called The 3-Minute Project. When I analyze the great songs I listened to growing up, one thing that stands out is how short they are. Songwriters were writing for radio and to fit the song on a 45 (one side of a 45 could hold about 4:30 worth of music) and brevity was important. But gee whiz, they could tell an amazing story in less than 3 minutes.Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried" is one of the best songs ever written and he tells the whole story in 2:12. It took Johnny Cash 2:50 to sing “Folsom Prison Blues." Buck Owens knocked out "Hello Trouble" in 2:02. Dave Dudley took 2:24 to sing, “Six Days on the Road.” The list goes on.John Fogerty was a master at this: “Who’ll Stop the Rain” (2:29), “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” (2:39), “Fortunate Son” (2:21) and “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” (2:35) are ready examples.I have started filming and posting some of my songs that clock in at 3 minutes or less. Some do that naturally, but some have required a bit of editing and rewriting. Actually, there are a couple of songs (so far) that I think have been improved by the emphasis on brevity.If you're interested, my channel is here: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCzdZhPModnRFb7fnZef-ZBANaturally, I'm not a Haggard or a Cash or a Fogerty. But my theory is if you like the songs, great, and if you don't, then I've wasted less than 3 minutes of your time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph Posted March 25, 2020 Share Posted March 25, 2020 Jerry Riopelle was HUGE is the Mesa/Phoenix area in the mid 70's due to excellent underground radio. National acts would open for him in those days. This clocks in at 2:27. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncle fester Posted March 25, 2020 Share Posted March 25, 2020 Cool idea, thanks for posting. I love learning new songs, the lyrics and start to understand what they really mean and very much appreciate when it's done well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RBSinTo Posted March 25, 2020 Share Posted March 25, 2020 "Dreamboat Annie" by "Heart". 2:02. Haunting, melodious and waay too short. RBSinTo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lars68 Posted March 26, 2020 Share Posted March 26, 2020 David, I can't seem to get your link to work. Lars Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhanners623 Posted March 26, 2020 Author Share Posted March 26, 2020 2 hours ago, Lars68 said: David, I can't seem to get your link to work. Lars Does this do it? https://m.youtube.com/user/dhanners623 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul14 Posted March 26, 2020 Share Posted March 26, 2020 On 3/25/2020 at 3:56 AM, Murph said: Jerry Riopelle was HUGE is the Mesa/Phoenix area in the mid 70's due to excellent underground radio. National acts would open for him in those days. This clocks in at 2:27. Wonder what he’s up to these days? Do you know anything? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph Posted March 27, 2020 Share Posted March 27, 2020 17 hours ago, Paul14 said: Wonder what he’s up to these days? Do you know anything? He died last Christmas eve. The Valley mourned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.