The Godfather Of Soul--speed measurements of the 20 songs on James Brown: 20 All Time Greatest Hits!

We at the Meanspeed Music Trust have measured the speeds of all 20 songs on the album ‘James Brown: 20 All Time Greatest Hits!’

May the Godfather of Soul rest in peace.


“I Got You (I Feel Good)”
track #1
a) meanspeed=144.6 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=mixed fast
c) meanspace=415 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=616.89 hertz, 85 cents above D5=587.330 hertz, 15 cents below D#5/Eb5=622.254 hertz.

“Get Up (I Feel Like A) Sex Machine, Part One”
track #2
a) meanspeed=108.4 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=lust
c) meanspace=553 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=462.63 hertz, 86 cents above A4=440.000 hertz, 14 cents below A#4/Bb4= 466.164 hertz.

“I Got The Feelin’”
track #3
a) meanspeed=128.0 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=victory
c) meanspace=469 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=545.92 hertz, 73 cents above C5=523.251 hertz, 27 cents below C#4/Db4=554.365 hertz.

“Mother Popcorn, Part One”
track #4
featured performer=Astrud Gilberto
a) meanspeed=116.6 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=foreboding
c) meanspace=515 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=497.30 hertz, 12 cents above B4=493.883 hertz, 88 cents below C5=523.251 hertz.

“Give It Up Or Turnit Loose”
track #5
a) meanspeed=111.8 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=lust
c) meanspace=537 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=477.13 hertz, 40 cents above A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz, 60 cents below B4=493.883 hertz.

“Make It Funky”
track #6
a) meanspeed= 97.3 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm
c) meanspace=617 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=415.01 hertz, less than one cent below G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz.

“Papa Got A Brand New Bag, Part One”
track #7
a) meanspeed=129.6 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=mixed fast
c) meanspace=463 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=552.81 hertz, 95 cents above C5=523.251 hertz, 5 cents below C#5/Db5=554.365 hertz.

“Think”
track #8
featured performers=The Famous Flames
a) meanspeed=157.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=mixed fast
c) meanspace=382 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=670.17 hertz, 28 cents above E5=659.256 hertz, 72 cents below F5=698.456 hertz.

“It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World”
track #9
a) meanspeed=53.9 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=surreal
c) meanspace=1114 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=229.90 hertz, 85 cents above A3=220.00 hertz, 15 cents below A#3/Bb3=233.082 hertz.

“Try Me”
track #10
featured performers=The Famous Flames
a) meanspeed=68 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=ceremony
c) meanspace=882 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=79 cents above C#4/Db4=277.183 hertz, 21 cents below D4=293.665 hertz.

“Night Train”
track #11
a) meanspeed=130.7 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=mixed fast
c) meanspace=459 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=557.48 hertz, 9 C#5/Db5=554.365 hertz, 91cents below D5=587.330 hertz.

“Cold Sweat, Part One”
track #12
a) meanspeed=112.3 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=lust
c) meanspace=535 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=478.92 hertz, 46 cents above A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz, 54 cents below B4=493.883 hertz

“Get On The Good Foot”
track #13
a) meanspeed=108.6 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=lust
c) meanspace=552 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=463.40 hertz, 89 cents above A4=440.000 hertz, 11 cents below A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz.

“Papa Don’t Take No Mess, Part One”
track #14
featured performers=Fred Wesley & The J.B.’s
a) meanspeed=96.8 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm
c) meanspace=620 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=413.01 hertz 90 cents above G4=391.995 hertz, 10 cents below G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz.

“The Payback”
track #15
a) meanspeed=97.8 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=natural
c) meanspace=613 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=417.29 hertz, 80 cents above G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz, 20 cents below A4=440.000 hertz.

“Say It Loud (I’m Black And I’m Proud), Part One”
track #16
a) meanspeed=114.9 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=foreboding
c) meanspace=522 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=490.41 hertz, 88 cents above A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz, 12 cents below B4=493.883 hertz.

“Super Bad, Parts One and Two”
track #17
featured performers=The J.B.’s
a) meanspeed=125.2 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=victory
c) meanspace=479 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=125.2 hertz, 35 cents above C5=523.251hertz, 65 cents below C#5/Db5=554.365 hertz.

“Hot Pants, Part One”
track #18
featured performers=The J.B.’s
a) meanspeed=98.2 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=natural
c) meanspace=611 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=419.00 hertz, 15 cents above G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz, 85 cents below A4=440.000 hertz.

“Get Up Offa That Thing”
track #19
a) meanspeed=117.5 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=foereboding
c) meanspace=511 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=501.42 hertz, 26 cents above B4=493.883 hertz, 74 cents below C5=5232.251 hertz.

“Please, Please, Please”
track #20
featured performers=The Famous Flames
a) meanspeed=72.2 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=grace
c) meanspace=831 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=308.18 hertz, 83 cents above D4=293.665 hertz, 17 cents below D#4/Eb4=311.127 hertz.

Ian Schneider, MSA 009, MSA 003
Meanspeed.com
December 31,2006

The Cat Stevens iTunes Celebrity Playlist in its entirety, with analysis by Meanspeed Music Trust

On June 10, 2006, Cat Stevens, the musician, released to iTunes 12 tracks he considers his favorites to be considered his iTunes “Celebrity Playlist.” With Cat’s extremely rich musical talent and considerably controversial career choices, we thought it would be interesting to examine Cat’s choices and his remarks regarding them in light of Meanspeed Music Theory.

Track 1
“Reason To Believe”
performer=Tim Hardin
album=20th Century Masters—the Millenium Collection, The Best of Tim Hardin
genre according to iTunes=Folk
Cat’s remarks regarding choice= “One of my favorite songs by one of the early introspective singer-songwriters.”
a) meanspeed=82.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=loneliness
c) meanspace=731 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=350.40 hertz, 1 cent above F4=349.228 hertz, 99 cents below F#4/Gb4=369.994 hertz.

Track 2
“Daydream”
performers=The Lovin’ Spoonful
composer= John Sebastian
album=Daydream--Remastered
genre according to iTunes=Pop
Cat’s remarks regarding choice= “Great, innovative group.The lyrics are permanently ‘up’ and still relevant to many, me included.”
a) meanspeed=111.2 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=lust
c) meanspace=540 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=474.30 hertz, 29 cents above A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz, 71 cents below B4=493.883 hertz.

Track 3
performer=Elliot Smith
album=XO
genre according to iTunes=Alternative
Cat’s remarks regarding choice= “Shame he died so young but…” [sic]
a) meanspeed=132.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=mixed fast
c) meanspace=454 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=563.50 hertz, 28 cents above C#5/Db5=554.365 hertz, 72 cents below D5=587.330 hertz.

Track 4
“Dying To Live”
composer= Edgar Winter
performer=Edgar Winter
album= Edgar Winter’s White Trash
genre according to iTunes=Rock
Cat’s remarks regarding choice= “Here it’s the song that speaks to me. It’s part of life’s great puzzles.”
a) meanspeed=64.4 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=ceremony
c) meanspace=931 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=300.71 hertz, 40 cents above D4=293.665 hertz, 60 cents D#4/Eb4=311.127 below hertz.

Track 5
“The Lion This Time”
performer=Van Morrison
album=Magic Time
genre according to iTunes=Rock
Cat’s remarks regarding choice= “Van’s the man.”
a) meanspeed=88.4 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=renewal, while slowly accelerating through grace, bittersweetness, loneliness, renewal and enthusiasm
c) meanspace=377.22 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=377.22 Hertz, 33 cents above F#4/Gb4=369.994 hertz, 67 cents below G4=391.995 hertz.

Track 6
“Hey Joe” (live at Woodstaock, remastered in 1999)
performer=Jimi Hendrix
album=Woodstock
genre according to iTunes=Rock
Cat’s remarks regarding choice= “I remember him on tour in ’67 during this period. As a friend he was extremely quiet and withdrawn, but his excesses overtook him.”
a) meanspeed=84.4 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=loneliness
c) meanspace=711 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=360.13 hertz, 52 cents above F4=349.228 hertz, 48 cents below F#4/Gb4=369.994 hertz.

Track 7
“Wings”
performer=Tim Buckley
composer= Tim Buckley
album= Tim Buckley
genre according to iTunes=Rock
Cat’s remarks regarding choice= “Another of the wonderful free voices of the sixties, who lived a short life.”
a) meanspeed=105.3 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=natural
c) meanspace=570 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=449.38 hertz, 36 cents above A4=440.000hertz, 64 cents below A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz.

Track 8
“Chicago”
performer=Sufjan Stevens
album=Illinoise
genre according to iTunes=Alternative
Cat’s remarks regarding choice= “Not just because he’s a namesake, but someone who has done something musically interesting in contemporary terms.”
a) meanspeed=125.0 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=victory
c) meanspace=480 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=533.33 hertz, 32 cents above C5=523.251 hertz, 68 cents below C#5/Db5=554.365 hertz.

Track 9
“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”
performer=Nina Simone
genre according to iTunes=Vocal
Cat’s remarks regarding choice= “Her talent, and particularly this recording, remains one of my all-time inspirations.”
a) meanspeed=77.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=bittersweetness
c) meanspace=778 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=329.07 hertz, 99 cents above F4=349.228 hertz, 1 cent below F#4/Gb4=369.994 hertz.

Track 10
“Don’t Think You’re The First”
performers=The Coral
composer=James Skelly
album=Magic and Medicine
genre according to iTunes=Rock
Cat’s remarks regarding choice= “Great to feel this group’s magical wind of creativity, part of an interesting wave of new tones today.”
a) meanspeed=125.3 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=victory
c) meanspace=479 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=534.62 hertz, 37 cents above C5=523.251 hertz, 63 cents below C#5/Db5=554.365 hertz.

Track 11
“Evil”
performer=Stevie Wonder
composer= Stevie Wonder
album=Music Of My Mind (Re-issue)
genre according to iTunes=Rhythm & Blues/Soul
Cat’s remarks regarding choice= “Stevie’s the best and this song says it all for me.”
a) meanspeed=71.6 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=grace
c) meanspace=838 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=305.66 hertz, 69 cents above D4=293.665 hertz, 31 cents below D#4/Eb4=311.127 hertz.

Track 12
“A Remark You Made”
performer=Weather Report
composer=Josef Zawinul
album=This Is Jazz, No. 10: Weather Report
genre according to iTunes=Jazz
Cat’s remarks regarding choice= “A haunting melody which I played and continue to play a lot.”
a) meanspeed=52.0 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=surreal
c) meanspace=1153 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=222.00 hertz, a tone identical to A3=220.00 hertz.

Ian Schneider
Meanspeed.com
December 30, 2006

Pure '80s: 18 #1 Hits From The Decade of Excess--meanspeed music theory analysis of entire CD

“Eye Of The Tiger”
performers=Survivor
composers= Jim Peterik & Frank Sullivan
producers=Jim Peterik & Frank Sullivan
issued as=Scotti Bros. 02912
chart debut=June 5, 1982
album=Rocky III, original motion picture soundtrack
a) meanspeed=108.7 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=lust
c) meanspace=552 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=463.80 Hertz, 91 cents above A4=44.000 hertz, 9 cents below A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz.

“Owner Of A Lonely Heart”
performers=Yes
composers=Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Chris Squire, Trevor Horn
producer= Trevor Horn
issued as=Atco 99817
chart debut=November 5, 1983
album=90125
a) meanspeed=125.0 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=victory
c) meanspace=480 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=533.33 Hertz, 32 cents above C5=523.251hertz, 68 cents below C#5/Db5=554.365 hertz.

“Addicted To Love” (Edit version)
performer=Robert Palmer
composer=Robert Palmer
producer=Bernard Edwards
issued as=Island 99570
chart debut=February 8, 1986
album=Riptide
a) meanspeed=111.7 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=lust
c) meanspace=537 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=476.58 Hertz, 38 cents above A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz, 62 cents below B4=493.883 hertz.

“Everybody Wants To Rule The World”
performers=Tears For Fears
composers=Roland Orzabal, Curt Smith, Chris Hughes
producer= Chris Hughes
issued as=Mercury
chart debut=March 16, 1985
album=Songs From The Big Chair
a) meanspeed=112.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=lust
c) meanspace=535 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=478.29 Hertz, 44 cents above A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz, 56 cents below 493.883 hertz.

“Don’t You (Forget About Me)”
performers=Simple Minds
composers=Keith Forsey, Steve Schiff
producer= Keith Forsey
issued as=A & M 2703
chart debut=February 23, 1985
album=The Breakfast Club, original motion picture soundtrack
a) meanspeed=111.5 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=lust
c) meanspace=538 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=475.92 Hertz, 35 cents above A#4/Bb4=hertz, 65 cents below B4=483.993 hertz.

“Higher Love”
performer=Steve Winwood
composers=Steve Winwood, Will Jennings
producers=Russ Titelman & Steve Winwood
issued as=Island 28710
chart debut=June 14, 1986
album=back In The High Life
a) meanspeed=98.7 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=natural
c) meanspace=608 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=420.97 Hertz, 22 cents above G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz, 78 cents below A4=440.000 hertz.

“What’s Love Got To Do With It”
performer=Tina Turner
composers=Terry Britten, Graham Lyle
producer= Terry Britten
issued as=capitol 5354
chart debut=May 19, 1984
album=Private Dancer
a) meanspeed=98.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=natural
c) meanspace=612 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=418.50 Hertz, 13 cents above G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz, 87 cents below A4=440.000 hertz.

“Every Breath You Take”
performer=The Police
composer=Sting
producers=Hugh Padgham & The Police
issued as=A & M 2542
chart debut=June 4, 1983
album=Synchronicity
a) meanspeed=117.4 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=foreboding
c) meanspace=511 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=500.91 Hertz, 24 cents above B4=483.993 hertz, 76 cents below C5=523.251 hertz.

“Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)”
performer=Christopher Cross
composers=Peter Allen, Burt Bacharach, Christopher Cross, Carole Bayer Sager
producer=Michael Omartian
issued as=Warner Bros. 49787
chart debut=August 15, 1981
album=Arthur, original motion picture soundtrack
a) meanspeed=66.7 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=ceremony
c) meanspace=900 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=284.44 Hertz, 44 cents above C#4/Db4=277.183 hertz, 56 cents below D=293.665 hertz.

“The Living Years”
performers=Mike + The Mechanics
composers=Mike Rutherford, B.A. Robertson
producers=Christopher Neil, Mike Rutherford
issued as=Atlantic 88964
chart debut=January 7, 1989
album= Mike + The Mechanics
a) meanspeed=98.0 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=natural
c) meanspace=612 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=418.13 Hertz, 11 cents above G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz, 89 cents below A4=440.000 hertz.

“When I See You Smile”
performers=Bad English
composer=Diane Warren
producer=Richie Zito
issued as=Epic 69082
chart debut=September 16, 1989
album= Bad English
a) meanspeed=68.2 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=ceremony
c) meanspace=880 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=290.90 Hertz, 84 cents above C#4/Db4=277.183 hertz, 16 cents below D=293.665 hertz.

“Kyrie”
performers=Mr. Mister
composers=Steve George, John Lang, Richard Page
producer= Mr. Mister & Paul DeVilliers
issued as=RCA 14258
chart debut=December 21, 1985
album=Welcome To The Real World
a) meanspeed=89.6 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm
c) meanspace=670 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=382.09 Hertz, 55 cents above F#4/Gb4=369.994 hertz, 45 cents below G4=391.995 hertz.

“Kiss On My List”
performers=Darryl Hall & John Oates
composers=Janna Hall, Darryl Hall
producers= Darryl Hall & John Oates
issued as=RCA 12142
chart debut=January 24, 1981
album=Voices
a) meanspeed=121.6 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=victory
c) meanspace=493 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=518.86 Hertz, 15 cents above B4=493.883 hertz, 85 cents below C5=523.251 hertz.

“Down Under”
performers=Men At Work
composers=Colin Hay, Ron Stryker
producer=Peter McIan
issued as=Columbia 03303
chart debut=November 6, 1982
album=Business as Usual
a) meanspeed=106.4 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=lust
c) meanspace=564 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=453.86 Hertz, 53 cents above A4=440.000 hertz, 47 cents below A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz.

“Karma Chameleon”
performers=Culture Club
composers=Michael Craig, Roy hay, Jon Moss, George O’Dowd, Phillip Pickett
producer=Steve Levine
issued as=Virgin/Epic 04221
chart debut=December 3, 1983
album=Colour By Numbers
a) meanspeed=184.0 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=mixed fast
c) meanspace=326 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=785.21 Hertz, 3 cents above G5=783.990 hertz, 97 cents below G#5/Ab5=830.610 hertz.

“She Drives Me Crazy”
performers=Fine Young Cannibals
composers=David Steele, Roland Gift
producers= David Steele, Roland Gift, Andy Cox
issued as=I.R.S./MCA 53483
chart debut=January 28, 1989
album=The Raw & The Cooked
a) meanspeed=109.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=lust
c) meanspace=550 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=465.45 Hertz, 97 cents above A4=440.000 hertz, 3 cents below A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz.

“Maniac”
performer=Michael Sembello
composer=Michael Sembello
producer= Michael Sembello
issued as=Casablanca
chart debut=June 4, 1983
album=Flashdance, original motion picture soundtrack
a) meanspeed=156.8 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=mixed fast
c) meanspace=383 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=669.19 Hertz, 25 cents above E5=659.256 hertz, 75 F5=698.456 cents below hertz.

“All Night Long (All Night)”
performer=Lionel Ritchie
composer=Lionel Ritchie
producer= Lionel Ritchie, James Anthony Carmichael
issued as=Motown 1698
chart debut=September 17, 1983
album=Can’t Slow Down
a) meanspeed=108.7 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=lust
c) meanspace=552 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=463.80 Hertz, 91cents above A4=440.000 hertz, 9 cents below A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz.

Ian Schneider & Meanspeed Secret Agent 003
meanspeed.com
December 29, 2006

'Hip Hop Is Dead,'--the speeds frequencies of every track on the new Nas album analyzed with meanspeed music theory

On December 19, 2006, NaS released an album of 16 called called Hip-Hop Is Dead.
We did with the new NaS release, or "drop" as it is known, is listen to every beat and report back back on the precision of the speeds of every song. In knowing the songs by speed and frequencies as well as by title, the mixed Playlists and the party choices are much broader.
We measured all these speeds after downloading the album from iTunes yesterday. Again, please understand: these speeds are reviewed, calibrated and posted for the listeners' benefit--your quality feedback is what keeps us going.
So far there are almost 250 reviews of the contents of the album on iTunes alone--there information below is a way for you to organize and better use some of the fantastic artistry found on these 16 recordings:

“Money Over B------t”
composers=L. Lewis, Nasir Jones, W. Coleman
track #1 of 16
a) meanspeed=90.0 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm
c) meanpitch=384.00 Hertz
d) meanspace=667 milliseconds per beat

“You Can’t Kill Me”
composers=N. Jones & S. Gibbs
track #2 of 16
a) meanspeed=101.2 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=natural
c) meanpitch=431.79 Hertz
d) meanspace=593 milliseconds per beat

“Carry On Tradition”
composers=N. Jones, S. Storch
track #3 of 16
a) meanspeed=92.3 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm
c) meanpitch=393.85 Hertz
d) meanspace=650 milliseconds per beat

“Where Are They Now”
composers=B. Byrd, J. Brown, R. Lehoff & S. Gibbs
track #4 of 16
a) meanspeed=106.2 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=lust
c) meanpitch=453.09 Hertz
d) meanspace=565 milliseconds per beat

“Hip-Hop Is Dead”
featured performer=Wil.I.Am
composers=D. Ingle, J. Lordan, N. Jones, W. Adams
track #5 of 16
a) meanspeed=111.11 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=lust
c) meanpitch=474.07 Hertz
d) meanspace=540 milliseconds per beat

“Who Killed It?”
composers=N. Jones & S. Gibbs
Track #6 of 16
a) meanspeed=95.2 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm
c) meanpitch=406.19 Hertz
d) meanspace=630 milliseconds per beat

“Black Republican”
featured performer=Jay-Z
composers=C. Coppola, L. Lewis, N. Jones, S. Carter, W. Coleman
track #7 of 16
a) meanspeed=90.6 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm
c) meanpitch=386.56 Hertz
d) meanspace=662 milliseconds per beat

“Not Going Back”
composers=K. Rogers Jones, M. Eriksen, N. Jones & T. Hermansen
track #8 of 16
a) meanspeed=94.2 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm
c) meanpitch=401.71 Hertz
d) meanspace=637 milliseconds per beat

“Still Dreaming”
featured performer=Kanye West
composers=J. Webb, K. West, N. Jones
track #9 of 16
a) meanspeed=91.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm
c) meanpitch=388.89 Hertz
d) meanspace=658 milliseconds per beat

“Hold Down The Block”
composers=Mark Batson & Nasir
track #10 of 16
a) meanspeed=92.3 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm
c) meanpitch=393.85 Hertz
d) meanspace=650 milliseconds per beat


“Blunt Ashes”
composers=C. Webber & N. Jones
track #11 of 16
a) meanspeed=65.2 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=ceremony
c) meanpitch=278.19 Hertz
d) meanspace=920 milliseconds per beat

“Let There Be Light”
composers=D. Harris, K. West, N. Jones, P. Cho, T. Williams
track #12 of 16
a) meanspeed=93.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm
c) meanpitch=397.21 Hertz
d) meanspace=645 milliseconds per beat

“Play On Playa”
featured performer=Snoop Dogg
composers=A. Ross, C. Broadus, L. Ware, M. Gaye, N. Jones & S. Storch
track #13 of 16
a) meanspeed=102.9 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=natural
c) meanpitch=102.9 Hertz
d) meanspace=583 milliseconds per beat

“Can’t Forget About You”
composers=C. Payne, I. Gordon, N. Jones, W. Adams
track #14 of 16
a) meanspeed=94.2 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm
c) meanpitch=401.91 Hertz
d) meanspace=637 milliseconds per beat

“Hustlers”
featured performer=The Game and Marsh Ambrosius
composer=A. Young J. Taylor, N. Jones
Track #15 of 16
a) meanspeed=89.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=renewal
c) meanpitch=380.20 Hertz
d) meanspace=673 milliseconds per beat

“Hope” (A Cappella)
composer=L. Lewis, Nasir Jones
track #16 of 16 tracks
a) meanspeed=89.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=renewal
c) meanpitch=380.20 Hertz
d) meanspace=673 milliseconds per beat


Ian Schneider
meanspeed.com
December 28, 2006

John Mayer: 'CONTINUUM'--all speeds analyzed with meanspeed music theory

John Mayer released an anticipated album this fall called Continuum. We here at Meanspeed Music Trust calibrated the speed frequencies for each of the twelve tracks on the album. Reviews of the album have flooded cyberspace and beyond—and we hope to provide you with these speeds a new way of seeing and feeling what you are hearing:

Track #1-“Waiting On The World To Change”
a) meanspeed=88.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=renewal
c) meanpitch=375.83 Hertz
d) meanspace=681 milliseconds per beat

Track#2-“I Don’t Trust Myself (With Loving You)”
a) meanspeed=84.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=loneliness
c) meanpitch=358.62 Hertz
d) meanspace=714 milliseconds per beat

Track #3-“Belief”
a) meanspeed=101.4 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=natural
c) meanpitch=432.43 Hertz
d) meanspace=592 milliseconds per beat

Track #4-“Gravity”
a) meanspeed=124.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=victory, as a slow waltz
c) meanpitch=529.66 Hertz
d) meanspace=483 milliseconds per beat

Track #5-“The Heart Of Life”
a) meanspeed=88.0 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=renewal
c) meanpitch=375.60 Hertz
d) meanspace=682 milliseconds per beat

Track #6- “Vultures”
a) meanspeed=98.0 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=natural
c) meanpitch=417.95 Hertz
d) meanspace=613 milliseconds per beat

Track #7-““Stop This Train”
a) meanspeed=89.5 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm, as a sweet irony
c) meanpitch=382.04 Hertz
d) meanspace=670 milliseconds per beat

Track #8-“Slow Dancing In a Burning Room”
a) meanspeed=67.3 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=ceremony
c) meanpitch=287.20 Hertz
d) meanspace=891 milliseconds per beat

Track #9-“Bold As Love”
a) meanspeed=62.9 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=ceremony
c) meanpitch=268.43 Hertz
d) meanspace=953 milliseconds per beat

Track#10-“Dreaming With A Broken Heart”
a) meanspeed=68.6 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=ceremony
c) meanpitch=292.76 Hertz
d) meanspace=872 milliseconds per beat

Track #11-“In Repair”
a) meanspeed=72.8 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=grace
c) meanpitch=310.61 Hertz
d) meanspace=824 milliseconds per beat

Track# 12-“I’m Gonna Find Another You”
a) meanspeed=151.3 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=mixed fast waltz
c) meanpitch=396.50 Hertz
d) meanspace=397 milliseconds per beat

Ian Schneider Meanspeed Music Trust December 27, 2006 USA

William Shatner, 'Has Been': The speed frequencies of all 11 tracks on the album

William Shatner’s 2004 album ‘Has Been’ is simply amazing. It is wildly creative, yet quite camp, that depending on the piece of music that is being performed: one cannot know—nor is one seemingly supposed to be able to interpret--if Bill is trying to be funny, profound, or a unique combination of both. He surrounds himself with the best of musicians, and chooses songs that make you think hard—but in a nice way: like a diamond. This album is a diamond—way beyond my expectations.
I calibrated the beats per minute and basic speed frequencies for each of the 11 tracks on this iTunes offering, and in order that anyone else who is lucky enough to download the album be able to categorize the songs by “BPM” or beats per minute in the iTunes system.

One of the best ways to organize a Playlist is by pure speed or “tempo” as some say. Give it a try!

Track #1: “Common People,” featuring Joe Jackson
a) meanspeed=175.8 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=mixed fast
c) meanpitch=750.04 Hertz
d) meanspace=341 milliseconds per beat

Track #2: “It Hasn’t Happened Yet”
a) meanspeed=107.0 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=lust
c) meanpitch=452.63 Hertz
d) meanspace=561 milliseconds per beat

Track #3: “You’ll Have The Time”
a) meanspeed=55.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=melodrama
c) meanpitch=235.00 Hertz
d) meanspace=1089 milliseconds per beat

Track #4: “That’s Me Trying”
a) meanspeed=68.8 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=ceremony
c) meanpitch=293.38 Hertz
d) meanspace=873 milliseconds per beat

Track #5
a) meanspeed=tempo rubato/spoken word
b) meanemotion=surreal

Track#6: “Together,” featuring Lemon Jelly
a) Meanspeed=105.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=natural
c) meanpitch=448.31 Hertz
d) meanspace=571 milliseconds per beat

Track #7: “Familiar Love”
a) meanspeed=63.8 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=ceremony
c) meanpitch=272.14 Hertz
d) meanspace=941 milliseconds per beat

Track #8: “Ideal Woman”
a) meanspeed=128.2 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=victory
c) meanpitch=547.05 Hertz
d) meanspace=468 milliseconds per beat

Track #9: “Has Been”
a) meanspeed=113.8 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=lust
c) meanpitch=485.68 Hertz
d) meanspace=527 milliseconds per beat

Track #10: “I Can’t Get Behind That, ” featuring Henry Rollins
a) meanspeed=166.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=mixed fast
c) meanpitch=708.82 Hertz
d) meanspace=361 milliseconds per beat

Track #11: “Real,” featuring Brad Paisley
a) meanspeed=85.7 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=renewal
c) meanpitch=365.71 Hertz
d) meanspace=700 milliseconds per beat


Ian Schneider
Meanspeed Music Trust
December 26, 2006
Meanspeed.com

Sheryl Crow: 4 versions of "If It Makes You Happy," newest to aid a Cancer Research

Singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow is one of the most creative pop music composers of our time.

In order to raise funds to research a cure for cancer, Sheryl released a fourth recorded version of her song "If It Makes You Happy." It's a simple song, which is part of what makes it such a great song, probably the most memorable Sheryl has written yet.

We here at Meanspeed Music measured the frequencies for all 4 versions. We are happy to relay them to you as they exist from fast to slow. The song rides a 10 beat per minute wave between enthusiasm and natural, which is so much a part of the ironic lyric of the song.

Know that if you download the special iTunes version for benefitting cancer research, every penny spent on the download, after overhead, goes directly to the labs! So while we don't push recordings on people here very often, it would be a kind thing to do if you cannot make up your mind, let's say, between the new version, and, Danny Bonaduce's Greatest Hits: The B Sides, to go with SC.

The studio version, which may be found on The Very Best of Sheryl Crow, was measured for speed as:

meanspeed=95.5 beats per minute
meanemotion=enthusiasm
meanspace=0.628 seconds per beat
meanphase=1.59 cycles per second
meanpitch=407.37 Hertz, 66 cents above G4=391.995 and 34 cents below G#4/Ab4=415.305 Hertz.

The speed frequencies of the iTunes Original version, featuring just Sheryl accompanying herself are:

meanspeed=97.0 beats per minute
meanemotion=enthusiasm
meanspace=0.619 seconds per beat
meanphase=1.62 cycles per second
meanpitch=413.90 Hertz, 94 cents above G4=391.995 Hertz and 34 cents below G#4/Ab4=415.305 Hertz.

The speeds of the cancer fundraising awareness version avilable on iTunes a version which features Jeff Ingram of Austin, Texas are:

meanspeed=98.6 beats per minute
meanemotion=natural
meanspace=0.608 seconds per beat
meanphase=1.64 cycles per second
meanpitch=420.83 Hertz, 22 cents above G#4/Ab4=415.305 and 78 cents below A4=440.000 Hertz.

The speeds of the Sheryl Crow & Friends Live In Central Park, featuring Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders version are:

meanspeed=104.2 beats per minute
meanemotion=natural
meanspace=0.576 seconds per beat
meanphase=1.74 cycles per second
meanpitch=444.71 Hertz, 18 cents above A4=440.000 Hertz, 82 cents below A#4/Bb4=466.164 Hertz.

To directly contact the artist, Sheryl's Official website is: http://www.sherylcrow.com/

Ian Schneider

Meanspeed Music Trust

December 23, 2006

USA

"You Take My Breath Away," Berlin, from TOP GUN, meanemotion=enthusiasm, meanspace=624 milliseconds per beat

The band Berlin released an album of their GREATEST HITS, but since only one song was an actual “hit,” a re-naming was made and now the album is known as ‘The Best of Berlin, 1979-1988.’
That hit? “You Take My Breath Away,” a song best known for its appearance in the TOM CRUISE film Top Gun.

The speed frequencies were measured as:
a) Meanspeed=96.2 beats per minute,
b) Meanemotion=enthusiasm,
c) Meanspace=624 milliseconds per beat,
d) Meanphase=1.60 cycles per second,
e) Meanpitch=410.24 hertz, 78 cents above G4=391.995 hertz Hertz, 22 cents lower than G#4/Ab4=415.305 Hertz

The Berlin Fan Page

Berlin web site. History, Images, Tour Dates, Sound Clips, and everything related to Berlin / Terri Nunn / etc. With information on new EP, music bands ... www.berlinpage.com/ - 2k - Cached - Similar pages

Berlin Fan Sites on Yahoo! Music

Check out Berlin websites on Yahoo! Music. Also see Berlin downloads, biography, discography, videos, news, photos, reviews, groups, listen to Berlin music, ... music.yahoo.com/ar-264627-websites--Berlin - 37k - Cached - Similar pages

Berlin on Yahoo! Music

Rating affects your music played in LAUNCHcast and Music Videos. ... Berlin Fan Station - Berlin, The Thompson Twins, ABC ...
music.yahoo.com/ar-264627---Berlin - 51k - Cached - Similar pages
[ More results from yahoo.com ]

Ian Schneider
Meanspeed Music Trust
December 23, 2006
USA

"You're In Love," Wilson Phillips, meanemotion=natural, meanspeed=102.0

The band Wilson Phillips is comprised of Carnie Wilson, Wendy Wilson and Chynna Phillips.
They had a release under the production of the Glenn Ballard.

One of the band's hits was "You're In Love."

The musical lineup features;
John Robinson-drums
Jimmy Johnson-bass
Glenn Ballard-keyboards
Randy Kerber-keyboards
Paulinho Da Costa-percussion

The speed frequencies were measured as:
a) Meanspeed=102.0 beats per minute,
b) Meanemotion=natural,
c) Meanspace=588 milliseconds per beat,
d) Meanphase=1.70 cycles per second,
e) Meanpitch=435.00 hertz, 80 cents above G#4/Ab4=415.305 Hertz, 20 cents lower than A4=440.000 Hertz

Ian Schneider
Meanspeed Music Trust
December 23, 2006
USA

Wilson Phillips Fan Sites on Yahoo! Music

Check out Wilson Phillips websites on Yahoo! Music. Also see Wilson Phillips downloads, biography, discography, videos, news, photos, reviews, groups, ...
music.yahoo.com/ar-268722-websites--Wilson-Phillips - 40k - Cached - Similar pages

"Hold On," Wilson Phillips, with 'additional lyrics by' C. Phillips, meanemotion=natural, meanspeed=97.8

The band Wilson Phillips is comprised of Carnie Wilson, Wendy Wilson and Chynna Phillips. They had a release under the production of the Glenn Ballard. The song for which this band is most known is called “Hold On” and was composed by Chynna Phillips, Glenn Ballard, with additional lyrics by Carnie Wilson. Ok—it’s a fantastic pop song, but any time you have to credit one third of your band on their first release as not writing actual lyrics but “additional” lyrics to another member, well, how long is it going to be before problems arise? I mean, it’s a great, simple pop song. Which additional lyric did the now svelte Wilson pen that did not qualify them as actual lyrics? It is almost funny that in the liner notes for the song the words ‘additional lyrics by’ take up more space than either G. Ballard or C. Phillips’ respective names. I mean, maybe the band wouldn’t have folded so far and so fast if they hadn’t gotten into a start that probably looked like this:
Glenn: Well, I wrote ‘Someday somebody’s gonna make you want to turn around and say goodbye.'
Chynna: And Glenn, remember, I’m the one who rhymed 'Things will go your way with one more day' in the first place!
Carnie: OK, you two win, my line, which, by the way works both as a rhetorical question and a self-help, of the tough variety of course, lesson, 'You could sustain or are you comfortable with all the pain?'

This, I hate to say, is not a great start for any band—the song is a pop classic, though, whoever wrote what. The musical lineup features; John Robinson-drums Jimmy Johnson-bass Glenn Ballard-keyboards Randy Kerber-keyboards Paulinho Da Costa-percussion Joe Walsh-rhythm guitar.

We measured the speed frequencies as:
a) Meanspeed=97.8 beats per minute,
b) Meanemotion=natural,
c) Meanspace=614 milliseconds per beat,
d) Meanphase=1.63 cycles per second,
e) Meanpitch=417.28 hertz, 8 cents above G#4/Ab4=415.305 Hertz, 92 cents lower than A4=440.000 Hertz

photo borrowed from:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wilson-Phillips/

Ian Schneider
Meanspeed Music Trust
December 23, 2006 USA

the story behind the story: who really commissioned "Leather and Lace" and why Stevie Nicks and Don Henley perform, meanemotion=grace

A song that exudes grace is called “Leather and Lace” by Stevie Nicks and Don Henley. In the liner notes of the CD: The best of Stevie Nicks: TIMESPACE, she writes:
“I wrote this song because Waylon Jennings called me up and asked me to write a song called ‘Leather and Lace.’ It was to be a duet for him and his wife, and I worked very hard trying to explain what it was like to be in love with someone in the same business, and how to approach dealing with each other. It’s probably the hardest thing in the world to do because it falls out of your hands and into the hands of the world, which tends you not be able to handle it. I have to tell you now that Mr. Don Henley was pretty much responsible for this song because he came over every other day to either start over, or that I was right on track, and he made me finish it (because I almost gave up many times). When it was finally finished, don and I made a very simple demo of it…he sang it with me and it was…truly wonderful. And then I found out that Waylon and Jessi were breaking up, and Waylon wanted to just sing it by himself. After all the work I had put inito the philosophy of two people dealing with this problem, I told Waylon that only four people in the world could sing this song: he and his wife, or myself and Don Henley. Don and I had been going out quite awhile, and, bless his heart, he did sing it with me, and, again, as fate would have it…it became one of the most special love songs that I would ever write…and remains that today, after all these years. All in all, it was an unforgettable experience, as was he…Blame it on my wild heart. -Bella Donna…1981”

We measured the speed frequencies of Leather + Lace as:
a) meanspeed=76.1 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=grace,
c) meanspace=788 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanphase=1.27 beats per second,
e) meanpitch=324.80 hertz, 74 cents above Eb4=311. 127 hertz, 26 cents below E4=329.628 hertz.


photo from Stevie's URL:
http://www.nicksfix.com/


Ian Schneider
Meanspeed Music Trust
December 22, 2006
USA

Stevie Nicks, "Rooms On Fire," meanemotion=victory, meanspeed=127.0 beats per minute

Another of Stevie Nicks' amazingly creative and atmospheric hit songs is called Rooms On Fire.

In the liner notes to Timespace, she writes:

"The night I met Rupert Hine was a dangerous one. He was different from anyone else I had ever known...He was older, and he was smarter, and we both knew it. I hired him to do the album before we even started talking about music. It seemed that we had made a spiritual agreement to do a magic album...in a fabulous Dutch castle, at the top of the mountain. We recorded it in the formal dining room...where, upon the walls hung all these very old and expensive pieces of art...looking at us...we were never alone.

It always seemed to me that whenever Rupert walked into one of these old, dark castle rooms, that the rooms were on fire. There was a connection between us that everyone around us instantly picked up on, and everyone was very careful to respect our space...our TIMESPACE, so we all lived at the castle for about four-and-a-half months. I went home with him to England to mix the album at his studio...he left in December. I joined him there in London in January. We left immediately for his studio, Farmyard Studios, somewhere outside London. It was like being in a cottage in Wales, it was a little spooky...the atmosphere was like nothing I had ever experienced. Then something happened to him that simply made it impossible for us to ever be together again. I left him there...the rooms were still burning, but the fire had been stolen from us. It wasn't over love, in fact...it had nothing to do with love. It was just a bad situation. I came back to Los Angeles, a very changed woman. And now, long nets of white...cloud my memory...Now I remember the rooms, the music, and how truly magic the whole thing was...
'Alright, said Alice, I'm going back...
To the other side of the mirror.'
'What price love...what price glory'
--The Other Side of The Mirror...1989"

The song was produced by Rupert Hine, recorded by Stephen W. Taylor and remixed by Chris Lord-Alge.

The musicians on the recording are:
Geoff Dugmore-drums
Vail Johnson-bass
Jamie West-Oram-guitar
Rick Nowels-guitar, acoustic guitar
Stevie Nicks-percussion
Sharon Celani-background vocals
Lori Perry Nicks-background vocals

We measured the speed frequencies for the song as:
a) meanspeed=127.0 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=victory,
c) meanspace=472 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanphase=2.12 beats per second,
e) meanpitch=541.87 Hertz, 60 cents higher than C5=523.251 Hertz, 40 cents lower than C#5/Db5=554.365 Hertz.

photo borrowed from URL: http://www.inherownwords.com/

Ian Schneider
Meanspeed Music Trust
December 22, 2006
USA

Stevie Nicks, "Edge Of Seventeen" -'My uncle was very sick, my father did not come, nor my mother, nor my aunt.' meanemotion=lust, meanspeed=111.6

Stevie Nicks writes in her liner notes regarding the song "Edge Of Seventeen," which she both composed and recorded:

"Inspired by John Lennon and my late uncle Jonathan William. I had lived up in the hills with Jimmy Iovine for almost six months. He was coming to the end of Tom Petty's album...it seemed I had waited a long time, and since no one really knew where I was, I was starting to get very edgy to do something...I was also starting to feel very unimportant and very sorry for myself. I was ready to begin Bella Donna and it seemed like it would just never happen. Jimmy had told me many times about his incredible friendship with John Lennon; how John had taken Jimmy in and taught him how to record. He was his teacher...and I was entranced because I could not imagine these two together. Anyway, it was a real life fairy tale, and I believed it. Then one grey day, the fairy tale ended...Jimmy's friend was dead...But Jimmy's love for John did not die. A terrible sadness set in over the house, there was simply nothing I could do to help and nothing I could say. So I went home...Jimmy would have to go this one alone.
I went to Phoenix. I went to visit to visit my uncle (who was very sick), not knowing that no one but his son John was there...and I sat on his bedside, while John sat on the floor beside him, and we stayed there. My father did not come, nor my mother...nor my aunt...so I sat there and held his hand, and sometime right about sunset, he slightly turned his head to John, and then to me, and his hand slowly let go of mine. I did run out into the hallway, but no one was there...and the white winged dove took flight...
'Well, I hear you in the morning...
And I hear you at the nightfall...
But sometimes to be near you...
Is to be unable...to hear you...'
Goodbye to you both, I said...There was nothing else left to say--Bella Donna, 1981"

The musical lineup on the song is:
Russ Kunkel-drums
Bob Glaub-bass
Waddy Wachtel-guitar
Bobbye Hall-percussion
Roy Bittan-piano
Benmont Tench-organ
Sharon Celani-background vocals
Lori Perry Nicks-background vocals

The song was produced by Jimmy Iovine, engineered by Shelly Yakus and remixed by Chris Lord-Alge, ©1980 Welsh Witch Music (BMI), All Rights Reserved."

We measured the speed frequencies of this song as:
a) meanspeed=111.6 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=lust,
c) meanphase=1.86 beats per second,
d) meanspace=538 milliseconds per beat,
e) meanpitch=476.03 Hertz, 36 cents above A#4/Bb4=466.164 Hertz, 64 cents below B4=493.883 Hertz.

photo borrowed from the URL:
http://www.inherownwords.com/


Ian Schneider
Meanspeed Music Trust
December 22, 2006
NJ, USA

Stevie Nicks, "If Anyone Falls," meanemotion=enthusiasm. Stevie: "I was falling out of one love and into another, nothing else mattered"

Stevie Nicks is one of the more mysterious musicians of the 20th century. Her catalogue is large, with virtually every sub-genre withing pop music eventually getting a chance.
The song "If Anyone Falls In Love, " composed by Stevie Nicks and Sandy Stewart, is a fantastically fantastic 1980s song.
This is what the artist herself says about the song on the liner notes from the CD 'The Best of Stevie Nicks- Time Space':
"Inspired by Waddy Wachtel. There was a time when I was falling out of one love into another, when nothing else seemed to matter except this person. I adored him...he was everything I wanted to be: a real rock and roller...and a lover of the Stones...small and frail sometimes, but in many ways the strongest person I had ever known. His word was law. I became him, he became me, but his spirit twin never leaves him. I think sometimes I liked being on stage just to watch him. It was music combined with love, combined with the fact that when Waddy was beside me, I felt completely safe. It is my great sorrow that we are no longer on stage together, but it is my great joy that he always seems to be with me, even after all this time. 'Love is a word that some entertain...If you have found it, then you have won the game...' --The Wild Heart, 1983.

The musical lineup:
Russ Kunkel-drums
Roy Bittan-synthesizer
Bob Glaub-bass
Bobbye Hall-percussion
Sharon Celani-background vocals
Lori Perry Nicks-background vocals
Carolyn Brooks-background vocals

The song was produced by Jimmy Iovine engineered by Shelly Yakus and re-mixed by Chris Lord-Alge. The song is copyrighted 1982 by Welsh Witch Music/Three Hearts Music (ASCAP).

We measured the speed frequencies of this song as:
a) meanspeed=96.0 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm,
c) meanspace=0.625 seconds between beats,
d) meanphase=1.60 beats per second
e) meanpitch=409.60 Hertz, 76 cents above G4=391.995 Hertz, and 24 cents below G#4/Ab4=415.305 Hertz.

photo of Waddy Wachtel borrowed from URL:
http://www.fleetwoodmac.net/



Ian Schneider
Meanspeed Music Trust
New Jersey, United States
December 22, 2006

Meanspeed Review Anderson Cooper iTunes Celebrity Playlist

Anderson Cooper, the prime-time journalist at Cable News Network submitted a Celebrity iTunes Playlist on June 6, 2006.






A selection Anderson chose for his Playlist was a song called "Tive Razao" by the artist Seu Jorge from his 2005 album 'Cru.' The song has a musical genre classification of "World Music."

Say's Anderson: "Brazilian folk-singer, known in the States for his Portuguese covers of David Bowie songs, but I actually prefer his own stuff."

Meanspeed Summary, "Tive Razao" -
average tempo=100.4 beats per minute, as a natural waltz
mean emotion according to mean speed music theory=natural
average beat=598 milliseconds per beat
d) mean slow phase=1.67 beats per second,
e) corresponding pitch=428.38 Hertz

Anderson chose as a selection by R.E.M. called "WHAT'S THE FREQUENCY KENNETH?"
This song became extremely popular almost immediately on its release in the 1990s, and became ueber-famous when Dan Rather, at the time the most well respected television journalist in the United States, was walking down park Avenue in New York City and was assaulted by a mystery man demanding that Mr. Rather tell the assaulter what the frequency actually was. I don't think Mr. Rather knew at the time--a bizarre incident indeed.

Says Anderson on choosing this track: "Might be tempting fate to pick a song inspired by the mugging of a news anchor."

What's The Frequency, Kenneth by REM reminds many of the infamous "Dan Rather incident of the late 20the century" whereby Dan was walking down a residential upper east side street, alone, and a stranger [aggressively approached him] and rather than ask Rather for money or threaten bodily harm, the aggressive stranger continued to shout at Rather---"WHAT'S THE FREQUENCY KENNETH?!" in repetition--how many times, I do not know. Maybe that's what cause that swift-boat thing confusion, who knows, ya know?

--->

REM: What's the Frequency, Kenneth?

REM: What's the Frequency, Kenneth? ... anchorman Dan Rather, who jumped the newsman from behind on a Manhattan street and repeatedly hit him in the head, ... www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2478584 - 49k - Jul 30, 2006 - Cached - Similar pages

--->

By tempo as compared to emotional expression, my theory can only predict that REM in this song, notwithstanding what anyone--even the band dudes-- thinks the song "means," are in full exploration of the meanemotion range, 90-97, of enthusiasm. I have heard the song 300 times and I still cannot make out a word. Well, a few here and there--but I get no "message" from the song--so said, it does soud full of confident enthusiasm in its expression--to me anyway. You be the judge.

Also, you might note on the graph how the song was recorded live, allowing for the linear trendline and natural speed movement. I have no idea if this is so, but it sounds as if the band members were all together, live, in the studio for the main part of this track.

The frequencies of What's The Frequency, Kenneth?:
mean speed (average tempo)=95.2 beats per minute
mean emotion according to meanspeed music theory=enthusiasm
average beat=0.630 seconds per beat
mean slow phase=1.586 cycles per second
corresponding pitch=406.19 Hertz



A song he chose among his selections is called "You Can Have It All" by the group Yo La Tengo from their 2005 album 'Prisoners of Love-A Smattering of Scintillating Senescent Songs' (Box Set).

Anderson comments: "Second to Sinatra, the best thing to come out of Hoboken, [New Jersey]. This is an infectiously catchy song."

The measured speed frequencies of this song are:
a) mean speed (average tempo)=89.3 beats per minute
b) mean emotion according to mean speed music theory=renewal
c) mean slow phase=1.49 beats per second
d) average beat=672 milliseconds between beats
e) meanpitch=381.17 Hertz.

A song he chose among his selections is called "You Can Have It All" by the group Yo La Tengo from their 2005 album 'Prisoners of Love-A Smattering of Scintillating Senescent Songs' (Box Set).

Anderson comments: "Second to Sinatra, the best thing to come out of Hoboken, [New Jersey]. This is an infectiously catchy song."

The measured speed frequencies of this song are:
a) mean speed (average tempo)=89.3 beats per minute
b) mean emotion according to mean speed music theory=renewal
c) mean slow phase=1.49 beats per second
d) average beat=672 milliseconds between beats
e) corresponding pitch=381.17 Hertz

Ian Schneider

December 17, 2007

Stephen King on "Carry Me" by Tim Easton: "A beautiful love song. It fills me up." meanemotion=lust, meanspace=561 milliseconds

photo borrowed from URL:
www.cojeco.cz/

Stephen King, the famed writer, has submitted an iTunes Celebrity Playlist of songs he selected and commented about.
One track on the list is by the band the Tim Easton called "Carry Me." The song is from his 2001 album 'The Truth About Us' under the catalogued genre of 'rock.'
Author King says about the song: "A beautiful love song. It fills me up."

We measured the speed frequencies of the song as:
a) meanspeed=107.0 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=lust,
c) meanspace=0.561 seconds between beats,
d) meanphase=1.78 cycles per second,
e) meanpitch=456.53 Hertz, 63 cents above A4=440.000 Hertz, 37 cents below A#4/Bb4=466.164 Hertz.

Ian Schneider
Meanspeed Music Trust
December 20, 2006
NY, NY

Stephen King's Playlist, "See The Elephant," James McMurtry, meanemotion=victory, meanspace=502 milliseconds

photo borrowed from the URL:
http://stephen-king.net/

Stephen King, the famed writer, has submitted an iTunes Celebrity Playlist of songs he selected and commented about.
One track on the list is by the artist James McMurtry called "See The Elephant." The song is from his 2005 album 'Childish Things' under the catalogued genre of 'country.'
Author King says about the song: "It's a war protest song, but one of the slyest and most tuneful you'll ever hear."

We measured the speed frequencies of the song as:
a) meanspeed=119.4 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=victory,
c) meanspace=0.502 seconds between beats,
d) meanphase=1.99 cycles per second,
e) meanpitch=509.50 Hertz, 65 cents above C5=523.251 Hertz, 35 cents below C#5/Db5=554.365 Hertz.

Ian Schneider
Meanspeed Music Trust
December 20, 2006
NY, NY

Stephen King's Playlist, "Peter Gunn," Henry Mancini, meanemotion=victory, meanspace=504 milliseconds

On his October 2005 iTunes Celebrity Playlist, famed Boston based author Stephen King chose a theme song as one for his list: the television theme of Peter Gunn by Henry Mancini.
The genre of the music is listed as "soundtrack" and is from the album 'The Music from Peter Gunn.'
Stephen says: "Henry Mancini, doin' the private eye thing. This tv theme's over half a century old, and still as cool as the cubes in your freezer."

The speed frequencies of the song are:
a) meanspeed=119 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=victory,
c) meanspace=0.504 seconds between beats,
d) meanphase=1.98 cycles per second,
e) meanpitch=507.68 Hertz, 54 cents above B4=493.883 Hertz, 46 cents below C5=523.251 Hertz.

Ian Schneider
Meanspeed Music Trust
December 20, 2006
NY, NY