Taylor "Soul Patrol" Hicks' iTunes Celebrity Playlist--The Music and Speed Influences behind the force of American Idol's 2006 winner

On December 12, 2006, Taylor “Soul Patrol” Hicks, the 2006 winner of the world’s most popular show, FOX’s American Idol, released to iTunes 12 tracks he considers his 10 favorite songs as his iTunes “Celebrity Playlist.” With the new American Idol season looking at us in the face, we thought it would be interesting to examine Taylor’s choices and his remarks regarding them in light of Meanspeed Music Theory. Tomorrow we will be looking at the choices of his very happening runner up, Kellie Pickler.

Track 1
“U.S. Blues”
performer=The Grateful Dead
album=Dick’s Picks, Volume 12: Providence Center, Providence Rhode Island, June 26, 1974 & Boston Garden, Boston Massachusetts, June 28, 1974
genre according to iTunes=rock
Taylor’s remarks regarding choice= “Live at the Wetlands is my all time favorite version of this song.”
a) meanspeed=146.82 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=mixed fast, 2.45 beats per second
c) meanspace=409 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=626.48 hertz, 11 cents above D#5/Eb5=622.254 hertz, 89 cents below E5=659.256 hertz.

Track 2
“Soul Serenade”
performer=King Curtis
album=King Curtis live At The Filmore West
genre according to iTunes=Jazz
Taylor’s remarks regarding choice= “King Curtis’ live At The Filmore West is a great album.”
a) meanspeed=89.3 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=renewal
c) meanspace=672 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=380.97 hertz, 50 cents above F#4/Gb4=369.994 hertz, 50 cents below G4=391.995 hertz.

Track 3
“Compared To What”
performer=Les McCann
album=Talkin’ Verve
genre according to iTunes=Jazz
Taylor’s remarks regarding choice= “This song stands the test of time with its groove.”
a) meanspeed=174.4 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=mixed fast, 2.9 beats per second
c) meanspace=344 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=744.71 hertz, 11 cents above F#5/Gb5=739.990 hertz, 89 cents below G5=783.990 hertz.

Track 4
“Am I Blue”
performer=Ray Charles
album= The Genius Of Ray Charles
genre according to iTunes=Rhythm & Blues/Soul
Taylor’s remarks regarding choice= “Ray Charles at his very best.”
a) meanspeed=66.2 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=ceremony
c) meanspace=907 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=282.29 hertz, 31 cents above C#4/Db4=277.183 hertz, 69 cents below D4=293.665 hertz.

Track 5
“Heavy Things”
performer=Phish
album=Farmhouse
genre according to iTunes=Rock
Taylor’s remarks regarding choice= “One of the greatest jam bands puts a country spin on a great tune.”
a) meanspeed=116.3 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=foreboding
c) meanspace=516 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=496.08 hertz, 7 cents above B4=493.883 hertz, 93 cents below C5=523.251 hertz.

Track 6
“Twistin’ The Night Away”
performer=Sam Cooke
album=One Night Stand: Sam Cooke At The Harlem Square Club, 1963
genre according to iTunes=Rhythm & Blues/Soul
Taylor’s remarks regarding choice= “Very rare to hear live Sam Cooke. This is one of those moments.”
a) meanspeed=167.6 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=mixed fast, 2.79 beats per second
c) meanspace=358 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=715.17 hertz, 40 cents above F5=698.456 hertz, 60 cents below F#5/Gb5=739.990 hertz.

Track 7
“Candle In The Wind”
performer=Elton John
album= Elton John: Greatest Hits, 1970-2002
genre according to iTunes=Rock
Taylor’s remarks regarding choice= “Nobody calls Marilyn by Norma Jean anymore.” [sic]
a) meanspeed=62.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=ceremony
c) meanspace=967 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=264.79 hertz, 20 cents above C4=261.626 hertz, 80 cents below C#4/Db4=277.183 hertz.

Track 8
“Use Me”
performer=Bill Withers
composer= Bill Withers
album= Bill Withers: Live At Carnegie Hall
genre according to iTunes=Rhythm & Blues/Soul
Taylor’s remarks regarding choice= “Great funky song—the Carnegie Hall version is great.”
a) meanspeed=74.1 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=grace
c) meanspace=810 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=316.02 hertz, 25 cents above D#4/Eb4=311.127 hertz, 75 cents below E4=329.628 hertz.

Track 9
“Get On The Good Foot”
performer=James Brown
genre according to iTunes=Rhythm & Blues/Soul
Taylor’s remarks regarding choice= “Beats the hell out of getting on the bad one.”
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.

Track 10
“I Know What Love’s All About”
performers=Anthony Hamilton
album=Ain’t Nobody Worrying
genre according to iTunes=Rhythm & Blues/Soul
Taylor’s remarks regarding choice= “One of my favorite artists right now, and that song definitely shows his artistry.”
a) meanspeed=101.0 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=natural
c) meanspace=479 milliseconds per beat
d) meanpitch=430.40 hertz, 63 cents above G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz, 37 cents below A4=440.000 hertz.


Ian Schneider
meanspeed.com
January 6, 2007

Neil Young--a meanspeed music theory look at his 16 Greatest Hits, as compiled by record sales, airplay and known download history

On the album Neil Young: Greatest Hits, Neil Young in 2004 released his 16 most popular tracks chosen by “record sales, airplay, and known download history” and arranged them from tracks 1-16 in the chronological order in which they were released. The original master tapes from the recordings were transferred by John Nowland at Redwood Digital, Woodside, California. Every song on the Greatest Hits compilation was composed by Neil Young except for Track #14, “Hey, Hey, My, My (Into The Black),” which was composed by Neil Young & Jeff Blackburn. Neil Young simply notes: ‘Thanks to Peg.’

Track #1
song title= “Down By The River”
album, release date=Everyone Knows This Is Nowhere, 1969
artist=Neil Young & Crazy Horse
a) meanspeed=81.7 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=loneliness,
c) meanspace=735 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=348.49 hertz, 96 cents above E4=329.628 hertz, 4 cents below F4=349.228 hertz.

Track #2
song title= “Cowgirl In The Sand”
album, release date= Everyone Knows This Is Nowhere, 1969
artist=Neil Young & Crazy Horse
a) meanspeed=84.9 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=renewal,
c) meanspace=707 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=362.13, hertz, 62 cents above F4=349.228 hertz, 38 cents below F#4/Gb4=369.994 hertz.

Track #3
song title= “Cinnamon Girl”
album, release date= Everyone Knows This Is Nowhere, 1969
artist=Neil Young & Crazy Horse
a) meanspeed=104.3 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=natural,
c) meanspace=575 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=444.93 hertz, 19 cents above A4=440.000 hertz, 81 cents below A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz.

Track #4
song title= “Helpless”
album, release date= Déjà Vu, 1970
artist=Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
a) meanspeed=57.0 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=melodrama,
c) meanspace=1053 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=243.25 hertz, 73 cents above A#3/Bb3=233.082 hertz, 27 cents below B3=246.942 hertz.

Track # 5
song title= “After The Gold Rush”
album, release date=After The Gold Rush, 1970
artist=Neil Young
a) meanspeed=96.4 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm,
c) meanspace=623 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=411.25 hertz, 83 cents above G4=391.995 hertz, 17 cents below G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz.

Track #6
song title= “Only Love Can Break Your Heart”
album, release date=After The Gold Rush, 1970
artist=Neil Young
a) meanspeed=109.9 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=lust, in waltz time,
c) meanspace=546 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=468.77 hertz, 9 cents above A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz, 91 cents below B4=493.883 hertz.

Track #7
song title= “Southern Man”
album, release date= After The Gold Rush, 1970
artist=Neil Young
a) meanspeed=80.1 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=loneliness,
c) meanspace=749 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=341.78 hertz, 62 cents above E4=329.628 hertz, 38 cents below F4=349.228 hertz.

Track #8
song title= “Ohio”
release date=Atlantic release single, 1971
artist=Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
a) meanspeed=79.2 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=loneliness,
c) meanspace=758 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=337.9 hertz, 42 cents above E4=329.628 hertz, 58 cents below F4=349.228 hertz.

Track #9
song title= “The Needle And The Damage Done”
album, release date=Harvest, 1972
artist=Neil Young
a) meanspeed=105.4 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=natural,
c) meanspace=569 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=449.80 hertz, 38 cents above A4=440.000 hertz, 62 cents below A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz.

Track #10
song title= “Old Man”
album, release date=Harvest, 1972
artist=Neil Young with the Stray Gators
a) meanspeed=70.5 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=grace,
c) meanspace=851 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=300.85 hertz, 41 cents above D4=293.665 hertz, 59 cents below D#4/Eb4=311.127 hertz.

Track #11
song title= “Heart Of Gold”
album, release date=Harvest, 1972
artist=Neil Young with the Stray Gators
a) meanspeed=85.31 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=renewal,
c) meanspace=703 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=364.01 hertz, 71 cents above F4=349.228 hertz, 29 cents below F#4/Gb4=369.994 hertz.

Track #12
song title= “Like A Hurricane”
album, release date=American Stars + Bars
artist= Neil Young & Crazy Horse
a) meanspeed=113.7 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=foreboding,
c) meanspace=528 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=485.23 hertz, 69 cents above A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz, 31 cents below B4=493.883 hertz.

Track #13
song title= “Comes A Time”
album, release date= Comes A Time, 1978
artist=Neil Young
a) meanspeed=79.30 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=loneliness,
c) meanspace=757 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=338.33 hertz, 44 cents above E4=329.628 hertz, 56 cents below F4=349.228 hertz.

Track #14
song title=“Hey, Hey, My, My (Into The Black)”
album, release date=Rust Never Sleeps, 1978
artist=Neil Young & Crazy Horse
a) meanspeed=122.5 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=victory,
c) meanspace=490 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=522.58 hertz, 98 cents above B4=493.883 hertz, 2 cents below C5=523.251 hertz.

Track #15
song title= “Rockin’ In The Free World,”
album, release date=Freedom, 1991
artist=Pearl Jam & Neil Young
a) meanspeed=132.1 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=mixed fast, 2.2 beats per second,
c) meanspace=454 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=563.71 hertz, 30cents above C#5/Db5=554.365 hertz, 70 cents below D5=587.330 hertz.

Track #16
song title= “Harvest Moon”
album, release date= Harvest Moon, 1991
artist=Neil Young
a) meanspeed=113.2 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=lust,
c) meanspace=530 milliseconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=483.28 hertz, 62 cents above A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz, 38 cents below B4=493.883 hertz.


Ian Schneider
meanspeed.com
January 5, 2007

Dave Matthews Band: Best Of What's Around, Volume One--the elementary speeds

The Dave Mathews Band always has been and still is made up of:
Dave Matthews, Stefan Lessard, Boyd Tinsley, LeRoi Moore and Carter Beauford.

Dave Matthews has an enormous collection of quality recordings. I don’t usually get opinionated in regard to the music I write about. I try to write about speed, and any emotional expression behind expression of speed in music. I try to leave the “art” part to people who are better at writing about things like that—hence the constant use of links to “official artist sites,” “official fan sites” and wikipedia.org entries regarding the songs about which we post on meanspeed.com.

The speeds, all elementary but not as easy as to obtain as professed by that freeware you just downloaded. Yeah, that software that is going to “analyze and sort” all your recordings by beats per minute. Good luck there. I am always trying “beats per minute analyzers” and programs regarding them--as www.beatunes.com’s elementary programs: they do not work, in my opinion, as they are promised. Elementary does not mean “easy to measure.”

iTunes denoted every song on this album as being in the “Rock” genre of music. Many times, you’ll see Dave’s catalogue in: adult contemporary, acoustic jam bands, pop, rock, singer-songwriter, soundtrack, vocal and so on.

The song speeds were measured as:

song= “The Best Of What’s Around”
original album=Under The Table And Dreaming
a) meanspeed=96.5 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm,
c) meanspace=0.622 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=411.60 hertz, 89 cents above G4=391.995 hertz, 11 cents below G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz.

song= “Don’t Drink The Water”
original album=Before These Crowded Streets
Concert venue=Sound Advice Ampitheater, West Palm Beach, Florida
a) meanspeed=95.2 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm,
c) meanspace=0.631 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=406.00 hertz, 40 cents above G4=391.995 hertz, 60 cents below G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz.

song= “What Would You Say”
original album=Remember Two Things
a) meanspeed=119.6 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=victory,
c) meanspace=0.502 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=510.41 hertz, 56 cents above B4=493.883 hertz, 44 cents below C5=523.251 hertz.

song= “Crash Into Me”
original album=Crash
a) meanspeed=101.1 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=natural,
c) meanspace=0.594 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=431.30 hertz, 65 cents above G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz, 35 cents below A4=440.000 hertz.

song= “Too Much”
original album=Crash
a) meanspeed=114.6 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=foreboding,
c) meanspace=0.523 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=489.07 hertz, 83cents above A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz, 17 cents below B4=493.883 hertz.

song= “Stay (Wasting Time)”
original album=Before These Crowded Streets
concert venue=Verizon Wireless Ampitheater, Selma, Texas
a) meanspeed=105.7 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=lust,
c) meanspace=0.568 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=450.99 hertz, 42 cents above A4=440.000 hertz, 58 cents below A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz.

song= “Everyday”
original album=Everyday
concert venue=The Saratoga Performing Arts Center, known as SPAC by anyone who knows someone else, in Saratoga Springs, in my home state of New York
a) meanspeed=90.7 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm,
c) meanspace=0.661 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=387.17 hertz, 78 cents above F#4/Gb4=369.994 hertz, 22 cents below G4=391.995 hertz.

song= “Crush”
original album=Before These Crowded Streets
a) meanspeed=94.2 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm,
c) meanspace=0.637 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=402.01 hertz, 43 cents above G4=391.995 hertz, 57 cents below G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz.

song= “So Right”
original album=Everyday
a) meanspeed=111.6 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=lust,
c) meanspace=0.538 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=476.16 hertz, 36 cents above A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz, 64 cents below B4=493.883 hertz.

song= “Ants Marching”
concert venue=Giants Stadium, East Rutherford in my parents’ home state of New Jersey-how else would I have the contacts to pull off Mission Springsteen this summer?
original album=Remember Two Things
a) meanspeed=113.2 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=lust,
c) meanspace=0.530 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=483.61 hertz, 61 cents above A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz, 39 cents below B4=493.883 hertz.

song= “The Space Between”
album=Everyday
a) meanspeed=84.9 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=renewal,
c) meanspace=0.707 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=362.24 hertz, 63 cents above F4=349.228 hertz, 37 cents below F#4/Gb4=369.994 hertz.

song= “Two Step”
original album=Crash
fast parts:
a) meanspeed=209.6 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=fast, 3.5 beats per second,
c) meanspace=0.286 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=894.09 hertz, 27 cents above A5=880.000 hertz, 73 cents below A#5/Bb5=932.328 hertz,
slower parts:
a) meanspeed=104.8 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=natural,
c) meanspace=0.572 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=447.05 hertz, 27 cents above A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz, 73 cents below B4=493.883 hertz.

song= “Grey Street”
album=Busted Stuff
a) meanspeed=99.6 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=natural,
c) meanspace=0.602 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=424.96 hertz, 39 cents above G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz, 61 cents below A4=440.000 hertz.

song= “Grace Is Gone”
album=The Best Of What’s Around, Volume One
a) meanspeed=95.0 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=enthusiasm,
c) meanspace=0.632 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=405.18 hertz, 57 cents above G4=391.995 hertz, 43 cents below G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz.

song= “Hunger For The Great Light”
album=Busted Stuff
a) meanspeed=120.0 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=victory,
c) meanspace=0.500 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=511.85 hertz, 61 cents above B4=493.883 hertz, 39 cents below C5=523.251 hertz.

song= “American Baby”
album=Stand Up!
a) meanspeed=121.8 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=victory,
c) meanspace=0.497 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=515.45 hertz, 73 cents above B4=493.883 hertz, 27 cents below C5=523.251 hertz.

song= “Lousisia Bayou”
concert venue=Nissan Pavillion at Stoneridge, Bristol, Virginia
a) meanspeed=101.4 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=natural,
c) meanspace=0.597 seconds per beat,
d) meanpitch=428.58 hertz, 54 cents above G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz, 46 cents below A4=440.000 hertz.

Ian Schneider,
Jimmy, Meanspeed Secret Agent 009 and
Meanspeed Secret Agent 003
meanspeed.com
January 4, 2007

The Clash: 18 Singles, the elementary speeds of entire album

We measured elementary speed elements of every song on an album called Singles by The Clash. Singles is simply the U.K. A-side releases of The Clash. Since the Clash's catalogue is huge and eclectic, this is but a sampler of The Clash, writes iTunes—this is one of those “$7.99 Greatest Hits” albums.
Anyway, as anyone out there knows with their own favorite band, 20 songs cannot represent what the band was all about: the individuality of each album and each performance. At the same time, you have to start somewhere—so especially people who have never heard The Clash, this may be a good start.

track 1
“White Riot”
a) meanspeed=203.9 beats per minute,
b) meanspace=294 milliseconds per beat,
c) meanpitch=870.06 hertz, 80 cents above G#5/Ab5=830.610 hertz, 20cents below A5=880.000 hertz,
d) meanemotion=mixed fast, 3.40 beats per second.

track 2
“Remote Control”
a) meanspeed=160.0 beats per minute,
b) meanspace=385 milliseconds per beat,
c) meanpitch=665.56 hertz, 16 cents above E5=659.256 hertz, 84 cents below F5=698.456 hertz,
d) meanemotion=fast, 2.67 beats per second.

track 3
“Complete Control”
a) meanspeed=172.6 beats per minute,
b) meanspace=348 milliseconds per beat,
c) meanpitch= 736.33 hertz, cents above F5=698.456 hertz, cents below F#5/Gb5=739.990 hertz,
d) meanemotion=fast, 2.88 beats per second.

track 4
“Clash City Rockers”
a) meanspeed=167.2 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=fast, 2.8 beats per second,
c) meanpitch= 713.44 hertz, 36 cents above F5=698.456 hertz, 64 cents below F#5/Gb5=739.990 hertz,
d) meanspace=359 milliseconds per beat.

track 5
“(White Man) in Hammersmith Palais”
a) meanspeed=103.2 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=natural, 1.7 cycles per second,
c) meanpitch= 440.13 hertz, a pitch within one cent of A4=440.000 hertz,
d) meanspace=582 milliseconds per beat.

track 6
“Tommy Gun”
a) meanspeed=160.6 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=fast, 2.7 beats per second,
c) meanpitch=685.30 hertz, 61 cents above E5=659.256 hertz, 39 cents below F5=698.456 hertz,
d) meanspace=374 milliseconds per beat.

track 7
“English Civil War”
a) meanspeed=160.1 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=fast, 2.7 beats per second,
c) meanpitch=683.23 hertz 61 cents above E5=659.256 hertz, 39 cents below F5=698.456 hertz,
d) meanspace=375 milliseconds per beat.

track 8
“I Fought The Law”
a) meanspeed=151.8 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=fast, 2.5 beats per second
c) meanpitch=647.84, hertz, 69 cents above D#5/Eb5=622.254 hertz, 31 cents below E5=659.256 hertz.
d) meanspace=395 milliseconds per beat.

Track 9
“London Calling”
a) meanspeed=132.4 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=fast, 2.2 beats per second,
c) meanpitch=564.95 hertz, 32 cents above C#5/Db5=554.365 hertz, 68 cents below D5=587.330 hertz,
d) meanspace=453 milliseconds per beat.

track 10
“Train In Vain”
a) meanspeed=122.6 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=victory, 2.0 beats per second,
c) meanpitch= 523.26 hertz, within one cent of C5=523.251 hertz,
d) meanspace=489 milliseconds per beat.

track 11
“Bank Robber”
a) meanspeed=70.2 beats per minute,
b) meanspace=854 milliseconds per beat,
c) meanpitch=299.70, hertz, 35 cents above D4=293.665 hertz, 65 cents below D#4/Eb4=311.127 hertz,
d) meanemotion=grace, 1.2 cycles per second.

track 12
“The Call Up”
a) meanspeed=120.2 beats per minute,
b) meanspace=499 milliseconds per beat,
c) meanpitch=512.81 hertz, 64 cents above B4=493.883 hertz, 36 cents below C5=523.251 hertz,
d) meanemotion=victory.

track 13
“Hitsville U.K.”
a) meanspeed=200.3 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=mixed fast, 3.34 beats per second,
c) meanpitch= 854.77 hertz, 49 cents above G#5/Ab5=830.610 hertz, 51 cents below A5=880.000 hertz,
d) meanspace=299 milliseconds per beat.

track 14
“The Magnificent Seven”
a) meanspeed=116.7 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=foreboding,
c) meanpitch=497.45 hertz, 12 cents above B4=493.883 hertz, 88 cents below C5=523.251 hertz.
d) meanspace=515 milliseconds per beat

track 15
“This Is Radio Clash”
a) meanspeed=123.0 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=victory,
c) meanpitch= 524.90 hertz, 5 cents above C5=523.251 hertz, 95 cents below C#5/Db5=554.365 hertz,
d) meanspace=488 milliseconds per beat.

track 16
“Know Your Rights”
a) meanspeed=220.1 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=mixed fast, 3.7 beats per second,
c) meanpitch= 939.29 hertz, 13 cents above A#5/Bb5=932.328 hertz, 87 cents below B5=987.766 hertz,
d) meanspace=273 milliseconds per beat.

track 17
“Rock The Casbah”
a) meanspeed=129.5 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=mixed fast, 2.2 beats per second,
c) meanpitch=552.35 hertz, 94 cents above C5=523.251 hertz, 6 cents below C#5/Db5=554.365 hertz,
d) meanspace=463 milliseconds per beat

track 18
“Should I Stay Or Should I Go”
slower parts:
a) meanspeed=112.9 beats per minute,
b) meanemotion=lust,
c) meanpitch=481.75 hertz, 56 cents above A#4/Bb4=466.164 hertz, 44 cents below B4=493.883 hertz,
d) meanspace=531 milliseconds per beat,
faster parts:
a) meanspeed=225.82 beats per minute
b) meanemotion=mixed fast, 3.8 beats per second
c) meanpitch=963.50 hertz, 56 cents above A#5/Bb5=932.328 hertz, 44 cents below B5=987.766 hertz,
d) meanspace=266 milliseconds per beat.


Ian Schneider
meanspeed.com
January 2, 2007

Beyonce's iTunes Celebrity Playlist, in its entirety looked at through meanspeed music theory

On December 19, 2006, the artist Beyonce released her iTunes “Celebrity Playlist.” Beyonce has been holding on to the top of the charts, and we here at Meanspeed Trust think that a great way to start the new year is to measure and use the speeds of all of Beyonce’s choices.

On many of the choices, as the other Celebrity Playlists, Beyonce makes comments. Those comments are reprinted below. In addition, four of the 13 songs—two by Dr. Never-Went-Away: Jay-Z, one by The New Kid On the Block: Gnarls Barkley and one by the man who is bringing Sexy “Back,” Dr. Justin Timberlake-- on the list have already been posted to one of the Meanspeed blogs—these posts were done with as much focus and effort as we have, therefore when that “track” appears below instead of the basic speed measurement template we usually provide, we will show the entire posts as they appeared originally.

Happy New Year everyone!

“Lost One”
track #1 of 13
artist=Jay-Z
Beyonce commentary regarding playlist choice=”Hot beat, hot chorus”
original post by Meanspeed Music Trust:

Friday, December 01, 2006

Self-reflection as gorgeous song: Jay-Z, "Lost One," meanspeed=84.0 beats per minute, meanemotion=Loneliness

Jay-Z released his new album Kingdom Come last week, and Meanspeed Music Trust purchased the album in its entirety on iTunes. The fifth track is called "Lost One" and was written A. Young, C. Payne, D. Parker, M. Batson & Shawn Carter.

The Meanspeed Frequencies for "Lost One" are:
meanspeed=84.0 beats per minute
meanemotion=Loneliness
meanspace=0.714 seconds per beat
meanphase=1.40000 beats per second
meanpitch=358.000 Hertz, 9 cents higher than F4=349.228 Hertz, 91 cents lower than F#4/Gb4=369.994 Hertz.

Ian Schneider
New York City
December 1, 2002

“Again”
track #2 of 13
artist=John Legend
album=Once Again
genre according to iTunes=rhythm & blues/soul
Beyonce commentary regarding playlist choice= “I love that a new artist has such an old soul.”
meanspeed=86.7 beats per minute
meanemotion=renewal
meanspace=692 milliseconds per beat
meanpitch=369.84 hertz, a pitch less than one cent below F#4/Gb4=369.994 hertz.

“SexyBack”
track #3 of 13
artist=Justin Timberlake
album=Sexyback
genre according to iTunes=hip-hop/rap
Beyonce commentary regarding playlist choice=[none]
original post by Meanspeed Music Trust:

Monday, November 27, 2006

The man who is taking sexy back: Justin Timberlake, "SexyBack," meanemotion=foreboding, meanspeed=117.1 beats per minute

The meanspeed frequencies for the song "Sexyback" by Justin Timberlake are:

meanspeed=117.1 beats per minute

meanemotion=foreboding

meanspace=513 milliseconds per beat

meanphase=1.95 beats per second

meanpitch=499.20 Hertz, 18 cents higher than B4=493.88 Hertz, 82 cents lower than C5=523.25 Hertz.

Ian Schneider

South Brunswick, New Jersey

November 27, 2006

“All I Do”
track #4 of 13
artist=Stevie Wonder
album=Hotter Than July
genre according to iTunes=r+b/soul
Beyonce commentary regarding playlist choice= “When this song comes on, I can’t help but get up and groove.”
meanspeed=117.3 beats per minute
meanemotion=foreboding
meanspace=512 milliseconds per beat
meanpitch=500.39 hertz, 22 cents above B4=493.883 hertz, 78 cents below C5=523.251. hertz.

“For Real”
track #5 of 13
artist=Amel Larrieux
album=Bravebird
genre according to iTunes=rhythm+blues/soul
Beyonce commentary regarding playlist choice= “The tone of this song is so beautiful.”
meanspeed=69.0 beats per minute
meanemotion=ceremony
meanspace=881 milliseconds per beat
meanpitch=294.40 hertz, 4 cents above D4=293.665 hertz, 96 cents below D#4/Eb4=311.127 hertz.

“Clocks”
track #6 of 13
artist=Coldplay
album=A Rush To The Blood of the Head
genre according to iTunes=Alternative
Beyonce commentary regarding playlist choice= “I love all the different instruments.”
meanspeed=131.0 beats per minute
meanemotion=mixed fast
meanspace=458 milliseconds per beat
meanpitch=558.93 hertz, 14 cents above C#5/Db5=554.365 hertz, 86 cents below D5=587.330 hertz.

“Tell Me Something Good”
track #7 of 13
artist=Rufus & Chaka Khan
album=The Very Best of Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan
genre according to iTunes=rhythm+blues/soul
Beyonce commentary regarding playlist choice= “Her voice is infectious.”
meanspeed=73.3 beats per minute
meanemotion=grace
meanspace=819 milliseconds per beat
meanpitch=312.75 hertz, 8 cents above D#4/Eb4=311.127 hertz, 92 cents below E4=329.628 hertz.

“Before I Let Go”
track #8 of 13
artist=Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
album= Maze featuring Frankie Beverly: Greatest Hits
genre according to iTunes=hip-hop/rap [sic]
Beyonce commentary regarding playlist choice= “This song reminds me of growing up down south. When it comes on, everybody gets up and does the ‘2-step’.”
meanspeed=102.9 beats per minute
meanemotion=natural
meanspace=583 milliseconds per beat
meanpitch=439.00 hertz, 96 cents above G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz, 4 cents below A4=440.000 hertz.

“Emotion (Neptunes’ Remix)”
track #9 of 13
composers=Barry Gibb & Robin Gibb
artist=Destiny’s Child
album=This Is The Remix
genre according to iTunes=r+b
Beyonce commentary regarding playlist choice= “This is my favorite remix Destiny’s Child has done.”
meanspeed=87.1 beats per minute
meanemotion=renewal
meanspace=689 milliseconds per beat
meanpitch=371.51 hertz, 7 cents above F#4/Gb4=369.994 hertz, 93 cents below G4=391.995 hertz.

“Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You”
track #10 of 13
artist=Lauryn Hill
album=The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
genre according to iTunes=Pop
Beyonce commentary regarding playlist choice= “I love her voice and the passion that you feel in the song. I also love the lyrics.”
meanspeed=87.5 beats per minute
meanemotion=renewal
meanspace=686 milliseconds
meanpitch=373.36 hertz, 15 cents above F#4/Gb4=369.994 hertz, 85 cents below G4=391.995 hertz.

“Crazy”
track #11 of 13
artist=Gnarls Barkley
album=St. Elsewhere
genre according to iTunes=Alternative
original post by Meanspeed Music Trust:
Beyonce commentary regarding playlist choice= “This song is very creative and has a fresh new sound.”
original post by Meanspeed Music Trust:

July 21, 2006

CRAZY, Gnarls Barkley, meanspeed=112.1 bpm, meanemotion=lustful

This is a chart I did on Microsoft Excel this morning of the “single” version, downloaded from iTunes, of Gnarls Barkley’s #1—for days on iTunes at least—of the song called Crazy.

As far as the history of the song, what one would consider standard liner notes: I found the best information at the blog of a college student/working his way through school-- a man from a college in Illinois. His name is Taylor Johnston, and he writes a fantastic set of entries in wikipedia, at http://www.musicblogwiki.elwiki.com/index.php/Music_For_Kids_Who_Can't_Read_Good and at http://www.musicformats.blogspot.com, and other places. I emailed TJ for permission for this effective, efficient entry—have not heard back yet---so I may have to take this down! (enjoy it while we have it).

From TJ's blog:

"...The Evolution of "Crazy"

Origin: You all have heard Gnarles Barkley's "Crazy" (it's pretty much impossible to get away from at this point), but have you heard "Nel Cimitero Di Tucson", which is essentially a raw instrumental form of Crazy. Unless you check alot of random world-music blogs (like me) you probably haven't. It seems that Gnarles Barkley heavily sampled the song, which comes from the soundtrack of the film, Preparati la bara! (IMDB link here).

It's very interesting to listen to the original version and be able to hear the progression to it's current chart-topping form, most noticeably the trumpets from the original were replaced with strings for Gnarles Barkley's version, but the bass line stays the same nearly the whole song though...."

Thank you TJ, I hope. I prefer doing the number to the words, and if you allow this post to stay: good job. If not...oh well.

Thank you also to “The Sexiest Man On 83rd Street,” 1999, 2000—the Yankees fan with perfect hair and a musical family: “JVC.” JVC told me over a month before Barkley broke through: Look out for that song. And JVC is one to believe—when there was a voting dispute in 2000, he said, "first, Pat counted all seven votes and he’s objective, and second, neither I or my wife ever vote for me. And, man, even if we had, you had plenty of other voters."

So: Always good to take suggestions on songs—they are viewed the most—My Hometown by Charlie Robison, for example, an artist of whom I had no idea, suggested by the Texas Schneiders—so not many of you email me—you look but don’t email, which is fine. Suggestions get priority. JVC, a man who is a serious dancer--ballroom and “styles unknown”—an absolute fan of the Yankees and Dancing With The Stars. JVC's "Russell Crowe meets John Travolta" moves on the floor are a factor in his 83rd Street sexual awards, no doubt.

Real Conversation
Me: “JVC, what do you like about Crazy?”
JVC: “ Definitely the groove, the beat, it’s just is a [driving energetic song]."
Me: “that song came out in the middle of my theoretical speed of Lust.”
JVC: “Does not surprise me at all—[I love that song].”

Meanspeed=112.1 beats per minute
Meanemotion=Lustful
Meanspace=535 milliseconds per beat
Meanspace=2141 milliseconds per measure
Meanbeat=1.87 beats per second
Meanfrequency=1.87 cycles per second
Meantone=478.29 Hertz, 25 cents above A#4/Bb4=466.164, 75 cents below B4=493.883 Hertz.

Best,
Ian Schneider
NY, New York
21 July 2006

“Your Body Is A Wonderland”
track #12 of 13
artist=John Mayer
album=Room For Squares (Sony)
genre according to iTunes=Pop
Beyonce commentary regarding playlist choice= “He is an amazing songwriter and I always love to hear the soul in his voice.”
meanspeed=94.1 beats per minute
meanemotion=enthusiasm
meanspace=638 milliseconds per beat
meanpitch=401.41 hertz, 40 cents above G4=391.995 hertz, 60 cents below G#4/Ab4=415.305 hertz.

“Hollywood”
track #13 of 13
artist=Jay-Z
album=Kingdom Come
genre according to iTunes=hh
Beyonce commentary regarding playlist choice=[none]
original post by Meanspeed Music Trust:

December 3, 2006

Jay-Z, "Hollywood," meanemotion=Victory, meanspeed=125.5 beats per minute

Jay-Z released his new album Kingdom Come last week. Track #10 of 14 tracks is called "Hollywood" and was written by R. Perry, S. Smith & Shawn Carter.

The measured frequencies for the song are:
meanspeed=125.5 beats per minute.
meanemotion=Victory.
meanphase=2.09 beats per second
meanspace=478 milliseconds per beat.
meanpitch=535.55 Hertz, 40 cents above C5=523.251 Hertz, 60 cents below C#4/Db5=554.365 Hertz.

Ian Schneider
Meanspeed Music Trust
New Jersey, United States
December 3, 2006




Ian Schneider, Meanspeed Secret Agent 003, & Jimmy, Meanspeed Secret Agent 009
meanspeed.com
January 1, 2006

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