How To: Critical Listening and Analysis

Hello everyone, I truly believe that understanding music on a deeper level is an invaluable skill for anyone involved in the Audio Industry. Not just from an engineering standpoint, but from an emotional level, being able to connect to the song we are listening to introduces an entirely knew dynamic to the music. On the surface, we may think we know why we like a song, or what that song is trying to say or convey, however venturing deeper into the creative artistic choices that were made when creating the song we can unveil some astounding insight as to why a songs message can be so effective. I wanted to show you an example of a listening and analysis project I have done, that I believe truly exemplify a standard methodology for critically listening and analyzing. For anyone that has had class or worked with/under Andy Alton, you should find the format to these familiar. By no means are my examples perfect or all encompassing, however they do cover the most crucial elements necessary to break down a song. Please don't use these as your own, rather use as a reference to dive into one of your favorite songs! Practice these every so often, it will greatly improve your ability to understand different song elements.

AUD205B – Listening & Analysis Production Analysis Form

AUD205B – Listening & Analysis – Week 6 Homework Assignment
The purpose of this assignment is help train your ears to better develop critical listening and analysis skills used by the audio professional.
Directions:

1. Song Requirements - For this formal production analysis assignment you
   will select a song that has been reviewed by the magazine “Sound on Sound” in the “Classic Tracks” articles. Select one of the articles to read, research, and listen to. Upon completion perform your own analysis (Do not plagiarize). When you upload your analysis also upload a .PDF copy of the article.
   
2. Audio File – As discussed in class, you will need to have a “High Quality” audio file of your song on a drive to easily share with the class. No streaming or linking to mobile devices will be permitted. These files must be presented on a flash-drive.
   
3. Analysis Chart – Complete the Production Analysis form to the best of your ability. This will require research to answer certain key information about the history of your recorded. You will also need to listen to your recording many times to identify and explain the working components of the production.
   
4. Presentation – You will upload all completed Production Analysis assignments to the “Dropbox”. You should also have a printed copy with you at all times for in-class presentation to peers. Be prepared to present in any given class.
   

Total Points and Percentage: / 100

Student Name:	Tom Nalon
Weekly Assignment #	6

Song Name:	Sledgehammer
Artist / Band:	Peter Gabriel
Songwriter:	Peter Gabriel
Record Label:	Geffen (US) , Charisma (UK)
Year Released:	1986

Producer:	Daniel Lanois

Production Analysis Form – A.Alton

AUD205B – Listening & Analysis Production Analysis Form

Notable Productions:

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• 12 Bar Blues – Scott Weiland, 1998 • Teatro – Willie Nelson, 1998
The Million Dollar Hotel – movie soundtrack, 2000 • All That You Can't Leave Behind – U2, 2000

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The Unforgettable Fire – U2, 1984

So – Peter Gabriel, 1986
The Joshua Tree – U2, 1987
Oh Mercy – Bob Dylan, 1989 Achtung Baby – U2, 1991 Time Out of Mind – Bob Dylan, 1997

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•

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• Brian Blade Fellowship – Brian Blade, 1998

Engineer(s):

David Bascombe, Kevin Killen

Notable Productions:
• •
•

Shakira album Oral Fixation, Vol. 1 (2005)

Allen Toussaint's The Bright Mississippi (2009)

Seth Glier's The Trouble With People (2012)

Song Genre: ROCK

Song’s Musical Message: The song is essentially an array of sexual innuendos.

Song’s Emotional Message: Is a funk rendition of love making

Intended Audience: Young Adults

Song Web Link:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=g93mz_eZ5N4

Song Duration:	5:16
Song Time Signature:	4/4
Song Tempo:	96BPM
Song Style:	Dance-Rock, Blue-eyed Soul, Funk

Production Analysis Form – A.Alton

AUD205B – Listening & Analysis Production Analysis Form

Song: Form: Intro Verse Chorus Verse Chorus Bridge Verse Outro

Rhythmic Hooks: Rhythm Guitar Kick, Snare, Tamborine

Melodic Hooks: -Synthesised Shakuhachi -Horn Riffs -Lead Vocals

Key and Notable Lyrics: “ I wanna be, Sledgehammer” “all you do is call me, Ill be anything you need”

Sonic Hooks: Intro flute synth Intro Horn Section “Sledgehammer” vocal “HEYS” Backing Vocal shouts

Instrumentation: Drums – Manu Katche Bass Guitar – Tony Levin Lead Guitar – David Rhodes / Daniel Lanois Keyboards – Peter Gabriel Trumpet – Wayne Jackson Trombone – Don Mikkelsen Tenor Sax – Mark Rivera Organ – Peter Gabriel Synthesised Shakuhachi – Peter Gabriel

Lead Vocals – Peter Gabriel
Backing Vocals – P.P. Arnold, Coral Gordon, and Dee Lewis

Sonic Characteristics:
Light Reverbs used on major Vocal Sections. Compressed ‘Power Snare’ with digital reverb (for rest of drum kit as well)
Modulation on the Organ/Keys

Key Mix Elements:
VERY Compressed Mix
Many musical elements fill the mix Big rock kick, Power Snare Prominent horns, Organ, Lyrics Overall big Rock arena feel

Song Map:
Intro- Shakuchi, Keys, Organ, Drums, horn
Verse – Drums, Bass Guitar, guitar, Organ, Vocals
Chorus - Drums, Bass Guitar, guitar, Organ, Vocals, Horns Verse - Drums, Bass Guitar, guitar, Organ, Vocals, Horns Chorus - Drums, Bass Guitar, guitar, Organ, Vocals, Horns Bridge - Shakuchi, Keys, Organ, Drums, horn
Verse? - Drums, Bass Guitar, guitar, Organ, Vocals, Horns Outro - Drums, Bass Guitar, guitar, Organ, Vocals, Horns

Production Analysis Form – A.Alton