This book examines the creative process of the Bee Gees and the latent elements that shaped their sound. From their formative Australian work to the highs of their disco years and the scores of songs they wrote and produced for other artists, the Bee Gees' catalogue is vast and varied. It is also distinctive. Songs feature their signature falsetto vocals, close three-part harmony, and knack for pop songwriting. This book takes a unique approach to the musicology of music production. It analyses processual accounts and demo recordings to uncover what are defined as the latent elements of music production, such as instruments, lyrics, meanings, space, sounds, and recording techniques that are crucial in shaping the completed recordings but are absent from what we hear. It is a must-read book for music production academics and students, as well as anyone interested in the Bee Gees' creative process.
Preface
Introduction
Chapter 1: ‘Spicks and Specks:’ Finding Latent Elements in Music Production
Chapter 2: ‘New York Mining Disaster 1941:’ Reverb and Space as Latent Elements in Music Production
Chapter 3: ‘How Can You Mend A Broken Heart’: Meaning as a Latent Element in Music Production
Chapter 4: ‘Jive Talkin:’ Place as a Latent Element in Music Production
Chapter 5: ‘Stayin’ Alive’: Looping as a Latent Element in Music Production
Chapter 6: ‘Tragedy’: Nonsense Lyrics as a Latent Element of Music Production
Chapter 7: ‘Guilty’: Vocality as a Latent Element in Music Production
Chapter 8: ‘You Win Again’: Composite Layering as Latent Elements in Music Production
Chapter 9: ‘Still Waters Run Deep:’ Guitar Tuning and Voicing as Latent Elements in Music Production
Conclusions: Future Directions for Studying Latent Elements in Music Production
Bibliography
Discography
Index
Biography
Pat O’Grady is a contemporary music researcher, educator and practitioner, specialising in music production. He is a Lecturer in Music Technology at the Australian National University. He has two decades of professional experience in producing and performing contemporary music. He is the current treasurer of the Australian/New Zealand branch of the International Association for the Study of Popular Music
