Name That Tune (Really Difficult One)
 

Greetings music lovers. It's FAX.

Listen, I am experiencing a serious predicament and if there's one thing I hate, it's a ding dang serious predicament. I much prefer the far less stressful postdicament which allows you some time to reflect on how you escaped.

In this case, though, I really need some assistance. Here's the deal ...

Last night I was in a grocery store and there was a song playing on the speaker system somewhere near the bananas and already-hunked-up watermelon in plastic boxes. I had never heard the song before, nor since, which is not unusual since I don't listen to the radio much. Sadly, the tune is stuck in my head and I've googled until I'm blue in the face as well as the ass and I can tell you right now, a blue ass is nothing to joke about.

The problem I'm having is that I couldn't hear the lyrics or the hook or anything, but I'm hopeful that you guys can help me because the song was very unusual and I'm guessing was probably released in the last 5 years or so due to the production techniques used. Also, it must have been somewhat popular or it wouldn't be included in the market's muzak rotation. Here's what I gleaned from the banana area speaker system ...

1. The song is kind of a drone deal utilizing maybe 2 or 3 chords total.
2. The vocal is male, predominant, and the singer has a very high tenor range.
3. I think I heard some saxophone. Maybe playing in a chorus type deal.
4. As I mentioned, only a couple of chords are used and they stay on the same chord for the entire verse except for a chord change at the very end ... this is the unusual part.
5. I don't recall hearing any percussion, although there may have been some. If so, it was not dominant at all. It's a dramatic, semi-slow tune. Love songish.
6. The singer's accent could have been British, but it could also be one of those Americans who try to sound British because it's cool. The "R"s were pronounced "Ah"s.
7. I reckon that the version I heard was probably 4 or 5 minutes long.
8. The meter is slow. Dramatic.
9. From what I could ascertain, there might have been strings in the background.
10. As I mentioned, I couldn't hear the lyrics, but the verse/vocal went "da da da daaaaa ... dada dada dada da daaaaa" ... like that. Assuming the thing was in D Major, the primary melody was "G F# D E ..... DD EE DD G A". The main theme was that first part ... the "G F# D E". It sounded like the lyrics in the verses repeated themselves over and over again. The word, "heart" may have been used several times.

Again, the main thing that is unique is the fact that the high tenor vocal works over a single chord for a long, long time. Then, at the end of the verse there's a minor change for a 4 or 8 count or so then it returns back to the tonic or root chord once again. Very unique. Not normal.

I know this isn't much to go on, but if you could help a brother out, I sure would appreciate it. I once had Dean Martin's "That's Amore" (the moon pie song) stuck in my head for about a month and a half and I've never been the same after that. I don't think I could withstand another similar episode.

There's rep and casino cash (assuming I have any - I don't really know) in it for the angelic being who can help me out on this deal.

Many thanks in advance.

FAX

Disclaimers: Sorry if repost.

You have $14057783 in casino cash. You're welcome.

Here's a shot in the dark...

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I just feel the need to post that I've got nuthin.

but you're up and you're trying, that's more than most of us. :thumb:

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:hmmm:

Were you in Whole Foods, Fax?
If you were in Whole Foods Im betting it was Right Said Fred.

If you weren't, then I'm guessing it was Bel Biv Davoe or the Sugarhill Gang.

I got nothin

Something from Coldplay, maybe.

This could be fun.

I doubt the play Bon Iver in a grocery store.

I am guessing that or the Killers.

I got it!!!

It was Night Ranger. Amirite?

I doubt this would be played in a grocery, but this is my best guess.

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bb6cBKE3WzQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RFDOI24RRAE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Was this it?

ROFL - was in Trader Joe's yesterday and 'Don't Fear the Reaper' came over the sound system. Within 5 seconds, you could hear whispers of 'more cowbell' running down aisles. Then about 30 seconds in, one of the cashier dudes started tapping on that bell they keep up front for announcements.

It was surreal.

Google Gotye, song might be Someone That I Used To Know

Because I hear this everywhere now:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8UVNT4wvIGY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

My first guess would be Heart of Gold by Neil Young

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFNqj3RGUuM


....Was there a piano? Also, was it acoustic or electric guitar?

This seems to be all over the place now...

Muse - "Madness"

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=Ek0Sg...%3DEk0SgwWmF9w

Put this on your smartphone, seriously. It's a lifesaver, because I'd obsess over these sorts of questions as well:
http://www.shazam.com/

Yep, that's the ticket. I use it all the time. Alternatively, my wife and kids use Soundhound.

That was my guess

Maybe Hey Soul Sister by Train

Do a little research. Mr. FAX is an older dude, makes drug references all the time, works in the music business or something related closely to it; and you think he doesn't know or heard of Neil Young? Get a grip man.

Well, I didn't know that LOL.... I wouldn't have picked Heart of Gold if I had.

I don't think it's Madness by Muse. He would have mentioned the effects.

ill take a stab at it based on your clues:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qjSqa2RpRzw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

LMAO

First thing that came to mind is: Jason Derulo - Whatcha Say; although the percussion if fairly prevalent.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pBI3lc18k8Q" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I bet that's it. I was looking at the I and love you and you song earlier but didn't know about this one....:toast:

the other thread made me think. FAX, it could be this
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/d51IRlf_Xdw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Good song. No British accent, faux or otherwise.

actually FAX, it was probably this

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bR8D4Uybtzs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

G F# D E

Must have been the ESPN theme from years ago

Is it a rock song, a ballad? What era did te recording soundl ike it was from? Whose style was it most similar to?

If you don't have shazam, here's a tip from a fellow audio obsessive whose brain is driven nuts by these occurrences:

Try to just remember a single lyrical phrase from it that's distinct to google later when you have access. Even if it's only 3-4 words, you can often google that and "lyrics" and get started on the right path.

M-83 Midnight City

Not downtempo enough from his description.

Wow. Do guys receive Planetbucks for creating 0 post threads or something? That seems like a lot. Considering I've lost billions at that poker game deal trying to hit a royal flush, I'm a little surprised. As for the song, no ... it is not called "$14057783 In Casino Cash" although that might make a darn good hook.

I've been busy, so I'm just checking in this afternoon. That song is still plaguing me awful so I hope one of you guys figured it out. I know my clues were bad, but that's all I have to go on. Nevertheless, thanks for the help one and all.

FAX

Can you record yourself humming it and attach it to a post?

I think it might be "Yesterday" by The Beatles. Let me know.

I am stuck on the "heart" clue. Every time I try and think about this I get that stupid Extreme "Hole in my Heart" song stuck in my head for some reason... That is a shitty song to get stuck in your head.

Oh, I know the song! It goes like this, right?

Da da da da ... da daaa daa doo day da.

Camptown Races? LMAO

:LOL:

Okay, thanks for helping, Mr. DRU, but that is not it.

The Song Of Madness (as I shall now refer to it) has no harmonies that I could discern. Also, your song has chord progressions all over the place. The SOM does not. Think of like one of those bagpipe numbers that just kinda drones and the melody takes place over a single, tonic root. That's what this song was like, although it didn't have bagpipes or any other Scottish influences that I noticed.

FAX

Nope. Your song has dominant percussion (the SOM does not). Also, this has several singers. The SOM has one vocalist ... very high tenor.

After two attempts, I fear we are lost, my friends. Not even close. This song changes tempo ... the SOM does not. It's a dramatic, sort of slow ballad type of deal.

The grocery store song is very unique ... the uniqueness is due to the single chord over which the entire verse takes place except for right at the end of the verse where there's a brief change then "wham!", right back to the tonic (at least, as I recall it). Also, it sounded like the verses (if that's what they were) have the same or very similar lyrics, although I couldn't make them out.

FAX

Hey Fax,

Have you considered installing Spotify on your computer and checking out albums and tracks by bands such as Muse, Coldplay and even Maroon 5/Adam Levine? That might help or lead you to the answer.

Good luck!

Hmmm. It could have been those guys ... I didn't recognize his voice, though. This might be correct, however. I need to run down their material and see if this is a possibility.

Most of their stuff (that I've heard, anyhow) has normal chord changes, though.

But, this did have a kind of Coldplay feel ... in a remote, influential kind of way. The voice wasn't right, though. Do they ever switch singers? Let me google up some Coldplay stuff and check on this.

EDIT: Okay. No. I just sampled about 40 Coldplay songs (man, all their stuff sound the same, doesn't it?) and it's definitely not them ... either that, or I missed one. It certainly isn't their singer dude. The SOM vocalist has a very high tenor voice ... higher than the Coldplay guy by a mile.

FAX

Oh it must be "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath.

This happens to be a nocturne. You know, Frederick ****ing Chopin?

boom

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I just sampled three of these ... nothing so far. The voice sounds off.

I doubt that these guys would make a grocery store muzak reel, though. I could be wrong about that, I guess. They just seem too ... alternative.

Damn. This is hard. I wish I could give you guys some better clues, but these are the only clues I got so I am, therefore, essentially clueless.

FAX

Madness???? Did you say Madness Mr. Fax??? Here you go:D
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/N-uyWAe0NhQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

It sounds like The Shins. The way the song changes like you said make me think that. Here's a few it could be...

This is one of my favorite songs. It has a tad bit of drums but sort of fits the profile


New Slang

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD7qIthSdkA




Turn on Me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIRmyfKOAfM



Simple Song - this one's the most recent

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoLTPcD1S4Q

The Killers guys have a singer who is similar to the guy singing on the SOM. That much is true. Otherwise, I sampled several of their songs with no joy as a result (except for the fact that I kind of like them).

FAX

Normally, that's what I'd do. I just couldn't make out any lyrics due to the din in the produce section combined with the quality of their speakers.

That's the frustrating part. One chunk of lyrics could have solved the entire problem.

FAX

Okay, I have to get some work done.

Back later.

Meanwhile, thanks for all the ideas and helpful hints, my friends.

FAX

If it were a Killers song, this would be my guess:

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I don't know. But you've earned another 70 since starting this thread.

Nope. Thanks, Mr. NewChief, but that's not it. Typical chord changes, percussion, etc.

I'm sure this song has received some airplay ... otherwise it wouldn't be on that muzak CD. Maybe I could call a radio station and see if they know what I'm talking about ... or perhaps the manager at the market will let me look at the CD in the hope that it will include a song list. If there isn't, maybe there's a name or number of the compiler and I could find out from them.

FAX

there you go.

return to the store and corner one of those can-stackers. find out from them wth they're playing. and while you're there, find out where the **** they keep the chili bricks...i can't find them anywhere.
sec

Good luck with this. I had a similar thread in 2008 and the song was stuck in my head (on and off) for THREE YEARS until by chance I heard it again and was able to retain enough of the lyrics to find it online. Of course, you're much more capable of describing music than I am, and also people generally seem to be making an actual effort to help you, whereas most people were just assholes to me:

http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?p=4891719

Turned out to be Dreaming of You by The Coral:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8w2AJc1IORc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Here's another possibility. Something from Alt-J.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/MPH89HIBLiw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Being British, Mumford and Sons would also be a possibility, though I'd assume you'd recognize a song from them, as they're pretty damned popular.

Try The Gaslight Anthem, the lead singer has a sort of The Killers vibe in some of their stuff.

it's not this crappy Interpol song is it Fax? It better not be but it fits some of your clues; shitty british accent, 3 chords, the use of the word "heart"

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/x0g6LjQKD8k" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Is this it?
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9gj9uEeuDtQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Here is my shot Mr. Fax.

Jason Mraz - 93 million miles
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lNYcviXK4rg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Will do. In fact, if I can't find a chili brick, I'll make you one, Mr. seclark.

FAX

Well, we know for sure we aren't looking for the same song, Mr. Thig Lyfe. Still, I am certainly pleased that you found yours.

As for people being nice on here, we have to remember that the human race is, essentially, evil. And, of course, the most evil of all humans post right here on ChiefsPlanet. And I must tell you, they certainly haven't always been helpful or nice to me.

Why, I remember when I was a mere N00b (sp?), I was demeaned, insulted, and chastised for taking up space in the universe. Mr. Phobia was the worst and Mr. Rain Man was no better.

Eventually, I realized that no one on this board was ever going to be nice to me. So, rather than continue to suffer their abuse, I decided to post the most inane, vacuous, mindless, and asinine things I could think of. Then, over time, I came to be accepted as one of them. Now they only post things like "Camptown Races" when I'm suffering a serious emotional breakdown and in legitimate need of assistance.

FAX

That, my friend, is the closest yet.

You know, the more I think on it, the more I think that song was something that a truly alternative band would do. I mean, it was so unique in terms of the structure.

I figured that, on account of the fact that it only had one chord throughout most of the piece, that would be sufficient for you guys to nail it. I only wish I had more clues to offer.

FAX

Mumford and Sons is more of a folk group, I think.

This tune was far from that. More in the old Genesis or Yes genre, yet more pop-oriented in terms of production style.

This is killing me.

FAX

You can stream the entire Alt-J album free. They're getting a lot of popularity over here after blowing up in the UK. I've made a few posts promoting them and predicting that they'll get big here. Anyway, the entire album is worth a listen, and you might find your song.

Nope. The singer in the Song of Madness had a much higher voice, I think.

I've sampled several of their songs and would be highly surprised if it were them. I think not.

FAX

ROFL

ERRRNT!!

Is that how you spell that buzzer sound when the guy gives the wrong answer and gets a pie in the face?

FAX

Are you positive it's not something older, like Jeff Buckley?

Synths? Strings? Horns? Anything unique?

Check out "Breezeblocks" by Alt J. I'm on phone or would link it.