Weird question about Grand Funk Railroad.

latweek · 23rd October 2004

American Band was on the radio yesterday, and I am just wondering what they used to get that vocal sound?

Some chorus/short delay?

It was one of those moments where you hear some song you haven't heard in like 15 years and WTF? it totally kicks your butt!

Off topic, but two other amazing times:

The bass/rhythm section of Urgent by Foreigner (actually the whole song really, including that sax and reverse sound in the chorus)

The drums on Cat Scratch Fever by Nugent. They are so tight for an old record they almost sound sequenced. (in a good way)

ozraves · 23rd October 2004

On the GFR, I don't think the vocalist gets enough credit. The drummer in that band certainly has a different sort of voice.

thenoodle · 24th October 2004

Well here's what I read in R-E-P or somewhere back in those days when it happened...

They recorded the vocal in a studio bathroom. That was back in the days before much in the way of digital effects. I think there were Lexicon and Eventide ddls, (oh yeah..and that delay thing that was a real long plastic tube...can't remember what that one was) plates, chambers. etc but specialized sounds were not too plentiful......anyway, the band had heard the effect that Three Dog Night had gotten when the dogs recorded the "Liar" vocals two years earlier ...in a bathroom. So for "American Band", the Grand Funk guys thought the idea was cool and did the same thing.

I don't remember if Rundgren produced that one or if he came in afterwards when the band started the "Shinin' On" stuff etc. a little later.

Will Russell · 24th October 2004

Todd R did produce "We're an American band". The man knows vocals for sure.

max cooper · 24th October 2004

How about Thomas Dolby playing keys on "Urgent"?

Not really a fan of that song, but that Jr. Walker Sax break f'ing wails!

Jay Kahrs · 25th October 2004

Quote:

Originally posted by thenoodle

They recorded the vocal in a studio bathroom. That was back in the days before much in the way of digital effects. I think there were Lexicon and Eventide ddls, (oh yeah..and that delay thing that was a real long plastic tube...can't remember what that one was)

The 'long plastic tube' is probably a Cooper Time Cube.

23rd October 2004	#1
latweek Gear Head Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 72 Thread Starter	Weird question about Grand Funk Railroad. American Band was on the radio yesterday, and I am just wondering what they used to get that vocal sound? Some chorus/short delay? It was one of those moments where you hear some song you haven't heard in like 15 years and WTF? it totally kicks your butt! Off topic, but two other amazing times: The bass/rhythm section of Urgent by Foreigner (actually the whole song really, including that sax and reverse sound in the chorus) The drums on Cat Scratch Fever by Nugent. They are so tight for an old record they almost sound sequenced. (in a good way)

24th October 2004	#4
Will Russell Gear interested Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 23	Todd R did produce "We're an American band". The man knows vocals for sure. __________________ Will Russell Electric Wilburland Studio http://www.wilburland.com

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23rd October 2004	#2
ozraves Lives for gear Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,124	On the GFR, I don't think the vocalist gets enough credit. The drummer in that band certainly has a different sort of voice.

24th October 2004	#3
thenoodle Lives for food Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 979	Well here's what I read in R-E-P or somewhere back in those days when it happened... They recorded the vocal in a studio bathroom. That was back in the days before much in the way of digital effects. I think there were Lexicon and Eventide ddls, (oh yeah..and that delay thing that was a real long plastic tube...can't remember what that one was) plates, chambers. etc but specialized sounds were not too plentiful......anyway, the band had heard the effect that Three Dog Night had gotten when the dogs recorded the "Liar" vocals two years earlier ...in a bathroom. So for "American Band", the Grand Funk guys thought the idea was cool and did the same thing. I don't remember if Rundgren produced that one or if he came in afterwards when the band started the "Shinin' On" stuff etc. a little later.

24th October 2004	#5
max cooper Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: tx Posts: 8,802	How about Thomas Dolby playing keys on "Urgent"? Not really a fan of that song, but that Jr. Walker Sax break f'ing wails!