TEHMI
This arrangement was a more modern/ techno version of the song, ending on a softer note (opposite the song's regular ending). Instead of being a country song it's more of a city song. |
KATHERINE
I originally aimed to make this rock song into a sweeter, softer song with my cello used for strummed chords and melody; however, I wanted to try something new and went for a more electronic/synthesized version. The chords are generally the same as the original rock song except by an electric piano rather than electric guitars, but the melody is done using an electronic keyboard and the drums (2 drum loops combined) are more groovy rather than a rock-on type of beat. As the chorus comes around in the melody line, I even added a third loop to make the drums a little brighter more cymbals. |
ADILENE
I purposely played the song slowly and made the loops fast so they could contrast and set a weird mood. This song sounds more like techno than the original "I Fought the Law." I think this would be a suitable song to workout to maybe even as an alarm. |
MATT
I played Surfin' USA. I chose a beat titled "exotic beat 05" to accompany it because I thought it would fit well with the beachy theme of the song. It kind of has a shuffle feel that compliments the mood of the song. |
MEHRA
The original 'Hound Dog' has a very natural sound to it, so using different instruments, I opted to transform the melody into a more techno, almost I daresay bluesy (at least the end) sound. I also added my own twists, adding the end measure and some extra sounds with the left-hand. There is, I admit, a tinge of dissidence, but I hope it simply adds to the transfiguration from the original. |
JUKA
I converted the original song, Surfin' USA, in to a more modern, electronic type of song. I added a more upbeat drums, a beat loop, marimbas, and 80's dance loop in the background. I replaced the G7 chord with a first inversion G7 chord and F triad with a first inversion F triad in the beginning of the piece. In addition, instead of playing the chords once, I played it twice every time it came up. |
NATHAN
When I originally heard Sweet Home Alabama, I imagined a southern family driving back home from a long vacation, and they were just happy to be back in their home state. After practicing the original song, I played it with a smooth dance organ instead of the traditional grand piano, which gave the song an outer space element. I took that idea and put a hip hop base loop underneath, as well as using the hip hop kit to play different sounds that would go along with my outer space theme. You can tell that the original song is Sweet Home Alabama, but the outer space element changes the song dramatically. Although it is difficult to tell, I used a "I 6/4" inversion for the D chord in the 7th measure to change the song even further (although I didn't use more inversions because I thought it didn't sound that great with the song). The outer space theme is also where I got the title of my song. Now it reminds me of aliens returning to their home planet. |
CASEY
The title of my song is Rockin' the Surf. In my version of Surfin' USA, the song takes on more of a harder rock tone than it had before. To me, the song by itself is more relaxed and more of smooth rock. Now it has a more punk rock feel. I also added different loops to what I felt were different parts of the piece (you'll be able to hear the difference easily). Also, I added inversions to the chords that made for a difference between the original and mine. These are the changes I made. |
ALEXANDRA
The lead sheet on this song was Sweet Home Alabama, but I made a few changes to the notes, including putting the G chord into first inversion. I also changed the key signature from G major to C major, so that I never played an F#. I altered the song's tempo as well, making it a lot slower to give it a more calming, relaxing feel. I also held every G longer, as I believe it gave the song a more soothing feel. |
MARTIN
I created my song by first learning how to play it without recording it and trying to mix in chords that I could add by just playing it. I then went back and added certain chords separately. To end it off I chose a nice drum beat to go with it making it sound fuller. |