You Can Call Me Al

Question 1

Sonority/Instumentation

Answer 1

Mix of South African and western performers
Percussion, synthesisers, 6 string electric bass, horns, lead and background vocals for Western
Guitar, bass and drums for South African
There is a percussive use of Tom-toms at the end of the introduction
There is an off beat fill which is panned across the stereo from left to right, striking and dramatic, giving a real lift to the chorus
Horn section plays horn stabs

Question 2

Harmony/Tonality

Answer 2

F major
I, II, IV, and V are used
Simple primary triads are used, with some triadic movement

Question 3

Rhythm

Answer 3

Allegro - tempo is 128 BPM
4/4
Kick on all 4 beats
It is a straight rhythm, with a snare on beat 4 in the intro and the chorus
There are tom fills
There is a penny whistle solo, with fast rhythms, similar to a folk style

Question 4

Vocals

Answer 4

Fast paced and conversational
Small range, with conjunct mainly as melodic movement
3 part harmony in backing vocals
Almost entirely syllabic and the opening phrase is syncopated
Dubbed an octave lower on the opening phrase

Question 5

Texture

Answer 5

Melody and accompaniment

Question 6

Structure

Answer 6

Intro, verse and chorus, with a middle 8, and an instrumental section before the outro