I'm sorry but I don't buy most of this video. This guy acts like every track is a direct sample of the original record. Yeah there were probably a few lazy no talent hacks in the early days who found the record and sampled it. Anyone with basic skill can record their own drum set played in a similar style. Practically any DAW or Tracker software built after 1990 can be programmed to create those drum sounds. Without some audio forensic study it's really hard to prove the direct sample claim.
IF YOU DON'T LEAVE HUMAN BEENS ALONE, ON THEIR WORLD, YOU'LL HAVE TO BE AN A DEAD MIND-BODY GRINDERS IN THE UNIVERSE!!! AND YOU'LL HAVE WORK WITH GOD AND DEVIL, LORD AND KNIGHT!!! SORRY AND RESPECT!!!
I love how he makes a subtle jab at breakcore and idm... "chin stroking art crowd"... i love breakcore and idm - so what if something electronic isnt dancable? does seeking to create something entirely new, if perhaps a little less accessible automatically make an artist pretentious? i think not. this documentary is pretty cool, but dude needs to listen to some venetian snares and shut his whore mouth.
@kwaal he also makes sure to refer to both artists he uses as examples by their real names, followed by "aka [project name]", while he doesnt for say, NWA... this guy must have met some pretentious idm fans that wouldnt talk to him or something....,
Why shouldn't I be able to borrow an idea or 2 from a John Lennon song (or whomever I choose)? John wouldn't have minded at all. It's the fucking music industry ITSELF that is the enemy of our art. I, for one, am glad they are floundering. They deserve an ugly death for what they've done.
@gooderish Two comments? I'm flattered. Actually, I went there after your comment about a boring video, in search of one that explains it better. Boy, was I disappointed by the barren wasteland.
Let me give you a few tips for your future youtube endeavor: Learn to spell, don't go into troll wars with somebody you cannot even imagine to comprehend, and don't do pointless criticism. If you have nothing to offer be it rhetorically or a video, don't bother to comment.
Of course you may. Every animal leaves it's droppings where it pleases. :) Because frankly, all in all, they're exactly like droppings.
p.s. Would you be so kind to point out that spelling mistake i made, because i'm not a native speaker, and am not really sure to what you are referring to.
@gooderish Well it IS a boring subject. An entire culture (a shitty one at that) based largely in part on a 6 second music sample.... yeaaaaaa... prettty fucking lame.
@OldCorpBLT13 You have NO IDEA how much that hit's home. I just played out Quantic's Un Canto a Mi Tierra w/his Combo Bárbaro - and the singer Nidia Gongora had an acapella version of the track on the B-Side. It was so bangin', i stopped by whole set to drop an acapella track. That's so rare. Weird timing on your comment... I was playing that and the whole bar was quiet, listening. Too rare... B-Sides are so important! =) Cheers!
@unclefishbits people of my generation are people of the playlist generation. For most to hear an entire CD is by itself a miracle. So b-sides, do you think people would even care about them. It is a harsh truth, but nonetheless a fact.
@TejasM14 good point, but when you are talking about stuff like Amen Brother, or other bits of gold mined from the vaults of history, we are talking about archivists, DJ's, and other crate diggers searching the annals of music past to find a zombie beat, & bring it back to life with modern production magic. So the passive, bubble gum chewing pop listener might not need B-Sides, but they are a proving ground & hallmark of innovation, creativity, & experimentation for most bands & musicians.
Funny thing is you'll find this beat in Tommy Roe's "Sweet Pea", The Turtles "You Baby", both from '66 & '67, and a handful of pop trash from that same era. So many rookie drummers played this groove to death in the '70's, you were considered a hack if you played that groove since, until the manufactured illusion which has come to be known as hip-hop & rap. What was it Dylan said about new music "livin' off the scraps of the '60's?"
Nate, this will end up being one of the most important videos on YouTube in its history. I'm serious. You use this exactly how it is supposed to be used. Respect!
@DohaRoha Well I don't know about that but thanks for the kind words:) I am glad the story has spread out to so many people. At the end of the day I hope it asks a simple question: what does it mean today to be creative? What does it entail?
Just something I don't understand about this video claiming that jungle beats came from this - how is cutting the beat sequence up into its smallest component parts (i.e. cymbals, hi-hats, bass, etc.) and putting them together in a COMPLETELY different sequence a same beat?
It's not the same beat - the components it consists of sound the same, but not the sequence itself - which is what the beat is. So how can anyone claim that it's the same beat?
@katman911 Yours is a good and important question. In both cases, "original" and "remix" of the break, it is the actual Winstons recording being used, thus technically a breach of copyright. Even though it might be different "patterns," jungle still samples from a copyrighted source when using the Amen, which is murky legal territory. Now if you recorded your own drum hits and arranged them how you wanted, that's free and clear.
Another great example of the Amen Break being sampled is "Rush" by Big Audio Dynamite. Do NOT miss the "Rhythm and Melody" breakdown (around 1:30), which is superb, but wasn't included on the radio edit.
The December 31st 2011 issue of The Economist had an article about the Amen break, with much of the same discussion, but with a greater focus on the vast prevalence of this sample throughout jungle music, both in its original era, and it's more modern resurgence. It did also lack the moralizing about copyright laws, but I highly recommend the read to anyone who enjoyed this brief documentary.
nice Video and certainly informative but 'Hip Hop' had been going for years before samplers were used and I would say James Brown had more of an influence in it's development.
(continued from previous comment) After further comparisons, i narrowed it down to just the ride cymbal. All of the other drum hits sound the exact same to the original amen break, except for an additional ryde cymbal that was overlayed to the beat so they could take out that second 1/8 beat bass drum, cover it up with the stronger ryde and still have it seamlessly play through without a silence in the beat. I wonder if anyone else noticed this, or even has any idea what im talking about?
(continued from previous comment) After further comparisons, i narrowed it down to just the ride cymbal. All of the other drum hits sound the exact same to the original amen break, except for an additional ryde cymbal that was overlayed to the beat so they could take out that second 1/8 beat bass drum, cover it up with the stronger ryde and still have it seamlessly play through without a silence in the beat. I wonder if anyone else noticed this, or even has any idea what im talking about?
(continued from previous comment) After further comparisons, i narrowed it down to just the ride cymbal. All of the other drum hits sound the exact same to the original amen break, except for an additional ryde cymbal that was overlayed to the beat so they could take out that second 1/8 beat bass drum, cover it up with the stronger ryde and still have it seamlessly play through without a silence in the beat. I wonder if anyone else noticed this, or even has any idea what im talking about?
(continued from previous comment) After further comparisons, i narrowed it down to just the ride cymbal. All of the other drum hits sound the exact same to the original amen break, except for an additional ryde cymbal that was overlayed to the beat so they could take out that second 1/8 beat bass drum, cover it up with the stronger ryde and still have it seamlessly play through without a silence in the beat. I wonder if anyone else noticed this, or even has any idea what im talking about?
also, a lot of jungle, i noticed the amen drum sounds were recreated. notice on the original amen, there are 2 bass drum hits before the snare. On others, the second bass drum was removed and replaced with a stronger ride cymbal that stretches a half a beat, which the original amen ryde cymbal cant stretch more than 1/16th of a beat. I also compared the original amen drum sample with a recreated one and there are big differences. the recreated amen has more of a heavier splash/ride cymbal.
Wat about the other jungle drum n bass beat origins? I always wondered about the "Bahduh!! Bahduh!!" beat or the "Wah" beat and where those 2 drum loops originated from. I thought it was taken from Rob Base "It takes 2" beat, but the Bahduh and wah vocals arent in those.
Ok i wont lie i was about to flip away from the documentary after i got back from getting a drink (ADD, its not you i promise lol), but i heard the EXACT same beat on Lets make a Deal lolol..thats crazy
Good video. I really wish people more commonly realized what a problem copyright hoarding is, and that people realized that public domain was their RIGHT and one that has been stolen. More importantly though, I liked what I learned about music history from this video.
The golden age of sampling has gone and now we have a culture of greedy assholes trying to control and regulate the music industry. I grew up with the rave scene, using the amen break samples.
@davidhelvadjian I was here because of the Economist article, and I definitely thought the similarity was uncanny even before I read your comment. There was a little more research in the print article, but the thesis and presentation of the subject were virtually identical. What irony!
Genius! The amen transcends electronic music. As a drummer this beat is a massive part of my arsenal. I use that pattern in almost everything I do. It's a really straight forward, natural feeling beat. If you deconstruct any beat, do a little math and reassemble, all beats are virtually the same. There are only so many pattern possible, likewise there are only so many notes in a scale, frets on a guitar, keys on a piano....copyrighting a beat is ridiculous.
I agree with you completely. I've not met many other drummers who understand what I'm saying about the math thing. When I'm playing my best, I feel like the groove is math with a touch of style. The beat used by the samplers or machines is close to the Winston Bros. beat, but a little different voicing. ie. the hats instead of the ride, and the ending of the phrase is different. Broken down are put back together, it's the same. MATH. Peace.
@scottiequality1981 - I totally agree, this break can be tweaked and used so often. It IS extremely 'natural' to play & its a perfect fit for my style b/c I love to play a lot of syncopated rhythms. I actually remember learning this break -- It (as well as 20+ variations) were part of my Carmine Appice drum book (1989)
boots and cats and a lot of little kitties and a boots and cats and a lot of little kitties and a boots and cats and a lot of little kitties and a... (repeat indefinitely)
anyone know where to find the short vocal sample used in a lot of jungle tunes over the amen break? /watch?v=USzW_yf9HNY : latest example i could think of, its the short vocal sample on the first beat of each bar.
I'm an original Junglist. I was there from the beginning, when Acid House became popular and gave rise to Breakbeat Hardcore. Back then, we just used to call it 'Hardcore'. I watched as Hardcore became harder and gave rise to Jungle, which completely took over the streets of London. Many of my favourite tunes came out in 1994. That, for me, was the best year. It's when the drums really rolled and the b-line really rumbled. If interested, check out my Jungle playlist for a few of my favourites.
The Economist article is very similar to this (excellent) documentary. But the economist article is quite different in focus and sited examples. I think what we have here is a bonafied example of history. In this case being told from two people that share a similar sociological point of view.
I'm sure the Economist article is identical to this video in a conscious form of metaphor. Economist article:this video::various jungle tracks:amen break
@davidhelvadjian, I did come here from the Economist (the printed version), but I don't agree at all that the article is a ripoff of the video. Yes, they're about the same topic. But the Economist has a different spin, different anecdotes, more quotes (including one from the Winston's former frontman Spencer, saying "[Coleman's] heart and soul went into that drum break. Now these guys copy and paste it and make millions." That's a different perspective than the video, which says he "didn't care"
I too read the piece in the Economist and was fascinated. I listen to a lot of funk and more obscure funk but had never heard of this piece. Apart from the drum break, it's a kicker of a tune.
Nice piece of work! However, your copyright analysis isn't quite right. This specific drum sequence (beat) isn't exactly unique in funk. Using the original recording in another recording, without permission, isn't legal. And shouldn't be. But replaying the rhythm, even exactly, is. And should be. We can't start copyrighting "bass on 1 and 3, snare on 2 and 4". That's crazy.
@JungleNYC You're totally correct but I never claimed what you're saying in the video. My point was exactly that it's the mechanical recording (and not the rhythm itself) that is copyrighted. But thanks for making it clear as I think many people confuse the break with its recording! Happy Holidays!
@Izznogood63 And just maybe the lock-up of samples will be an incentive for "musicians" to learn the source instruments again and create anew in a different direction.
@davewatcher Good music is good music, however it's made.
I don't care if the music was hand crafted over a period of years by a group of highly trained musicians or if it was created in 30 minutes by a teenager in his bedroom using only samples.
@davewatcher To all the conservative/reactionary posters: I am the author of the video, and often your argument is something like "learn to play an instrument." Perhaps if music appreciation classes weren't slashed from school budgets, we would have kids growing up having a grasp of music beyond a computer screen. But the reality is kids today *are* in front of screens more than they are in front of violins. Why don't you all donate money to your local elementary schools?
@JCFR61 It's not the same guy (I am the author of the video/record). I didn't know about the Economist article, and am looking to read it now. When the Economist starts writing articles about breaks, we're in a whole new game:) Happy Holidays everyone!
if you are here due to the Economist, ask yourself if the Economist author basically copied this video for his article...unless it is one and the same person...because the content of the article is exactly the same (and this video was done in 2004)!!!!!! Even the bit about talking to Mr Spencer and what the Winston's think about it all.
@davidhelvadjian The more I listen to this, the more I am agreeing with you- does anyone know if they are the same person? If not, this is a whole 'nother type of "sampling" going on...
@ProfessorFrancis haha...nice thinking Prof; maybe it's another Economist style piece of humour...the correspondent wrote a piece about sampling by....that's right my fellow underfrogs (page 33-Western Ghats)...sampling something else!!
@ProfessorFrancis It's not the same person (I am the author of the video). But I like the idea of the Economist "remixing" a YouTube video. It proves the point all the more!
@davidhelvadjian Yup. Pretty much. You might even say the Economist sampled this documentary and re-used it in a different context as an attempt to reach a completely different audience.
@davidhelvadjian Yes I 1st heard about this loop on the economist. I think you may be right about the content. Anyway I am glad to have the article as it educated me about this great loop.
@davidhelvadjian The article and this guy both use the word "syncopate" or its derivatives, which I had to look up (!) ..not a word on the tip of most people's lips. Tempted to email The Economist, as it could be outrageous plagiarism. Poor..
Comment removed
habbadri 1 hour ago
Very enlightening piece!!!!! Thank you!!!!
beatweezl 2 days ago
This guy never shows his face. Why not? Is he anonymous?
wolfaxe123 5 days ago
@wolfaxe123 he doesn't have face
scope66pl 9 hours ago
Music is so amazing. It makes so many people happy.
spiderladie 5 days ago
Green Energy for World Peace, is the theme for the novel, "With These Eyes", written by Horst Steiner.
PeaceWithTheseEyes 5 days ago
If you need 18 minutes to explain a six second drum loop. it must be very important indeed.
pixelkatten 6 days ago 4
Is there a complete list of songs which sample this break?
juliaisafilmbuff123 6 days ago
@juliaisafilmbuff123 I don't think it's complete but for now there are 615 samples listed on whosampled site. Cheers!
Jairinho2006 5 days ago
@Jairinho2006 Thanks!
juliaisafilmbuff123 5 days ago
@juliaisafilmbuff123 It would probably be thousands of pages long lol.
greezusbreakcore 4 days ago
cool.got a bit boring at the end though.............right then,im off to buy a friggin jeep
TheOldschoolfool 6 days ago
Very fucking interesting and educational. It seems like the world is running out of original talent.
Brainconvulsion 6 days ago
1969
ComfyCookie 6 days ago
They should loop the guy 'playing it again' in another video based on the history of this video.
PabzGLRP 1 week ago
as in James Brown.
djbrownproductions 1 week ago
stop playing James originated this.
djbrownproductions 1 week ago
I like what you're saying about creativity, and being able to borrow from your predecessors.
battragon 1 week ago
Alan Cross should "sample" the entire script of this.
TheOceanOfNotions 1 week ago
@TheOceanOfNotions maladroit already did.
noremac4343 1 week ago
@noremac4343 Jesus I havent seen him in a while, say hello from "tepid" if you see him any time soon.
thelukewarmwonder 1 week ago
I want to buy a Jeep now
2086Official 1 week ago
I'm sorry but I don't buy most of this video. This guy acts like every track is a direct sample of the original record. Yeah there were probably a few lazy no talent hacks in the early days who found the record and sampled it. Anyone with basic skill can record their own drum set played in a similar style. Practically any DAW or Tracker software built after 1990 can be programmed to create those drum sounds. Without some audio forensic study it's really hard to prove the direct sample claim.
onagoodday627 1 week ago
@onagoodday627 welll, he's right, all these tracks use the amen break ... i doubt any of these artists would deny it, as it is part of the cannon
eflath 1 week ago
TL DR 1:19
2wcp 1 week ago
ANYBODY LOOKING FOR SOUND LIBRARY HAVE A LOOK AT MY PAGE YOU MIGHT FIND SOME STUFF HERE SOUNDS BREAKS ECT LETS ALL SHARE
carbootvinyl 1 week ago
fascinating and powerful. great commentary.
xMasterJuiceX 1 week ago
I finished it. It's good, but I wish this were narrated by Morgan Freeman
Jakyle1 1 week ago 2
This video seems highly relevant today. Down with SOPA/PIPA.
Quixoticah 1 week ago 2
K-Billy's Super Sounds of the 70's just keeps on truckin...
AngryVGFur 1 week ago
Thanks for that information. That was really interesting. I definitely agree that copy rights can go to far and can and does harm us in a way.
kyletgilbert 1 week ago
Thats weird how this used to be my most automatic beatboxing sequence without even knowing
gumdrops27 1 week ago
This has been flagged as spam show
IF YOU DON'T LEAVE HUMAN BEENS ALONE, ON THEIR WORLD, YOU'LL HAVE TO BE AN A DEAD MIND-BODY GRINDERS IN THE UNIVERSE!!! AND YOU'LL HAVE WORK WITH GOD AND DEVIL, LORD AND KNIGHT!!! SORRY AND RESPECT!!!
MrDefSkillz 1 week ago
I love how he makes a subtle jab at breakcore and idm... "chin stroking art crowd"... i love breakcore and idm - so what if something electronic isnt dancable? does seeking to create something entirely new, if perhaps a little less accessible automatically make an artist pretentious? i think not. this documentary is pretty cool, but dude needs to listen to some venetian snares and shut his whore mouth.
kwaal 1 week ago
@kwaal he also makes sure to refer to both artists he uses as examples by their real names, followed by "aka [project name]", while he doesnt for say, NWA... this guy must have met some pretentious idm fans that wouldnt talk to him or something....,
kwaal 1 week ago
'You're listening to K Billy's super sound of the seventies...'
111RichardC111 1 week ago 22
could play this break all day!
Rossco9992 1 week ago
I watched this years ago but never realized DEXTER NARRATED IT.
Just playing, entertaining video.
redmarch 1 week ago
why does the narrator sound like he has a hangover??
DomineAstronome 1 week ago
What about "FUNKY DRUMMER" that seems to be in half the examples? RIP J.B.!
fla1037 1 week ago
did you really need a 1210 to play that record in that room.....what a waste.....none the less quite interesting........
ad1ukdnbdeejay 1 week ago
Why shouldn't I be able to borrow an idea or 2 from a John Lennon song (or whomever I choose)? John wouldn't have minded at all. It's the fucking music industry ITSELF that is the enemy of our art. I, for one, am glad they are floundering. They deserve an ugly death for what they've done.
mattydigs 1 week ago
CONGRATS ! ! !
You've made a really interesting subject into a really BORING video.
My brain hurts after watching this........... wot a load o' WANK ! ! !
gooderish 1 week ago
@gooderish i bet you have a better video prepared explaining it more thoroughly and less boring.
ploki2120 1 week ago
@ploki2120 yep and it contains big titties, arse rape and all the other good stuff.
Fuck off plonker2120
gooderish 1 week ago
@gooderish Funny, all I see is a re-upload of enter the ninja with 11 views uploaded 10 months ago. Oh well. You must be a big winner.
ploki2120 1 week ago
@ploki2120 well you tube wont let me upload the arse rape vid.
just as well really, i doubt yer ma wants people to see you licking out her arse
gooderish 1 week ago
@ploki2120 ha ha i mention an arse rape vid and you go straight to my channel hoping to watch it.
wot a wanker, was you gonna have a tug whilst watchin
gooderish 1 week ago
@gooderish Two comments? I'm flattered. Actually, I went there after your comment about a boring video, in search of one that explains it better. Boy, was I disappointed by the barren wasteland.
Let me give you a few tips for your future youtube endeavor: Learn to spell, don't go into troll wars with somebody you cannot even imagine to comprehend, and don't do pointless criticism. If you have nothing to offer be it rhetorically or a video, don't bother to comment.
ploki2120 1 week ago
@ploki2120 you sanctimonious fuck, i will leave whatever comments i want.
And dont pull me on my spelling when you've made a spelling mistake yerself.
gooderish 1 week ago
@gooderish
Of course you may. Every animal leaves it's droppings where it pleases. :) Because frankly, all in all, they're exactly like droppings.
p.s. Would you be so kind to point out that spelling mistake i made, because i'm not a native speaker, and am not really sure to what you are referring to.
ploki2120 1 week ago
@ploki2120 Right wanker this is the last time i'm gonna speak with you.
E N D E A V O U R you left out the U, no biggie but you was being a prick pulling me on my spelling
gooderish 1 week ago
@gooderish I am pretty sure alternate (US) spelling is not considered a spelling mistake.
Yeah, I think it's a good idea you stop speaking with me, while you still have some dignity left.
ploki2120 1 week ago
@ploki2120 FUCK YOU CUNT
gooderish 1 week ago
@gooderish Owned. :D Run along kid, come back when you're ready to play with the big boys.
ploki2120 1 week ago
@ploki2120 You dont own fuck all, and is your life so sad that you get off on imagined victories. I feel sorry you babs, you have my pity
gooderish 1 week ago
@gooderish Well it IS a boring subject. An entire culture (a shitty one at that) based largely in part on a 6 second music sample.... yeaaaaaa... prettty fucking lame.
mattydigs 1 week ago
There is an interesting article from the Economist December 17th, 2011 issue on the same topic. Search Google: Economist 7 seconds.
jayrandall7 1 week ago
..why would someone dislike this
WanganHD 2 weeks ago
B-Sides are necessary.
unclefishbits 2 weeks ago 15
@unclefishbits I miss 12" singles with acapellas, dubs, and bonus beats. :(
OldCorpBLT13 6 days ago
@OldCorpBLT13 You have NO IDEA how much that hit's home. I just played out Quantic's Un Canto a Mi Tierra w/his Combo Bárbaro - and the singer Nidia Gongora had an acapella version of the track on the B-Side. It was so bangin', i stopped by whole set to drop an acapella track. That's so rare. Weird timing on your comment... I was playing that and the whole bar was quiet, listening. Too rare... B-Sides are so important! =) Cheers!
unclefishbits 4 days ago
@unclefishbits people of my generation are people of the playlist generation. For most to hear an entire CD is by itself a miracle. So b-sides, do you think people would even care about them. It is a harsh truth, but nonetheless a fact.
TejasM14 4 days ago
@TejasM14 good point, but when you are talking about stuff like Amen Brother, or other bits of gold mined from the vaults of history, we are talking about archivists, DJ's, and other crate diggers searching the annals of music past to find a zombie beat, & bring it back to life with modern production magic. So the passive, bubble gum chewing pop listener might not need B-Sides, but they are a proving ground & hallmark of innovation, creativity, & experimentation for most bands & musicians.
unclefishbits 4 days ago
Version español? xd
serprutos 2 weeks ago
Ahh so much we owe to that 6 seconds of drum beat from 1969. Can't imagine how different my life would be if it never existed!
Seanself363 2 weeks ago 3
Funny thing is you'll find this beat in Tommy Roe's "Sweet Pea", The Turtles "You Baby", both from '66 & '67, and a handful of pop trash from that same era. So many rookie drummers played this groove to death in the '70's, you were considered a hack if you played that groove since, until the manufactured illusion which has come to be known as hip-hop & rap. What was it Dylan said about new music "livin' off the scraps of the '60's?"
laaxe 2 weeks ago 2
Nate, this will end up being one of the most important videos on YouTube in its history. I'm serious. You use this exactly how it is supposed to be used. Respect!
DohaRoha 2 weeks ago 2
@DohaRoha Well I don't know about that but thanks for the kind words:) I am glad the story has spread out to so many people. At the end of the day I hope it asks a simple question: what does it mean today to be creative? What does it entail?
nkhstudio 2 weeks ago
Press 3 and 9
omfgstfuandgtfo 2 weeks ago
syncopated is nice term, i also like 'poly-rhythmic' to describe this amen break.
Aeonian199 2 weeks ago
I fucking hate this over used piece of shit loop. Fuck anyone who uses it, fuck.
cbwtfz 2 weeks ago
Just something I don't understand about this video claiming that jungle beats came from this - how is cutting the beat sequence up into its smallest component parts (i.e. cymbals, hi-hats, bass, etc.) and putting them together in a COMPLETELY different sequence a same beat?
It's not the same beat - the components it consists of sound the same, but not the sequence itself - which is what the beat is. So how can anyone claim that it's the same beat?
katman911 2 weeks ago
@katman911 Yours is a good and important question. In both cases, "original" and "remix" of the break, it is the actual Winstons recording being used, thus technically a breach of copyright. Even though it might be different "patterns," jungle still samples from a copyrighted source when using the Amen, which is murky legal territory. Now if you recorded your own drum hits and arranged them how you wanted, that's free and clear.
nkhstudio 2 weeks ago
Aphex Twin?
atfsurrey 2 weeks ago
after seeing this video, I know have knowledge... and realize every fukin song has Amen Break. wow!!!
leonpacifist1988 2 weeks ago
7:28 "...a realm of pure fetishization and self indulgance..."
pretty brutal
SpecialBreakfast 2 weeks ago 4
Got bored and messed around with this gem.
Here ya go.
soundcloud[DOT]com/slimsteppa/slims-rag-amen-experiment
hellonearth1066 2 weeks ago
Another great example of the Amen Break being sampled is "Rush" by Big Audio Dynamite. Do NOT miss the "Rhythm and Melody" breakdown (around 1:30), which is superb, but wasn't included on the radio edit.
73niki73 2 weeks ago
greatgreatgreatgreatgreat 10 thumbs up if i could
VoiDukkha 2 weeks ago
YES YES RAVE RAVE !!! junglist massive
ferret630 2 weeks ago
vic aciddddddd
jollo64 3 weeks ago
The most infectious meme of all time...
kujo8rockly 3 weeks ago
Wow. Just wow.
diehardsteelerfan420 3 weeks ago
prodigy smack my bitch up
jeffreydahmer56 3 weeks ago
The December 31st 2011 issue of The Economist had an article about the Amen break, with much of the same discussion, but with a greater focus on the vast prevalence of this sample throughout jungle music, both in its original era, and it's more modern resurgence. It did also lack the moralizing about copyright laws, but I highly recommend the read to anyone who enjoyed this brief documentary.
Texicles 3 weeks ago
nice Video and certainly informative but 'Hip Hop' had been going for years before samplers were used and I would say James Brown had more of an influence in it's development.
theurbanmusicologist 3 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
(continued from previous comment) After further comparisons, i narrowed it down to just the ride cymbal. All of the other drum hits sound the exact same to the original amen break, except for an additional ryde cymbal that was overlayed to the beat so they could take out that second 1/8 beat bass drum, cover it up with the stronger ryde and still have it seamlessly play through without a silence in the beat. I wonder if anyone else noticed this, or even has any idea what im talking about?
TheWaynelds 3 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
(continued from previous comment) After further comparisons, i narrowed it down to just the ride cymbal. All of the other drum hits sound the exact same to the original amen break, except for an additional ryde cymbal that was overlayed to the beat so they could take out that second 1/8 beat bass drum, cover it up with the stronger ryde and still have it seamlessly play through without a silence in the beat. I wonder if anyone else noticed this, or even has any idea what im talking about?
TheWaynelds 3 weeks ago
(continued from previous comment) After further comparisons, i narrowed it down to just the ride cymbal. All of the other drum hits sound the exact same to the original amen break, except for an additional ryde cymbal that was overlayed to the beat so they could take out that second 1/8 beat bass drum, cover it up with the stronger ryde and still have it seamlessly play through without a silence in the beat. I wonder if anyone else noticed this, or even has any idea what im talking about?
TheWaynelds 3 weeks ago
(continued from previous comment) After further comparisons, i narrowed it down to just the ride cymbal. All of the other drum hits sound the exact same to the original amen break, except for an additional ryde cymbal that was overlayed to the beat so they could take out that second 1/8 beat bass drum, cover it up with the stronger ryde and still have it seamlessly play through without a silence in the beat. I wonder if anyone else noticed this, or even has any idea what im talking about?
TheWaynelds 3 weeks ago
also, a lot of jungle, i noticed the amen drum sounds were recreated. notice on the original amen, there are 2 bass drum hits before the snare. On others, the second bass drum was removed and replaced with a stronger ride cymbal that stretches a half a beat, which the original amen ryde cymbal cant stretch more than 1/16th of a beat. I also compared the original amen drum sample with a recreated one and there are big differences. the recreated amen has more of a heavier splash/ride cymbal.
TheWaynelds 3 weeks ago
Wat about the other jungle drum n bass beat origins? I always wondered about the "Bahduh!! Bahduh!!" beat or the "Wah" beat and where those 2 drum loops originated from. I thought it was taken from Rob Base "It takes 2" beat, but the Bahduh and wah vocals arent in those.
TheWaynelds 3 weeks ago
*Upbeat drum lick* :)
Monotone depressed man: Hear I will play it a again -_-
*Upbeat drum lick* :)
LOL
PwnagePenguin18 3 weeks ago 12
Comment removed
snalishio 3 weeks ago
Awesome!! I was so bored I typed "documentary" into the search bar and now I learned something new and cool haha
delgado4652 3 weeks ago 20
@delgado4652 Lol. I did the exact same thing. Too funny.
TheAdultChild101 1 week ago
I've used this beat on more than one occasion when writing music. Must-watch for any music enthusiast.
saxxonpike 3 weeks ago
narrated by dexter morgan
alphant1 3 weeks ago 4
Ok i wont lie i was about to flip away from the documentary after i got back from getting a drink (ADD, its not you i promise lol), but i heard the EXACT same beat on Lets make a Deal lolol..thats crazy
121hardyboyz 3 weeks ago
cool vid - very informative & interesting cheers
luckyhorsecinema 3 weeks ago in playlist Side Orders
Love it! Some serious knowledge was dropped.
germyw 3 weeks ago
Thanks for taking the time to enlighten us on this matter.
filosufer 3 weeks ago
omg... watching the beginning and anxiously awaiting for what the drum beat is... thinking, "will i recognize it?"
TREXRAWRRRxbl 3 weeks ago
here from tv tropes
coulibistrie 3 weeks ago
I swear it's used in Futurama.
gixG17Archive 3 weeks ago
Good video. I really wish people more commonly realized what a problem copyright hoarding is, and that people realized that public domain was their RIGHT and one that has been stolen. More importantly though, I liked what I learned about music history from this video.
AesculapiusPiranha 3 weeks ago
The golden age of sampling has gone and now we have a culture of greedy assholes trying to control and regulate the music industry. I grew up with the rave scene, using the amen break samples.
dannybailey666 3 weeks ago
I GOT HERE FROM CRACKED.COM
RandomJ0e 3 weeks ago 4
I'm pretty sure I've heard this track used in countless Aphex Twin songs.
ChablesMan 3 weeks ago
@ChablesMan its been rinsed by absolutely everybody at some point! everyone and there pet dog has fucked with this sample
TrowbridgeHardcore 3 weeks ago
@davidhelvadjian I was here because of the Economist article, and I definitely thought the similarity was uncanny even before I read your comment. There was a little more research in the print article, but the thesis and presentation of the subject were virtually identical. What irony!
FigNeutral 3 weeks ago 2
This is even used in power puff girls.. omg
secretformulove 4 weeks ago 63
@secretformulove OMG it IS power puff girls! lol
KitsuneNekoTigi 3 weeks ago
@secretformulove ACTUALLY it's James Brown's "Funky Drummer" :)
casperlok2dbrain 2 weeks ago
679 people are beiber fans
jontyoldmanface 4 weeks ago
Genius! The amen transcends electronic music. As a drummer this beat is a massive part of my arsenal. I use that pattern in almost everything I do. It's a really straight forward, natural feeling beat. If you deconstruct any beat, do a little math and reassemble, all beats are virtually the same. There are only so many pattern possible, likewise there are only so many notes in a scale, frets on a guitar, keys on a piano....copyrighting a beat is ridiculous.
scottiequality1981 4 weeks ago 5
@scottiequality1981
I agree with you completely. I've not met many other drummers who understand what I'm saying about the math thing. When I'm playing my best, I feel like the groove is math with a touch of style. The beat used by the samplers or machines is close to the Winston Bros. beat, but a little different voicing. ie. the hats instead of the ride, and the ending of the phrase is different. Broken down are put back together, it's the same. MATH. Peace.
drumlove42067 3 weeks ago
@scottiequality1981 - I totally agree, this break can be tweaked and used so often. It IS extremely 'natural' to play & its a perfect fit for my style b/c I love to play a lot of syncopated rhythms. I actually remember learning this break -- It (as well as 20+ variations) were part of my Carmine Appice drum book (1989)
73niki73 2 weeks ago
Look up "Crizz Luvly - Amen" you'll see how he sampled this video. Sampleception?
justintc1996 4 weeks ago
@justintc1996 Oh hey, Justin. Good to see you here.
JoshuaCuthbert 4 weeks ago
i used to have the same gemini!!!
danathefunkiest1 4 weeks ago
i love the amen break as much now as i did in the 90s never gets old. Does annoy me a bit when you hear it getting used in main stream music tho
KUPHSER 4 weeks ago
the joke is on u i like this rick role music :)
konn1231 4 weeks ago
This is amazing!
tallcoolone09 4 weeks ago
boots and cats and a lot of little kitties and a boots and cats and a lot of little kitties and a boots and cats and a lot of little kitties and a... (repeat indefinitely)
abr0wnman 1 month ago
i like the voice
AdamRezz 1 month ago
@davidhelvadjian The Economist was just sampling this video for their article
danamiyoshi 1 month ago
Never underestimate the B side on vinyl.
keithkool 1 month ago 43
@keithkool - AMEN.
Syntox 2 weeks ago
6:00
Yay, Original Nuttah was the tune they used at Uni when I was being lectured on the Amen Break! Great minds think alike!
Akriloth2160 1 month ago
anyone know where to find the short vocal sample used in a lot of jungle tunes over the amen break? /watch?v=USzW_yf9HNY : latest example i could think of, its the short vocal sample on the first beat of each bar.
shaun9511 1 month ago
Filmmaking Documentary - 'ADRIAN' - Official Trailer [2012] watch?v=ZvLC8aTgqGo
glennDIRECTOR 1 month ago
I'm an original Junglist. I was there from the beginning, when Acid House became popular and gave rise to Breakbeat Hardcore. Back then, we just used to call it 'Hardcore'. I watched as Hardcore became harder and gave rise to Jungle, which completely took over the streets of London. Many of my favourite tunes came out in 1994. That, for me, was the best year. It's when the drums really rolled and the b-line really rumbled. If interested, check out my Jungle playlist for a few of my favourites.
Hermeticism 1 month ago
Fascinating. Yet another example of innovation outstripping the legal framework which supported its progenitor.
philvanp 1 month ago
naon sih gg jelas
ahmadsetia 1 month ago
Copyright (and Intellectual Property in general) hinders innovation, despite its good intentions.
ericfontainejazz 1 month ago
this is some stupid shit i want my 2 min 35 sec back ill take a check
turksarejewsbutworse 1 month ago
Im not a drummer but this is fascinating. I don't think the Economist Plagiarized but it sure is close.
midfieldcrisis 1 month ago
Tl,dw.
sagjig2 1 month ago
Brilliant piece of documentary making - thank you
gerardfrith 1 month ago
Respect
junya74 1 month ago
The Economist article is very similar to this (excellent) documentary. But the economist article is quite different in focus and sited examples. I think what we have here is a bonafied example of history. In this case being told from two people that share a similar sociological point of view.
spencomp 1 month ago
thank you for this.
akn0ledge 1 month ago
674 ppl have absolutely no musical intellect...
soundcrumbs 1 month ago
I don't understand why the Economist made no mention of Drum 'n Bass.
Jungle pretty much died out / was superseded by D'nB around '95.
Jarren202 1 month ago
I'm sure the Economist article is identical to this video in a conscious form of metaphor. Economist article:this video::various jungle tracks:amen break
myoest 1 month ago 2
brilliant video, and yes, the Economist article is completely biting this.
myoest 1 month ago
@davidhelvadjian, I did come here from the Economist (the printed version), but I don't agree at all that the article is a ripoff of the video. Yes, they're about the same topic. But the Economist has a different spin, different anecdotes, more quotes (including one from the Winston's former frontman Spencer, saying "[Coleman's] heart and soul went into that drum break. Now these guys copy and paste it and make millions." That's a different perspective than the video, which says he "didn't care"
mattflaschen 1 month ago 3
cannot un hear 0_0
BonPhire 1 month ago
I too read the piece in the Economist and was fascinated. I listen to a lot of funk and more obscure funk but had never heard of this piece. Apart from the drum break, it's a kicker of a tune.
Flinkflonk 1 month ago
Nice piece of work! However, your copyright analysis isn't quite right. This specific drum sequence (beat) isn't exactly unique in funk. Using the original recording in another recording, without permission, isn't legal. And shouldn't be. But replaying the rhythm, even exactly, is. And should be. We can't start copyrighting "bass on 1 and 3, snare on 2 and 4". That's crazy.
JungleNYC 1 month ago
@JungleNYC You're totally correct but I never claimed what you're saying in the video. My point was exactly that it's the mechanical recording (and not the rhythm itself) that is copyrighted. But thanks for making it clear as I think many people confuse the break with its recording! Happy Holidays!
nkhstudio 1 month ago
I am here to due to the Economist. Very good documentary, but the case once again confirms to me that music died with electronic sampling.
Izznogood63 1 month ago
@Izznogood63 And just maybe the lock-up of samples will be an incentive for "musicians" to learn the source instruments again and create anew in a different direction.
danno321s 1 month ago
Here's an idea. Why don't you learn how to play a musical instrument instead?
davewatcher 1 month ago
@davewatcher Good music is good music, however it's made.
I don't care if the music was hand crafted over a period of years by a group of highly trained musicians or if it was created in 30 minutes by a teenager in his bedroom using only samples.
If it's good music, I appreciate it.
Jarren202 1 month ago
@Jarren202
You clearly don't appreciate live music.
davewatcher 1 month ago
@davewatcher To all the conservative/reactionary posters: I am the author of the video, and often your argument is something like "learn to play an instrument." Perhaps if music appreciation classes weren't slashed from school budgets, we would have kids growing up having a grasp of music beyond a computer screen. But the reality is kids today *are* in front of screens more than they are in front of violins. Why don't you all donate money to your local elementary schools?
nkhstudio 1 month ago
@nkhstudio.
Most of the best and original musicians are largely self taught. Schools ruin everything.
davewatcher 1 month ago
Hi, Yes I would say that this is the same guy. In the Economist article he
mentions that he is a amateur producer.
JCFR61 1 month ago
@JCFR61 It's not the same guy (I am the author of the video/record). I didn't know about the Economist article, and am looking to read it now. When the Economist starts writing articles about breaks, we're in a whole new game:) Happy Holidays everyone!
nkhstudio 1 month ago
Fucking crazy! When I read the title I immediately thought of this break beat, then he started talking about it??? Im mind boggled like wtf!!!
Squirtle575 1 month ago
Like others, the economist article lead me here. Incredibly interesting stuff.
miketwo345 1 month ago 2
@miketwo345 Me too!
ProfessorFrancis 1 month ago
haha no wonder i always end up drumming to this beat, its been sewn into my mind :P
just now remembering this beat is also used in powerpuff girls :P
sublimegrime 1 month ago 2
if you are here due to the Economist, ask yourself if the Economist author basically copied this video for his article...unless it is one and the same person...because the content of the article is exactly the same (and this video was done in 2004)!!!!!! Even the bit about talking to Mr Spencer and what the Winston's think about it all.
davidhelvadjian 1 month ago 45
@davidhelvadjian Exactly what's going through my mind watching this.
rockedbottom 1 month ago
@davidhelvadjian The more I listen to this, the more I am agreeing with you- does anyone know if they are the same person? If not, this is a whole 'nother type of "sampling" going on...
ProfessorFrancis 1 month ago
@ProfessorFrancis haha...nice thinking Prof; maybe it's another Economist style piece of humour...the correspondent wrote a piece about sampling by....that's right my fellow underfrogs (page 33-Western Ghats)...sampling something else!!
davidhelvadjian 1 month ago
@ProfessorFrancis It's not the same person (I am the author of the video). But I like the idea of the Economist "remixing" a YouTube video. It proves the point all the more!
nkhstudio 1 month ago 3
@davidhelvadjian I won't admit that the Economist sent me here, so please just turn around and let me slink out the back door.
powergirl901 1 month ago
@davidhelvadjian Yup. Pretty much. You might even say the Economist sampled this documentary and re-used it in a different context as an attempt to reach a completely different audience.
stubbsonic 1 month ago 2
@davidhelvadjian Dude, the Economist didn't "basically copy" it. It "sampled" it. Get with the program. :P
Thefergusong 1 month ago 4
@davidhelvadjian No, they are not fundamentally the same.
scafish 1 month ago
@davidhelvadjian Yes I 1st heard about this loop on the economist. I think you may be right about the content. Anyway I am glad to have the article as it educated me about this great loop.
doremistudios 1 month ago
@davidhelvadjian The article and this guy both use the word "syncopate" or its derivatives, which I had to look up (!) ..not a word on the tip of most people's lips. Tempted to email The Economist, as it could be outrageous plagiarism. Poor..
romrb2 4 weeks ago