Breaking Down The Avalanches Since I Left You Album: A Track-by-Track Analysis
The Avalanches Since I Left You is a masterpiece of sample-based music, celebrated for its innovative use of samples and its ability to create a seamless musical journey. Here we’ll take a deep dive into each track of this iconic album, examining its sound, key samples, and the magic that makes it a timeless classic.
Firstly, we’ve put together a table of the key samples used in each track.
The Avalanches Since I Left You
| Track | Key Samples |
| 1. Since I Left You | “Everyday” The Main Attraction 1967 “Car Wash” by Rose Royce (1976) from 0:00 to 0:04<br>- “Anema E Core” by Tony Mottola and His Orchestra (1962) from 0:04 to 0:09<br>- “The Sky’s the Limit” by The Duprees (1968) from 0:13 to 0:40 |
| 2. Stay Another Season | – “Out Here on My Own” by Lamont Dozier (1973) from 0:13 to 0:41, 0:51 to 2:24, and 2:43 to the end<br>- “With a Little Help” by Tony Mottola (1968) from 0:11 to 0:23<br>- “Everyday” by The Main Attraction (1968) from 0:01 to 0:47 and 1:01 to 1:15 |
| 3. Radio | – “In Person Comedy Performance” by Wayne and Shuster (1959) from 0:03 to 0:45<br>- “I Was a TV Addict” by Wayne and Shuster (1959) from 0:03 – 0:45<br>- “Fat City Strut” by Mandrill (1973) from 0:09 and throughout |
| 4. Two Hearts in 3/4 Time | – “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying [Original Broadway Cast]” (1961) “Rosemary” from 0:00 to 0:05<br>- “Cabaret” (1972) “Money, Money” from 0:02 to 0:09<br>- “Sweet Beginnings” by Marlena Shaw (1977) “Yu-Ma” from 0:31 to the end |
| 5. A Different Feeling | – “More Moondog” (1956) “Tugboat Tocatta” from 0:03 to 0:19<br>- “Love in C minor” by Cerrone (1977) “Love in C Minor” from 0:11 and throughout<br>- “The Secret Tapes of Dr. Eich” by Paperclip People (1996) “Slam Dance” from 0:18 and throughout |
| 6. Electricity | – “Blowfly’s Party” by Blowfly (1980) “Rapp Dirty” from 0:38 to 1:11<br>- “Homework” by Daft Punk (1996) “Da Funk” from 1:16 to 1:24 |
| 7. Tonight | – “Today, Tomorrow, Forever” by Nancy Wilson (1964) “Today May Have to Last Me All My Life” from 0:14 and throughout<br>- “Mambo!” by Yma Sumac (1954) “Gopher” from 1:38 to 1:57 |
| 8. Pablo’s Cruise | – “More Moondog” (1956) “Tugboat Tocatta” from 0:03 to 0:19<br>- “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles (1999) “Eleanor Rigby (Film Version)” from 0:47 to the end |
| 9. Frontier Psychiatrist | – “In Person Comedy Performance” by Wayne and Shuster (1959) Various segments providing humorous dialogue<br>- “A Shakesperean Baseball Game” by Wayne and Shuster (1959) from 1:52 to 1:52, adding a playful touch<br>- “The Plan” by The Osmonds (1973) “Let Me In” from 0:06 and throughout |
| 10. Etoh | – “Western Union – Sound of Love” by The Five Americans (1967) “Western Union” from 0:01 and throughout, infusing a sunny vibe |
| 11. Summer Crane | – “Western Union – Sound of Love” by The Five Americans (1967) “Western Union” from 0:01 and throughout, infusing a sunny vibe |
| 12. Little Journey | – “The Papas & The Mamas” by The Mamas & The Papas (1968) “Midnight Voyage” from 0:11 to 0:39, enhancing the track’s retro feel |
| 13. Live at Dominoes | – “Love for Sale” by Boney M. (1977) “Ma Baker” from 0:06 and throughout, infusing disco elements |
| 14. Extra Kings | – “Patterns in Sound” by Enoch Light (1966) “Theme from the Sand Pebbles” from 0:49 to 0:59, adding orchestral elements |
| 15. Since I Left You (Reprise) | – “Car Wash” by Rose Royce (1976) from 0:00 to 0:04, reiterating the album’s main theme |
The Avalanches’ “Since I Left You” is a masterpiece of sample-based music, celebrated for its innovative use of samples and its ability to create a seamless musical journey. In this article, we will take a deep dive into each track of this iconic album, examining its sound, key samples, and the magic that makes it a timeless classic.
Track 1: “Since I Left You”
Sound: The album opens with the title track, “Since I Left You,” setting the tone with a breezy, tropical vibe.
Key Samples:
- “Everyday” The Main Attraction 1967
- “Car Wash” by Rose Royce (1976): Sampled from 0:00 to 0:04, providing the catchy hook.
- “Anema E Core” by Tony Mottola and His Orchestra (1962): Sampled from 0:04 to 0:09, adding an Italian flair.
- “The Sky’s the Limit” by The Duprees (1968): Sampled from 0:13 to 0:40, contributing to the lush instrumentation.
Track 2: “Stay Another Season”
Sound: This track maintains the upbeat tropical atmosphere, inviting listeners to keep dancing.
Key Samples:
- “Out Here on My Own” by Lamont Dozier (1973): Sampled from 0:13 to 0:41, 0:51 to 2:24, and 2:43 to the end, infusing soulful elements.
- “With a Little Help” by Tony Mottola (1968): Sampled from 0:11 to 0:23, adding a touch of nostalgia.
- “Everyday” by The Main Attraction (1968): Sampled from 0:01 to 0:47 and 1:01 to 1:15, enriching the track’s texture.
Track 3: “Radio”
Sound: “Radio” introduces a playful and quirky atmosphere with a collage of sound bites.
Key Samples:
- “In Person Comedy Performance” by Wayne and Shuster (1959): Sampled from 0:03 to 0:45, adding humor and dialogue.
- “I Was a TV Addict” by Wayne and Shuster (1959): Sampled from 0:03 – 0:45, providing witty banter.
- “Fat City Strut” by Mandrill (1973): Sampled from 0:09 and throughout, contributing to the funky groove.
Track 4: “Two Hearts in 3/4 Time”
Sound: This track takes a romantic turn with a waltz-like rhythm and dreamy melodies.
Key Samples:
- “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying [Original Broadway Cast]” (1961): Sampled “Rosemary” from 0:00 to 0:05, adding a theatrical touch.
- “Cabaret” (1972): Sampled “Money, Money” from 0:02 to 0:09, infusing elements of the cabaret scene.
- “Sweet Beginnings” by Marlena Shaw (1977): Sampled “Yu-Ma” from 0:31 to the end, enriching the track with soulful vocals.
Track 5: “A Different Feeling”
Sound: “A Different Feeling” introduces a more electronic and experimental vibe to the album.
Key Samples:
- “More Moondog” (1956): Sampled “Tugboat Tocatta” from 0:03 to 0:19, lending an avant-garde edge.
- “Love in C minor” by Cerrone (1977): Sampled “Love in C Minor” from 0:11 and throughout, infusing disco elements.
- “The Secret Tapes of Dr. Eich” by Paperclip People (1996): Sampled “Slam Dance” from 0:18 and throughout, adding techno influences.
Track 6: “Electricity”
Sound: “Electricity” continues the electronic exploration, with an infectious energy.
Key Samples:
- “Blowfly’s Party” by Blowfly (1980): Sampled “Rapp Dirty” from 0:38 to 1:11, creating a playful atmosphere.
- “Homework” by Daft Punk (1996): Sampled “Da Funk” from 1:16 to 1:24, incorporating a nod to French house music.
Track 7: “Tonight”
Sound: “Tonight” takes a more ambient and atmospheric direction, creating a dreamlike quality.
Key Samples:
- “Today, Tomorrow, Forever” by Nancy Wilson (1964): Sampled “Today May Have to Last Me All My Life” from 0:14 and throughout, infusing soulful vocals.
- “Mambo!” by Yma Sumac (1954): Sampled “Gopher” from 1:38 to 1:57, adding exotic flair.
Track 8: “Pablo’s Cruise”
Sound: “Pablo’s Cruise” introduces a sense of adventure and exploration.
Key Samples:
- “More Moondog” (1956): Sampled “Tugboat Tocatta” from 0:03 to 0:19, contributing to the nautical theme.
- “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles (1999): Sampled “Eleanor Rigby (Film Version)” from 0:47 to the end, adding a touch of the Fab Four.
Track 9: “Frontier Psychiatrist”
Sound: This track is a whirlwind of eclectic samples and quirky vocal snippets.
Key Samples:
- “In Person Comedy Performance” by Wayne and Shuster (1959): Sampled various segments, providing humorous dialogue.
- “A Shakesperean Baseball Game” by Wayne and Shuster (1959): Sampled from 1:52 to 1:52, adding a playful touch.
- “The Plan” by The Osmonds (1973): Sampled “Let Me In” from 0:06 and throughout, creating a surreal atmosphere.
Track 10: “Etoh”
Sound: “Etoh” maintains a mellow and contemplative mood.
Key Samples:
- “Western Union – Sound of Love” by The Five Americans (1967): Sampled “Western Union” from 0:01 and throughout, adding a nostalgic touch.
Track 11: “Summer Crane”
Sound: “Summer Crane” combines a tropical feel with electronic elements.
Key Samples:
- “Western Union – Sound of Love” by The Five Americans (1967): Sampled “Western Union” from 0:01 and throughout, infusing a sunny vibe.
Track 12: “Little Journey”
Sound: “Little Journey” maintains the dreamy and nostalgic atmosphere.
Key Samples:
- “The Papas & The Mamas” by The Mamas & The Papas (1968): Sampled “Midnight Voyage” from 0:11 to 0:39, enhancing the track’s retro feel.
Track 13: “Live at Dominoes”
Sound: “Live at Dominoes” introduces a more upbeat and danceable rhythm.
Key Samples:
- “Love for Sale” by Boney M. (1977): Sampled “Ma Baker” from 0:06 and throughout, infusing disco elements.
Track 14: “Extra Kings”
Sound: “Extra Kings” maintains an energetic and eclectic vibe.
Key Samples:
- “Patterns in Sound” by Enoch Light (1966): Sampled “Theme from the Sand Pebbles” from 0:49 to 0:59, adding orchestral elements.
Track 15: “Since I Left You (Reprise)”
Sound: The album concludes with a reprise of the title track, “Since I Left You,” providing a sense of closure.
Key Samples:
- “Car Wash” by Rose Royce (1976): Sampled from 0:00 to 0:04, reiterating the album’s main theme.
Final Thoughts
The Avalanches Since I Left You is a true masterpiece of sample-based music, seamlessly blending a diverse range of samples to create a unique and unforgettable musical journey. Each track offers a different sonic experience, from tropical vibes to electronic experimentation, showcasing the boundless creativity of the artists and the magic of sampling in music production. This album continues to captivate and inspire music enthusiasts around the world.
FAQ’s
What is The Avalanches Since I Left You known for?
- The Avalanches Since I Left You is renowned for its innovative use of samples, seamlessly blending diverse musical elements into a cohesive and immersive listening experience.
How many tracks are there on the album, and what is its overall sound?
- The album consists of 15 tracks. Its overall sound is a kaleidoscope of genres, including electronic, dance, pop, and world music, creating a euphoric and tropical atmosphere.
What are some of the notable samples used in The Avalanches Since I Left You album?
- Some notable samples include “Car Wash” by Rose Royce, “Anema E Core” by Tony Mottola and His Orchestra, “In Person Comedy Performance” by Wayne and Shuster, and many more, contributing to the album’s rich tapestry of sound.
How did The Avalanches create this album using samples?
- The Avalanches meticulously selected and arranged samples from various sources, from vintage records to comedy sketches, using sampling equipment and creative editing techniques to craft each track.
Why is The Avalanches Since I Left You considered a classic in sample-based music?
- The album is considered a classic because it pushed the boundaries of sample-based music production, showcasing the potential to create original, cohesive, and emotionally resonant compositions from existing sources. Its influence on the genre is profound, inspiring future artists and producers.
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The Avalanches Since I Left You
