Xylophones have become an indispensable element of music throughout its history. Their lively and energetic sound adds an appealing dimension to many classic rock covers.
Mission: Impossible is an ideal theme to showcase for xylophone players with its lively theme and instantly recognisable melody, perfect for this sheet music arrangement featuring wooden bars and mallet percussion.
Dancing Queen
One of ABBA’s signature songs, Dancing Queen was inspired by a young woman whom the band members believed was always the life and soul of any party. Its lyrics exude joy and freedom that comes from dancing; its positive message of youth living life fully has made the song an international smash hit that continues to inspire audiences everywhere to have fun! Dancing Queen has since become a worldwide anthem for those looking for fun!
One aspect of the song which has made it so successful is its catchy rhythm and melody. Reminiscent of a tambourine beat, the song features great vocal performances by both Agnetha and Frida when singing its chorus in perfect harmony.
Moreover, the song has sweet yet melancholy lyrics which capture its subject matter: youth and love at its peak encapsulated by such phrases as: “You’re only seventeen once” and “you can become a dancing queen”.
The lyrics of the song also reflect ABBA’s luxurious lifestyle, as their members indulged in luxury cars and designer clothing – which gives the song such a strong sense of longing.
Dancing Queen is one of ABBA’s signature songs and remains immensely popular decades after its initial release. It has been featured in various movies such as Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Muriel’s Wedding; covered by artists such as Cher; as well as topping music charts worldwide with sales exceeding four million copies globally.
Orange Blossom Special
Orange Blossom Special is an iconic American fiddle tune known for its catchy melody and energetic tempo, becoming a mainstay in bluegrass and country music as well as several films, television shows, and advertisements. It has gained widespread attention thanks to its ability to capture train travel’s spirit as well as deep-seated traditions of American music.
This song was inspired by the Orange Blossom Special passenger train that ran between New York and Miami during the early twentieth century. Popular with tourists and snowbirds alike, its journey embodied adventure and freedom which can be heard in this lively fiddle tune and fast tempo that recreated that excitement for audiences on board this lively train journey – making for an exhilarating musical journey!
Alongside its traditional instrumentation, this song also includes imitative embellishments that mimic train wheels and whistles to recreate its distinctive sound while simultaneously highlighting lead fiddle player’s virtuosic performances. Due to its immense popularity, various variants exist featuring other instruments like banjo or guitar.
Orange Blossom Special was not only beloved by audiences, but it was also celebrated critically, receiving critical acclaim and winning the Grammy Award for Best Country Album in 1965. Commercially it achieved great success reaching number three on Billboard Country Albums charts and forty-nine on Hot Country Singles charts respectively.
Johnny Cash’s 1965 version of this song stood out because it marked his first duet album with June Carter and marked an important step in his career as it marked a more traditional sound, including being recorded with full band and string section accompaniment.
Turkey In The Straw
Turkey In The Straw is a timeless American folk tune with a complex history. It is thought to have first emerged during 19th-century minstrel shows, an entertainment medium used to caricaturize African American culture through music and comedy acts. The tune itself may have its origins somewhere within African American culture or possibly have Irish/Scottish/English folk song influences as its exact source is still debated today.
Early in the 20th century, “Race Relations” rose to fame due to white performers wearing blackface. At this point, its racist lyrics became even more offensive. With time however, its tune became associated with more positive connotations and its inappropriate lyrics were eventually dropped completely. Today however, “Race Relations” represents stereotypical rural American values while serving as an attractional device on ice cream trucks; its tune often serves as their jingle to draw children in for treats.
This tune has also been utilized by other artists, such as The Chieftains and Don McLean. Furthermore, it has been adopted into Christmas carol form and can frequently be heard in public school music programs where students learn about American roots.
Grazing In The Grass
Hugh Masekela’s Grazing In The Grass first premiered on US radio stations in March 1968 and quickly rose through music charts worldwide. A tune about finding joy in everyday activities, its catchy rhythm and universal theme have ensured its longstanding popularity.
Grazing In The Grass showcases classic soul, R&B, and funk elements to convey the distinct soundscape of popular music from this decade. Composed by Friends of Distinction in 1993 and immortalized ever since by music fans as one of their signature songs; other hits such as Going in Circles or Love or Let Me Be Lonely are equally well-loved among music enthusiasts.
Masekela himself acknowledges Grazing In The Grass as one of his lesser works; nevertheless, this upbeat track remains fun and energetic thanks to a dynamic central horn riff and featured instruments such as the xylophone and piccolo line – making for an enjoyable listening experience that complements Masekela’s lyrics describing how pleasant grazing in the grass can be: “It sure is mellow grazing in the grass!”
It’s difficult to ascertain exactly why this song was so successful; jazz had yet to fade from popular culture, instrumental easy listening was still strong on the charts–Herb Alpert reigning as America’s No.1 entertainer at that time being an example–or it may simply appealed to a broad audience; nobody really knows for certain what makes a Billboard hit, as history of Hot 100 often feels more like an accident than planned success stories.
My Cherie Amour
My Cherie Amour is an unforgettable love song composed by Stevie Wonder, Sylvia Moy and Henry Cosby in 1969 and released as an iconic wedding and first dance song at various events. The iconic melody and lyrics made the song one of the most beloved love songs ever, featuring in films such as Silver Linings Playbook and Almost Famous and becoming a first dance number at multiple functions and weddings. George Benson covered this track while Ray Bryant covered another version. In Spanish and Italian translations this classic love tune remains timeless!
This song became widely beloved during the Civil Rights Movement as its message that love could bridge all racial boundaries was an encouraging one at a time when tensions between races were running high.