Treble Boys – Julie-Anne session in depth

January 2, 2014, 1:17 pm
Filed under: Buttons | Tags: buttons, methodology, numero, Power Pop, Treble Boys

Upon launching our newly redesigned website, we received an interesting email from Robert Pizzo, of the group Treble Boys, who were featured on our Buttons: Starter Kit Compilation.

“The preview for The Treble Boys’ “Julie-Anne” could use a little creative editing. The 29 second clip starts at the top of the song which is logical, but in this case we’re getting a full 20 seconds of that annoying blipping click track. If I hadn’t been in the band myself I may have even bailed on the preview at the 10 second mark!

Back Story: Session drummer Andy Newmark was such a pro that when we couldn’t find a click track for him he said anything would do, including that crude, circa 1983 bassa nova beat box you hear. We had always intended to wipe that track when we were done but producer Randy Adler said, “Let’s leave it. I’ll fade the guitars in and it’ll be like you guys are cutting through all that blipping electronic crap!” (Remember, these were the days of Men Without Hats.)

Although we have since updated the sound clip on our site, astute gear nerds may recognize that crude samba beat as coming from the Roland Tr-66 Rhythm Arranger. For those of you into such things, we highly suggest the newly released book, Beat Box: A Drum Machine Obsession. Along with the back story, Robert sent along a treasure trove of photos taken during the Julie Anne recording session. And if these gems aren’t enough for you, the band has also launched a YouTube page filled with loads of live performances.

Session Drummer Andy Newmark (in red sweater) and producer Randy Adler mess with TR-66 “blip generator”

Robert Pizzo and Andy Newmark during recording of basic track

Andy Newmark at his kit

When Andy saw the studio kit he looked at it and said, “OK, take this out… and this… and this…” In two minutes there was a big pile of drums he discarded. We looked at each other and said, “Doesn’t he need ANY of this stuff? There’s practically nothing left!” And then we heard the big, big sound coming through the monitors when he played. Nice!