Robot prostitute anthem reached Number 1 for Gary Numan, revealing a new perspective for listeners
In the mid-70s, a four-piece band named Tubeway Army, fronted by Gary Numan, was making little impact with their recorded singles. However, this was about to change with the release of their groundbreaking song, "Are 'Friends' Electric?"
Numan's first encounter with a synthesiser, specifically a Minimoog, marked the beginning of this musical revolution. The song, thematically inspired by dystopian novels by JG Ballard and Philip K. Dick, envisioned a London 30 years in the future where robots, the titular 'Friends', were called upon to provide all forms of services.
The structure of "Are 'Friends' Electric?" does not conform to the more usual verse and chorus elements. Instead, it relies on a mid-tempo feel and a 16th-note hi-hat pattern that provided drive and direction. The main synth riff emphasises the harmony using open chords or 5ths, adding to its enigmatic nature.
The synth riff shifts from a C and G, to a Bb and F, with the final F replaced by a high Bb and E, played as 1/8th notes quavers. This intricate pattern serves to pre-empt the return to a chord of C. The bridge section of the song relies on arpeggiated synth lines to endorse the harmony.
During the second 'instrumental chorus' section, there is a seismic shift to a pedal note in the bass part, sustaining an F. The final E in the synth riff serves to pre-empt this return to the pedal note.
The approach to harmony and construction in "Are 'Friends' Electric?" could be construed as simplistic, but this is precisely what gives the song its strength. The use of open harmony adds to the song's enigmatic nature, further setting it apart from the music of the time.
After the success of "Are 'Friends' Electric?" Gary Numan used the label Beggars Banquet for Tubeway Army releases. The song was released in May 1979 and sold a million copies, giving Numan a No 1 single.
Gary Numan is regarded as a synth pioneer for his work on "Are 'Friends' Electric?" and his continued flirtation with synths in his music. His innovative use of the synthesiser to embellish existing songs with all-new synth parts, and write the track "Are 'Friends' Electric?" has left a lasting impact on the music industry.
The 1970s in the UK was a decade marked by strikes and poverty. Amidst this backdrop, the rise of the punk era with bands like Tubeway Army brought a new energy and creativity to the music scene. "Are 'Friends' Electric?" stands as a testament to this era, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with synthesisers and forever changing the face of music.
Read also:
- Mural at blast site in CDMX commemorates Alicia Matías, sacrificing life for granddaughter's safety
- Comcast Introduces Sports-Oriented Video Bundle in Preparation for the World Cup Tournament
- Is Maruti's reign over the SUV market being challenged by Mahindra's aggressive move to snatch the top spot?
- Social Security Administration Abandons Plan for Electronic Payments: Important Information for Recipients of Benefits
