Living in the 70s

19 May 2024

The only prescription is more cowbell

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Today’s show is a tribute to the humble cowbell. So, uncelebrated and yet such an essential feature of rock, funk and latin music. It doesn’t play melody, being only one note, but it does add texture, syncopation and drive to any track. For as long as we’ve been human we’ve clapped our hands, stamped our feet and hit two sticks together to create a beat. The cow bell is the perfect beat keeper, resonant and loud enough to cut through amplified rock guitars and the noise of a full drumkit. Even today, along with all the other bits and pieces of expensive and elaborate kit in the studio or on the stage, the simple cow bell has pride of place.