Free Four
Encyclopedia
"Free Four" is a Pink Floyd
song written and sung by Roger Waters
, from the album Obscured by Clouds
.
The song begins with a rock and roll count-in; but in this case Pink Floyd decided to play with words and record, "One, Two, FREE FOUR!" The song deals with themes that would become standard for Waters in albums following this, notably his father's death and the "evils" of the record industry. Although the song is mellow during the lyrical portions, the guitar solo launches into a heavier tone, with a progression reminiscent of the instrumental "One of These Days". "Free Four" was released as a single in 1972 and reached FM radio's top 50 list. It seems to be an entirely atypical choice for airplay, as it is one of Pink Floyd's most musically anomalous songs recalls late-'60s Kinks
' power pop
sound with a melody like solo Paul McCartney
decorated by fuzz guitar riff
s and handclaps that recall T. Rex
's classic singles. According to an AMG reviewer's opinion, the sound of "Free Four" is also reminiscent of Mungo Jerry
's "In the Summertime".
A later Pink Floyd song lyric, 1983's "Not Now John
", would reuse the "One, two, free four" phrase (but not as a count-in).
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd were an English rock band that achieved worldwide success with their progressive and psychedelic rock music. Their work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album art, and elaborate live shows. Pink Floyd are one of the most commercially...
song written and sung by Roger Waters
Roger Waters
George Roger Waters is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. He was a founding member of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, serving as bassist and co-lead vocalist. Following the departure of bandmate Syd Barrett in 1968, Waters became the band's lyricist, principal songwriter...
, from the album Obscured by Clouds
Obscured by Clouds
-Singles:*"Free Four"/"Stay" *"Free Four"/"The Gold It's in the..." -Personnel:Pink Floyd*David Gilmour – guitars, vocals, pedal steel guitar, VCS3*Nick Mason – drums, percussion...
.
The song begins with a rock and roll count-in; but in this case Pink Floyd decided to play with words and record, "One, Two, FREE FOUR!" The song deals with themes that would become standard for Waters in albums following this, notably his father's death and the "evils" of the record industry. Although the song is mellow during the lyrical portions, the guitar solo launches into a heavier tone, with a progression reminiscent of the instrumental "One of These Days". "Free Four" was released as a single in 1972 and reached FM radio's top 50 list. It seems to be an entirely atypical choice for airplay, as it is one of Pink Floyd's most musically anomalous songs recalls late-'60s Kinks
The Kinks
The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, North London, by brothers Ray and Dave Davies in 1964. Categorised in the United States as a British Invasion band, The Kinks are recognised as one of the most important and influential rock acts of the era. Their music was influenced by a...
' power pop
Power pop
Power pop is a popular musical genre that draws its inspiration from 1960s British and American pop and rock music. It typically incorporates a combination of musical devices such as strong melodies, crisp vocal harmonies, economical arrangements, and prominent guitar riffs. Instrumental solos are...
sound with a melody like solo Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney
Sir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100...
decorated by fuzz guitar riff
RIFF
The Resource Interchange File Format is a generic file container format for storing data in tagged chunks. It is primarily used to store multimedia such as sound and video, though it may also be used to store any arbitrary data....
s and handclaps that recall T. Rex
T. Rex (band)
T. Rex were a British rock band, formed in 1967 by singer/songwriter and guitarist Marc Bolan. The band formed as Tyrannosaurus Rex, releasing four folk albums under the name...
's classic singles. According to an AMG reviewer's opinion, the sound of "Free Four" is also reminiscent of Mungo Jerry
Mungo Jerry
Mungo Jerry is an English rock group whose greatest success was in the early 1970s, though they have continued throughout the years with an ever-changing line-up, always fronted by Ray Dorset. They are remembered above all for their hit "In the Summertime". It remains their most successful and most...
's "In the Summertime".
A later Pink Floyd song lyric, 1983's "Not Now John
Not Now John
"Not Now John" is a song from Pink Floyd's 1983 album, The Final Cut. The track is the only song from the album featuring the vocals of David Gilmour, found in the verses, with Roger Waters singing the refrains and interludes. The song was released as a single in modified form, with the word...
", would reuse the "One, two, free four" phrase (but not as a count-in).
Personnel
- Roger WatersRoger WatersGeorge Roger Waters is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. He was a founding member of the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, serving as bassist and co-lead vocalist. Following the departure of bandmate Syd Barrett in 1968, Waters became the band's lyricist, principal songwriter...
— bass, vocals and hand clapping - David GilmourDavid GilmourDavid Jon Gilmour, CBE, D.M. is an English rock musician and multi-instrumentalist who is best known as the guitarist, one of the lead singers and main songwriters in the progressive rock band Pink Floyd. In addition to his work with Pink Floyd, Gilmour has worked as a producer for a variety of...
— guitars - Richard WrightRichard Wright (musician)Richard William Wright was an English pianist, keyboardist and songwriter, best known for his career with Pink Floyd. Wright's richly textured keyboard layers were a vital ingredient and a distinctive characteristic of Pink Floyd's sound...
— synthesiser - Nick MasonNick MasonNicholas Berkeley "Nick" Mason is an English drummer and songwriter, best known for his work with Pink Floyd. He was the only constant member of the band since its formation in 1965...
— drums and percussion
External links
- [ AMG song review]