Guitar Flute & String
by Moby

Album: Play (1999)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Moby told Rolling Stone: "I'm the worst judge of my music. This is my favorite song on the whole record. Hands down, bar none. Also recorded demo to a cassette. When Play was released, I didn't think anyone was gonna listen to it. So I figured towards the end, I will put on the songs that I like. No one's gonna listen to this record, certainly no one's ever gonna get this far in the record. Track 15 or whatever? So I put it on there for myself. [The title] is not very inventive. Brought to you by the people that invented the orange."
  • Speaking of flutes in rock, it's about time the story was told: In Al Kooper's book Backstage Passes and Backstabbing Bastards, he reveals the dawn of the electric flute in 1967 when his band The Blues Project was performing "Flute Thing": "Later on, Andy, frustrated at not being able to be heard over our OV (oppressive volume), surprised us by matter-of-factly drilling a hole in his precious flute and installing an electric pickup. There was no looking back now..." Since Jethro Tull at this time was still in London having a hard time getting a gig, this makes Andy Kulberg of The Blues Project the first electric flautist of note. (Flute fans may be further interested in the full Ian Anderson interview)
  • Although Play, Moby's fifth studio album, made him an international phenomenon, his first breakthrough came in 1991 when he released the Twin Peaks-themed electronic single "Go."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.