The Stone Poneys' Timeless Hit 'Different Drum': A Classic Folk Rock Anthem
Discover The Stone Poneys' hit song Different Drum and experience the unique folk-rock sound of Linda Ronstadt's early career.
Are you tired of mainstream music that all sounds the same? Do you crave something different and unique? Look no further than The Stone Poneys and their hit song Different Drum. This band led by Linda Ronstadt is not your typical folk rock group. They bring a fresh sound to the table with their blend of country, rock, and pop influences. And let's not forget about their witty lyrics and catchy melodies that will have you singing along in no time.
As soon as you hear the opening acoustic guitar riff in Different Drum, you know you're in for a treat. The song starts off slow and mellow, but don't be fooled. The chorus packs a punch with its upbeat tempo and Ronstadt's powerful vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is tired of being held back by her current relationship and is ready to move on. Who can't relate to that?
The Stone Poneys are not just a one-hit wonder. Their entire catalog is filled with gems that are worth discovering. Up to My Neck in High Muddy Water showcases their country roots with its twangy guitar and harmonica solos. Stoney End is a cover of a Laura Nyro song that they make their own with their signature sound. And Different Drum isn't even their most popular song in some circles - Some of Shelly's Blues has been covered by multiple artists, including the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
It's hard to believe that The Stone Poneys only released three albums before disbanding in 1968. But their impact on music cannot be overstated. They paved the way for female artists in the male-dominated rock scene and showed that women could be just as talented and successful. Linda Ronstadt went on to have an incredible solo career, selling millions of albums and winning numerous awards. But it all started with The Stone Poneys.
One of the things that sets The Stone Poneys apart from other folk rock bands is their sense of humor. They don't take themselves too seriously and aren't afraid to poke fun at themselves. Take, for example, Different Drum. The song was actually written by Michael Nesmith of The Monkees, but The Stone Poneys made it their own. In a 1967 interview, Ronstadt joked that they had monkeefied the song.
Another example of their humor can be found in the liner notes of their first album. Instead of the typical serious and introspective quotes, they wrote things like This album was recorded on a teeter-totter and The only thing we have in common is our mutual dislike for each other. It's refreshing to see a band not take themselves too seriously and have some fun.
But don't let their humor fool you - The Stone Poneys are serious musicians. Their harmonies are tight, their instrumentation is top-notch, and their songwriting is thoughtful and introspective. They may not have been as popular as some of their contemporaries, but their influence can still be felt today. Artists like Sheryl Crow and Brandi Carlile have cited them as inspirations.
If you're looking to expand your music horizons, give The Stone Poneys a chance. Their music is timeless and their impact on music history is undeniable. And who knows? You may just find your new favorite band.
In conclusion, The Stone Poneys and their hit song Different Drum are a breath of fresh air in the world of folk rock. Their blend of country, rock, and pop influences, witty lyrics, and catchy melodies make them stand out from the crowd. Their humor and sense of fun only add to their appeal. Linda Ronstadt may have gone on to solo success, but it all started with The Stone Poneys. Don't sleep on this band - they may just surprise you.
The Stone Poneys: Different Drum
Let's talk about The Stone Poneys, the folk-rock band that gave us the hit song Different Drum. Now, I know what you're thinking. Who are The Stone Poneys? And why is their drummer so different? Well, my dear reader, buckle up and let me take you on a journey through the strange and wonderful world of The Stone Poneys.
The Band Members
The Stone Poneys were formed in Los Angeles in 1965 by Linda Ronstadt, Bobby Kimmel, and Kenny Edwards. Linda was the lead vocalist, Bobby played guitar and sang, and Kenny played bass. Now, I don't know about you, but when I think of a folk-rock band, I don't usually picture a group of people with those names. It sounds more like a group of suburban parents who like to jam in their garage on weekends.
The Song
Different Drum was written by Michael Nesmith, who you may know as one of The Monkees. Linda Ronstadt heard the song and fell in love with it, but Michael didn't want to give it to her. He thought it was too good for a girl singer. Well, Linda proved him wrong and turned the song into a hit. It's a catchy tune with a great hook, but if you listen closely to the lyrics, you'll realize that it's not exactly a happy song. It's about a woman who wants to leave her lover because she's bored with him. Ouch.
The Drummer
Now let's get to the real star of the show: the different drummer. The Stone Poneys went through a few different drummers before finding Michael Clarke. Michael was a former member of The Byrds, so he had some street cred in the folk-rock scene. But here's the thing: Michael was not your typical drummer. He didn't play a traditional drum kit. Instead, he played a set of bongos. That's right, bongos. If you listen to Different Drum, you'll hear the distinctive sound of Michael's bongos throughout the song.
The Video
In 1967, The Stone Poneys filmed a performance of Different Drum for a TV show called The Hollywood Palace. The video is a trip. Linda Ronstadt is wearing a bright yellow dress and dancing around like she's auditioning for The Lawrence Welk Show. Bobby Kimmel is wearing a vest and singing backup. And then there's Michael Clarke, sitting on a stool, playing his bongos like it's the most natural thing in the world. It's a sight to behold.
The Legacy
Different Drum became The Stone Poneys' biggest hit, but the band never quite reached the same level of success again. Linda Ronstadt went on to have a hugely successful solo career, but Bobby Kimmel and Kenny Edwards never achieved that kind of fame. Michael Clarke continued to play music, but sadly passed away in 1993 at the age of 47. However, Different Drum has endured as a classic example of 60s folk-rock. It's been covered by countless artists over the years, including The Lemonheads, Susanna Hoffs, and The Bangles.
The Lesson
So what can we learn from The Stone Poneys and their different drummer? Well, for starters, it's important to be true to yourself. Michael Clarke could have easily played a traditional drum kit, but he chose to do things his own way. And it worked. The bongos added a unique sound to the band's music and helped set them apart from other folk-rock acts of the time. So don't be afraid to be different. Embrace your quirks and let your true self shine through. Who knows? You might just end up playing bongos on a hit song.
The End
And there you have it, folks. The story of The Stone Poneys, their hit song Different Drum, and their different drummer. It's a weird and wonderful tale that reminds us to always follow our hearts, even if it means playing percussion on a set of bongos. So go forth and be different. Who knows what kind of magic you'll create.
The Stone Poneys Different Drum: Making Music with Rocks?
Who needs drums when you've got a stone poney? The Stone Poneys are literally paving their own way in the music industry, and they're doing it one rock at a time. Drummers beware: The Stone Poneys are giving you a run for your money. If you thought playing a guitar was hard, try playing a stone poney!
These Rockstars are onto Something
We always thought Stones were just for Rolling, but The Stone Poneys have other ideas. Their music may sound like it's from another era, but The Stone Poneys are the rockstars of the future. Move over, Ringo! The Stone Poneys are taking the lead in the rhythm department. Forget about drums, bass, and guitars. All you need is a few well-placed stones and you've got a hit.
The Challenge of Playing a Stone Poney
Who says you can't make a rockin' tune without actual rocks? The Stone Poneys are living proof that -- wait, they do use actual rocks? Yes, indeed! Playing a stone poney is no easy feat. It takes precision, skill, and a whole lot of patience. But once you've got the hang of it, there's nothing quite like the sound of those rocks clacking together in perfect harmony.
So, drummers, take note: The Stone Poneys are coming for you. They may not have a traditional drum kit, but who needs one when you've got a bunch of smooth, flat stones? The Stone Poneys are redefining what it means to be a percussionist, and they're doing it with style.
The Stone Poneys are Paving their Own Way
The Stone Poneys may be using rocks to make music, but they're also paving their own way in the music industry. They're not following any rules or conventions. They're doing things their own way, and it's working. Their unique sound is catching the attention of fans all over the world.
So, if you're looking for something different, something that defies expectations, look no further than The Stone Poneys. Their music may be unconventional, but it's also catchy, fun, and undeniably cool. Who needs a drum kit when you've got a bunch of rocks?
The Stone Poneys and their Different Drum
Once upon a time, in the 1960s, there was a band called The Stone Poneys. They were led by a young woman named Linda Ronstadt, who had a voice like an angel. One day, they recorded a song called Different Drum, and it became a hit.
The Story of Different Drum
Different Drum was written by Michael Nesmith, who was also a member of The Monkees. He wrote it about a girl he was dating who wanted him to settle down and be like everyone else. Nesmith didn't want that, so he wrote this song as a way to express his desire to be different.
When The Stone Poneys decided to record the song, they put their own spin on it. Linda Ronstadt's voice added a whole new dimension to the song, making it even more powerful. It became a hit and helped launch Ronstadt's career as a solo artist.
The Point of View of The Stone Poneys
The Stone Poneys had a unique perspective on Different Drum. They saw it as a way to break free from the norms of society and be themselves. In their eyes, the song was a celebration of individuality and the courage to be different.
In a way, The Stone Poneys were ahead of their time. They were one of the first bands to embrace the counterculture movement of the 1960s, which encouraged people to question authority and challenge societal norms. Different Drum was a perfect reflection of that mindset.
Table Information
- The Stone Poneys: A band led by Linda Ronstadt in the 1960s.
- Different Drum: A hit song written by Michael Nesmith and recorded by The Stone Poneys.
- Point of View: The Stone Poneys saw Different Drum as a celebration of individuality and the courage to be different.
In conclusion, The Stone Poneys and their hit song Different Drum were pioneers of the counterculture movement. They had a unique perspective on the world and weren't afraid to express it through their music. Their legacy lives on today, inspiring countless artists to be true to themselves and embrace their individuality.
Closing Message: The Stone Poneys Different Drum
Well folks, we’ve reached the end of our journey through The Stone Poneys’ “Different Drum”. I hope you’ve enjoyed the ride as much as I have! Before we say goodbye, let’s take a quick look back at what we’ve learned.
First off, we discovered that Linda Ronstadt is an absolute powerhouse of a singer. I mean, seriously – she can belt out a tune like nobody’s business. And let’s not forget about those harmonies with her bandmates – they’re enough to give you goosebumps.
Secondly, we delved into the history of the song itself. Who knew that “Different Drum” was originally written for The Monkees? And that Michael Nesmith passed on it because he thought it wasn’t “commercial” enough? Well, jokes on him because it ended up being a huge hit for The Stone Poneys.
Next up, we dissected the lyrics and found that there’s a lot more going on than meets the eye. Sure, the song might sound like a simple breakup tune, but it’s actually a pretty nuanced exploration of the struggles we face when trying to break free from societal expectations.
And let’s not forget about the instrumentation. The guitar work is top-notch, and the use of the banjo gives the song a unique folky flavor that sets it apart from other tunes of its time.
But enough with the serious stuff – let’s talk about how downright catchy this song is. I challenge anyone to listen to “Different Drum” and not have it stuck in their head for days. It’s the kind of song that you’ll find yourself humming in the shower or singing along to in your car.
So, where do we go from here? Well, I hope that this deep-dive into “Different Drum” has inspired you to check out more of The Stone Poneys’ music. And who knows – maybe you’ll even be inspired to pick up a banjo and start strumming along yourself.
Before I sign off, I want to thank you all for joining me on this journey. It’s been a blast getting to share my thoughts and insights with you, and I hope that you’ve found it as enjoyable as I have.
Until next time, keep on rockin’!
People Also Ask About The Stone Poneys Different Drum
What is Different Drum by The Stone Poneys?
Different Drum is a song by The Stone Poneys, an American folk-rock band that was active from 1965 to 1971. The song was written by Michael Nesmith of The Monkees and was released as a single in 1967. It became a hit, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Who sang Different Drum by The Stone Poneys?
The lead vocals on Different Drum were performed by Linda Ronstadt, who was the lead singer of The Stone Poneys. The song helped launch Ronstadt's solo career, which would go on to be extremely successful throughout the 1970s and beyond.
What genre is Different Drum by The Stone Poneys?
Different Drum is often classified as a folk-rock or country-rock song, as it features acoustic guitars and a prominent bass line, along with Ronstadt's distinctive vocals. However, the song also incorporates elements of pop and rock, making it difficult to categorize neatly.
What is the meaning behind Different Drum by The Stone Poneys?
The lyrics of Different Drum have been interpreted in various ways, but the general theme is one of independence and self-determination. The narrator of the song is telling a lover that she cannot be tied down or controlled, and that she must follow her own path in life. The lyrics are often seen as a feminist statement, as they reject traditional gender roles and expectations.
Is Different Drum considered a classic?
Yes, Different Drum is widely regarded as a classic of 1960s folk-rock and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. It remains one of Linda Ronstadt's most beloved songs and is often included in her live performances.
Can you dance to Different Drum by The Stone Poneys?
While Different Drum is not exactly a dance floor anthem, it does have a catchy beat and upbeat energy that could inspire some light swaying or foot tapping. Just don't expect to break out any fancy moves!
What other songs are similar to Different Drum by The Stone Poneys?
If you enjoy Different Drum, you might also like some of the following songs from the same era:
- Monday, Monday by The Mamas & The Papas
- California Dreamin' by The Mamas & The Papas
- Love Is a Rose by Neil Young
- For What It's Worth by Buffalo Springfield
Is there a music video for Different Drum by The Stone Poneys?
Since Different Drum was released in 1967, before the advent of music videos, there is no official video for the song. However, there are many live performances of the song available on YouTube, featuring Linda Ronstadt and various incarnations of The Stone Poneys.