Discussion:
"The Letter" Box Tops - what is that *sound* at the end of the song?
(too old to reply)
Bradwell Jackson
2004-08-04 18:56:14 UTC
Permalink
In the song "The Letter" by the Box Tops (1967), there is a strange
sound at the (very) end of the song. Kind of like a dog, or maybe a
coyote. It seems to be yelping, or perhaps baying, or making some
kind of strange noise. What *is* that sound? Why is it there? What
does it have to do with the song?

Bradwell Jackson
Marc Dashevsky
2004-08-04 19:10:42 UTC
Permalink
In article <***@posting.google.com>, ***@yahoo.com
says...
Post by Bradwell Jackson
In the song "The Letter" by the Box Tops (1967), there is a strange
sound at the (very) end of the song. Kind of like a dog, or maybe a
coyote. It seems to be yelping, or perhaps baying, or making some
kind of strange noise. What *is* that sound?
It's an airplane taking off or flying overhead.
Post by Bradwell Jackson
Why is it there? What does it have to do with the song?
Give me a ticket for an airplane. I ain't got time to take a fast
train. Lonely days are gone. I'm going home. My baby just wrote
me a letter. I don't care home much money I've got to spend. I've
got to get back to my baby . . .
--
Go to http://MarcDashevsky.com to send me e-mail.
j***@jolomo.net
2004-08-04 20:39:19 UTC
Permalink
Post by Marc Dashevsky
says...
Post by Bradwell Jackson
In the song "The Letter" by the Box Tops (1967), there is a strange
sound at the (very) end of the song. Kind of like a dog, or maybe a
coyote. It seems to be yelping, or perhaps baying, or making some
kind of strange noise. What *is* that sound?
It's an airplane taking off or flying overhead.
Post by Bradwell Jackson
Why is it there? What does it have to do with the song?
Give me a ticket for an airplane. I ain't got time to take a fast
me a letter. I don't care home much money I've got to spend. I've
got to get back to my baby . . .
He should have called her first, I'll bet it's a trick.
"She said she couldn't live without me no more", come on!
She's gonna serve him a subpoena or something.
--
Joe Morris ***@gmail.com
Live music in Atlanta http://jolomo.net/atlanta/shows.html
Mister Charlie
2004-08-05 04:23:26 UTC
Permalink
I hear a cat myself.
mickt
2004-08-05 16:01:16 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mister Charlie
I hear a cat myself.
I think you're right. It definitely sounds like a cat to me also.
Igor
2004-08-06 01:03:11 UTC
Permalink
Post by mickt
Post by Mister Charlie
I hear a cat myself.
I think you're right. It definitely sounds like a cat to me also.
Actually, it always sounded more like a rusty hinge to me.
Record Geek
2004-08-06 01:16:42 UTC
Permalink
I think maybe this song is dedicated to "Catwoman". It's Eartha Kitt making
a cameo.
Post by Igor
Post by mickt
Post by Mister Charlie
I hear a cat myself.
I think you're right. It definitely sounds like a cat to me also.
Actually, it always sounded more like a rusty hinge to me.
DianeE
2004-08-06 03:26:54 UTC
Permalink
Post by Igor
Post by mickt
Post by Mister Charlie
I hear a cat myself.
I think you're right. It definitely sounds like a cat to me also.
Actually, it always sounded more like a rusty hinge to me.
-----------
You guys are letting your imaginations run away with you, it's just an
airplane "whoosh."
DianeE
Michael Black
2004-08-06 14:42:09 UTC
Permalink
Post by DianeE
Post by Igor
Post by mickt
Post by Mister Charlie
I hear a cat myself.
I think you're right. It definitely sounds like a cat to me also.
Actually, it always sounded more like a rusty hinge to me.
-----------
You guys are letting your imaginations run away with you, it's just an
airplane "whoosh."
DianeE
But while it is supposed to be an airplane (though someone seemed to
indicate they are talking about a sound before the swoosh), one might
wonder if the swoosh is a recording of an actually airplane, or something
concocted in the studio.

Michael
Mister Charlie
2004-08-06 19:41:22 UTC
Permalink
Post by Michael Black
Post by DianeE
Post by Igor
Post by mickt
Post by Mister Charlie
I hear a cat myself.
I think you're right. It definitely sounds like a cat to me also.
Actually, it always sounded more like a rusty hinge to me.
-----------
You guys are letting your imaginations run away with you, it's just an
airplane "whoosh."
DianeE
But while it is supposed to be an airplane (though someone seemed to
indicate they are talking about a sound before the swoosh), one might
wonder if the swoosh is a recording of an actually airplane, or something
concocted in the studio.
It seems clear to me it is *supposed* to be an airplane, but it also
seems clear that it is *not* an actual airplane but a rigged effect.
DianeE
2004-08-07 01:44:28 UTC
Permalink
Post by j***@jolomo.net
Post by Michael Black
Post by DianeE
Post by Igor
Post by mickt
Post by Mister Charlie
I hear a cat myself.
I think you're right. It definitely sounds like a cat to me also.
Actually, it always sounded more like a rusty hinge to me.
-----------
You guys are letting your imaginations run away with you, it's just
an
Post by Michael Black
Post by DianeE
airplane "whoosh."
DianeE
But while it is supposed to be an airplane (though someone seemed to
indicate they are talking about a sound before the swoosh), one might
wonder if the swoosh is a recording of an actually airplane, or
something
Post by Michael Black
concocted in the studio.
It seems clear to me it is *supposed* to be an airplane, but it also
seems clear that it is *not* an actual airplane but a rigged effect.
---------
I agree. But it sure as shit ain't a cat.
DianeE
Mister Charlie
2004-08-07 02:49:25 UTC
Permalink
Post by DianeE
Post by j***@jolomo.net
Post by Michael Black
Post by DianeE
Post by Igor
Post by mickt
Post by Mister Charlie
I hear a cat myself.
I think you're right. It definitely sounds like a cat to me also.
Actually, it always sounded more like a rusty hinge to me.
-----------
You guys are letting your imaginations run away with you, it's just
an
Post by Michael Black
Post by DianeE
airplane "whoosh."
DianeE
But while it is supposed to be an airplane (though someone seemed to
indicate they are talking about a sound before the swoosh), one might
wonder if the swoosh is a recording of an actually airplane, or
something
Post by Michael Black
concocted in the studio.
It seems clear to me it is *supposed* to be an airplane, but it also
seems clear that it is *not* an actual airplane but a rigged effect.
---------
I agree. But it sure as shit ain't a cat.
NOT the plane noise, Diane. At the end of the plane noise, before the
fade out.

I doubt it is a real cat. If you don't think it is supposed to be a cat
at all, then what do you suppose it is?
DianeE
2004-08-07 12:36:41 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mister Charlie
Post by DianeE
Post by j***@jolomo.net
Post by Michael Black
Post by DianeE
Post by Igor
Post by mickt
Post by Mister Charlie
I hear a cat myself.
I think you're right. It definitely sounds like a cat to me
also.
Post by DianeE
Post by j***@jolomo.net
Post by Michael Black
Post by DianeE
Post by Igor
Actually, it always sounded more like a rusty hinge to me.
-----------
You guys are letting your imaginations run away with you, it's
just
Post by DianeE
Post by j***@jolomo.net
an
Post by Michael Black
Post by DianeE
airplane "whoosh."
DianeE
But while it is supposed to be an airplane (though someone seemed
to
Post by DianeE
Post by j***@jolomo.net
Post by Michael Black
indicate they are talking about a sound before the swoosh), one
might
Post by DianeE
Post by j***@jolomo.net
Post by Michael Black
wonder if the swoosh is a recording of an actually airplane, or
something
Post by Michael Black
concocted in the studio.
It seems clear to me it is *supposed* to be an airplane, but it also
seems clear that it is *not* an actual airplane but a rigged effect.
---------
I agree. But it sure as shit ain't a cat.
NOT the plane noise, Diane. At the end of the plane noise, before the
fade out.
---------
Yeah, I know which noise it is!
---------
Post by Mister Charlie
I doubt it is a real cat.
----------
You *doubt*????? I would stake my life on it not being a real cat!
-----------
Post by Mister Charlie
....If you don't think it is supposed to be a cat
at all, then what do you suppose it is?
-----------
As I said, I think it's supposed to imitate some other sort of airplane
noise. Isn't it amazing how long this discussion has gone on about some
throwaway noise at the tail end of a record that I never noticed before in
36 years of listening to it?

DianeE
Taliesyn
2004-08-07 13:47:12 UTC
Permalink
Post by DianeE
Post by Mister Charlie
Post by DianeE
Post by j***@jolomo.net
Post by Michael Black
Post by DianeE
Post by Igor
Post by mickt
Post by Mister Charlie
I hear a cat myself.
I think you're right. It definitely sounds like a cat to me
also.
Post by DianeE
Post by j***@jolomo.net
Post by Michael Black
Post by DianeE
Post by Igor
Actually, it always sounded more like a rusty hinge to me.
-----------
You guys are letting your imaginations run away with you, it's
just
Post by DianeE
Post by j***@jolomo.net
an
Post by Michael Black
Post by DianeE
airplane "whoosh."
DianeE
But while it is supposed to be an airplane (though someone seemed
to
Post by DianeE
Post by j***@jolomo.net
Post by Michael Black
indicate they are talking about a sound before the swoosh), one
might
Post by DianeE
Post by j***@jolomo.net
Post by Michael Black
wonder if the swoosh is a recording of an actually airplane, or
something
Post by Michael Black
concocted in the studio.
It seems clear to me it is *supposed* to be an airplane, but it also
seems clear that it is *not* an actual airplane but a rigged effect.
---------
I agree. But it sure as shit ain't a cat.
NOT the plane noise, Diane. At the end of the plane noise, before the
fade out.
---------
Yeah, I know which noise it is!
---------
Post by Mister Charlie
I doubt it is a real cat.
----------
You *doubt*????? I would stake my life on it not being a real cat!
-----------
Post by Mister Charlie
....If you don't think it is supposed to be a cat
at all, then what do you suppose it is?
-----------
As I said, I think it's supposed to imitate some other sort of airplane
noise. Isn't it amazing how long this discussion has gone on about some
throwaway noise at the tail end of a record that I never noticed before in
36 years of listening to it?
Yeah, I'll add my two cents too. It's just a clever (but poor) studio
effect sound that was bound to raise the attention of someone in some
future newsgroup. This one. :-)

It was a huge (but ridiculously short) record. One you just knew was
going to be number one in but a few weeks. In Vancouver its chart action
went like this: #30, #20, #7, #1, #1, #2, #4, #9, #20.

You'll note it didn't stay long on the chart. But that was par for
the course in the Sixties; there was quick rotation of songs. Had it
been released today, it would have hung around for 35 weeks and bored
us all to death.

On my personal chart of the time, it charted thusly:
#28, #1, #1, #1, #2, #5, #6, #8

-Taliesyn
Bradwell Jackson
2004-08-11 19:31:36 UTC
Permalink
Post by DianeE
-----------
You guys are letting your imaginations run away with you, it's just an
airplane "whoosh."
DianeE
Dear Ms. Diane,

Don't you think that this strange, unearthly sound is *very*
different from an airplane whoosh? To my ears, it has *nothing* to do
with an airplane whoosh. Have you *ever* heard and airplane that
sounded *anything* like that?

Brad
DianeE
2004-08-12 04:44:42 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bradwell Jackson
Post by DianeE
-----------
You guys are letting your imaginations run away with you, it's just an
airplane "whoosh."
DianeE
Dear Ms. Diane,
Don't you think that this strange, unearthly sound is *very*
different from an airplane whoosh? To my ears, it has *nothing* to do
with an airplane whoosh. Have you *ever* heard and airplane that
sounded *anything* like that?
Brad
------------
I don't know. I don't listen carefully to airplane noises. I do know that
if I listen to the ending of "The Letter" one more time it will ruin my
enjoyment of the record forever more, so I'm not going to do it.

Maybe if you find someone who has the equipment to play the record backwards
you'll find an answer that satisfies you.

However, I can tell you one thing *for sure*. It is *not* a cat.
DianeE
Bradwell Jackson
2004-08-12 20:31:47 UTC
Permalink
Post by DianeE
Post by Bradwell Jackson
Post by DianeE
-----------
You guys are letting your imaginations run away with you, it's just an
airplane "whoosh."
DianeE
Dear Ms. Diane,
Don't you think that this strange, unearthly sound is *very*
different from an airplane whoosh? To my ears, it has *nothing* to do
with an airplane whoosh. Have you *ever* heard and airplane that
sounded *anything* like that?
Brad
------------
I don't know. I don't listen carefully to airplane noises. I do know that
if I listen to the ending of "The Letter" one more time it will ruin my
enjoyment of the record forever more, so I'm not going to do it.
Maybe if you find someone who has the equipment to play the record backwards
you'll find an answer that satisfies you.
However, I can tell you one thing *for sure*. It is *not* a cat.
DianeE
I agree, I think it's more like a dog. BTW, if you play it
backwards, would the cat go back into the bag? :-)
Lenny Smith
2004-08-29 11:34:35 UTC
Permalink
Post by DianeE
Post by Bradwell Jackson
Post by DianeE
-----------
You guys are letting your imaginations run away with you, it's just an
airplane "whoosh."
DianeE
Dear Ms. Diane,
Don't you think that this strange, unearthly sound is *very*
different from an airplane whoosh? To my ears, it has *nothing* to do
with an airplane whoosh. Have you *ever* heard and airplane that
sounded *anything* like that?
Brad
------------
I don't know. I don't listen carefully to airplane noises. I do know that
if I listen to the ending of "The Letter" one more time it will ruin my
enjoyment of the record forever more, so I'm not going to do it.
Maybe if you find someone who has the equipment to play the record backwards
you'll find an answer that satisfies you.
However, I can tell you one thing *for sure*. It is *not* a cat.
I believe it's actually the sound of a cat being thrown from an airplane.
Interestingly enough, if you DO play the song BACKWARDS, you'll clearly hear
a voice intoning, "Decide to smoke marijuana with your cat."

Hope that helps,

Lenny
RandyPNY
2004-08-29 14:40:51 UTC
Permalink
Post by DianeE
Post by DianeE
I don't know. I don't listen carefully to airplane noises. I do know
that
Post by DianeE
if I listen to the ending of "The Letter" one more time it will ruin my
enjoyment of the record forever more, so I'm not going to do it.
Maybe if you find someone who has the equipment to play the record
backwards
Post by DianeE
you'll find an answer that satisfies you.
However, I can tell you one thing *for sure*. It is *not* a cat.
I believe it's actually the sound of a cat being thrown from an airplane.
Interestingly enough, if you DO play the song BACKWARDS, you'll clearly hear
a voice intoning, "Decide to smoke marijuana with your cat."
Damn! It's amazing what you miss when you don't play records backwards!

- Randy
Michael Black
2004-08-29 17:10:55 UTC
Permalink
Post by RandyPNY
Post by DianeE
Post by DianeE
I don't know. I don't listen carefully to airplane noises. I do know
that
Post by DianeE
if I listen to the ending of "The Letter" one more time it will ruin my
enjoyment of the record forever more, so I'm not going to do it.
Maybe if you find someone who has the equipment to play the record
backwards
Post by DianeE
you'll find an answer that satisfies you.
However, I can tell you one thing *for sure*. It is *not* a cat.
I believe it's actually the sound of a cat being thrown from an airplane.
Interestingly enough, if you DO play the song BACKWARDS, you'll clearly hear
a voice intoning, "Decide to smoke marijuana with your cat."
Damn! It's amazing what you miss when you don't play records backwards!
- Randy
I"m sure many more do it nowadays than when we all had turntables. It
wasn't so easy to do it then, but with computers, it's very easy to play
a file in reverse.

Michael
DianeE
2004-08-29 18:16:12 UTC
Permalink
Post by Michael Black
Post by RandyPNY
Damn! It's amazing what you miss when you don't play records backwards!
- Randy
I"m sure many more do it nowadays than when we all had turntables. It
wasn't so easy to do it then, but with computers, it's very easy to play
a file in reverse.
Michael
--------------
It is? How?

DianeE
Mister Charlie
2004-08-30 04:04:07 UTC
Permalink
Post by DianeE
Post by Michael Black
Post by RandyPNY
Damn! It's amazing what you miss when you don't play records backwards!
- Randy
I"m sure many more do it nowadays than when we all had turntables.
It
Post by DianeE
Post by Michael Black
wasn't so easy to do it then, but with computers, it's very easy to play
a file in reverse.
Michael
--------------
It is? How?
Turn the monitor around.
DianeE
2004-08-30 04:35:07 UTC
Permalink
Post by RandyPNY
Post by DianeE
Post by Michael Black
Post by RandyPNY
Damn! It's amazing what you miss when you don't play records
backwards!
Post by DianeE
Post by Michael Black
Post by RandyPNY
- Randy
I"m sure many more do it nowadays than when we all had turntables.
It
Post by DianeE
Post by Michael Black
wasn't so easy to do it then, but with computers, it's very easy to
play
Post by DianeE
Post by Michael Black
a file in reverse.
Michael
--------------
It is? How?
Turn the monitor around.
----------
LOL!

(Turn it upside down! Love to hear percussion!)
DianeE
Bob Radil
2004-09-02 15:24:38 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mister Charlie
Post by DianeE
Post by Michael Black
I"m sure many more do it nowadays than when we all had turntables.
It
Post by DianeE
Post by Michael Black
wasn't so easy to do it then, but with computers, it's very easy to
play
Post by DianeE
Post by Michael Black
a file in reverse.
Michael
--------------
It is? How?
Turn the monitor around.
Actually you have to reverse a couple wires in the monitor having to do with
the horizontal scan. This would give you a mirror image. I did this once with
an old TV set. It was interesting while watching a baseball game to see the guy
hit the ball and run off to 3rd base!

But seriously, re: audio, it's easy with CoolEdit. Just mark a segment and
click Effects \ Reverse.

Bob Radil
<A HREF="mailto:***@aol.com?subject=NewsgroupResponse"> E-Mail </A>
Bob Radil
2004-09-02 15:16:55 UTC
Permalink
Post by Michael Black
I"m sure many more do it nowadays than when we all had turntables. It
wasn't so easy to do it then, but with computers, it's very easy to play
a file in reverse.
Michael
It wasn't really all that hard. I once rebuilt a turntable motor so it would go
backwards. I also had to reverse the shaft and cartridge ends of the tone arm.
It worked just fine! This was back when Paul was still alive!

Bob Radil
<A HREF="mailto:***@aol.com?subject=NewsgroupResponse"> E-Mail </A>
Michael Black
2004-09-02 16:05:52 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bob Radil
Post by Michael Black
I"m sure many more do it nowadays than when we all had turntables. It
wasn't so easy to do it then, but with computers, it's very easy to play
a file in reverse.
Michael
It wasn't really all that hard. I once rebuilt a turntable motor so it would go
backwards. I also had to reverse the shaft and cartridge ends of the tone arm.
It worked just fine! This was back when Paul was still alive!
It's even easier to rewire an auto-reverse tape deck so it plays in
reverse, just a matter of switching wires.

But the average person wouldn't do any of this.

Now, it's a case of playing a computer file backwards, something most
people have as a common item.

Michael
Marc Dashevsky
2004-09-02 16:40:34 UTC
Permalink
Post by Michael Black
Post by Bob Radil
Post by Michael Black
I"m sure many more do it nowadays than when we all had turntables. It
wasn't so easy to do it then, but with computers, it's very easy to play
a file in reverse.
It wasn't really all that hard. I once rebuilt a turntable motor so it would go
backwards. I also had to reverse the shaft and cartridge ends of the tone arm.
It worked just fine! This was back when Paul was still alive!
It's even easier to rewire an auto-reverse tape deck so it plays in
reverse, just a matter of switching wires.
But the average person wouldn't do any of this.
Now, it's a case of playing a computer file backwards, something most
people have as a common item.
I won some radio contests in the early sixties by taping songs
broadcast backwards on a reel-to-reel mono deck and playing them
back with a twist in the tape.
--
Go to http://MarcDashevsky.com to send me e-mail.
j***@hvc.rr.com
2004-09-03 02:32:23 UTC
Permalink
Post by Michael Black
It's even easier to rewire an auto-reverse tape deck so it plays in
reverse, just a matter of switching wires.
I didn't have that luxury growing up, but I did open a few cassette
shells. I found that if I flipped the tape over so that it now
unspooled clockwise when played, you were now listening to the other
side of the tape backwards. Of course since the takeup hub/reel was
still spinning counterclockwise, you had to finish it off and do it
all over again to make it right.

Joe
DianeE
2004-09-03 04:07:51 UTC
Permalink
Post by Michael Black
Post by Bob Radil
Post by Michael Black
I"m sure many more do it nowadays than when we all had turntables. It
wasn't so easy to do it then, but with computers, it's very easy to play
a file in reverse.
Michael
It wasn't really all that hard. I once rebuilt a turntable motor so it would go
backwards. I also had to reverse the shaft and cartridge ends of the tone arm.
It worked just fine! This was back when Paul was still alive!
It's even easier to rewire an auto-reverse tape deck so it plays in
reverse, just a matter of switching wires.
But the average person wouldn't do any of this.
Now, it's a case of playing a computer file backwards, something most
people have as a common item.
-------------
NO, "MOST PEOPLE" DO *NOT* HAVE THIS AS A "COMMON ITEM"! I DON'T KNOW
*ANYONE* WHO CAN DO IT! Because, see, I'm not an audiophile like you...AND
NEITHER ARE "MOST PEOPLE"!!!!!!! Now are you ever going to tell me how it
is done or just keep on about how "common" and "easy" it is? Someone else
suggested something called CoolEdit, is that what you are referring to? I
don't know what CoolEdit is, either.
DianeE
Mister Charlie
2004-09-03 06:13:26 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bob Radil
Post by Michael Black
Post by Bob Radil
Post by Michael Black
I"m sure many more do it nowadays than when we all had turntables.
It
Post by Bob Radil
Post by Michael Black
Post by Bob Radil
Post by Michael Black
wasn't so easy to do it then, but with computers, it's very easy to play
a file in reverse.
Michael
It wasn't really all that hard. I once rebuilt a turntable motor
so it
Post by Bob Radil
would go
Post by Michael Black
Post by Bob Radil
backwards. I also had to reverse the shaft and cartridge ends of
the
Post by Bob Radil
tone arm.
Post by Michael Black
Post by Bob Radil
It worked just fine! This was back when Paul was still alive!
It's even easier to rewire an auto-reverse tape deck so it plays in
reverse, just a matter of switching wires.
But the average person wouldn't do any of this.
Now, it's a case of playing a computer file backwards, something most
people have as a common item.
-------------
NO, "MOST PEOPLE" DO *NOT* HAVE THIS AS A "COMMON ITEM"! I DON'T KNOW
*ANYONE* WHO CAN DO IT! Because, see, I'm not an audiophile like you...AND
NEITHER ARE "MOST PEOPLE"!!!!!!! Now are you ever going to tell me how it
is done or just keep on about how "common" and "easy" it is? Someone else
suggested something called CoolEdit, is that what you are referring to? I
don't know what CoolEdit is, either.
DianeE
There is an excellent freeware audio editor, Audacity
(http//audacity.sourceforge.net) that may be a bit complex for the
novice, but basically once you've imported an audio project (load a
music file) there is a Reverse effect you can use...highlight the song
or part you want reversed and click on the Effects menu. Reverse.
Play.

You can download the program, install it, and do the above. Cool Edit
is not freeware.
j***@hvc.rr.com
2004-09-03 09:39:16 UTC
Permalink
On Thu, 2 Sep 2004 23:13:26 -0700, "Mister Charlie"
Post by DianeE
Post by DianeE
NO, "MOST PEOPLE" DO *NOT* HAVE THIS AS A "COMMON ITEM"! I DON'T KNOW
*ANYONE* WHO CAN DO IT! Because, see, I'm not an audiophile like
you...AND
Post by DianeE
NEITHER ARE "MOST PEOPLE"!!!!!!! Now are you ever going to tell me
how it
Post by DianeE
is done or just keep on about how "common" and "easy" it is? Someone
else
Post by DianeE
suggested something called CoolEdit, is that what you are referring
to? I
Post by DianeE
don't know what CoolEdit is, either.
DianeE
There is an excellent freeware audio editor, Audacity
(http//audacity.sourceforge.net) that may be a bit complex for the
novice, but basically once you've imported an audio project (load a
music file) there is a Reverse effect you can use...highlight the song
or part you want reversed and click on the Effects menu. Reverse.
Play.
You can download the program, install it, and do the above. Cool Edit
is not freeware.
I was concerned with Audacity's ability toi opnen MP3 files, which is
the format most people are using.It does although Diane would have to
DL the MAME codec to ave files as such. Diane, contact me privately if
you have any problem (AOL Instant Messenger ID JoeNelson1963 if you
have it for live chat)

Joe
Mister Charlie
2004-09-03 14:17:57 UTC
Permalink
Post by j***@hvc.rr.com
On Thu, 2 Sep 2004 23:13:26 -0700, "Mister Charlie"
Post by DianeE
Post by DianeE
NO, "MOST PEOPLE" DO *NOT* HAVE THIS AS A "COMMON ITEM"! I DON'T KNOW
*ANYONE* WHO CAN DO IT! Because, see, I'm not an audiophile like
you...AND
Post by DianeE
NEITHER ARE "MOST PEOPLE"!!!!!!! Now are you ever going to tell me
how it
Post by DianeE
is done or just keep on about how "common" and "easy" it is?
Someone
Post by j***@hvc.rr.com
Post by DianeE
else
Post by DianeE
suggested something called CoolEdit, is that what you are referring
to? I
Post by DianeE
don't know what CoolEdit is, either.
DianeE
There is an excellent freeware audio editor, Audacity
(http//audacity.sourceforge.net) that may be a bit complex for the
novice, but basically once you've imported an audio project (load a
music file) there is a Reverse effect you can use...highlight the song
or part you want reversed and click on the Effects menu. Reverse.
Play.
You can download the program, install it, and do the above. Cool Edit
is not freeware.
I was concerned with Audacity's ability toi opnen MP3 files, which is
the format most people are using.It does although Diane would have to
DL the MAME codec to ave files as such. Diane, contact me privately if
you have any problem (AOL Instant Messenger ID JoeNelson1963 if you
have it for live chat)
I have no problem with it opening or working in mp3's. Do you mean
having the additional LAME codec?
DianeE
2004-09-05 00:46:45 UTC
Permalink
Post by j***@hvc.rr.com
On Thu, 2 Sep 2004 23:13:26 -0700, "Mister Charlie"
Post by Mister Charlie
There is an excellent freeware audio editor, Audacity
(http//audacity.sourceforge.net) that may be a bit complex for the
novice, but basically once you've imported an audio project (load a
music file) there is a Reverse effect you can use...highlight the song
or part you want reversed and click on the Effects menu. Reverse.
Play.
You can download the program, install it, and do the above. Cool Edit
is not freeware.
I was concerned with Audacity's ability toi opnen MP3 files, which is
the format most people are using.It does although Diane would have to
DL the MAME codec to ave files as such. Diane, contact me privately if
you have any problem (AOL Instant Messenger ID JoeNelson1963 if you
have it for live chat)
--------
Thanks for the tip, Joe. I followed your suggestion and d/l'd the LAME
codec along with the program. It does play mp3's, although it takes about
10 seconds to process them before they will start to play. However, that's
not important to me since I'll only be using it for special effects. Love
my Winamp.

DianeE
Mike G.
2004-09-04 16:03:33 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mister Charlie
There is an excellent freeware audio editor, Audacity
(http//audacity.sourceforge.net) that may be a bit complex for the
novice, but basically once you've imported an audio project (load a
music file) there is a Reverse effect you can use...highlight the song
or part you want reversed and click on the Effects menu.
I use Audacity, too.
DianeE
2004-09-05 00:54:31 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mike G.
Post by Mister Charlie
There is an excellent freeware audio editor, Audacity
(http//audacity.sourceforge.net) that may be a bit complex for the
novice, but basically once you've imported an audio project (load a
music file) there is a Reverse effect you can use...highlight the song
or part you want reversed and click on the Effects menu.
I use Audacity, too.
---------
What do you use it *for*?
DianeE
Mike G.
2004-09-05 01:05:16 UTC
Permalink
Post by DianeE
Post by Mike G.
I use Audacity, too.
---------
What do you use it *for*?
DianeE
Editing mp3s, mostly. And sometimes, just changing the sample rate of a
mp3 -- if it's some marginal curiosity, maybe I'll downgrade it to
96kbps or 128kbps to save hard-drive space.
DianeE
2004-09-05 01:10:52 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mike G.
Post by DianeE
Post by Mike G.
I use Audacity, too.
---------
What do you use it *for*?
DianeE
Editing mp3s, mostly. And sometimes, just changing the sample rate of a
mp3 -- if it's some marginal curiosity, maybe I'll downgrade it to
96kbps or 128kbps to save hard-drive space.
-----------
Now that's a useful feature. Verizon doesn't let me e-mail any attachment
larger than about 4.5 MB, so I've often wondered if there was a way to
downgrade an mp3.

DianeE
Mike G.
2004-09-05 02:21:13 UTC
Permalink
Post by DianeE
Post by Mike G.
Post by DianeE
Post by Mike G.
I use Audacity, too.
---------
What do you use it *for*?
Editing mp3s, mostly. And sometimes, just changing the sample rate of a
mp3 -- if it's some marginal curiosity, maybe I'll downgrade it to
96kbps or 128kbps to save hard-drive space.
-----------
Now that's a useful feature. Verizon doesn't let me e-mail any attachment
larger than about 4.5 MB
Yes, that's another good reason to "downgrade" a mp3. Another would be
if someone wants to post a mp3 on his/her website, but has limited space.
DianeE
2004-09-05 00:44:27 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mister Charlie
There is an excellent freeware audio editor, Audacity
(http//audacity.sourceforge.net) that may be a bit complex for the
novice, but basically once you've imported an audio project (load a
music file) there is a Reverse effect you can use...highlight the song
or part you want reversed and click on the Effects menu. Reverse.
Play.
You can download the program, install it, and do the above. Cool Edit
is not freeware.
------------
Well, thank you very much, Charlie!!! I followed your suggestions; as you
mentioned it isn't the most user-friendly program in the world, but after 36
years of wondering what all the fuss was about I have finally gotten to hear
all 4 minutes and 29 seconds of "Helter Skelter" backwards.

Didn't hear any Satanic messages at all, though. Guess I'm too old. Can't
hear the mermaids singing each to each either.

DianeE
GBlueOwl
2004-09-05 08:51:47 UTC
Permalink
Post by DianeE
Post by Mister Charlie
There is an excellent freeware audio editor, Audacity
(http//audacity.sourceforge.net) that may be a bit complex for the
novice, but basically once you've imported an audio project (load a
music file) there is a Reverse effect you can use...highlight the song
or part you want reversed and click on the Effects menu. Reverse.
Play.
You can download the program, install it, and do the above. Cool Edit
is not freeware.
------------
Well, thank you very much, Charlie!!! I followed your suggestions; as you
mentioned it isn't the most user-friendly program in the world, but after 36
years of wondering what all the fuss was about I have finally gotten to hear
all 4 minutes and 29 seconds of "Helter Skelter" backwards.
Didn't hear any Satanic messages at all, though. Guess I'm too old. Can't
hear the mermaids singing each to each either.
I've also been following along and downloaded Audacity myself, and as a result
today I was finally able to hear first hand the famous "secret messages" in
"Empty Spaces" and "Darling Nikki" from Pink Floyd's The Wall and Prince's
Purple Rain, respectively. (I'm sure I've probably got some albums with at
least somewhat less dopey hidden messag in my collection somewhere, but those
were the only two I could think of offhand.) FWIW, I'm not sure Charles Manson
ever actually played "Helter Skelter" backwards to hear the Fab Four's marching
orders, I think it was just playing it normally and hearing it through his
scrambled brain that did the trick.

But aside from picking out cheesy hidden backwards messages, I was sort of
wondering of what possible use this feature could be, until I did some
tinkering and discovered that if you reverse a song, then add the right sort of
echo, then flip it back again, you can get that cool "pre echo" effect that you
hear on some records, like Robert Plant's voice on parts of some early Led
Zeppilin songs like "You Shook Me" or "Whole Lotta Love".

Brian
Mister Charlie
2004-09-05 16:50:32 UTC
Permalink
Post by GBlueOwl
Post by DianeE
Post by Mister Charlie
There is an excellent freeware audio editor, Audacity
(http//audacity.sourceforge.net) that may be a bit complex for the
novice, but basically once you've imported an audio project (load a
music file) there is a Reverse effect you can use...highlight the song
or part you want reversed and click on the Effects menu. Reverse.
Play.
You can download the program, install it, and do the above. Cool Edit
is not freeware.
------------
Well, thank you very much, Charlie!!! I followed your suggestions; as you
mentioned it isn't the most user-friendly program in the world, but after 36
years of wondering what all the fuss was about I have finally gotten to hear
all 4 minutes and 29 seconds of "Helter Skelter" backwards.
Didn't hear any Satanic messages at all, though. Guess I'm too old.
Can't
Post by GBlueOwl
Post by DianeE
hear the mermaids singing each to each either.
I've also been following along and downloaded Audacity myself, and as a result
today I was finally able to hear first hand the famous "secret
messages" in
Post by GBlueOwl
"Empty Spaces" and "Darling Nikki" from Pink Floyd's The Wall and Prince's
Purple Rain, respectively. (I'm sure I've probably got some albums with at
least somewhat less dopey hidden messag in my collection somewhere, but those
were the only two I could think of offhand.) FWIW, I'm not sure Charles Manson
ever actually played "Helter Skelter" backwards to hear the Fab Four's marching
orders, I think it was just playing it normally and hearing it through his
scrambled brain that did the trick.
But aside from picking out cheesy hidden backwards messages, I was sort of
wondering of what possible use this feature could be, until I did some
tinkering and discovered that if you reverse a song, then add the right sort of
echo, then flip it back again, you can get that cool "pre echo" effect that you
hear on some records, like Robert Plant's voice on parts of some early Led
Zeppilin songs like "You Shook Me" or "Whole Lotta Love".
Coo-hooll!!

Thanks for THAT tip, I would have never thought of that on my own!
Michael Black
2004-09-03 16:22:01 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bob Radil
Post by Michael Black
Post by Bob Radil
Post by Michael Black
I"m sure many more do it nowadays than when we all had turntables. It
wasn't so easy to do it then, but with computers, it's very easy to play
a file in reverse.
Michael
It wasn't really all that hard. I once rebuilt a turntable motor so it
would go
Post by Michael Black
Post by Bob Radil
backwards. I also had to reverse the shaft and cartridge ends of the
tone arm.
Post by Michael Black
Post by Bob Radil
It worked just fine! This was back when Paul was still alive!
It's even easier to rewire an auto-reverse tape deck so it plays in
reverse, just a matter of switching wires.
But the average person wouldn't do any of this.
Now, it's a case of playing a computer file backwards, something most
people have as a common item.
-------------
NO, "MOST PEOPLE" DO *NOT* HAVE THIS AS A "COMMON ITEM"! I DON'T KNOW
*ANYONE* WHO CAN DO IT! Because, see, I'm not an audiophile like you...AND
NEITHER ARE "MOST PEOPLE"!!!!!!! Now are you ever going to tell me how it
is done or just keep on about how "common" and "easy" it is? Someone else
suggested something called CoolEdit, is that what you are referring to? I
don't know what CoolEdit is, either.
DianeE
Huh?

Very few people would modify their turntables to play records backwards,
indeed few would have the ability to do so. The same with rewiring an
auto-reverse tape deck, though that is merely a wiring matter.

But a good portion of the public has a computer, hence the common item.

A digital file of an audio signal is only a sampling, very closely spaced
together, of that audio signal. Any given point means nothing, but play
the samples back at the correct rate, and you hear what was originally
played. To play it in reverse, it's merely a matter of starting from
the last sample, and going towards the first, rather than the usual starting
at the first sample and going towards the last.

It is a terribly simple concept.

I haven't a clue to what software does it, because it shouldn't take anything
special. If it can play the digitized audio file, then all it requires
is a miniscule reworking to play it backwards; all the rest is the same.

As I've played with various audio programs, I've noticed in passing that
some have as an option the ability to play things backwards. You only need
to look for that option, not some fancy program to play audio files backwards,
which is vastly different than in the old days when you had to mechanically
rework your turntable to play records backwards.

It's no longer a specialized tool.

Which is precisely what I was talking about.

Michael
Mister Charlie
2004-08-29 15:43:25 UTC
Permalink
Post by DianeE
Post by DianeE
Maybe if you find someone who has the equipment to play the record
backwards
Post by DianeE
you'll find an answer that satisfies you.
However, I can tell you one thing *for sure*. It is *not* a cat.
I believe it's actually the sound of a cat being thrown from an airplane.
Hope that helps,
Lenny
It does, Lenny, thanks. I would guess then that they actually fade the
record before the thud?
Lenny Smith
2004-08-30 07:41:17 UTC
Permalink
Post by Marc Dashevsky
Post by DianeE
Post by DianeE
Maybe if you find someone who has the equipment to play the record
backwards
Post by DianeE
you'll find an answer that satisfies you.
However, I can tell you one thing *for sure*. It is *not* a cat.
I believe it's actually the sound of a cat being thrown from an
airplane.
Post by DianeE
Hope that helps,
Lenny
It does, Lenny, thanks. I would guess then that they actually fade the
record before the thud?
Thank heavens for small blessings, eh? ; )

Lenny
Bob Roman
2004-08-29 22:12:09 UTC
Permalink
Post by DianeE
However, I can tell you one thing *for sure*. It is *not* a cat.
Yeah.

It's too sexy for a cat
Too sexy for a cat
Poor pussy poor pussy cat

Bob Roman
j***@hvc.rr.com
2004-08-05 19:10:31 UTC
Permalink
On Wed, 04 Aug 2004 19:10:42 GMT, Marc Dashevsky
Post by Marc Dashevsky
says...
Post by Bradwell Jackson
In the song "The Letter" by the Box Tops (1967), there is a strange
sound at the (very) end of the song. Kind of like a dog, or maybe a
coyote. It seems to be yelping, or perhaps baying, or making some
kind of strange noise. What *is* that sound?
It's an airplane taking off or flying overhead.
Post by Bradwell Jackson
Why is it there? What does it have to do with the song?
Give me a ticket for an airplane. I ain't got time to take a fast
me a letter. I don't care home much money I've got to spend. I've
got to get back to my baby . . .
The airplane dominated the final few seconds of the song. The sound
Mr. Jackson is talking about occurs for a split second just before the
song fades.

Joe
Tom Simon
2004-08-06 02:08:37 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bradwell Jackson
In the song "The Letter" by the Box Tops (1967), there is a strange
sound at the (very) end of the song. Kind of like a dog, or maybe a
coyote. It seems to be yelping, or perhaps baying, or making some
kind of strange noise. What *is* that sound? Why is it there? What
does it have to do with the song?
Bradwell Jackson
An interesting side note about "The Letter" ... I recall hearing
somewhere how this song originated. The father of one of the members
of the band -- I don't remember which one -- told his son that he had
a good first line for a song: "Give me a ticket for an aeroplane ..."
So Wayne Carson Thompson developed it into a song.
GCarras
2004-08-06 05:05:13 UTC
Permalink
Subject: "The Letter" Box Tops - what is that *sound* at the end of the
song?
Date: 8/4/2004 11:56 AM Pacific Standard Time
In the song "The Letter" by the Box Tops (1967), there is a strange
sound at the (very) end of the song. Kind of like a dog, or maybe a
coyote. It seems to be yelping, or perhaps baying, or making some
kind of strange noise. What *is* that sound? Why is it there? What
does it have to do with the song?
Bradwell Jackson
An airpolane I guess, remember he;s going home on a plane, no time to take a
fast train, lonely days are gone..(I preferred Joe Cocker's version better).

Y'know, I''m listenting to the Castaways' 1965 LIAR LIAR< which is 1:55, and
THE LETTER by The Box Topsd, in addititioon to alliterating with LIAR LIAR<is
even SHORTER, just clocking in at 1:50...hey I know that there was STILL
resistance to the longer 7 minutre FM 'underground" classics, but by 1967 1:50
was a bit short (SWEET CREAM LADIES FORWARD MARCH,ther last of theirs that any
station plays, is 2:13).
"GARGANTUAN.Hmm,Bud, y'know, I've always liked that word.Never had a hcnace to
use it in a sentence,though".-KILL BILL VOLUME 2
Mister Charlie
2004-08-06 14:02:44 UTC
Permalink
Clearly it's an airplane, never any doubt about that.

The sound literally right before the fade out sounds like a cat.

The OP would have to identify which sound they were asking about. But
the plane seems too obvious for anyone to question.
Bradwell Jackson
2004-08-11 19:37:29 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mister Charlie
Clearly it's an airplane, never any doubt about that.
The sound literally right before the fade out sounds like a cat.
The OP would have to identify which sound they were asking about. But
the plane seems too obvious for anyone to question.
Be glad to. To me, this animal sound I hear has *nothing* to do with
an airplane. How anyone can confuse this sound with an airplane is
quite beyond me. I thought it was way too obvious that I was talking
about the sound that was very much different from the plane, and that
it was obviously distinguishable from the plane noises. How can
anyone think this sound has something to do with a plane? In what way
does it resemble a plane? This is the sound of an *animal*. Not only
that, but it sounds like an animal who is in great distress. If there
was a cat in the studio (it sounds more like a beleguered dog to me),
they were probably torturing the poor thing.

Brad
Mister Charlie
2004-08-11 20:27:25 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bradwell Jackson
Post by Mister Charlie
Clearly it's an airplane, never any doubt about that.
The sound literally right before the fade out sounds like a cat.
The OP would have to identify which sound they were asking about.
But
Post by Bradwell Jackson
Post by Mister Charlie
the plane seems too obvious for anyone to question.
Be glad to. To me, this animal sound I hear has *nothing* to do with
an airplane. How anyone can confuse this sound with an airplane is
quite beyond me. I thought it was way too obvious that I was talking
about the sound that was very much different from the plane, and that
it was obviously distinguishable from the plane noises. How can
anyone think this sound has something to do with a plane? In what way
does it resemble a plane? This is the sound of an *animal*. Not only
that, but it sounds like an animal who is in great distress. If there
was a cat in the studio (it sounds more like a beleguered dog to me),
they were probably torturing the poor thing.
Perhaps a bit too much absinthe? ;-)
Bradwell Jackson
2004-08-12 20:33:53 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mister Charlie
Post by Bradwell Jackson
Post by Mister Charlie
Clearly it's an airplane, never any doubt about that.
The sound literally right before the fade out sounds like a cat.
The OP would have to identify which sound they were asking about.
But
Post by Bradwell Jackson
Post by Mister Charlie
the plane seems too obvious for anyone to question.
Be glad to. To me, this animal sound I hear has *nothing* to do with
an airplane. How anyone can confuse this sound with an airplane is
quite beyond me. I thought it was way too obvious that I was talking
about the sound that was very much different from the plane, and that
it was obviously distinguishable from the plane noises. How can
anyone think this sound has something to do with a plane? In what way
does it resemble a plane? This is the sound of an *animal*. Not only
that, but it sounds like an animal who is in great distress. If there
was a cat in the studio (it sounds more like a beleguered dog to me),
they were probably torturing the poor thing.
Perhaps a bit too much absinthe? ;-)
I'm afraid that went over my head, rather like an airplane :-)
wim
2004-08-06 14:36:51 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bradwell Jackson
In the song "The Letter" by the Box Tops (1967), there is a strange
sound at the (very) end of the song. Kind of like a dog, or maybe a
coyote. It seems to be yelping, or perhaps baying, or making some
kind of strange noise. What *is* that sound? Why is it there? What
does it have to do with the song?
Bradwell Jackson
It sounds like an effort to add an extra dimension to the plane noise,
an extra swoosh, that may have been added by some means like someone
making the noise or a kind of noise made on something.
Obvious sound effects were a bit of a trend in those days.

wj
Mike Girouard
2004-08-12 11:24:12 UTC
Permalink
Post by wim
Post by Bradwell Jackson
In the song "The Letter" by the Box Tops (1967), there is a strange
sound at the (very) end of the song. Kind of like a dog, or maybe a
coyote. It seems to be yelping, or perhaps baying, or making some
kind of strange noise. What *is* that sound? Why is it there? What
does it have to do with the song?
Bradwell Jackson
It sounds like an effort to add an extra dimension to the plane noise,
an extra swoosh, that may have been added by some means like someone
making the noise or a kind of noise made on something.
Like stomping on the cat's tail perhaps?

FoggyTown
Mister Charlie
2004-08-12 14:10:32 UTC
Permalink
Post by Mike Girouard
Post by wim
Post by Bradwell Jackson
In the song "The Letter" by the Box Tops (1967), there is a strange
sound at the (very) end of the song. Kind of like a dog, or maybe a
coyote. It seems to be yelping, or perhaps baying, or making some
kind of strange noise. What *is* that sound? Why is it there?
What
Post by Mike Girouard
Post by wim
Post by Bradwell Jackson
does it have to do with the song?
Bradwell Jackson
It sounds like an effort to add an extra dimension to the plane noise,
an extra swoosh, that may have been added by some means like someone
making the noise or a kind of noise made on something.
Like stomping on the cat's tail perhaps?
Obviously two distinct noises are being talked about here.

And I don't suggest it is a real plane nor a real cat. Representations.
Why? I don't know.
wim
2004-08-12 17:07:26 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bradwell Jackson
Post by Mike Girouard
Post by wim
Post by Bradwell Jackson
In the song "The Letter" by the Box Tops (1967), there is a
strange
Post by Mike Girouard
Post by wim
Post by Bradwell Jackson
sound at the (very) end of the song. Kind of like a dog, or maybe
a
Post by Mike Girouard
Post by wim
Post by Bradwell Jackson
coyote. It seems to be yelping, or perhaps baying, or making some
kind of strange noise. What *is* that sound? Why is it there?
What
Post by Mike Girouard
Post by wim
Post by Bradwell Jackson
does it have to do with the song?
Bradwell Jackson
It sounds like an effort to add an extra dimension to the plane
noise,
Post by Mike Girouard
Post by wim
an extra swoosh, that may have been added by some means like someone
making the noise or a kind of noise made on something.
Like stomping on the cat's tail perhaps?
Obviously two distinct noises are being talked about here.
And I don't suggest it is a real plane nor a real cat. Representations.
Why? I don't know.
I'd bet on someone making the sound with their mouth.
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