For people of all ages: what's your opinions of horns, flutes, and strings popular in 70's pop music?

I noticed a long time ago that a lot of music in the 70's had a very apparent mixture of horns and flutes, especially, but also harp glissandos and strings. LOL What's your opinion on this, whether you're 19 or 91? Do (or did) you like that sound and why, or do you think it's a dumb and cheesy sound that characterizes the 70's? :-) I'm just asking this because I'm curious about trivial things like that. LOL





Some recordings (if you have no idea what I'm referring to), to get an idea are "Love's Theme" by Barry White, and "Refuge of the Roads" from Hejira, by Joni Mitchell.

For people of all ages: what's your opinions of horns, flutes, and strings popular in 70's pop music?
I think it made some band's songs like Kashmir by Led Zeppelin sound amazing.
Reply:An orchestra adds depth / soul and character. The Moody Blues are an excellent example.
Reply:It all depends on how the song is made. Jethro Tull pretty much only added the flute. The Beatles did it a little bit. Electric Light Orchestra did it the most, probably. Their songs are well written and actually use the outside help of the instruments that are not normally in Classic Rock.
Reply:In my opinion the horns were a carry over from the good old R%26amp;B songs. The 70s were still a transitional time for rock music and anything to sound different from some other group set you apart. You have groups like Chicago who had horns when they started and I'm pretty sure they are still putting out music. Lynyrd Skynyrd used the Muscle Shoals horn section on several of their songs. Tower of Power Horns were on just about everybodys stuff back in the day. So now, how would Ska be without horns? As for strings, they can add different feels to songs such as ballads with slow whining violins, or slowly building up to a crescendo before a ripping guitar solo. It's all in what you want the music to portray. Never be afraid to try a new sound. Look at what the Beatles did!
Reply:I think it was great. All an outgrowth of 60s experimentation. The "anything goes" mentality. It opened the possiblities of rock %26amp; pop. Look what horns %26amp; such did to the Beatles' later work, for example.
Reply:Why would anyone think extra instrumentation is a bad thing? If the music is good to begin with and the artist has a small bit of talent, go for it, not gonna hurt. and YES I like different sounds with my music, guitars and drums are great but dont stop there.
Reply:I came of age, in the 70's. I was a teenager in that wonderous time, and the music was just awesome. Now to answer your question, just about every rock band of the time, would utilize the big band sound, to make the most of their albums. Queen even did live shows, with an orchestra. Boston, had a ten (10) piece band in the studio, when they cut their albums. The big band sound just made the rock flow smoother, and it sold. I compliment you on your question, and I hope this answer helped. Rock on, and Peace!
Reply:i think that music is retarded.
Reply:you mean like jethro tull? yeah...hell yeah!



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