I'm talking about those gluttural throat yelps / howls / woops, ugh-arrghs, moans, groans or faltering voices at just the right time that make a track exquisite, that take it to an emotional crescendo (ecstasy or pain) or just sound like an impossible feat of vocal achievement. I don know the proper linguistic or vocal terms, so bear with me

I remember watching somefink on the telly where some soul singers explained how they achieved that sound, something to do with growling and twisting the neck (sorry my memory doesnt extend to either the programme or the soul singers who explained this) but what yelp or yowl does it for you?

Here's some to start:

Bobby Womack: How could you break my heart, (that 'owwww' how does he do that?)

The faltering voice on Epitome of Sound: You dont love me, weak at the knees for me no matter how many times i hear it¦

Judy Freeman, that whole track 'Hold on' but that last shout echoes round the room.... owwww

Heartaches and Pain- Pages, that high pitch held for so long and so tuneful

(this is not including gospel and ish' tracks, that do that thang par excellence)

Go on, humour and educate me, this is my first thread.....¦.

Edited April 1, 200718 yr by marge

Bobby Bland, who was my 'main man' in the early/mid sixties, affected a gutteral growl that he used a lot (some might say too much!) in his singing style...my ex always said " It sounds like he's coughing up phlegm"...it always sounded just right to me, but like I said, to me, back then, he was damned near incomparable.

Edited April 1, 200718 yr by DelTee

How about Marie Knight : You Lie So Well

urrrrrgh, I said you lie so well, baby, you lie so well

Perfect timing on this tune

Bobby Bland, who was my 'main man' in the early/mid sixties, affected a gutteral growl that he used a lot (some might say too much!) in his singing style...my ex always said " It sounds like he's coughing up phlegm"...it always sounded just right to me, but like I said, to me, back then, he was damned near incomparable.

Absolutely brilliant

On Honey Child when he goes.. 'You've got a way of... nnnaaaaa!' He's really in pain with passion.

Edited April 2, 200718 yr by Matt Male

It must be why they call it soul, coz it comes from somewhere deep inside and you can only do it if you feel it.....

Edited April 2, 200718 yr by Rugby Soul Club

Bobby Bland, who was my 'main man' in the early/mid sixties, affected a gutteral growl that he used a lot (some might say too much!) in his singing style...my ex always said " It sounds like he's coughing up phlegm"...it always sounded just right to me, but like I said, to me, back then, he was damned near incomparable.

Funnily enough I'd never really noticed this till I saw him live some years ago, then it was most noticeable.

For me the timing of the line

You don't know the suffering I go through

always has me gobsmacked. it is IMO the most perfect line onmatopeoically in any song/poem.

For me the timing of the line

You don't know the suffering I go through

always has me gobsmacked. it is IMO the most perfect line onmatopeoically in any song/poem.

James Brown : The opening to " Get Up Offa That Thing " ......

Malc Burton

James Brown : The opening to " Get Up Offa That Thing " ......

Malc Burton

Quite. The Godfather of yowls and yelps.

For me the timing of the line

You don't know the suffering I go through

always has me gobsmacked. it is IMO the most perfect line onmatopeoically in any song/poem.

and that's exactly what I mean, that thing that leaves you 'gobsmacked'. That bit in the track where it goes to another level.

Thanks everyfolks for contributing.

For me the timing of the line

You don't know the suffering I go through

always has me gobsmacked. it is IMO the most perfect line onmatopeoically in any song/poem.

Blimey ,where's me dictionary

Bazza

Blimey ,where's me dictionary

Bazza

Which is probably what everyone was thinking but daren't say Although a slight mispelling hehe

Onomatopoeically

"noun 1. the formation of a word, as cuckoo or boom, by imitation of a sound made by or associated with its referent.

2. a word so formed.

3. Rhetoric. the use of imitative and naturally suggestive words for rhetorical effect

Edited April 3, 200718 yr by ♫ Soulgirl ♫

Two that really do it for me Tobi Legend - Time will pass you by , just transports me back to the Casino , haunting vocal . Always said I would have this played at my funeral , not for the forseeable future I hope , and the other is Mel Britt - She,ll come running back , still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up .

Cheers JENKO ( very old soulie and a Wolves fan for my sins )