We've All Got The Beat, But Emphasis Is Everything

The other day, I read an article that claimed African music emphasizes the second beat of a measure, as opposed to western music, which puts the emphasis on the first beat (or downbeat). Then, while writing about Stereolab, I pointed out that their earlier music employs the “motorik” beat pioneered by Neu and other krautrock […]
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The other day, I read an article that claimed African music emphasizes the second beat of a measure, as opposed to western music, which puts the emphasis on the first beat (or downbeat). Then, while writing about Stereolab, I pointed out that their earlier music employs the "motorik" beat pioneered by Neu and other krautrock bands, in which the third beat of a 4/4 measure is emphasized.

After about three mustard ales last night, I had the idea to write a blog post about these four different beats. Following Ernest Hemmingway's advice to "always do sober what you said you'd do drunk," here's an attempt to demonstrate each of these beats.

Western: Emphasis is on the first beat.

Note_1_2

this audio or video is no longer availableRocks Off - The Rolling Stones

African: Emphasis is on the second beat.

Note_2

I actually couldn't find a good example of this online – anyonesuggestions? In the meantime, the reggaeton beat comes close. Here's anexample of the reggaeton beat:

this audio or video is no longer availableEl Gistro [Remix] - DJ Danny S, DJ Precise

Motorik: Emphasis is on the third beat.

Note_3

this audio or video is no longer availableHallogallo - Neu!

Reggae: Emphasis is on the fourth beat (and second beat).

Note_4

this audio or video is no longer availableSoul Fire - Lee Scratch Perry