Top Tier: Tyler Hyde from Black Country, New Road Reveals His Favorite Albums
Tyler Hyde of the band Black Country, New Road shared in an interview about one of his favorite albums, The Roches. Hyde spoke about stumbling upon the record at a market stall in Cambridge, alongside Nina Simone’s Forbidden Fruit. Intrigued by his father’s suggestion to listen to the song “Hammond Song,” Hyde discovered a unique sound from the sisters’ harmonious voices on the album. As someone with a sister whom he used to sing with at home, Hyde noted the special connection siblings share in the way their voices blend to create warmth and richness, driven by genetics.
“Hammond Song,” the standout track from The Roches for Hyde, presents a fascinating contrast between the melancholic tone of the music and the uplifting message of sisterhood it conveys. This juxtaposition of emotions resonated with him, especially compared to the work of artists like Randy Newman and Biff Rose, who present a happier facade with darker undertones. Hyde appreciated the unexpected guitar solo by Robert Fripp on the track, acknowledging its quirky nature as a refreshing break from seriousness.
The themes of togetherness and mutual support found in The Roches’ music deeply influenced Black Country, New Road’s latest record. Hyde explained that the band adopted the approach of recording a song, “Mary,” in a similar way to the sisters, with all band members huddled around a microphone, singing together in unison. This collaborative recording style led to a more cohesive and meaningful album for Black Country, New Road, drawing inspiration from The Roches’ close-knit harmonies.
Reflecting on how The Roches’ music intertwined with his life, Hyde expressed gratitude for the impact the album had on him over the years. The album’s emphasis on unity and female solidarity struck a chord with him and shaped the way he approached music-making with his band. The Roches’ influence on Black Country, New Road’s creative process highlighted the significance of shared experiences and harmonious collaboration in producing meaningful and resonant music.
In conclusion, Tyler Hyde of Black Country, New Road shared his admiration for The Roches’ self-titled album, emphasizing the unique vocal chemistry of the sisters and the album’s themes of support and togetherness. With insights into how The Roches’ music shaped his own creative journey and the recording process of Black Country, New Road’s latest album, Hyde’s appreciation for the album’s enduring impact on his music is evident.