The Allman Brothers Band - Whipping Post - 1971
The Allman Brothers Band - Whipping Post - 1971
The Allman Brothers Band: "Whipping Post" (1971)
The Allman Brothers Band's "Whipping Post" is a significant piece in the history of rock music, particularly in the Southern rock genre. Released in 1969 on their self-titled debut album and famously performed live at the Fillmore East in 1971, the song showcases the band's unique blend of rock, blues, and jazz influences. The Allman Brothers Band, formed in 1969 in Jacksonville, Florida, was known for their extended improvisational performances, dual lead guitar setup, and soulful, blues-infused music.
Background and Composition
"Whipping Post" was written by Gregg Allman, the band's lead vocalist and keyboardist. The song's lyrics reflect themes of pain and heartache, while its musical structure is marked by an unusual 11/4 time signature in its intro and outro, showcasing the band's musical prowess. The live version of "Whipping Post" from the 1971 album "At Fillmore East" is particularly renowned for its extended improvisation and dynamic interplay between the band members.
Musical Style and Influence
The Allman Brothers Band's style, as exemplified in "Whipping Post," was a pioneering force in Southern rock. Their sound was characterized by the blend of blues, country, and rock elements, along with extended instrumental improvisations. "Whipping Post" became a staple of their live performances and is considered one of their signature songs.
Legacy
Over the years, "Whipping Post" has been covered by various artists and continues to be celebrated as a classic in rock music. The Allman Brothers Band's influence extended beyond their own genre, impacting the development of jam bands and improvisational music.
For more information about the history and influence of Southern rock and the Allman Brothers Band, visit MOOCit.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What unusual time signature is featured in "Whipping Post"? (11/4) (!4/4) (!3/4) (!6/8)
In what year was "Whipping Post" originally released? (1969) (!1971) (!1968) (!1970)
Who was the primary writer of "Whipping Post"? (Gregg Allman) (!Duane Allman) (!Dickey Betts) (!Berry Oakley)
What album features the famous live version of "Whipping Post"? (At Fillmore East) (!Eat a Peach) (!Brothers and Sisters) (!The Allman Brothers Band)
What genre is "Whipping Post" most associated with? (Southern rock) (!Progressive rock) (!Psychedelic rock) (!Blues rock)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
Where was The Allman Brothers Band formed? (Jacksonville, Florida) (!Macon, Georgia) (!Nashville, Tennessee) (!Atlanta, Georgia)
Which instrument was Gregg Allman known for playing in the band? (Keyboards) (!Guitar) (!Bass) (!Drums)
In what year did The Allman Brothers Band form? (1969) (!1970) (!1968) (!1971)
Which of the following songs is also a hit by The Allman Brothers Band? ("Ramblin' Man") (!"Hotel California") (!"Stairway to Heaven") (!"Sweet Home Alabama")
What is distinctive about the Allman Brothers Band's guitar setup? (Dual lead guitars) (!Triple lead guitars) (!No lead guitar, only rhythm) (!Use of only acoustic guitars)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What is the main theme of "Whipping Post" lyrics? (Heartache and pain) (!Joy and happiness) (!Travel and adventure) (!Political protest)
The lyrics "Good Lord, I feel like I'm dyin'" appear in which song? (Whipping Post) (!Melissa) (!Midnight Rider) (!Jessica)
In "Whipping Post," the singer feels tied to what? (A whipping post) (!A silver lining) (!A runaway train) (!A memory)
Which of the following lines is NOT in "Whipping Post"? (!"Sometimes I feel like I've been tied to the whipping post") ("My friends tell me that I've been such a fool") ("I can't believe I'm wasting time on you") ("Good Lord, I feel like I'm dyin'")
The emotional tone of "Whipping Post" is primarily described as? (Despairing) (!Uplifting) (!Optimistic) (!Indifferent)
Memory
Create a memory game with matching pairs for this topic.
| Gregg Allman | Wrote "Whipping Post" |
| 11/4 Time Signature | Featured in "Whipping Post" |
| 1969 | Year "Whipping Post" was released |
| Southern Rock | Genre of "Whipping Post" |
| At Fillmore East | Album with famous live version of "Whipping Post" |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Research Task: Find out more about the origins of Southern rock and list three other bands from this genre.
- Listening Task: Listen to the studio version of "Whipping Post" and note the differences in sound and feel compared to the live version.
- Creative Writing: Write a short paragraph on how the song "Whipping Post" makes you feel and why.
Standard
- Analysis Task: Analyze the lyrics of "Whipping Post" and discuss the themes of heartache and despair.
- Music Theory: Explore the 11/4 time signature used in "Whipping Post" and try to find other songs that use unusual time signatures.
- History Task: Research the history of The Allman Brothers Band and create a timeline of their major milestones.
Difficult
- Performance Task: Try to play or sing a part of "Whipping Post," focusing on capturing its emotional intensity.
- Comparison Essay: Compare and contrast "Whipping Post" with another Southern rock song from a different band.
- In-depth Study: Explore the impact of The Allman Brothers Band on the development of jam bands and improvisational music.
- Group Discussion: Organize a group discussion about how "Whipping Post" and The Allman Brothers Band influenced modern rock music.
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Oral Exam
- Discussion Topic: Discuss the importance of improvisation in The Allman Brothers Band's music, using "Whipping Post" as an example.
- Comparative Analysis: Compare the roles of Gregg Allman and Duane Allman in shaping the sound of The Allman Brothers Band.
- Reflective Question: Reflect on how the Southern rock genre, as exemplified by "Whipping Post," reflects the cultural and social milieu of the American South in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- Application Question: How might the emotional themes in "Whipping Post" be relevant to contemporary listeners, and what does this say about the universality of music?
- Creative Thought: If you were to introduce "Whipping Post" to someone who has never heard of The Allman Brothers Band, how would you describe its significance and impact?
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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