The Troggs - Wild Thing - 1966
Introduction to "Wild Thing" by The Troggs (1966)
Wild Thing, released in 1966, is one of the most iconic rock songs of the 1960s. Performed by The Troggs, it quickly became a symbol of the rebellious spirit of the era. The song's simple, catchy melody and raw energy made it a favorite among audiences and has since been covered by numerous artists. In this aiMOOC, you'll dive deep into the history, impact, and musicality of "Wild Thing."
The History of "Wild Thing"
Wild Thing was originally written by American songwriter Chip Taylor and first recorded by the American band The Wild Ones in 1965. However, it was The Troggs' version, released in 1966, that became a massive hit. The Troggs were an English rock band, part of the British Invasion, influencing many garage rock and punk rock musicians.
The Musical Style of "Wild Thing"
The song is known for its raw and simple three-chord structure, typical of garage rock style. The use of a catchy, repeated guitar riff and an ocarina solo in the middle of the song adds to its distinctive sound. This simplicity in structure made it easily accessible and coverable by other artists.
The Legacy of "Wild Thing"
"Wild Thing" has been covered by many artists, including Jimi Hendrix, who famously performed it at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. The song's influence extends beyond music, reflecting the cultural and social changes of the 1960s. It's often cited in lists of the greatest songs in rock music history.
The Troggs
The Troggs, formed in 1964, are known for their raw and straightforward musical style. Their other hits include "Love Is All Around" and "With a Girl Like You." Despite their short peak of popularity, their influence on garage rock and punk music is significant.
Further Exploration
Quiz: Questions on the Song
In which year was "Wild Thing" by The Troggs released? (1966) (!1965) (!1967) (!1968)
Who originally wrote "Wild Thing"? (Chip Taylor) (!Bob Dylan) (!Mick Jagger) (!Keith Richards)
What instrument is featured in the solo of "Wild Thing"? (Ocarina) (!Saxophone) (!Electric Guitar) (!Harmonica)
Which festival featured a famous cover of "Wild Thing" by Jimi Hendrix? (Monterey Pop Festival) (!Woodstock) (!Isle of Wight Festival) (!Altamont Free Concert)
What is the primary musical style of "Wild Thing"? (Garage Rock) (!Psychedelic Rock) (!Folk Rock) (!Blues Rock)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What is the nationality of The Troggs? (English) (!American) (!Australian) (!Canadian)
Which of these songs is also a hit by The Troggs? ("Love Is All Around") (!"Satisfaction") (!"Hey Jude") (!"Light My Fire")
In what year did The Troggs form? (1964) (!1962) (!1966) (!1960)
Which music movement were The Troggs a part of? (British Invasion) (!Psychedelic Movement) (!Grunge Movement) (!Disco Era)
How is the sound of The Troggs often described? (Raw and straightforward) (!Complex and experimental) (!Soft and melodic) (!Electronic and futuristic)
Quiz: Questions on the Lyrics
How does the chorus of "Wild Thing" begin? ("Wild Thing, you make my heart sing") (!"Wild Thing, you set my soul free") (!"Wild Thing, you bring the spring") (!"Wild Thing, you are everything")
Which of these lines is NOT in the song "Wild Thing"? (!"I think I love you") ("You move me") ("I love you") ("You make everything groovy")
What does the singer say Wild Thing makes everything? (Groovy) (!Crazy) (!Exciting) (!Magical)
How does the singer describe his feelings for Wild Thing in the song? (He thinks he loves her) (!He knows he loves her) (!He might love her) (!He used to love her)
Which of these is a repeated line in "Wild Thing"? ("Wild Thing") (!"Come on, come on") (!"Yeah, yeah, yeah") (!"Love me, love me")
Memory
| The Troggs | English rock band |
| 1966 | Release year of "Wild Thing" |
| Chip Taylor | Original songwriter of "Wild Thing" |
| Ocarina Solo | Unique feature in "Wild Thing" |
| Garage Rock | Main style of "Wild Thing" |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Research Early Influences: Research and write a short essay on the early influences of garage rock and how they might have impacted The Troggs.
- Design a 60s Rock Poster: Create a concert poster for The Troggs during the 1960s, incorporating period-appropriate artistic styles.
Standard
- Compare and Contrast: Compare "Wild Thing" by The Troggs with another cover version, discussing the differences in style and interpretation.
- Music Analysis: Analyze the guitar riff of "Wild Thing" and explain why it's so memorable and effective.
Difficult
- Create a Cover Version: Record your own cover of "Wild Thing," experimenting with a different genre or instrumentation.
- The Troggs' Influence: Write an in-depth essay on how The Troggs influenced later punk and garage rock bands.
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Oral Exam
- Discuss the Cultural Impact: Discuss the cultural impact of "Wild Thing" in the context of the 1960s.
- Exploring the British Invasion: Explain the role of The Troggs in the British Invasion and its significance in music history.
- Musical Simplicity vs. Complexity: Debate whether the simplicity of "Wild Thing" contributes to or detracts from its artistic value.
- Cover Versions: Discuss how different artists' interpretations of "Wild Thing" reflect their own styles and the era in which they performed it.
- The Troggs' Musical Style: Analyze the musical style of The Troggs and how it set them apart from their contemporaries.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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