Material Culture and Sonic connections”Iko Iko”
The most important element of material culture relating to the song “Iko Iko” is instrumentation and the artist’s unique creative process. The artist’s level of creativity determines the ultimate musical product. This song has a special connection with the tradition of New Orleans. Most certainly when one thinks about popular music in New Orleans, “Iko Iko” must be present. In fact, Dr. John recorded this song on his 1972 album called “Dr. John’s Gumbo”. He says “this album is like a picture of the music New Orleans people listen to, a combination of Dixieland, Rock and Roll, and Funk. It is basic goodtime New Orleans blues and stomp music with a little Dixieland jazz and some Spanish rumba blues” (Lichtenstein, Pg. 150-151).
Dr. John’s version of “Iko Iko” reminds me of Fats Domino music. He plays the piano in such a masterful way that it reminds me of “Ain’t that a Shame” or “Blueberry Hill”. In 1975, John Lennon performed a stellar version of “Ain’t That a Shame” on his record album “Rock and Roll”. Fats Domino is a native resident of the great city of New Orleans.
In the Dixie Cups version of “Iko Iko”, it is apparent that the recording is extremely percussive. It sounds like they are keeping the beat by tapping on glass bottles or ashtrays. According to the book “Musical Gumbo”, “in 1964, the city’s only girl group, the Dixie Cups had a hit with a pop tune, “Chapel of Love”. The following year, they redid the old Sugar Boy Crawford tune “Jockamo”, called it “Iko Iko,” and succeeded in getting the old Mardi Gras tune on the national charts (Pg.123, Lichtenstein).
What’s amazing with the Dixie Cups version is that the only instrumentation is handclapping, tapping on glass bottles or ashtrays, and repetitive vocals. It’s rhythm is extremely percussive and it defines the Afro-Caribbean style. It’s just a fun little tune that uses found instruments in the studio!
Dr. John would later star on the Band’s “Last Waltz concert” in November 1976. The same type of mastery that he uses on “Iko Iko”, he used on a song called “Such a Night”. Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Robbie Robertson, Rick Danko, Ringo Starr, Van Morrison and Ronnie Wood are only a few artists that worked with Dr. John during that concert. Dr. John’s unique playing style brings the magic of the music alive.
In conclusion, the way the Dixie Cups sing and play on “Iko Iko” is very unique and their soulful vocals pay tribute to it’s legacy! The instrumentation is essential to the song’s craft. Both Dr. John and The Dixie Cups are amazing! Played in a celebratory manner, “Iko Iko” will always be a highlight of New Orleans musical melting pot! The celebratory sonic rhythms are what makes “Iko Iko” so special!
Works Cited
Lichtenstein, Grace, and Laura Dankner. Mucho Gumbo: The Music of New Orleans.
New York: W.W. Norton, 1993. Print.
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