Monthly Mixtape: Cut It Out

Attention, class! It’s time for a music theory lesson. STOP YAWNING.

Monthly Mixtape: Cut It Out

Today we’re going to learn a very important life lesson. It will answer a question that’s been burning a hole in your soul since childhood. The light bulb in your brain will not only go off, it will detonate and cause mass rhythmic destruction in your arms and legs and psyche.

Today, we’re talking about cut time music. Also sometimes referred to as half time. Also referred to as awesome.

But first, here’s what Dr. Goog has to say about it.

Cut time, also known as or alla breve, is a meter with two half-note beats per measure. It’s often symbolized by the cuttime symbol:

and also this:

Cut time (or “cut common time”) is a 4/4 time signature that’s been rhythmically “cut” to manipulate rhythm and/or tempo. Cut time can be written as 2/2, or as a c-shaped symbol with a vertical slash.

It’s basically like this: You’re jammin’ along to a song in 1, 2, 3, 4. Four beats per measure, right? This would be called common time. Then, all of a sudden, the beat is cut in half, and it drops to 1 and 2. The 1 and 2 are on the downbeat. Where the 3 would be, is now the 2. Does that make sense? ARE YOU ASLEEP?

Cut time is what makes you grooooove out of nowhere. It’s that part in the song that changes the way you move, and you could never put your finger on it. It’s all because of that beat! Cut time. Half time. It cuts you in half.

Wait, sorry.

This is another tricky thing about cut time, that dirty rascal. Some songs are in cut time the whole time! (Like the Coldplay and Led Zeppelin songs in this mixtape) And other songs may drop into cut time say, at a bridge, or the choruses. (Like the Sarah McLachlan and Dismemberment Plan songs) My playlist today is a little bit of everything. Which is even more confusing and face-punching worthy. Yay?

So get out your number twos and sharpen up those ear holes! Can you find the cut time? Can you hear it? Your body knows it, but does your miiiiiiieeeeeeeend?

NO YOU CANNOT HAVE THE HALL PASS, SIT DOWN.

I give you. . . the “Cut It Out” mix.

You can also just click this business and it will take you right there.

Okay, POP QUIZ. Just kidding.

This time last year.

(p.s. I love October!)

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

, , , , , ,

11 Responses to Monthly Mixtape: Cut It Out

  1. Lindsay October 4, 2016 at 8:03 am #
    Will you marry me? Swoooooon. My ever loving music heart just skipped a beat with this post. Get it?!? GET IT?!?! I'm sorry. I adore you. The end.
  2. Leslie October 4, 2016 at 11:06 am #
    how to find you on spotify??
    • Bev Weidner October 4, 2016 at 11:12 am #
      Here we go! I'm Beverly Weidner. Let me know if you have trouble. This is the link. https://open.spotify.com/user/1246052520
      • Leslie October 5, 2016 at 11:05 pm #
        Haha thanks, was searching Bevcooks!
  3. Heather October 4, 2016 at 4:06 pm #
    I love your playlists. As one month is nearing an end and I'm anxious about what the new month will hold I think "oh a new playlist is coming soon!" I'm not kidding. Anyway I'm really digging this one, Weezer and Led Zepplin really hit the spot on this dreary gray day.
    • Heather October 4, 2016 at 4:15 pm #
      Ps how have I not heard Lucero until now?!
      • Bev Weidner October 5, 2016 at 8:42 am #
        I love that you love my playlists! That makes my day. And omg, Lucero. I've been listening to them, and have known them personally for like, 18 years. You have to go back and listen to some early stuff. SO GOOD. So. Good.
  4. Libby October 24, 2016 at 5:52 pm #
    This is an awesome playlist. Thanks for the education - I've always wondered what makes some of these songs so addicting!!
  5. Charly Rich March 10, 2021 at 3:24 pm #
    Informative article I was searching for this information on google

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Monthly Mixtape: Crispy Leaves and Chilly Knees | Bev Cooks - October 3, 2017 […] This time last year. […]

Leave a Reply