We’ve never been shy to admit that a little bit of good xylophone goes a long way. That’s why we wholeheartedly enjoyed immersing ourselves in a unique sleep song this week: Rockabye Baby’s lullaby cover version of the Maroon 5 hit Moves Like Jagger.
Who knew this song was so well suited to put little babies to sleep? And tired adults. And exhausted athletes. And on top of that, the YouTube video of this song includes a little bear in diapers living out his rock star fantasy. What’s not to love?
Lyrical Analysis
Lyrical analysis of this song is pretty much a moot point since it’s an instrumental cover. However, we of the sleep think a little exploration of the instruments used could be of use to those of the heavy eyelids. The xylophone takes center stage here, offering the listener a delightful interplay between a bass line of rich tones and terse high notes twirling out the playful melody.
A güiro – the wooden Latin-American percussion instrument played with a rubbing stick – provides rhythmic accents (click here for a güiro tutorial by a mesmerizing German instructor). Later in the number a harp makes an appearance. Shakers provide a decent back beat. A slide whistle adds the occasional cheer in the same way that lemony notes enliven a cup Starbucks Ethiopian Sidamo.
Sleepability
Listening to Rockabye Baby’s lullaby version of Moves Like Jagger is an ethereal experience. The song is most effective when enjoyed with your eyes closed. In doing so, you’ll slowly get the sense that you’re being transported from the madness of your daily life into a Japanese tea room where diapered bears tend to delightful zen gardens.
Rockabye Baby will release an entire CD of Maroon 5 covers on August 19. Their rendition of Payphone is particularly moving. Were it not for the instant slumber the song induces, you’d probably shed a tear. Listen to more Maroon 5 lullaby covers at www.rockabyebabymusic.com. We give this song high marks for both its simplicity and its ability to lull you into diapered-bear dreaminess.
Our Somnium Sleep Song Rating (4 out of 5 Somnium springs)
