GuanoLad
I thought the expression “Take 5” was musicians’ slang for take a break. (presumably 5 minutes ?) Another expression (though not as common) is “Take Ten”.
So, whatever, the reason for naming “Take 5”, I doubt it is because the song is in 5/4 time.
I like the count-off in Joy Division’s Warsaw.
THREE FIVE OH ONE TWO FIVE GO!
Yeah, I always figured that was a pun. It’s kind of relaxing muzak in style, but it also has an unusual time signature.
From here:
I am notorious for changing the tempo of songs live. Not a problem solo but when playing with the guys they insist on an accurate count. Sometimes you hear only two, three, four, which seems the same as one, two, three to me but my drummer insist it is not the same and confuses him. I had the idea of counting off nine, three, six, five but they didn’t like that idea either.
So when I do my air drumming, I should be thinking of 1 2 3 4, 1 2 3 4, 1 2 3 4?
Oh, and do any of these reasons apply to the Ramones?
Ever hear their live recordings?
“Strum, crash”
“1234!!”
“Crash, strum”