Welcome to episode three, The Ancient Sampler: A History and Evolution of the Mellotron.

The mellotron is a keyboard instrument operating with magnetic tape loops invented in the early 1960s that revolutionized the way novice and professional musicians alike could manipulate sound by providing the instruments of a full orchestra at our fingertips. This episode discusses the history of the mellotron, how it rose in popularity and then faded out as digital technology took over.

Tracks in episode in order in which they appear:

Stevie Wonder – Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants

The Moody Blues – Love and Beauty

Jan and Dean – Save for a Rainy Day Theme

The Beach Boys – Wild Honey

Clearlight – 2nd Movement

The Beatles – Strawberry Fields Forever

Yes – And You and I

The Rolling Stones – 2000 Light Years from Home

Tangerine Dream – Phaedra

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – Souvenir

Genesis – Watcher of the Skies

 

References:

https://nmc.ca/an-orchestra-at-your-fingertips/

https://tragicpurplebeacon.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/50-great-songs-featuring-a-mellotron/

http://ultimateclassicrock.com/mellotron-songs/

http://www.kleonard.com/mellotron/mpb20060107/qdivision2.htm   

http://www.masterbits.de/mello_e.htm

http://www.musictech.net/2014/06/studio-icons-mellotron/

http://www.gforcesoftware.com/products/thestreetlytapesvol2

https://www.reddit.com/r/progrockmusic/comments/293j71/favourite_mellotron_heavy_songs/   

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/11/29/667691/-

https://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct07/articles/mellotronm4000.htm

http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/1960s-1970s-songs-featuring-a-chamberlin-keyboard.341345/

http://120years.net/chamberlin-rhythmate-harry-chamberlin-usa1949/

http://www.aes.org/aeshc/docs/recording.technology.history/magnetic4.html