Listening Guides

Listening Guide 24.1

"Satellite" 6 beats per measure

iTune link = Satellite

ELAPSED TIME	FORM	EVENT DESCRIPTION
:00	Intro	Acoustic Guitar pattern 4 measures, repeats 3 more times with a short violin and soprano saxophone pattern overlaid (16 measures total)
:45	Verse 1	Vocal and drums enter (8 measures)
1:08	Chorus 1	Harmonized vocals, chorus concludes with the intro pattern (8 measures + 4 measures)
1:42	Verse 2	Vocal (8 measures)
2:05	Chorus 2	Harmonized vocals, chorus concludes with the intro pattern (8 measures + 4 measures)
2:40	Bridge 1	Harmonized violin and saxophone, vocal (12 measures)
3:14	Verse 3	Vocal (8 measures)
3:37	Chorus 3	Harmonized vocals, chorus concludes with the intro pattern (8 measures + 4 measures)
4:14	Bridge 2	Harmonized violin and saxophone (10 Measures)
4:41	Ending	Intro figure with abrupt stop (2 measures)

Analysis of "Satellite" Remember Two Things

The Dave Matthews Band is noted for its intricate rhythmic work, reflected in its compositions and through the remarkable work of the band's drummer, Carter Beauford. "Satellite" features a recurring rhythmic pattern—an ostinato—over a six-beat meter. The acoustic guitar states the ostinato in the introduction, then the violin and saxophone layer another patter over it: Rest-2-3-4-5-6. As the vocal verse begins, so does the drum beat, hitting his snare drum halfway through the pattern, on beat 4. On the choruses, Beauford plays a busier beat.
The bridge of the song features a lovely ascending melodic figure, played in harmony by the violin and saxophone. At the end of this portion of the song, the last measure is cut in half, only three beats instead of six.
The form of the song is a bit unusual in that it ends with a second bridge instead of a chorus. The intro riff is played at the end of the song, ending quite abruptly.

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