Oct 5 2022

Short Stuff: Scratching

Short Stuff 14 min 2 movies discussed
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Listen in today as we salute turntablism, aka, record scratching.

AI Summary

# Stuff You Should Know - Record Scratching Summary

In this episode, Josh and Chuck dive into the surprisingly complex world of record scratching and turntableism, tracing how a teenager's accidental discovery in 1970s New York became a foundational technique in hip-hop and electronic music. They break down the difference between scratching and cutting, explain techniques like the crab and transformer scratch, and highlight how Herbie Hancock's 1984 Grammy performance of "Rockit" introduced the mainstream world to turntables as genuine instruments rather than just music playback devices. The guys use helpful YouTube tutorials to explain these techniques while keeping the focus on the early history of this surprisingly sophisticated art form that requires serious hand-eye coordination and musical skill.


Movies Discussed

Bohemian Rhapsody
Bohemian Rhapsody
2018 PG-13 2h 15m
★ 8.0
"Close in on Brian May looking totally astounded and amazed in awe. Oh, goodness. I still like that movie. — Chuck references the movie version of the story about DJ Grand Wizard Theodore discovering scratching, comparing it to how the Bohemian Rhapsody film dramatizes moments." — Chuck
Miami Vice
Miami Vice
1984
★ 7.5
"I remember being 12 and 13 years old and seeing Rocket the video for the first time. — Chuck discusses the music video for Herbie Hancock's 'Rockit' and how watching it as a child impacted him and introduced scratching to mainstream audiences." — Chuck

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