KORD
One-hit wonder, or song of the summer? Either way, Blind Melon’s “No Rain” rose to the top of the U.S. rock charts on its way to going multi-platinum.
Lead Vocal: Shannon Hoon
Although Blind Melon bassist Brad Smith was the original author of “No Rain,” it was singer Shannon Hoon’s personality and unique vocal approach that helped propel the tune to the top of the alternative/rock charts in 1992. This vocal track reveals a relatively dry, right-in-front vocal sound, with occasional heavy reverb particularly when singer Shannon Hoon sings the word “escape.” There is also a slight flanging effect audible that lends an eerie, unsteady edge to the performance.
Vocal Harmonies: Shannon Hoon
As with many successful pop songs, harmony vocal lines contribute greatly to the appeal of a hook and to the song overall. Shannon Hoon’s harmony choices in “No Rain” are unique, almost twee in comparison to the muscular approach favored by contemporaries such as Soundgarden and Alice In Chains. But surely they had deep, if not subconcious, effect on listeners who latched on to the song’s ambivalent combination of joy and pathos. In contrast to the main vocal track, this track utilizes heavy reverb simulating a large room or hall.
Acoustic Guitar: Christopher Thorn
Originally sung by, and played on acoustic guitar by bassist Brad Smith before Blind Melon was founded, “No Rain” was reportedly in Smith’s repertoire during his busking days in Venice Beach. This guitar track played by Christopher Thorn is panned hard to the left.
Electric Guitar: Rogers Stevens
Laden with effects, specifically a long analog delay, this essentially 3 minute and 36 second guitar solo slinks its way through the song, dancing around the vocal lines. Guitarist Roger Stevens leans heavily on the E Mixolydian mode (scale) which is not surprising considering the song’s spiritual ancestors include the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers. Like so many legendary classic rock guitar heroes who came before Stevens, he utilized a “blackface” Fender Champ amplifier from the 1960s to record this song. With only only five watts of power, this amp produces a beautiful, creamy, natural overdriven tone when turned up to just the right volume level.
Bass: Brad Smith
The bass sound-of-the-day is featured here in all its glory. (Seinfeld anyone?). Played on a Fender Jazz Bass by Brad Smith, this bouncy, rolling bassline does exactly what it should: create just enough interest to tonally anchor and rhythmically propel a predominantly 2-chord number.
Percussion: Glenn Graham
Performed by drummer Glenn Graham, the finger snapping at the top and during the outro, as well as the shaker dutifully maintain the groove throughout.
Drums: Glenn Graham
One of the most surprising things about “No Rain,” a smash pop song, is the fact that the drums do not enter until nearly two minutes in. Listened to in isolation, the rhythmic pattern seems informed by jazz drumming of a bygone era. Graham plays some fantastic trills and grace notes on the snare that help to propel the song forward.
Released: September 22, 1992
Recorded at London Bridge Studio
Produced By Rick Parashar
No Rain – KORD-0009
