Intricate composition meets improv in “Girl I Need to Know” by The Flops

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue—“Girl I Need to Know” by The Flops is the perfect marriage of so many elements.

Something old: Tony Boll, one of the founding members of The Flops, originally penned the lyrics as a poem for a former professor, Dr. Jerry Williams at Marymount Manhattan College in NYC.

Something new: A few tweaks to the lines, Preston Fauver sliding around on a funky bass line, and Devin Ritts pulling the lonely lyrics along one drum beat and cymbal crash at a time. It feels simultaneously stark and robust, building out a complete world from so little.

Something borrowed: After dusting off the lyrics, The Flops wove them into a cinematic marvel. Opening on a windy, rainy soundscape, it leads into a swirling harmony. You want to light up to sober up in this film noir bar scene.

Something blue: While the piece is intricately composed, Caleb Dance improvised the jazzy sax all on a single take. It’s visceral and feels alive, just like you were sitting in a bar hearing them play.

Stream “Girl I Need to Know” below.

Ben McCoy

Ben is an advertising Madman who spends his days with words and music. When he’s not writing for his supper, he’s eating it at some of NYC’s most interesting restaurants.

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