Gnarls Barkley Crazy Spaghetti Western 1968 Sample Source
“Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley is a song that has been heard and loved by millions of people all over the world. The song was released in 2006 and became an instant hit, topping charts in several countries. The song’s unique blend of soul, funk, and rock music, along with its memorable lyrics, made it an instant classic. But did you know that the song’s famous opening riff is actually a sample taken from an obscure 1968 Italian Spaghetti Western movie soundtrack?
The Sample
The sample used in “Crazy” was taken from a track called “Nel Cimitero Di Tucson” by the Italian composer Gianfranco Reverberi. The track was part of the soundtrack for the 1968 Spaghetti Western movie “Preparati La Bara!” (which translates to “Prepare the Coffin!” in English). The movie was directed by Ferdinando Baldi, and starred Terence Hill and Bud Spencer, who were both famous actors in the Spaghetti Western genre.
The opening riff of “Crazy” is actually a looped sample of the main melody from “Nel Cimitero Di Tucson”. The sample was used prominently throughout the song, and was one of the key elements that made “Crazy” such a memorable track.
Who is Gianfranco Reverberi?
Gianfranco Reverberi is an Italian composer and arranger who has worked in the music industry for over five decades. He was born in Genoa, Italy in 1934, and began his career as a musician in the 1950s. Reverberi is best known for his work in the Italian soundtrack industry, particularly in the Spaghetti Western genre. He has composed and arranged music for dozens of movies, including some of the most famous Spaghetti Westerns of all time.
Reverberi’s music has been sampled by several other artists over the years, but “Crazy” remains one of the most famous examples of his work being used in a modern pop song.
Why Did Gnarls Barkley Use the Sample?
Gnarls Barkley, the musical duo consisting of CeeLo Green and Danger Mouse, chose to use the sample from “Nel Cimitero Di Tucson” because they were fans of Spaghetti Western movies and the music that accompanied them. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Danger Mouse explained that he had been collecting Spaghetti Western soundtracks for years, and that he was particularly drawn to Reverberi’s music. The duo decided to use the sample in “Crazy” because they felt that it perfectly captured the mood and vibe of the song they were trying to create.
The Legacy of “Crazy”
“Crazy” has become one of the most iconic songs of the 21st century, and its influence can still be heard in pop music today. The song’s use of a sample from an obscure Spaghetti Western soundtrack helped to introduce a new generation of listeners to the music of Gianfranco Reverberi and the world of Spaghetti Westerns. It also helped to cement Gnarls Barkley’s place in music history as one of the most innovative and creative acts of the 2000s.
In conclusion, the sample used in “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley was taken from a track called “Nel Cimitero Di Tucson” by Gianfranco Reverberi, a composer and arranger best known for his work in the Italian Spaghetti Western genre. The sample was chosen by Gnarls Barkley because they were fans of Spaghetti Western movies and the music that accompanied them. The song’s use of the sample helped to introduce a new generation of listeners to the world of Spaghetti Westerns, and cemented “Crazy” as one of the most iconic songs of the 21st century.
