Unsung wonders

 by Lana Burke
 published on Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Like many others, journalism senior Danielle Ciraola has no idea what a melodica is.

The melodica, a small instrument that looks like a keyboard with a pipe protruding from one end, is one of several instruments that — despite their use in mainstream music — rarely get any press. Or respect.

Despite a decidedly toy-ish appearance and sounding like a mix of a harmonica and an accordion, musicians such as Ben Folds, New Order, Oasis and many others have featured melodicas in songs. Elvis Presley even has a song featuring a melodica solo.

Also getting less credit than it deserves is the accordion, a more-recognizable cousin of the melodica.

While typically associated with the humiliating experience known as polka dancing, it's used in music more than most realize.

Musician "Weird Al" Yankovic is practically synonymous with accordion playing. And while Yankovic hardly brings indie cred, bands such as Gogol Bordello and The Decemberists prominently feature accordions as well. Music legend John Lennon also dabbled in accordion, according to the "Beatles Anthology," having played the instrument as a child.

Another instrument garnering little respect is the kazoo, a popular instrument in kindergarten classrooms.

The kazoo is played by humming into one end of the instrument, producing a buzzing quality to the tune.

The kazoo is no stranger to mainstream music and boasts an impressive list of bands to its résumé. It has been used by artists like Jimi Hendrix, Hot Chip, The Killers, Pink Floyd and even the Beatles, on their record "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."

Ciraola says she isn't much of musician and that she doesn't recognize a kazoo.

"It looks like a bubble pipe to me," Ciraola says.

Therein lies the sad fate of these instruments. They are doomed to be thought of as toys and outcasts, and the world is deprived of knowledge of their capabilities and quirky charm.

— lana.burke@asu.edu