flips

The Flip Side: A Groovy History of Flips in Music

Flip, flip, flip! Those sweet sounds of vinyl spinning, DJ’s scratching, and beats dropping – it all stems from the “flip,” a cornerstone of music history, and a source of endless grooves and chuckles.

The earliest flips were born from the very essence of the record itself. Back in the day, a single vinyl record would hold two songs, the “A-side” and the “B-side.” These “B-sides” were often viewed as the “lesser” side, a space for experimentation or unreleased tracks. But hey, sometimes the B-side was the real banger!

In the 1970s and 80s, the “flip” evolved further with the rise of hip hop. DJs would use turntables to manipulate the “flip” of a record, creating the iconic “scratching” sound. This technique, pioneered by figures like Grandmaster Flash and Kool Herc, allowed for the creation of entirely new sounds, often based on the “B-side” of a record.

But flips weren’t just about scratching. DJs also used the “flip” to weave together different songs, creating mixes and mashups. These “flips” often brought together unlikely pairings, creating new musical landscapes and sparking the imaginations of listeners.

Speaking of unlikely pairings, here are some funny facts about the flip side of music:

Flip Side Fun Facts:

• David Bowie’s hit “Changes” was originally a B-side track!
• The B-side of The Beatles’ “Hey Jude” featured a song called “Revolution,” a politically charged anthem that was later released as a single.
• The B-side of The Rolling Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” was a bluesy track called “Child of the Moon,” proving that even rock gods weren’t immune to the allure of a good B-side.

Today, the “flip” continues to be a vital part of music, with DJs and producers using it to create new sounds and push the boundaries of creativity. So, next time you put on a record or listen to a DJ set, remember the “flip” – it’s the unsung hero of music history, and it always adds a little something extra to the groove!