Sam Edelston can rock the duclimer. On his YouTube channel, he writes: “Dulcimers are natural rock instruments. In fact, I even say that dulcimers are among the world’s coolest musical instruments, and they deserve to be known by the general public — the way that everybody knows guitars and ukuleles. Though usually associated with old folk songs and tunes, dulcimers are great for a shocking variety of modern music, too. I do these videos to inspire more people to play and listen to dulcimer music, in diverse, non-traditional styles.” Above, watch him cover the Ramones’ 1978 classic “I Wanna Be Sedated.” Find more covers of Zeppelin, the Stones & Beatles here. And yet more covers–including Bowie’s “Space Oddity” and Sabbath’s “War Pigs”–on the Contemporary Dulcimer YouTube Channel. Enjoy.
If you would like to sign up for Open Culture’s free email newsletter, please find it here. Or follow our posts on Threads, Facebook, BlueSky or Mastodon.
If you would like to support the mission of Open Culture, consider making a donation to our site. It’s hard to rely 100% on ads, and your contributions will help us continue providing the best free cultural and educational materials to learners everywhere. You can contribute through PayPal, Patreon, and Venmo (@openculture). Thanks!
Related Content:
Finnish Musicians Play Bluegrass Versions of AC/DC, Iron Maiden & Ronnie James Dio
A Bluegrass Version of Metallica’s Heavy Metal Hit, “Enter Sandman”
Pakistani Musicians Play Amazing Version of Dave Brubeck’s Jazz Classic, “Take Five”
Watch Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Chile’ Performed on a Gayageum, a Traditional Korean Instrument
The headline is, “Punk Dulcimer: Hear The Ramones’ “I Wanna Be Sedated” Played on the Dulcimer.” This is NOT The Ramones “I Want to be Sedated.” It’s Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.” Sheesh.
“I Want to be Sedated” is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dq5Ch5Hw-m8 — but they really should fix the link.
Sorry for screwing that up! We made the fix.…
OC
I’m grateful that they spelled my name right. Big thanks to whoever posted this — and thanks also to LJ Wolfe for adding the “I Wanna Be Sedated” link here in the comments!
For good measure, here’s a more recent, live video of “Lucy in the Sky” from a Beatles festival in North Carolina. I actually got a speaking role in this one. Music begins around 2:50. https://youtu.be/SleDwWO1lP4
Enjoy! And thanks for reading!
Was hoping to see the musician rocking-out on the dulcimer in the style of a rock guitarist…striking some cool poses…playing the instrument like a lap steel is somehow not very rock and roll…still not convinced the dulcimer rocks…