The classic Car Turn Signal is a sloppy shuffle. Like a horse walk, the turn signal clip clops along at a swinging uneven beat. Perhaps the turn signal of the automobile was designed to mimic the turning of the equestrian’s steed, harking back to that ole clippity-clop.
Compare with the equine version.
The Car Turn Signal swings out of time with any kind of music playing on your car radio. It swings in and of itself, with its own unique feel like some funky-ass drummer. Medeski, Martin, and Wood have a similar feel—dump truck funk, I believe. And of course, the horse.
Let’s not put the car before the horse. We know who the original 4/4 funkmeister is.
Epilogue:
The Automobile signaled the advent of the Jazz Age. With its brassy car horn and chugging constant rhythm, the automobile brought the far-flung romance of trains back to the streets. It makes a lot of sense to signal the new swinging era with a swinging Turn Signal. Too much sense actually.
