3 - Joker

            Joker begins with a driving opening riff played on guitar. It serves to establish the tempo    and provide a 16th note pattern which is joined by the other instruments in a unison fill at the end of the phrase followed by "Cuban triplet" hits. (Introduction) The square wave then plays the melody for the verse, (Section A) while drums and bass provide a galloping rhythm underneath. Next is the pre-chorus, (Section B) which has a semi-latin feel and melody played on soprano sax. There is a 16th note motif from the guitar in the background during this section.
           The chorus (Section C) goes to half time as a contrast to the previous sections. Guitar and piano share a call and response melody; the saxophone enters halfway through this section to double the guitar. A Cuban triplet rhythm echoes the ending of section A to conclude the chorus. Afterwards, verse, pre-chorus and chorus are repeated.
           There is a shift to 12/8 for the bridge, (Section D) which becomes a semi-shuffle. The instruments play a unison interlude line similar in concept to that heard on the bridge found of Hold Fast.
            The title of the piece is based on Pvt. Pyle from the film Full Metal Jacket. Pvt. Pyle would speak the name of his fellow marine, Joker, in an ominous and pitiful manner. The phrases uttered by Pyle have become popular among aficionados of the film and this piece is an homage to the character. There is no connection to a DC comics villain and any resemblance to clowns, jesters, mimes or other humorous professions is purely coincidental. Joker is exciting and there are some hints of the ridiculous, but there is a subtle sadness which serves as a reminder of Pvt. Pyle's tragic fate. The full form is as follows:

             I
             A
             B
             C
             A
             B
             C
             D
             C (2x)
             O