Country & Western have fused with different genres quite successfully to create new popular genres. We will look at Country Blues and Country Rock.
Country Blues
Crossroads in Music (p. 225) explains that “the use of country instrumentation and country-style lyrics” combined with blues music “led to the term ‘country blues.’”
An example of an artist performing in this style is Stevie Ray Vaughan. Crossroads in Music (p. 225) mentions that Vaughan “developed a guitar performance style that was a unique blend of blues, jazz, rock, and country, a blend that audiences found to be very exciting. The Rolling Stone Magazine listed Stevie Ray Vaughan #7 in their list of 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Stevie Ray Vaughan is another guitarist that died young – he was killed in a helicopter crash.
Listen to “Texas Flood” below:
Country Rock / Southern Rock
Country Rock is a blend of rock ‘n roll, country music, and some blues elements. It is also sometimes referred to as “Southern Rock.” One example of Southern Rock would be Creedence Clearwater Revival. Here is “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?”
Listen to Kid Rock’s “All Summer Long.” Kid Rock, who has won five Grammy awards, performs in different genres which include hip-hop, heavy metal, rock, blues rock, as well as country music. He is known as a "crossover" artist. “Crossover” is a term used to describe music or artists that is difficult to define, as one can label them within more than one genre. How would you label "All Summer Long"?
Another “crossover” artist is Sheryl Crow. She mixes Rock, Country-styles, and pop. One of her most famous songs is “If It Makes You Happy.”
Listen to this beautiful duet “Picture” by Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow. This song is clearly influenced by Country & Western, and, as is typical of the genre, it tells a story.
An important feature of country rock (which influenced how typical rock music is written as well) is the verse-chorus form. "In this form, each statement of the chorus (also called "refrain") repeats the same words, but each statement of the verse (also called "stanza") has different words. Most often these verses are used to tell a story or to provide additional information about a topic" (Crossroads in Music, p. 217).
Country & Western Christian Music (and CCM)
Through Old-Time music, we have already established that Country & Western music has a folk song connection, and is similar to the blues. Also like blues that have a close relationship to religious music (spirituals and Gospel music), so too Country & Western have always had a strong connection with religious music. It is probable that while the religious foundation for the blues was the spirituals (an African lineage), for Country Music it was hymns (a European lineage).
Below are examples of religious Country & Western music.
Let’s start with a bluegrass performance by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, aka The Foggy Mountain Boys. The name for the “Soggy Bottom Boys”, the fictional bluegrass band in the movie “O Brother Where Art Thou” to whom we listened to before may have been inspired by the Foggy Mountain Boys. We will listen to them perform “When the Saints Go Marching In.” We have heard this song before in most of the genres we have discussed so far; by now you should recognize that it is quite a successful meme.
One of my favorite bluegrass gospel songs is by Alison Krauss and the Union Station. Listen to it here.
Jim Reeves, the professional baseball player turned singer, is one of the most noted singers of Christian music in the Country & Western style. Below is another story-song, “The Farmer and the Lord”:
Here is another song performed by Jim Reeves. Take note of the orchestration: the fiddle to give the melody, a piano for harmony, and a guitar for rhythm.
There are many noteworthy Country & Western Christian songs that have stood the test of time. One such a song is “One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus.” It was originally written by Marijohn Wilken and Kris Kristofferson (both well established singer/songwriters). Kris Kristofferson also wrote the song “Me and Bobby McGhee,” one of Janis Joplin’s most famous covers. The song “One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus” was written in 1974 and was covered by hundreds of artists. We will listen to one of the most famous renditions, by Cristy Lane.
When I think of Country Music one of the first faces that come to mind is Dolly Parton. She has been in the music industry for almost 50 years and is known as the "Queen of Country Music." One of her most famous songs is "I will Always Love You," covered by many artists, including Whitney Houston. Here is Dolly Parton singing another memorable Country & Western Gospel song “There is Power in the Blood.” Note the leader-chorus feature in this song. This should remind you of the Gospel music we have covered before. (Listen to Mahalia Jackson singing “There is Power in the Blood” in the Gospel style)
The interaction between Gospel music and Country & Western Christian music is a strong one, with artists borrowing songs and adapting it to their respective genres.
Country & Western Christian music's success is an undeniable element in the development of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). CCM refers to pop-music (in different genres) that focus on Christian themes. An example of a CCM-ensemble in the Country & Western style is the Gaither Vocal Band (which you heard before when we discussed “Harmony”). Listen to them perform one of their most successful songs, “Alpha and Omega.” The song doesn’t sound much like any of the Country & Western music we have heard so far. What Country & Western elements can you identify in the song? Apart from Country & Western music, what other genres do you think influenced this song?
Below are examples of religious Country & Western music.
Let’s start with a bluegrass performance by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, aka The Foggy Mountain Boys. The name for the “Soggy Bottom Boys”, the fictional bluegrass band in the movie “O Brother Where Art Thou” to whom we listened to before may have been inspired by the Foggy Mountain Boys. We will listen to them perform “When the Saints Go Marching In.” We have heard this song before in most of the genres we have discussed so far; by now you should recognize that it is quite a successful meme.
One of my favorite bluegrass gospel songs is by Alison Krauss and the Union Station. Listen to it here.
Jim Reeves, the professional baseball player turned singer, is one of the most noted singers of Christian music in the Country & Western style. Below is another story-song, “The Farmer and the Lord”:
Here is another song performed by Jim Reeves. Take note of the orchestration: the fiddle to give the melody, a piano for harmony, and a guitar for rhythm.
There are many noteworthy Country & Western Christian songs that have stood the test of time. One such a song is “One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus.” It was originally written by Marijohn Wilken and Kris Kristofferson (both well established singer/songwriters). Kris Kristofferson also wrote the song “Me and Bobby McGhee,” one of Janis Joplin’s most famous covers. The song “One Day at a Time, Sweet Jesus” was written in 1974 and was covered by hundreds of artists. We will listen to one of the most famous renditions, by Cristy Lane.
When I think of Country Music one of the first faces that come to mind is Dolly Parton. She has been in the music industry for almost 50 years and is known as the "Queen of Country Music." One of her most famous songs is "I will Always Love You," covered by many artists, including Whitney Houston. Here is Dolly Parton singing another memorable Country & Western Gospel song “There is Power in the Blood.” Note the leader-chorus feature in this song. This should remind you of the Gospel music we have covered before. (Listen to Mahalia Jackson singing “There is Power in the Blood” in the Gospel style)
The interaction between Gospel music and Country & Western Christian music is a strong one, with artists borrowing songs and adapting it to their respective genres.
Country & Western Christian music's success is an undeniable element in the development of Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). CCM refers to pop-music (in different genres) that focus on Christian themes. An example of a CCM-ensemble in the Country & Western style is the Gaither Vocal Band (which you heard before when we discussed “Harmony”). Listen to them perform one of their most successful songs, “Alpha and Omega.” The song doesn’t sound much like any of the Country & Western music we have heard so far. What Country & Western elements can you identify in the song? Apart from Country & Western music, what other genres do you think influenced this song?
Yodeling: Natural and Synthesized
As already mentioned, country music has its origin in European folk music, particularly the British Isles. There is another feature often heard in the vocals of country music which is not rooted in the folk music of the British Isles, but rather Austria, Switzerland, and Italy – it is known as yodeling. Yodeling “involves the alternating between a natural tone (lower pitch) and a falsetto tone (higher) pitch). This folk technique was used by popular and folk musicians in other parts of the world and was adopted by the cowboy singers of the American West.”
Listen to Patsy Montana yodel in the song “I Want to be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart.”
What is the function of the yodeling in this song?
Listen to Hank Williams use the yodeling technique in the song “Lovesick Blues.” Note how his use of the yodeling technique is different from Patsy Montana’s.
Now listen to modern artists that replicate the yodel effect synthetically through controllers (for example by using Auto-Tuners or Vocoders).
Cher singing “Believe” (1998):
Kanye West performs “Heartless” (2008):
Former member of Korea’s hip-hop/pop band Big Bang, G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-Yong) performs “Heartbreaker” (2009).
The song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by the Beatles, which we have listened to a number of times already, was one of the first songs that manipulated the voice electronically. Of course, in “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” the manipulation of the voice was not as clear and obvious as in Cher's "Believe," West’s “Heartless,” or G-Dragon’s “Heartbreaker.” These modern songs recreates the yodeling effect, using synthetic (electronic) manipulation.
Listen to Patsy Montana yodel in the song “I Want to be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart.”
What is the function of the yodeling in this song?
Listen to Hank Williams use the yodeling technique in the song “Lovesick Blues.” Note how his use of the yodeling technique is different from Patsy Montana’s.
Now listen to modern artists that replicate the yodel effect synthetically through controllers (for example by using Auto-Tuners or Vocoders).
Cher singing “Believe” (1998):
Kanye West performs “Heartless” (2008):
Former member of Korea’s hip-hop/pop band Big Bang, G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-Yong) performs “Heartbreaker” (2009).
The song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by the Beatles, which we have listened to a number of times already, was one of the first songs that manipulated the voice electronically. Of course, in “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” the manipulation of the voice was not as clear and obvious as in Cher's "Believe," West’s “Heartless,” or G-Dragon’s “Heartbreaker.” These modern songs recreates the yodeling effect, using synthetic (electronic) manipulation.
Country Music: Hillbilly, Bluegrass, Cowboy, and Country
Another original American music genre, like spirituals, blues, Rhythm and Blues, and Jazz, is Country Music. And like these other genres, Country Music also contributed a lot to Rock music. In fact, it is probably the heavy emphasis on the guitar as the instrument of choice that influenced the use of the guitar in Rock and Roll, and later Rock music.
Hillbilly / Old-Time Music
In a previous lesson we learned that Elvis Presley’s style was partially based on a type of “hillbilly music.” This type of music (also known as “old-time music”) is a form of North American folk music, which “grew out of the folk ballads of the British Isles” (Crossroads in Music, p. 213), i.e. England, Scotland, and Ireland. In other words, Hillbilly music is a type of folk music. The main instruments used in Hillbilly music are stringed instruments like the guitar, banjo, and fiddle. Traditionally the fiddle functioned as the main melodic instrument. Hillbilly music includes songs with a high rhythmic density, usually used for dancing, as well as songs with slower tempos, usually ballads.
Below is an example of a hillbilly song called “Big Eyed Rabbit” by Samantha Bumgarner and Eve Davis. Notice in this song that the orchestration stays the same, basically a fiddle and banjo playing the same melody and harmony repeatedly.
Bluegrass
While bluegrass developed out of the Old-Time folk music, it is not considered folk music.
In the late 1930s and 1940s, the musician Bill Munroe and his band the Blue Grass Boys started to experiment with different orchestration and settled on the fiddle, guitar, mandolin, five-string banjo, and string bass. Listen to an example by Bill Munroe called “Southern Flavour.”
You’ll notice that in this orchestration, unlike in Old-Time Music (Hillbilly Music), the focus shifts from one instrument to another. First the mandolin played the lead, then the fiddle, the focus shifts back to the mandolin, next the acoustic guitar takes the lead, the focus returns once more to the mandolin, and finally all the instruments increases in dynamics, to play equally loudly. Bluegrass music has this in common with jazz music: the focus is shared by different instruments to play the main melody and improvising around it.
This style of music, inspired by Bill Munroe and his Blue Grass Boys, became known as bluegrass music. Crossroads in Music (p. 216) describe the vocals in bluegrass as follows: “The vocals usually take the form of solos or duets. In the duets, the harmony part is higher than the melody. Bluegrass tunes are also distinctive in that their tempo tends to be rather fast.” Also typical of bluegrass vocals are the high pitched singing, with men usually singing tenor and woman soprano.
A famous bluegrass song is “Man of Constant Sorrow”. The song has folksong roots and dates back to at least the early 1900s. Listen to it performed as part of the soundtrack of the movie O Brother Where Art Thou?, featuring George Clooney. The lead vocalist is Dan Tyminski of The Union Station. While listening to the song, identify the different instruments that play the melody during the interludes.
The spirituals focused exclusively on religious themes; while bluegrass music may also mention religious themes, it is not exclusively religious. Although the song “Man of Constant Sorrow” refers to heaven (“God’s golden shore”), it is not strictly a religious song.
Cowboy Music & Country Music
These days cowboy music refers to the more traditional country music, specifically as it developed in America’s “Wild West,” particularly the “South,” i.e. Texas. It is also known as “Western Music,” and was originally the songs that were composed and sung by the cowboys (and cowgirls). For this reason, a main theme in Country / Western music is the life of the cowboy.
(You can listen to traditional “cowboy music” here.)
Below is the famous story of “Little Joe, the Wrangler”:
This sad song is typical of Country and Western music. Crossroads in Music (p. 213) mentions a Newsweek article that notes a direct relationship between radio time devoted to country music and suicide rate.
Country Songs are Story Songs
A very important feature of both Western and Country Music is that they always tell a story. Sometimes the story is spoken, rather than sung. Listen to Johnny Cash tell the story of “A Boy Named Sue”:
Another famous story-song is “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers. In this song the act of playing cards (Poker) wisely, becomes an analogy for living life wisely.
Probably one of the most famous story-songs in the Bluegrass tradition is Charlie Daniels’ “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” – listen first to the version by Charlie Daniels himself, and then to the rendition by funk-metal band Primus.
For more reading on country music, visit Tom Zarecki’s page about country music history.
Hillbilly / Old-Time Music
In a previous lesson we learned that Elvis Presley’s style was partially based on a type of “hillbilly music.” This type of music (also known as “old-time music”) is a form of North American folk music, which “grew out of the folk ballads of the British Isles” (Crossroads in Music, p. 213), i.e. England, Scotland, and Ireland. In other words, Hillbilly music is a type of folk music. The main instruments used in Hillbilly music are stringed instruments like the guitar, banjo, and fiddle. Traditionally the fiddle functioned as the main melodic instrument. Hillbilly music includes songs with a high rhythmic density, usually used for dancing, as well as songs with slower tempos, usually ballads.
Below is an example of a hillbilly song called “Big Eyed Rabbit” by Samantha Bumgarner and Eve Davis. Notice in this song that the orchestration stays the same, basically a fiddle and banjo playing the same melody and harmony repeatedly.
Bluegrass
While bluegrass developed out of the Old-Time folk music, it is not considered folk music.
In the late 1930s and 1940s, the musician Bill Munroe and his band the Blue Grass Boys started to experiment with different orchestration and settled on the fiddle, guitar, mandolin, five-string banjo, and string bass. Listen to an example by Bill Munroe called “Southern Flavour.”
You’ll notice that in this orchestration, unlike in Old-Time Music (Hillbilly Music), the focus shifts from one instrument to another. First the mandolin played the lead, then the fiddle, the focus shifts back to the mandolin, next the acoustic guitar takes the lead, the focus returns once more to the mandolin, and finally all the instruments increases in dynamics, to play equally loudly. Bluegrass music has this in common with jazz music: the focus is shared by different instruments to play the main melody and improvising around it.
This style of music, inspired by Bill Munroe and his Blue Grass Boys, became known as bluegrass music. Crossroads in Music (p. 216) describe the vocals in bluegrass as follows: “The vocals usually take the form of solos or duets. In the duets, the harmony part is higher than the melody. Bluegrass tunes are also distinctive in that their tempo tends to be rather fast.” Also typical of bluegrass vocals are the high pitched singing, with men usually singing tenor and woman soprano.
A famous bluegrass song is “Man of Constant Sorrow”. The song has folksong roots and dates back to at least the early 1900s. Listen to it performed as part of the soundtrack of the movie O Brother Where Art Thou?, featuring George Clooney. The lead vocalist is Dan Tyminski of The Union Station. While listening to the song, identify the different instruments that play the melody during the interludes.
The spirituals focused exclusively on religious themes; while bluegrass music may also mention religious themes, it is not exclusively religious. Although the song “Man of Constant Sorrow” refers to heaven (“God’s golden shore”), it is not strictly a religious song.
Cowboy Music & Country Music
These days cowboy music refers to the more traditional country music, specifically as it developed in America’s “Wild West,” particularly the “South,” i.e. Texas. It is also known as “Western Music,” and was originally the songs that were composed and sung by the cowboys (and cowgirls). For this reason, a main theme in Country / Western music is the life of the cowboy.
(You can listen to traditional “cowboy music” here.)
Below is the famous story of “Little Joe, the Wrangler”:
This sad song is typical of Country and Western music. Crossroads in Music (p. 213) mentions a Newsweek article that notes a direct relationship between radio time devoted to country music and suicide rate.
Country Songs are Story Songs
A very important feature of both Western and Country Music is that they always tell a story. Sometimes the story is spoken, rather than sung. Listen to Johnny Cash tell the story of “A Boy Named Sue”:
Another famous story-song is “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers. In this song the act of playing cards (Poker) wisely, becomes an analogy for living life wisely.
Probably one of the most famous story-songs in the Bluegrass tradition is Charlie Daniels’ “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” – listen first to the version by Charlie Daniels himself, and then to the rendition by funk-metal band Primus.
For more reading on country music, visit Tom Zarecki’s page about country music history.
More Rock ‘n Roll after 1964
While The Beatles were undoubtedly the key players during this era, there were also a number of other noteworthy and influential artists coming out of this era. Let’s look at just a few of them.
Janis Joplin
Joplin was famous in the late sixties, when the rock ‘n roll was dominated by mostly male musicians. The Rolling Stones Magazine list Joplin at #28 of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Her career was short, but influential. (Joplin died in 1970 from a drug overdose.)
Listen to Joplin perform “Summertime,” which we heard originally performed by Billy Holiday, when we discussed “What is Jazz?”. (Listen to Billy Holiday’s version here.) Try to describe how is Janis Joplin’s version different from Billy Holiday's version?
Listen to “Piece of My Heart.” What genres of music do you think influenced this song?
(If you are interested, Pink made a tribute to Janis Joplin that you can watch here.)
Bob Dylan
Just before Beatles-mania swept the world, the young Bob Dylan started his career. His first album dates 1962. Bob Dylan is considered one of the great poets in modern music, and some of his song lyrics have even been included in poetry anthologies.
Let’s listen to his song "Mr. Tambourine Man". The lyrics have interpreted in many different ways, from an ode to drugs, to religious allusions. How do you interpret the song? Use the questions for “Becoming Familiar with a Song,” to help you understand the song better.
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton is another very influential artists whom also started his career in the 60s. He played with different bands until he went solo in the 70s. His music style has always been very influenced by the blues. He is considered one of the Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Below is the song “Layla”. Listen especially to use of the electric guitar in this song. What other instruments can you identify? What genres of music do you think influenced this song?
Jimi Hendrix
The guitar, and especially the electric guitar, is probably the most important instrument in Rock ‘n Roll, and later in Rock and Metal music. While Eric Clapton is considered one of the greatest guitar players of all time, Jimi Hendrix is considered the greatest electric guitar player of all time by most musicians. The Rolling Stone Magazine also has him as their #1 for the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Hendrix was one of the first guitarists to make ample use of amplifiers and guitar effects pedals.
Like the previous artists mentioned, Hendrix also started his career in the 60s, and unfortunately, like Janis Joplin, he also died in 1970.
Listen to “Catfish Blues.” This is clearly a blues song. But how is it different from most of the blues songs you have heard so far?
Janis Joplin
Joplin was famous in the late sixties, when the rock ‘n roll was dominated by mostly male musicians. The Rolling Stones Magazine list Joplin at #28 of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Her career was short, but influential. (Joplin died in 1970 from a drug overdose.)
Listen to Joplin perform “Summertime,” which we heard originally performed by Billy Holiday, when we discussed “What is Jazz?”. (Listen to Billy Holiday’s version here.) Try to describe how is Janis Joplin’s version different from Billy Holiday's version?
Listen to “Piece of My Heart.” What genres of music do you think influenced this song?
(If you are interested, Pink made a tribute to Janis Joplin that you can watch here.)
Bob Dylan
Just before Beatles-mania swept the world, the young Bob Dylan started his career. His first album dates 1962. Bob Dylan is considered one of the great poets in modern music, and some of his song lyrics have even been included in poetry anthologies.
Let’s listen to his song "Mr. Tambourine Man". The lyrics have interpreted in many different ways, from an ode to drugs, to religious allusions. How do you interpret the song? Use the questions for “Becoming Familiar with a Song,” to help you understand the song better.
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton is another very influential artists whom also started his career in the 60s. He played with different bands until he went solo in the 70s. His music style has always been very influenced by the blues. He is considered one of the Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Below is the song “Layla”. Listen especially to use of the electric guitar in this song. What other instruments can you identify? What genres of music do you think influenced this song?
Jimi Hendrix
The guitar, and especially the electric guitar, is probably the most important instrument in Rock ‘n Roll, and later in Rock and Metal music. While Eric Clapton is considered one of the greatest guitar players of all time, Jimi Hendrix is considered the greatest electric guitar player of all time by most musicians. The Rolling Stone Magazine also has him as their #1 for the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Hendrix was one of the first guitarists to make ample use of amplifiers and guitar effects pedals.
Like the previous artists mentioned, Hendrix also started his career in the 60s, and unfortunately, like Janis Joplin, he also died in 1970.
Listen to “Catfish Blues.” This is clearly a blues song. But how is it different from most of the blues songs you have heard so far?
The (Later) Beatles
It is difficult to establish exactly why The Beatles were so successful. One opinion mentioned by Tom Zarecki is that The Beatles had three lead singers. Zarecki explains:
Another reason may be their continual evolution. The Beatles’ sound continually changed. One of their most influential albums was Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967). This album was nominated #1 of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. It is a typical example of postmodern music, which incorporate a wide variety of sounds, including Rock ‘n Roll, jazz, classical, and traditional Indian music, and extensive use of synthetic instruments and electronic “studio effects.” It can be argued that the popularity of this album with its effective use “electronic music” created the foundation for much of the modern day use of synthetic sounds in pop music.
We have already listened to one song from this album – “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Listen to it again and notice the use of synthesized sounds, and “studio effects.”
Here is the title song from the album. The YouTube-video features a clip from the Yellow Submarine-movie. While listening to the song, describe the orchestration and density, and other features you find interesting.
Let’s listen now to another song from the same album, “Within You, Without You.” This mixture of Western music with Eastern music is another example of Postmodernism, which tend to blur the boundaries between opposites; for instance the boundary between East and West.
Compare the songs on this album with the songs by The Beatles that we listened to, for instance “A Hard Day’s Night.” There is clearly a big change in their style. How would you describe the difference between “A Hard Day’s Night” and, for instance, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”?
Besides their visual and music appeal, the Beatles also had another magic trick that no bands before or since had (gasp): THREE LEAD SINGERS! Up until that point, bands always had ONE lead singer! Those three lead singers each had a trick up their sleeves: they were each powerful and accomplished SONGWRITERS, too! These three lead singers and songwriters were John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison. Each of them wrote their own original material, and swapped and shared lead vocals from song to song. Plus, (get this) the two that were NOT singing lead on a song would provide backup harmonies. Further, in quite a number of early Beatles songs, John and Paul would alternate lead vocal duties within the same song.
Another reason may be their continual evolution. The Beatles’ sound continually changed. One of their most influential albums was Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967). This album was nominated #1 of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. It is a typical example of postmodern music, which incorporate a wide variety of sounds, including Rock ‘n Roll, jazz, classical, and traditional Indian music, and extensive use of synthetic instruments and electronic “studio effects.” It can be argued that the popularity of this album with its effective use “electronic music” created the foundation for much of the modern day use of synthetic sounds in pop music.
We have already listened to one song from this album – “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Listen to it again and notice the use of synthesized sounds, and “studio effects.”
Here is the title song from the album. The YouTube-video features a clip from the Yellow Submarine-movie. While listening to the song, describe the orchestration and density, and other features you find interesting.
Let’s listen now to another song from the same album, “Within You, Without You.” This mixture of Western music with Eastern music is another example of Postmodernism, which tend to blur the boundaries between opposites; for instance the boundary between East and West.
Compare the songs on this album with the songs by The Beatles that we listened to, for instance “A Hard Day’s Night.” There is clearly a big change in their style. How would you describe the difference between “A Hard Day’s Night” and, for instance, “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds”?
Imagery, Simile, and Metaphor
Song lyrics are often very poetical. In fact, a poem that is of average length is often called a lyrical poem. There is a strong relationship between poetry and song lyrics.
One important literary device that is often used in poetry (and song lyrics) is called imagery. Whenever the words of the poem/song help you to imagine something, it is probably "imagery" that is creating those images in your mind.
If you can imagine seeing something described in the poem, it is called visual imagery. If you can imagine hearing something, it is called auditory imagery. If you can imagine smelling something it is called olfactory imagery. If you can imagine tasting it, it is called gustatory imagery. Finally, if you can imagine feeling it (touching it), it is known as tactile imagery. As you may have noticed, these are the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.
The lyrics of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” have many images. Read through the lyrics and try and identify all the images in this song.
“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” also has a large number of metaphors. Follow the linkt to read a short definition of “Simile & Metaphor”, and then try and identify all the metaphors in “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Also try and figure out what the meaning of these metaphors are. For instance, the first metaphor is in the second line of the first verse: “marmalade skies.” In other words, the sky is described as being like marmalade. Marmalade is usually yellow, or orange in color. The sky is therefore described as yellow or orange. When are skies usually yellow or orange? Yes, at dusk. Therefore, “marmalade skies” could be interpreted to mean the orange sky when the sun is setting. Find the other metaphors and try to work out what they mean.
One important literary device that is often used in poetry (and song lyrics) is called imagery. Whenever the words of the poem/song help you to imagine something, it is probably "imagery" that is creating those images in your mind.
If you can imagine seeing something described in the poem, it is called visual imagery. If you can imagine hearing something, it is called auditory imagery. If you can imagine smelling something it is called olfactory imagery. If you can imagine tasting it, it is called gustatory imagery. Finally, if you can imagine feeling it (touching it), it is known as tactile imagery. As you may have noticed, these are the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.
The lyrics of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” have many images. Read through the lyrics and try and identify all the images in this song.
“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” also has a large number of metaphors. Follow the linkt to read a short definition of “Simile & Metaphor”, and then try and identify all the metaphors in “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Also try and figure out what the meaning of these metaphors are. For instance, the first metaphor is in the second line of the first verse: “marmalade skies.” In other words, the sky is described as being like marmalade. Marmalade is usually yellow, or orange in color. The sky is therefore described as yellow or orange. When are skies usually yellow or orange? Yes, at dusk. Therefore, “marmalade skies” could be interpreted to mean the orange sky when the sun is setting. Find the other metaphors and try to work out what they mean.
A Big Change: Postmodernism & The Beatles
In the 50s Elvis Presley was the most important figure. In the 60s it was The Beatles.
The 1960s was a tumultuous time in Western History. It is also the time that Postmodernism started. Postmodernism is the zeitgeist (spirit of the times / era) that started in the 60s and we are still living in it today. Before Postmodernism was Modernism (not to be confused with the Modern Era). Modernism, which started around the time of the Industrial Revolution, is characterized by the belief that science has all the answers, everything can be explained, everything can be labeled (named), and demarcated; in short, that man has all the answers.
Two world wars later and the new generation realized that man do not have all the answers. This new generation protested against all Grand Narratives of the time. The term “Grand Narratives” refer to any system of authority (for instance Science, Religion, Political Ideologies, etc.) that pretends to have all the answers. Instead Postmodernism rebels against such systems of authority, questioning their claim to truth, and breaking down their label systems and demarcations (this is called “Deconstruction”).
It was during this time (1964) that The Beatles enters the stage of the world’s history.
Watch the short documentary film below about The Beatles-phenomena.
How is the sound of The Beatles different from the Rock 'n Roll that preceded it? In the video above, when the reporter asks them what is their sound, how does it differ from other Rock ‘n Roll, they answer: “It doesn’t really.” Crossroads in Music (p. 219) confirms that “The Beatles’ styles was acclaimed as new even though their music was simply a combination of pop and rockabilly styles…” Maybe the difference was not in how they sounded, but what they represents. "The Beatles themselves seem to have no illusions. They symbolize the 20th century non-heroes, as they make non-music, wear non-haircuts, give non-mercy…” These "non-" prefixes is representative of Postmodernism that refuses to be demarkated, or labeled. In a sense, The Beatles became a symbol for this new zeitgeist.
Let's listen to some examples of songs by The Beatles.
To show that they are a continuation of what preceded them, here are The Beatles performing the old spiritual "When the Saints Go Marchin' In," which was also recorded by Elvis (see here).
Of course it is their other songs that are more popular, like "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "She Loves You," "Hey Jude," and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds":
Look at the lyrics of "I Want to Hold Your Hand." What part is the chorus? Is the hook part of the chorus?
This last song, "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," sounds different from the previous songs. Try to identify the difference and describe it.
Assignment:
Write a short essay in which you explain what "Postmodernism" is. Cite sources.
The 1960s was a tumultuous time in Western History. It is also the time that Postmodernism started. Postmodernism is the zeitgeist (spirit of the times / era) that started in the 60s and we are still living in it today. Before Postmodernism was Modernism (not to be confused with the Modern Era). Modernism, which started around the time of the Industrial Revolution, is characterized by the belief that science has all the answers, everything can be explained, everything can be labeled (named), and demarcated; in short, that man has all the answers.
Two world wars later and the new generation realized that man do not have all the answers. This new generation protested against all Grand Narratives of the time. The term “Grand Narratives” refer to any system of authority (for instance Science, Religion, Political Ideologies, etc.) that pretends to have all the answers. Instead Postmodernism rebels against such systems of authority, questioning their claim to truth, and breaking down their label systems and demarcations (this is called “Deconstruction”).
It was during this time (1964) that The Beatles enters the stage of the world’s history.
When someone says "music of the 1950's", they mean the "sound of the 50's" which occurred primarily in songs between 1955 and 1963. And, when someone says "music of the 1960's", they mean the "sound of the 60's", meaning primarily music between 1964 and1970, the actual Beatles era.
In fact, today, when radio stations like FM, AM or SiriusXM Satellite channels that play "oldies" music actually categorize their music, they often use these divisions.
For example, The 50's Channel on SiriusXM really only plays hit songs from 1955 to 1963 (and NOT 1950 to 1959 as the casual listener might think), and their 60's Channel plays songs from 1964-1970 (NOT 1960 to 1969), because of that generational line in 1964, the year the Beatles began their international fame. [Tom Zarecki]
Watch the short documentary film below about The Beatles-phenomena.
How is the sound of The Beatles different from the Rock 'n Roll that preceded it? In the video above, when the reporter asks them what is their sound, how does it differ from other Rock ‘n Roll, they answer: “It doesn’t really.” Crossroads in Music (p. 219) confirms that “The Beatles’ styles was acclaimed as new even though their music was simply a combination of pop and rockabilly styles…” Maybe the difference was not in how they sounded, but what they represents. "The Beatles themselves seem to have no illusions. They symbolize the 20th century non-heroes, as they make non-music, wear non-haircuts, give non-mercy…” These "non-" prefixes is representative of Postmodernism that refuses to be demarkated, or labeled. In a sense, The Beatles became a symbol for this new zeitgeist.
Let's listen to some examples of songs by The Beatles.
To show that they are a continuation of what preceded them, here are The Beatles performing the old spiritual "When the Saints Go Marchin' In," which was also recorded by Elvis (see here).
Of course it is their other songs that are more popular, like "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "She Loves You," "Hey Jude," and "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds":
Look at the lyrics of "I Want to Hold Your Hand." What part is the chorus? Is the hook part of the chorus?
This last song, "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," sounds different from the previous songs. Try to identify the difference and describe it.
Assignment:
Write a short essay in which you explain what "Postmodernism" is. Cite sources.
Midterm Exam – Thursday, October 22
The midterm exam paper will consist of four sections. The exam will be two hours long, from 13:00-15:00 (1pm-3pm), in Room 208.
Section A: Listening to an Unknown Song
In this section you will be supplied with the lyrics of a song we did not cover in class. You will then listen to the song two or three times, at which time you need to note the song structure. You will also be required to answer some short questions about the song. Questions may include things like the genre, the orchestration, points about the melody, harmony, rhythm, and so on. There will also be questions about the lyrics of the song, based on the "Becoming Familiar With a Song"-questions.
Section B: Terminology
This section will include multiple-choice, matching, or true / false style questions regarding the terminology we have discussed in class.
Section C: Explanations / Definition
In this section you will be required to give written answer in short paragraph style regarding specific points we have discussed.
Section D: Essay on History of Music
For this section you will be required to write an essay in which you detail the development of Modern Western Music since Religious Music (e.g. the Spirituals) to early Rock and Roll; or any section between these two points. For this question you should not only describe the historic line, but should also give examples of historic figures (musicians) and representative songs. Substantiate your answer be including notes on the orchestration used, themes pondered, and so on.
Section A: Listening to an Unknown Song
In this section you will be supplied with the lyrics of a song we did not cover in class. You will then listen to the song two or three times, at which time you need to note the song structure. You will also be required to answer some short questions about the song. Questions may include things like the genre, the orchestration, points about the melody, harmony, rhythm, and so on. There will also be questions about the lyrics of the song, based on the "Becoming Familiar With a Song"-questions.
Section B: Terminology
This section will include multiple-choice, matching, or true / false style questions regarding the terminology we have discussed in class.
Section C: Explanations / Definition
In this section you will be required to give written answer in short paragraph style regarding specific points we have discussed.
Section D: Essay on History of Music
For this section you will be required to write an essay in which you detail the development of Modern Western Music since Religious Music (e.g. the Spirituals) to early Rock and Roll; or any section between these two points. For this question you should not only describe the historic line, but should also give examples of historic figures (musicians) and representative songs. Substantiate your answer be including notes on the orchestration used, themes pondered, and so on.
Rock 'n Roll -- Elvis Presley
Undoubtedly Elvis Presley was the artist who was most influential on Rock ‘n Roll and was probably the first superstar, changing the course of music (and history) forever. However, it is a mistake to regard Elvis Presley as an isolated phenomenon. Presley was heavily influenced by the genres and artist that preceded and surrounded him, including the spirituals, Gospel, Rhythm & Blues, Jazz, and also Country Music (which we will discuss later this semester).
Some Influences on Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley did many “covers,” i.e. songs originally performed by other artists. He was influenced by many artists; therefore, to understand Elvis Presley’s impact, one needs to compare the original songs with the renditions by Presley.
Coming from a Southern background, it should not be surprising that Elvis Presley was influenced by the spirituals. Listen to him singing “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In” in this recording, dating 1956.
In 1952 Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton was the first to record Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller’s song “Hound Dog.” This was a typical twelve-bar blues song. Elvis Presley established this song forever in our collective consciousness with his 1956 recording. Presley’s rendition shows a clear distinction between blues and early Rock ‘n Roll. Listen to both songs and try to identify the differences.
In 1956 Smiley Lewis sang “One Night of Sin.” This song was also sung by Elvis; however, the lyrics were later changed into “One Night with You,” which became much more famous.
We already listened to Ray Charles singing “I Got a Woman” when we discussed the change from Blues to Rhythm & Blues.
Listen to a rendition by Ray Charles again, and then compare it to the version by Elvis Presley. How are the two different?
(In 2005 rapper Kanye West sampled Ray Charles’ “I’ve Got a Woman” as part of his song “Gold Digger.”)
Lloyd Price’s “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” is another famous song that Elvis Presley also covered. The rhythmic density in Presley’s rendition is higher. What other differences can you identify?
Another artist whom was influential on Elvis Presley was the blues singer Roy Brown. Listen to his “Good Rockin’ Tonight” below. Note the “jazzy” feel of Brown’s version. Listen to the orchestration, specifically the trumpet and other wind instruments. What is the hook in Brown's version?
Now listen to Elvis Presley’s rendition. Note how the wind instruments have been replaced by string instruments. The trumpet solos in Brown’s version is replaced with guitar solos. There is a shift away from improvisation and harmonic complexity created by wind instruments to simpler chord-harmonies by guitars, as well as an increased rhythmic density. Is the hook in Presley's version the same as the hook in Brown's version?
Another song by Roy Brown that was significant for Elvis Presley’s early career was “Hard Luck Blues.”
The version sung by Elvis Presley had the lyrics changed from “Hard Luck Blues” to “Heartbreak Hotel.” Apart from the changed lyrics, what other differences can you identify between “Hard Luck Blues” and “Heartbreak Hotel”?
1956 stands out as the year that Rock ‘n Roll was firmly establish, with Elvis Presley as its superstar. Presley’s style incorporated different elements from different music genres. Crossroads in Music (p. 218) describes his style as a type of “hillbilly music, with a sexy R&B-inspired vocal style, pop-oriented lyrics, electric guitar lead, and an emphasis on the beat.”
This “hillbilly music,” which is a type of early country music, was combined with blues (specifically boogie woogie), Gospel, some jazz, and Rhythm and Blues, and a heavier beat to create a genre of music which became known as Rockabilly. Carl Perkins recorded the song “Blue Suede Shoes” in 1955, which is considered by some to be the first Rockabilly song.
Many artists covered “Blue Suede Shoes,” including Elvis Presley.
It’s been over fifty years since the beginning or Rockabilly, yet it is still enjoyed by younger generations, and to this day there are still Rockabilly bands around the world – even here in Korea; for example the highly entertaining Korean band The Moonshiners.
For more another discussion on early Rock 'n Roll you can visit Tom Zarecki's "Origins of Popular Music -- Part 1."
Some Influences on Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley did many “covers,” i.e. songs originally performed by other artists. He was influenced by many artists; therefore, to understand Elvis Presley’s impact, one needs to compare the original songs with the renditions by Presley.
Coming from a Southern background, it should not be surprising that Elvis Presley was influenced by the spirituals. Listen to him singing “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In” in this recording, dating 1956.
In 1952 Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton was the first to record Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller’s song “Hound Dog.” This was a typical twelve-bar blues song. Elvis Presley established this song forever in our collective consciousness with his 1956 recording. Presley’s rendition shows a clear distinction between blues and early Rock ‘n Roll. Listen to both songs and try to identify the differences.
In 1956 Smiley Lewis sang “One Night of Sin.” This song was also sung by Elvis; however, the lyrics were later changed into “One Night with You,” which became much more famous.
We already listened to Ray Charles singing “I Got a Woman” when we discussed the change from Blues to Rhythm & Blues.
Listen to a rendition by Ray Charles again, and then compare it to the version by Elvis Presley. How are the two different?
(In 2005 rapper Kanye West sampled Ray Charles’ “I’ve Got a Woman” as part of his song “Gold Digger.”)
Lloyd Price’s “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” is another famous song that Elvis Presley also covered. The rhythmic density in Presley’s rendition is higher. What other differences can you identify?
Another artist whom was influential on Elvis Presley was the blues singer Roy Brown. Listen to his “Good Rockin’ Tonight” below. Note the “jazzy” feel of Brown’s version. Listen to the orchestration, specifically the trumpet and other wind instruments. What is the hook in Brown's version?
Now listen to Elvis Presley’s rendition. Note how the wind instruments have been replaced by string instruments. The trumpet solos in Brown’s version is replaced with guitar solos. There is a shift away from improvisation and harmonic complexity created by wind instruments to simpler chord-harmonies by guitars, as well as an increased rhythmic density. Is the hook in Presley's version the same as the hook in Brown's version?
Another song by Roy Brown that was significant for Elvis Presley’s early career was “Hard Luck Blues.”
The version sung by Elvis Presley had the lyrics changed from “Hard Luck Blues” to “Heartbreak Hotel.” Apart from the changed lyrics, what other differences can you identify between “Hard Luck Blues” and “Heartbreak Hotel”?
1956 stands out as the year that Rock ‘n Roll was firmly establish, with Elvis Presley as its superstar. Presley’s style incorporated different elements from different music genres. Crossroads in Music (p. 218) describes his style as a type of “hillbilly music, with a sexy R&B-inspired vocal style, pop-oriented lyrics, electric guitar lead, and an emphasis on the beat.”
This “hillbilly music,” which is a type of early country music, was combined with blues (specifically boogie woogie), Gospel, some jazz, and Rhythm and Blues, and a heavier beat to create a genre of music which became known as Rockabilly. Carl Perkins recorded the song “Blue Suede Shoes” in 1955, which is considered by some to be the first Rockabilly song.
Many artists covered “Blue Suede Shoes,” including Elvis Presley.
It’s been over fifty years since the beginning or Rockabilly, yet it is still enjoyed by younger generations, and to this day there are still Rockabilly bands around the world – even here in Korea; for example the highly entertaining Korean band The Moonshiners.
For more another discussion on early Rock 'n Roll you can visit Tom Zarecki's "Origins of Popular Music -- Part 1."
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