“The basic concepts of today’s pop lyrics – simple structures, systems of clichés, lowbrow rhyming patterns – did not begin with ‘Rock Around the Clock.’ Ever since the invention of the lyric, catchiness – the ability to not just stick but cling to the listener’s brain – has been a part of its very definition. Contemporary lyrics have evolved from this ancient tradition, a practice as old as language itself. As listeners, we have evolved, as well, having sprung from a primal system of needs: for the chant, for the identifiable image, as well as for the basic, pulsing rhythm that will encourage our crops to grow.”--Elena Passarello, “Ramalamadingdong,” Creative Nonfiction, Issue 17, “Between the Lines”
Friday, September 9, 2011
Quote of the Day (Elena Passarello, on Origins of Catchy Tunes)
“The basic concepts of today’s pop lyrics – simple structures, systems of clichés, lowbrow rhyming patterns – did not begin with ‘Rock Around the Clock.’ Ever since the invention of the lyric, catchiness – the ability to not just stick but cling to the listener’s brain – has been a part of its very definition. Contemporary lyrics have evolved from this ancient tradition, a practice as old as language itself. As listeners, we have evolved, as well, having sprung from a primal system of needs: for the chant, for the identifiable image, as well as for the basic, pulsing rhythm that will encourage our crops to grow.”--Elena Passarello, “Ramalamadingdong,” Creative Nonfiction, Issue 17, “Between the Lines”
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