Dangling Melodies

                                                              
Having been classically trained on the piano, voice and theory, I think it has made me intolerant of popular music. For those regular readers of my blog, you all know I have very eclectic tastes. Geez, I love all genres. But I just cannot abide dumb music. I wonder why so very frequently dumb music charts so high. Why? Are people less challenged today or do they resist challenge? Have we become a nation of dumb asses. Now, I'm not talking about the occasional silly song that catches the nations interest. They can be fun as these silly songs tend to smartly satirize current trends in fashion, thinking and even music. Remember 'Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini?"  Fun, right? Silly as hell but not dumb. Remember "Having My Baby" - dumb dumb dumb OR how about "Yummy Yummy Yummy I Got Love In My Tummy - okay - funny BUT dumb dumb dumb!

Time marches on. 2013

As melody diminishes in pop music so do the lyrics. Most pop songs I have noticed of late have one line of melody that is repeated throughout the song and never reaches a resolution. Its kind of like an unfinished song. I think of that horrible "Girl On Fire" that also doesn't utilize too many lyrics except repetition of the title with repetition of the one line of melody.

I am reminded of that story I read when I was a child. It always haunted me. Its about a boy who likes playing the piano but hates to practice. So he works on a song but never completes playing it -  being eager to go out and play instead. So he leaves the notes dangling in the air and the melody unresolved. I forget how the story works itself out or what happens to the boy. I supposed it was meant to be some kind of lesson for the naughty boy. But the idea of notes just dangling in the air without ever being resolved in a chord or flourish of arpeggios is spooky. Well, it was for me as a kid. The music notes left hovering without a final chord haunted the boy like a pack of ghosts. In my sweet innocence, it made me a more conscientious student of the piano.

                                                   
So it seems Paul McCartney was prophetic when he sang 'Silly Love Songs" They are here to stay as the world dumbs down another increment until we will be left with a tone - one tone and a grunt.

Lyrics to the Number 1 song in itunes Today 2/20/2013

                                      
Harlem Shake

Con los terroristas
Ey Shake
Ey Shake
Ey, Ey, Ey, Ey
Shake, Ta. Ta
And do the Harlem Shake
Ey Shake, Ey

Shake, Shake
Ey
Shake, Shake, Shake
Con los terroristas
Ey, Con los terroristas
Ey, Ey

Lyrics to the Number 1 song 2/20/1913

                                                  

When I Lost You

I lost the sunshine and roses, I lost the heavens of blue,
I lost the beautiful rainbow, I lost the morning dew.
I lost the angel who gave me summer, the whole winter too.
I lost the gladness that turned into sadness,
When I lost you.
And I lost the angel who gave me summer, the whole winter too.
I lost the gladness that turned into sadness,
When I lost you.

What a difference 100 years made.