WYBIMLA
Well-Known Member
Lately I've been watching quite a bit of documentaries out of interest.
First (before I get to the title of this thread) I stumbled upon a series of four programmes from 2006 called "How music works" presented by Howard Goodall. He talked about melody, harmony, rhythm, and bass.
Afterwards I related these elements to the work of Carpenters, and it blew my mind to think how effectively they used these in their songs. You think about the level of musicianship and intelligence throughout.
It's as if they're from another world.
If you already have some basic music knowledge then it may not mean that much to you, but it amazed me when it was put like this. It brought freshness and breathed new life into something I've listened to a thousand times. So, if you feel any of it's become dull or possibly tainted for you I'd recommend something like this. The more I've looked into it...the better the listening experience has become and you can hear a lot more of what was involved. Not to say that everything Carpenters did was the best (I'm a fan, but not so much that I lose my head) but I hope you get what I'm saying.
It is available on youtube. It's free, so if you have the time...parts of this may give you greater appreciation. It almost encourages you to become less critical, you develop a more well rounded view, you can just enjoy things more, and give the artist a break. The more I've learned about music and the history of it you realize how incredible it is and perhaps how intimidating it could be to step into that. It's also a real testament to the power of music itself and how it effects us.
Then, that lead me to look more into the "adult contemporary" genre because it is one I tend to favour. I found a documentary on that exactly. It features Richard throughout the presentation. He is seen looking visibly agitated at some of the questioning... about ideas of "coolness" and how he was treated even within A&M.
That's what I took away from this. The level of criticism. I had no idea how much heat people have had to take who were considered among the "easy listening" genre. You'll see for a number of reasons (including politically) why it's hard to be "middle of the road", but also the positive aspects to their credit.
First (before I get to the title of this thread) I stumbled upon a series of four programmes from 2006 called "How music works" presented by Howard Goodall. He talked about melody, harmony, rhythm, and bass.
Afterwards I related these elements to the work of Carpenters, and it blew my mind to think how effectively they used these in their songs. You think about the level of musicianship and intelligence throughout.
It's as if they're from another world.
If you already have some basic music knowledge then it may not mean that much to you, but it amazed me when it was put like this. It brought freshness and breathed new life into something I've listened to a thousand times. So, if you feel any of it's become dull or possibly tainted for you I'd recommend something like this. The more I've looked into it...the better the listening experience has become and you can hear a lot more of what was involved. Not to say that everything Carpenters did was the best (I'm a fan, but not so much that I lose my head) but I hope you get what I'm saying.
It is available on youtube. It's free, so if you have the time...parts of this may give you greater appreciation. It almost encourages you to become less critical, you develop a more well rounded view, you can just enjoy things more, and give the artist a break. The more I've learned about music and the history of it you realize how incredible it is and perhaps how intimidating it could be to step into that. It's also a real testament to the power of music itself and how it effects us.
Then, that lead me to look more into the "adult contemporary" genre because it is one I tend to favour. I found a documentary on that exactly. It features Richard throughout the presentation. He is seen looking visibly agitated at some of the questioning... about ideas of "coolness" and how he was treated even within A&M.
That's what I took away from this. The level of criticism. I had no idea how much heat people have had to take who were considered among the "easy listening" genre. You'll see for a number of reasons (including politically) why it's hard to be "middle of the road", but also the positive aspects to their credit.
