[Date (January 1, 2014)]
Man’s natural gift of creativity founded the art of music. Like the melodies of nature such as the sweet tune of a bird or the steady gush of a stream, it surrounds us. We were derived from the rich and proud history of human culture. This evolution gave rise to the different forms of melody. It enclosed the many adaptation, revision, and revival of the different genre we enjoy today. During the vivid memories of my early years, Pop music stood out of the rest.
This category was recognized during the 1950’s and was believed to came from the word ‘popular’ (Oxfordmusiconline.com). During that time, mainstream movements have significantly influenced the youth. According to a music expert, pop borrowed the different styles of the existing genres during the time of discovery; it resulted to fresh sounds of modified rock and roll (Lamb). According to the same author, performers claimed of a more unadulterated form of this music which they coined as power pop. This was said to be the most solid arrangement of this type of music. It was concentrated mixture of rock and roll, psychedelic, and punk. Judging from the sound, it incorporated the upbeat and lively notes of a song with seamless blend with the instrumentals.
This genre rose to fame during the emergence of musical bands. Celebrated groups such as The Beatles, The Byrds, The Beach Boys, The Kinks, and The Who gave more distinguished recognition to this type of music. Power pop music has no known clean-cut record of discovery. Even before its acknowledgment, there were numerous artists such as The Move and Badfinger who were the first musicians to perform this type of music. However, this article professed the primary foundation that served as its backbone.
for the core power-pop sound—the one that came closest to breaking through to the mainstream and challenging ’70s rock radio’s preference for grandiosity—the best place to start is with The Raspberriespractically a template for everything the genre could be, from the heavy arena-rock hook to the cooing, teenybopper-friendly verses and chorus. The body of the song was The Who; the soul was The Beach Boys. (Murray)
The Raspberries redefined this genre to the modern concept we now hold as power pop melody. The group made an important contribution to the development of the music industry. Their greatest hit entitled ‘Go All the Way’ sold over a million copies that assumed the Top Five spot on the Billboard 100. They introduced a new approach to the fast stalling quality of modernized rock and roll during the era. It made a breakthrough to the trade which spurred other artists like The Five Stairsteps to follow suit of their example. The Raspberries disbanded after five years and numerous disputes among its band members on 1975. Nevertheless, the band had successfully challenged the standardized and fake usage of power pop. It guided many artists today in shaping their own craft without fear of too much individuality.
During the nineties, most singers opted to this genre that it became a part of my youth. It has influenced me in many ways that it has become one of my comforts whenever I encounter difficulties. The catchy tune and its creative style played numerous memories of childhood.
In my opinion, nothing can imbibe a better atmosphere than this music. It could easily entertain a crowd and perk up a party. It has cheerful sounds that are fun to transform to a dance beat. Having the chance to learn of its vast and broad history, it has cemented its place to my everyday playlist.
Works Cited
"Pop Music." Oxford Music Online. Oxford University Press, n.d. Web. 05 Nov. 2014.
Lamb, Bill. "What Is Pop Music Anyway?" Top40.about.com. About Entertainment, n.d. Web. 5 Nov. 2014.
Murray, Noel. "A Beginners' Guide to the Heyday of Power-pop, 1972-1986." · Primer · The A.V. Club. Onion Inc, 11 Oct. 2012. Web. 05 Nov. 2014. <http://www.avclub.com/article/a-beginners-guide-to-the-heyday-of-power-pop-1972--86527>.
http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2014-04-08/20-essential-power-pop-tracks/
