Many files moved forward today, though software issues impede progress on two other projects. This will be cleared up by IT techs. A publication that requires logging into the journal site also created a software barrier. I left a note yesterday evening for the IT dept in Europe, and they responded today -- so that problem solved. <smile>. Other emails and conversations helped with the projects underway. The highlight of the day arrived with the night class. This week we covered the phase of commercialized music in response to the first wave of rock and roll. The fear of the social changes that came with the movement of racialized music to the mainstream led to the rise of fabricated music and singers. Both of these followed formulas made to make someone money, which generally wasn't the singer or songwriters. Teen idols were promoted. They sang songs written by individuals or duos who were employed to write formulaic songs about topics that did not offend. The Brill Building housed many such songwriters. The Brill sound and song format eventually led to many songs in the genre sounding oddly similar. This opened room for the rebellious rock genre to rise again in a newer iteration. With this change in sound would come singer-songwriters.
Two songs shared fit the discussions of class tonight. Generally songwriters wrote and singers sang. The first song shared fits this rule and the second song is the exception -- crossovers did occur occasionally. The writers were prolific and their many songs can be found recorded by numerous artists. Both writing pairs worked out of the Brill Building in New York City. Sadly, many of the promoted singers had very short careers. Enjoy!
Might as Well Rain Until September -- Gary and Dave (written by Goffin and King)
Breaking Up is Hard to Do -- Neil Sedaka (written by Sedaka and Greenfield)
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