大象传媒

A triptych of audio essays on the enduring qualities, appeal and intent of pop music.

In this second episode, the writer Laura Barton looks at popular music's relationship with language - wordplay, neologisms, and the sensory delight of sound, from Little Richard's a-wop-bop-a loo-bop to the fleet-footed grime MCs of today, via the careful honing of the singer-songwriter.

Including contributions from singer-songwriter Anais Mitchell and Poet Laureate and lyricist Simon Armitage, as well as an archive appearance from Billy Joel.

Music:
Anais Mitchell - The Shepherd
Anais Mitchell - Bright Star
Van Morrison - Brown-eyed Girl
Anais Mitchell - Riddles Wisely Expounded
LYR - Lockdown
David Bowie - Moonage Daydream
A Green - L.O.V.E.
Van Morrison - Madame George
LYR - Never Good With Horses
Anais Mitchell - The Revenant (for release January 2022)
Billy Joel - James
Marion Williams - The Day is Past and Gone
Ferron - Ain't Life a Brook
LYR - Adam's Apple
Van Morrison - You Know What They're Writing About

Produced by Alan Hall
A Falling Tree production for 大象传媒 Radio 4