Laura Barton's Words
A triptych of audio essays on the enduring qualities, appeal and intent of pop music. Today, pop music's relationship with language.
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 Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
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Broadcasts
- Thu 28 Oct 2021 11:30Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
- Mon 1 Nov 2021 16:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4