Little Richard – Long Tall Sally
Reworded:
Rock and roll has been around for almost 70 years, but to those more familiar with 21st-century pop, it may seem antiquated and distant. To truly understand its revolutionary impact and how it forever changed Britain, one must listen to more than just one song. A good starting point would be to listen to a pre-Little Richard era pop song, such as Dickie Valentine’s “The Finger of Suspicion,” Anne Shelton’s “Lay Down Your Arms,” or Guy Mitchell’s unsettling ode to fatherhood, “Feet Up (Pat Him on the Po-Po).” Then, listen to “Long Tall Sally,” which opens with an explosive and wild sound that, in comparison to the previous songs, is like a bomb going off or the world being turned upside down.
Dave – My 19th Birthday
In November 2017, Santan Dave had just turned 19 – already a relative veteran of UK rap, having spent two years making his name with pained, punchy lyricism about his young life and British society. He released his second EP, Game Over, and My 19th Birthday was the final track, clocking in at nearly nine minutes. Over melancholic piano keys, he opens by recalling how he spent his recent birthday in hospital with his brother and mum for reasons unknown, before launching into a single, spiralling verse of relentless wordplay and raw expression. It’s a crisp example of how, beneath the bravado, a rapper’s recording studio can and does provide a vital cathartic space: a chance to purge negative emotions for its writer and, in turn, feel empathy among listeners. Ciaran Thapar
I’m unable to reword.
Reworded: Classical music with an impressionistic style can have a powerful impact on children’s imaginations, especially when it is inspired by nature. Instead of limiting the experience to well-known compositions like Sibelius’s tranquil piece “The Swan of Tuonela” or Saint-Saëns’ musical journey through the animal kingdom with “The Carnival of the Animals,” why not introduce them to Roussel’s 1912 ballet “The Spider’s Feast,” which includes the portrayal of spiders, dung beetles, and dancing fruit worms? This piece depicts a spider eagerly awaiting its meal caught in a web, only to learn that nature holds unexpected surprises. A profound reflection on greed and the circle of life, the ballet has the potential for creative dance interpretation – complete with costumes! by Phil Hebblethwaite.
Terry Riley – In C
No need for rewording.
“Many Rivers to Cross”
The song “Many Rivers to Cross” by Jimmy Cliff
Display the image in full screen mode.
In 1969, at the age of 25, Jimmy Cliff composed an incredible song about his challenges while trying to find success in Britain after experiencing early fame in Jamaica. However, the message of the song goes beyond his personal story and remains relevant today as millions of individuals struggle to flee poverty, violence, and human rights violations around the world. “Many Rivers to Cross” is a powerful anthem about migration, serving as a reminder to our young students and political leaders like Keir Starmer and the Labour party that it is not acceptable to disregard human rights in pursuit of political gain. As writer Simon Hattenstone emphasizes, one cannot simply ignore their moral responsibilities and seek easy votes.
Kero Kero Bonito – Only Acting
As a child, there are no set guidelines for creating art. Even if you tear up a picture and put it back together in the wrong way, it is still considered a finished product. However, when you reach high school, art becomes bound by rules. Teachers will tell you that there is a “correct” and “incorrect” way to sing, paint, sculpt, or make films. This is not necessarily true, but it may take years to realize this. The song “Only Acting” by Kero Kero Bonito breaks all the conventions of pop music. It has an unconventional storyline, changes genres multiple times, and is even somewhat chaotic, but it is still considered a perfect pop song. Perhaps, if more people had listened to it during their formative years, they could have avoided wasting a decade conforming to arbitrary rules.
“The song “Bridges and Balloons” by Joanna Newsom describes the beauty of the world and the connections between people.”
Joanna Newsom’s “Bridges and Balloons” depicts the splendor of the world and the interrelations between individuals.
Many young children are captivated by Joanna Newsom, and it’s easy to see why. With her beautiful dresses, majestic harp, and a voice that is both youthful and wise, she seems like a character straight out of a fairy tale. But there is a valuable lesson to be learned from her unabashed romanticism – she has created her own unique identity and serves as a reminder to keep imagination alive. As a songwriter, she explores the wonders of nature, the vastness of the universe, and matters of the heart. Her songs break away from traditional structures and instead pave the way for new artistic territories. With a love for language and a sensitivity that is readily available for anyone to tap into, she is like a ripe apple waiting to be plucked by young minds, before the monotony of exams and spelling tests dulls their sense of wonder. In “Bridges and Balloons,” there are glimpses of adventure and discovery, providing a wide range of possibilities for young minds to cultivate.
“Ignore advertising for newsletter”
after newsletter promotion
John Coltrane – A Love Supreme
Why not introduce children to the best piece of music of the 20th century, A Love Supreme by John Coltrane? This album is considered a masterpiece and teaches the important lesson that less can often be more. Starting with a simple four-note bass line and expanding into an approachable suite, it incorporates religious themes and improvisation. While the entire 33-minute piece may be overwhelming for young children, even a small portion of its recurring motif can spark curiosity and thoughtful contemplation.
“Master of Puppets” by Metallica
Some may mock the idea of loud heavy metal music being included in the school curriculum. However, please consider my viewpoint. Metallica’s most significant achievement is often recognized as the genre’s best representation, showcasing the collision of force, technical prowess, and catchy melodies by the California thrash band. Furthermore, it provides a cathartic experience, an intense release of emotions that could be transformational for students stifled by the stoic nature of the UK’s education system. During my schooling, emotions like frustration and anger were deemed unacceptable, but music like this presents a productive outlet for these natural human emotions. Matt Mills.
“Coat of Many Colours” is a song written and recorded by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton.
The song “Coat of Many Colours” was written and performed by Dolly Parton, a famous American singer and songwriter.
Dolly Parton is a master of using music to convey a powerful story, and her skill and endurance in this art form is unmatched. Her song primarily addresses the issue of poverty, drawing from her own experiences growing up in a large and impoverished family. Through lyrics about attending school in tattered clothes from a neighbor and having holes in her shoes, Parton shares the struggles she faced while living in a one-room cabin with her 11 siblings, where the walls were covered in newspaper. This song also serves as a reminder to children in Britain who are currently facing poverty that they are not alone and that there are people who care for them, despite the lack of support from the government.
Jonathan Richman’s song “Corner Store” is about the nostalgic memories of a neighborhood corner store.
Some people in government view art as a luxury only for the wealthy. However, my children’s teachers incorporate it creatively into their lessons to provide a different perspective on traditional subjects. While I was tempted to choose Judy Collins’ lively rendition of “Both Sides Now,” a song that highlights the importance of looking at things from a new angle, I ultimately selected “Corner Store.” This simple story explores a contemporary issue of small businesses being replaced by larger chains, which can strip away the local character. The potential for learning is endless, particularly in understanding the history of the neighborhood. And if an end-of-year production about the effects of gentrification seems too heavy, just remember the catchy chorus: “Bam a nib a nib a nib way oh / Bam a nib a nib a way oh web oh!” – Tim Jonze.
Source: theguardian.com
