conventions of pop

Question 1

Rock ‘n’ Roll of the 1950’s and 1960’s Melody

Answer 1

Often uses ‘blue notes’ “Catchy” Melodies have a narrow vocal range. Vocal and guitar melodies use repeated phrases, riffs and hooks.

Question 2

Rock ‘n’ Roll of the 1950’s and 1960’s Rhythm

Answer 2

Backbeat (accenting 2nd and 4th beats of the bar on the snare
drum). Often features a Walking Bass Line. Syncopation, Swung Rhythms and Boogie-Woogie rhythms also used.

Question 3

Rock ‘n’ Roll of the 1950’s and 1960’s Texture

Answer 3

Homophonic (Melody & Accompaniment) Texture – a solo
singer accompanied by instruments. Some textural variety
within songs e.g. instruments ‘dropping out’.

Question 4

Rock ‘n’ Roll of the 1950’s and 1960’s Articulation

Answer 4

Harsh, brash and raw sound possessing energy and drive.
Accents on the 2nd and 4th beats of the bar provide the Backbeat.

Question 5

Rock ‘n’ Roll of the 1950’s and 1960’s Accompaniment

Answer 5

Sometimes Call and Response between solo voice and accompaniment (band or backing singers). Lead singers and/or
instrumental solos backed by band.

Question 6

Rock ‘n’ Roll of the 1950’s and 1960’s Form & Structure

Answer 6

Verse-Chorus Form with a short Introduction (often instrumental
but sometimes vocal), solo verses, chorus, instrumental section
(improvised solos section featuring Scat singing) ending with a Coda/Outro.

Question 7

Rock ‘n’ Roll of the 1950’s and 1960’s Vocal Performance & Technique

Answer 7

Mainly male lead singers using high-pitch vocals and Falsetto giving an untrained or shouty tone/timbre with screeches, jeers
and cheers. Portamentos and Scat Singing often used.

Question 8

Rock ‘n’ Roll of the 1950’s and 1960’s Technology

Answer 8

Amplifiers for Electric Guitars Basic effects such as Reverb and Echo
Double-track lead and backing vocals for richer sounds. “Raw” sound of recordings.

Question 9

Rock ‘n’ Roll of the 1950’s and 1960’s Venue

Answer 9

Dance Halls, Concert Halls Juke Boxes

Question 10

Rock ‘n’ Roll of the 1950’s and 1960’s Artists, Bands & Performers

Answer 10

Elvis Presley, Brenda lee, the beetles

Question 11

Rock ‘n’ Roll of the 1950’s and 1960’s Instrumentation

Answer 11

lead vocalist instruments piano, drum kit, saxophone, trumpet, harmonica, trombone and double bass Electric Guitar

Question 12

Rock Anthems of the
1970’s and 1980’s

Question 13

Rock Anthems of the
1970’s and 1980’s

Question 14

Rock Anthems of the
1970’s and 1980’s

Question 15

Rock Anthems of the
1970’s and 1980’s

Question 16

Rock Anthems of the
1970’s and 1980’s

Question 17

Rock Anthems of the
1970’s and 1980’s

Question 18

Rock Anthems of the
1970’s and 1980’s

Question 19

Rock Anthems of the
1970’s and 1980’s

Question 20

Rock Anthems of the
1970’s and 1980’s

Question 21

Rock Anthems of the
1970’s and 1980’s

Question 22

Rock Anthems of the
1970’s and 1980’s