Events

My Jericho: What Makes A Good Song?

Thursday 18th May 18:00

My Jericho youtube channel

Professor Gary Browning Professor of Political Thought Oxford Brookes and Jan Butler Senior Lecturer in Popular Music Oxford Brookes discuss songs in light of Bob Dylan's book, The Philosophy of Modern Song (2022)

We will start off with some thoughts on Bob Dylan’s recent book on popular song. Which songs does he choose? Why does he choose them?  He likes songs that are open, where the stories they tell are not finished or closed. Hence in ‘By the Time I Get to Phoenix’ he wonders what the singer who is telling the story is doing and what is happening to the girl he has left behind. Dylan’s choices are maverick, reflecting a maverick personality and his own background. Mostly they are by male singers and songwriters and they are mostly from the 1950s and 1960s, though he chooses some punk rock songs. He thinks the singers and listeners are important in determining songs. They are never finished once and for all. What would you choose? Dylan thinks music in a song must work with the singer and not dominate.

SONGs- Dylan’s picks and omissions that will be played for discussion:

Nina Simone Please Don’t Let me be misunderstood’ , The Clash London Calling,  Hank Williams Your Cheatin’ Heart,  Joni Mitchell Both Sides Now