SOUNDTRACK: THE ARCHIES-“Sugar Sugar” (1969).
Bubblegum music is typically defined using two sets of criteria: the vocal style, the simplistic or childish lyrics, and an 8/8 or otherwise upbeat rhythm structure and marketing strategy aimed at a young naive audience (e.g. fictional bands, double entendre lyrics, recycled songs). The “golden age” of Bubblegum Music was 1966-1970.
Who doesn’t love music made my fictional cartoon bands? For a bunch of teens who clearly are not playing their instruments in the video (yes there was a video), this song is about the catchiest thing around.
It’s pretty interesting how much this sounds like The Monkees (who had started three years earlier).
“Sugar Sugar” has a simple, easily remembered melody, soft and sweet lyrics and an earworm chorus that you will have in your head all day because you read this.
You are my candy, girl.
[READ: May 10, 2020] Bubblegum Week 1
Over at the Infinite Zombies site, there was talk of doing a Quarantine book read. After debating a few books, we decided to write about a new book, not a book that everyone (or some people) had read already. This new book would be Bubblegum by Adam Levin. Many of us had read Levin’s massive The Instructions which was not especially challenging, although it was a complex meta-fictional story of books within books. It was kind of disturbing, but also rather funny and very entertaining.
So I’ll be posting weekly ideas on this schedule
| Date | Through Page |
|---|---|
| May 11 | 81 |
| May 18 | 176 |
| May 25 | 282 |
| June 1 | 377 |
| June 8 | 476 |
| June 15 | 583 |
| June 22 | 660 |
| June 29 | 767 |
A Character By Any Other Name
As this book opens I couldn’t help but focus on names. I have always been attuned to the names authors use. When I used to attempt fiction, I could spend as much time trying to come up with the perfect meaningful name (see how the name comments on the action?) as with a story itself. So when I see an author using especially peculiar names, my reading senses tingle. (more…)
I Just Read About That... 