This Magic Moment - The Drifters (1960)

"this magic moment."

when Ben E. King rips out that first line of the song, i can't tell if he's talking about love or music. i guess it doesn't really matter.

this entirety of this song i get chills, as the Drifters belt out beautiful lyrics over swirling strings in the background, supported by a basic rhythm from the kit. i say i can't tell whether King is singing about love or the very music he's making, because i feel towards this song the way somebody might feel towards a loved one.

it's so different, so new. sounds i've never heard before, and they're hitting my ears right now. every instrument, pouring wine so sweet, intoxicating me, embracing me in a warm insulation that i feel can never end, forever until the end of time...

and, of course, like any beautiful song, its perfection is unexplainable. it's all magic.

here are the lyrics in full:

this magic moment
so different and so new
was like any other
until i kissed you

and then it happened
it took me by surprise
i knew that you felt it too
by the look in your eyes

sweeter than wine
softer than the summer night
everything i want i have
whenever i hold you tight

this magic moment
while your lips are close to mine
will last forever
forever til the end of time

magic magic magic magic

i music love.

listen.

Stayin' Alive - Bee Gees (1977)

i know it's all about Michael Jackson right now, but here's a dance song i guarantee you haven't forgotten:



before The Field, before Daft Punk, before Michael Jackson, these guys mastered the art of repetition.

lay down a bass drum, thump it, 1. 2. 3. 4. add some hi-hat to the mix for some extra clicks. next, slurp out an irresistible bassline, sidewinding around the four-on-the-floor kicks. it's getting real dancey. then you hit the synths, caressing the keys, remembering this isn't about dominating the song, just keeping it rolling, keeping it fresh. maybe some strings here and there. finally, lay down the vocal track, smooth, funky, rocking, spiraling, spinning, dizzy, and real cool. nothing wild, just simple, to the point, sweet, and beautiful.

then the genius.

repeat. repeat. repeat. repeat. repeat. repeat. repeat. repeat.

anybody who writes a good dance song knows that the key is simplicity and repetition. listen to "Thriller." listen to "One More Time." listen to "Stayin' Alive." ah, you've heard 'em all before...


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