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Pop music is usually comprised of happy, upbeat rhythms with simple melodies and lyrics that relate to love, relationships, sex and dancing. It is not a genre that is meant to bring deep and serious world issues to the fore, nor is it meant to invoke introspection and reflection. It’s there simply to bop around to, and join in the rousing chorus at the top of your lungs. Its feel good music, designed for fun and lighthearted entertainment.

Unlike other music genres such as rock and hip hop, where the songs are often written by the artists themselves, pop songs are usually written by professional songwriters. In order to generate as much exposure as possible, artists create music videos and stage extravagant live performances to attract media interest. Music videos are particularly important as they can enjoy international commercial success and thus reach an extremely wide audience. This has made pop, arguably the world’s biggest music genre.

“Popular music” has been around since the 50s, with people such as Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley falling into the category. Pop music, as most of us know it, really came into its own in the 80s with the rise of artists such as Michael Jackson and Madonna.

Michael Jackson had nine no.1 singles in the US alone during the 80s, and sold over 136 million albums even though he only released two, Thriller and Bad. This ensured that he became the most successful artist of the 80s and earned him the title “King of Pop”.

Madonna was another emerging 80s artist who reached iconic status. Widely regarded as the “Queen of Pop”, Madonna has experimented by blending pop with a number of other music genres and has sold over 230 million albums globally. Her album, Like a Virgin achieved Diamond status; one better than Platinum and her single Vogue is one of the biggest selling singles in history. It has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.

The 90s was not a good decade for pop. It saw the emergence of boy bands and girl groups resulting in the Backstreet Boys, N’SYNC and that fascinating UK phenomenon, the Spice Girls. Groups were assembled more for their looks and appeal to teenage audiences than any real singing talent. Towards the end of the 90s we saw a rise of bubble gum pop and aspiring divas, Britney Spears and her competition, Christina Aguilera. Christina experimented and evolved; Britney stagnated in the sex kitten look and had a breakdown. Australia’s Kylie Minogue, a former 80s icon, experienced a revival that carried her through to the next century. Latin pop burst onto the scene with Ricky Martin swinging his hips and Shakira shaking everything else.

The 2000s have seen a lot of artists take time off from their bands to record solo albums such as Gwen Stefani, while others simply left their bands to pursue solo careers like Justin Timberlake and Robbie Williams. We’ve seen the rise of Teen pop, who’ve been given a boost by the Disney Channel, as well as Pop Punk like Fall Out Boy and pop rock like Pink. The popular reality show American Idol has changed the way in which many people achieve fame and commercial success in the music industry. Some artists have proved that it is possible to successfully blend pop music and R&B, artists like Nelly Furtado and Rihanna.

Some modern day icons include:

Justin Timberlake, who rose to stardom on the tails of one of the more successful boy bands, N’SYNC. He chose to leave the band and pursue an independent solo career and in 2002 released his debut album titled, Justified. After a break of about four years, in which he recorded with other artists, began a movie career, started a fashion label, William Rast, and established his own record label, Tennman Records, he returned to the studio and released his second album, FutureSex/LoveSounds. He has sold over 15 million albums worldwide.

Nelly Furtado first came to our attention in 2000 when she released her debut album, Whoa, Nelly. “I’m like a bird”, her breakthrough single from the album, won her a Grammy award and established her as an artist to watch. In 2003, after taking some time off to have her first child, she released her second album, Folklore, which didn’t fare as well commercially as Whoa, Nelly did. However, her latest album, Loose, which she released in 2006, has put her firmly back on the hit parade. It has had several hit singles, most notably, “Promiscuous”, “Maneater”, “Say It Right” and “Do It”. Nelly is not afraid of experimenting with her sound and often incorporates different instruments, sounds, languages and vocal styles into her music. She claims to have attributed her new youthful sound on Loose to the presence of her two-year old daughter.

Kylie Minogue has one of the longest standing and most successful careers in pop music history. She’s seen out the 80s, the 90s and has enjoyed huge success in the 2000s. She is primarily famous in Europe and Australia, although her popularity in the US is growing. She is one of the world’s most easily recognisable celebrities and earned herself thousands of new fans by the brave manner in which she battled breast cancer and dealt with her resulting hair loss. In January 2007 Madame Tussaud’s in London revealed a new waxwork of Kyle, the fourth one. The Queen is the only person in the world to have had more models created.

This November Kylie will release her much anticipated 10th album, her first in four years. For most of her career Kylie has been regarded as a gay icon, which she encourages with good humoured comments such as this one, “I am not a traditional gay icon. There’s been no tragedy in my life, only tragic outfits.” She acknowledges and appreciates her gay support base by openly supporting AIDS and gay rights causes.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pop_music

By: Sandy Cosser

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The tradition of stepping has been popularized by Black fraternities and sororities and combines different elements of dance, singing, and rhythm. As a result of the coordination and skills of the step show performers, the art form can be found in several music videos.

Stepping can be described as a combination of signing, dancing, and rhythm. There is a military styled precision in the step routines performed by each organization. The popularity of stepping comes from an appreciation for the coordination and emotional interaction of the performers. Originally performed by Black fraternities and sororities, stepping is often performed to music. In turn, some music artists use black fraternities and sorority members in their music videos. The most recent example can be found in the video by “Fergilicious” by Fergie where members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc perform a step routine with canes. Past examples have included videos by Chubb Rock using members of Omega Psi Phi & Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity members, Biz Markie using Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity members, and even Snoop Dogg using Phi Beta Sigma, Kappa Alpha Psi, & Omega Psi Phi fraternity members. Artists are not limited to using fraternities and sororities in their videos. Busta Rhymes used a step team of young cheerleaders in his “Touch It (Remix)” video.

This trend will continue to show the close relationship between stepping and the music it uses. Step teams will continue use popular music to perform their routines while music artists will continue to include stepping in their videos. The symbiotic relationship will continue to enhance the tradition that continues to grow from humble roots to entertainment venues worldwide.

By: Freddie Stewart

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Ever since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the music industry has collapsed. The Taliban discouraged music and even banned it. During the Taliban era Pashto and Afghan music was discouraged to such an extent that musicians had to leave the country for neighbouring Pakistan. This was extended by the “ministry for the promotion of vice and prevention of virtue”. Anyone heard singing or even heard listening to music was beaten publicly. Televisions were hanged from trees as an example to others.

Pashto is the language of the majority of the people of Afghanistan. It is often pronounced in several ways Pakhto, Pushto, Pukhto, Pashtu and Pushtu. The language is also spoken in the some regions of Pakistan especially north-western and south-western Pakistan. It is thought that nearly 40 million people speak this language and has been made the official language of the government and national language. According to the constitution of Afghanistan, it is stated that “Pashto is also used in education, literature, office and court business, media, and in religious institutions, etc.

Music and songs were once very popular in Afghanistan. It was the life and soul of the country. The music covered the whole of the region and crossed boundaries to neighbouring countries. However, the Pashto singers had to leave the country and escape to Pakistan or other countries as a precautionary measure to save their lives. Some singers had to abandon singing music altogether and find alternative things to do. It is estimated that virtually all famous musicians and singers to Afghanistan left the country or were forced to flee. Many singers and musicians even disappeared and were imprisoned simply for the passion for music.

After the ousting of the Taliban we have seen a resurge in music in Afghanistan. Singers and Musicians are once again are back in the country and are composing music. Music schools have sprung all over Kabul and Afghanistan. This is a great achievement for a country where singing was discouraged and music was banned. Today the country seems to springing back to life. Music can now be heard all over the country.

By: Alan Belth

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I know that I am going to be labeled as old-fashioned but having recently attended a wedding, I was bothered by the incredibly loud music. I have never understood loud music at bars; but, at a social gathering, like a wedding, why must we be subjected to sound at a level that makes any social interaction impossible? If you cannot be heard when you speak or are unable to hear the person talking to you, what is the point?

I would imagine that the answer lies in the fact that a lot of volume is needed for dancing. Why? Can you not dance just as well if the decibel level is somewhat lower? This is not a complaint about the X or the Y Generations because it was the Baby Boomers who started this trend.

What the loud music does is tire the listeners. Fighting to be heard or straining to hear takes work. It takes energy. And, after several hours of being bombarded with a volume level that is more than uncomfortable, you will have a sore throat from yelling, ears that are in pain, and quite possibly a headache.

The problem with loud music over an extended period of time is that it damages the ears. Those fine hairs in your ears, known as cilia, do not grow back. Once they are gone, they are gone. Without the cilia, you have no hearing. Of course, you can resort to hearing aids once the damage is done. Rest assured, with hearing aids, the voice you are hoping to hear sitting next to you will be heard as well as the amplification of every other incidental sound or noise in your surroundings.

Those who work in loud environments wear headphones to cut out the noise, be it at airports, factories, or out in the street. The decibel level for a jackhammer, for example, is 100 while the decibel level for a rock concert is 120. If those in our streets working with jackhammers wear headphones for 100 decibels in order to preserve their hearing, why must we be subjected to deafening music at decibel levels beyond that?

Common sense is becoming less and less common in our society today. To be subjected to deafening music for several hours at a time is certainly one of those situations where common sense does not rule.

By: Nancy Daniels

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There is so much of interesting news on Jay Z And Beyonce both hugely popular singers in their own right. Both have sold millions of albums world wide and have adoring fans lapping every news bit of theirs.

One of the biggest news is that Beyonce and Destiny’s Child are planning for a grand reunion in 2010. They had split in 2005 to pursue different solo careers and Beyonce in particular had reached the peaks of success with all her albums creating records.

The latest you hear on Jay Z is his press conference to announce the holding of his concert on Sept 11 2009 at Madison Square Garden in honor and in memory and to benefit the New York Police and Fire Widows and Children’s Benefit Fund. The event will be telecast live on Fuse TV and the rapper is said to be immensely disturbed by the 9/11 events. Both these news pertain to the current month of Sept 2009.

The stars were very much in the news during the month of August and every where they went and everything they did created news. The fact that they were spectators during the Barclays Golf Tournament created a lot of buzz.

Celebrities make small news into big news events. Beyonce change of rooms in Ukraine created a lot of news. The room was exchanged due to security reasons of the President of Ukraine who was staying in the same hotel.

Beyonce performing at the MTV awards and been chosen the Woman of the year also made a lot of headlines. News On Jay Z And Beyonce created a lot of curiosity among fans.

By: Steve R Michael

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I don’t know about you, but lately I’ve been encouraged to see the great outpouring of public concern for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. In times of personal distress and dispair, it’s comforting to know that there are people who care and are willing to help in any way they can. One of my own guitar students who is a veterinarian, recently went over to offer his expertise where needed. And perhaps you’ve seen some of the special concerts that have been aired on T.V. this past week. Musicians and entertainers such as Paul Simon, James Taylor, Nora Jones, Bill Cosby, Robin Williams and others, coming together to share their gifts and talents in an effort to raise money for the people who have been devastated by this terrible flood. There are many Indie Artists also who have decided to donate the proceeds from the sale of their songs to the disaster relief fund. If you would like to join them in this effort or buy some of their music please follow this link to: CD
Baby.com

Thousands of people have lost all their worldly possesions and are now left with many questions and uncertainties about the future. As musicians and songwriters, we have a unique opportunity to use our gifts and talents to bring hope and healing. Amidst the confusion, there are those who are asking “Where is God in this?” and “Why did He allow this to happen?” As they search for answers, trying to deal with the painful emotions of anger and grief, some will have a tendency to blame God. But He is the very One they need to turn to.

I remember a personal experience I had several years ago when
everything I thought I “owned” was about to be stripped away from me. Having no job and no money, I was filled with fear as I imagined myself wandering the streets homeless, alone, and hungry. But because I am a Christian, I decided to put my hope in Jesus who promised never to leave me or forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). It was amazing to watch how He provided for my needs in such unexpected ways; sometimes through people I didn’t even know! Though my resources were nil, His were (and are) infinite!

So, if you get the opportunity, I encourage you to encourage someone else by using your gift of music in the days ahead. Perhaps you may even be inspired to write a song. If you are a Christian, then you might find some food for creative thought by reading the verse of scripture below. If you are not a Christian, but have felt the impact of Hurricane Katrina, then I hope you will find some comfort in knowing that there is a God who is alive, who does care and whose name is Jesus.

“The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” ~ Psalm 29:10-11 ~

Keep a song in your heart!

By: Kathy Unruh

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The music download industry keeps evolving, as more players enter the game and alliances are formed within a blink of an eye. We’re all aware of AT&T partnering with giant Apple Inc. to promote the iPhone, which of course uses iTunes for its ringtone capabilities. As more mobile phones encompass multimedia functions, the music and telecommunications industries are realizing their unfolding opportunities to meld together.

AT&T and Napster, one of the original music download services, are joining together and providing direct download capabilities, according to CNNMoney. In an effort to avoid mobile-to- PC connections to transfer music files, direct downloads are growing in popularity. More mobile phone owners are using their cell phones as MP3 players, not to mention the added benefit of using downloads as ringtones.

Similarly, in Australia, Nokia is stepping up to the plate in music downloads, providing free Wi-Fi zones for Nokia Nseries customers. They plan to launch a music download service of their own sometime this year, and with their free Wi-Fi campaign, more and more Australian-based Nokia users will be more apt to try it out come launch time.

Telecommunications companies and mobile phone service providers aren’t the only ones switching up the music download industry. Amazon’s newest service, AmazonMP3, is offering lower prices on individual songs and albums than some of their competitors, such as iTunes.

Their 2-million some music collection stands out in that its music files are DRM-free and iTunes and Windows Multimedia Player-compatible. Though competition amongst music download providers is inevitable, anyone with a mobile phone or MP3 player will continue to be exposed to countless options.

By: Kelly Liyakasa

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Currently there is a Bill on the floor of the Legislation scheduled for March 4 agenda proposed by Senator Constantine that mandates PE for 225 minutes weekly for grades 6 – 8. While the intent of the bill is to make Florida students active and healthy, the bill has major “unintended consequences”. Bill S0610 intention is to “recognize good nutrition and regular physical activity affects the health and well-being of students” it has no source of funding for the new physical education classes or funding for the additional nutrition guidelines of the bill. This in effect means that each school board will need cut programs in order to achieve these state mandated guidelines.

By mandating the 225 minutes of physical education a week the opportunity for music education at the grade level of 6 – 8 will be eliminated. The long-standing and well document positive effects of musical education streamlined with core educational framework have been recognized by The U.S. Department of Education. They state, “Many colleges view participation in the arts and music as valuable experience that broadens students’ understanding and appreciation of the world around them.” In addition, it plays a part in developing “children’s intellectual development.”

It is documented by College Entrance Examination Board that “students taking courses in music performance and music appreciation scored higher in the SAT than students with no arts participation. Music performance students scored 53 points higher on the verbal and 39 points higher on the math. Music appreciation students scored 61 points higher on the verbal and 42 points higher on the math.” (Source: 1999 College-Bound Seniors National Report: Profile of SAT Program Test Takers, The College Entrance Examination Board, Princeton, New Jersey).

The U.S. Secretary of Education concludes, “I believe arts education in music, theater, dance and the visual arts is one of the most creative ways we have to find the gold that is buried just beneath the surface.” Even the U.S. Secretary of Education believes that music and arts are valuable in the curriculum. He was quoted as saying “They (children) have an enthusiasm for life, a spark of creativity, and vivid imaginations that need training…training that prepares them to become confident young men and women. As I visit schools around the country I see a renewed interest in arts education and a growing concern about the negative impact of cutting art and music out of curriculum. The creativity of the arts and the joy of music should be central to the education of every American child.” (Source: Richard W. Riley, U.S. Secretary of Education

Senator Carlton of the Senate’s Committee on Education reported in her newsletter the following statement, “We want to make sure our students have every opportunity to succeed… The important thing is that our students have options.” This bill effectively removes all option for participation in music programs.

The central idea of the Bill is something that most will whole heartedly agree with. However, as it is currently worded and un funded, the price tag of the “untended consequences” is too high. Elimination of music has a negative impact that is unacceptable according to the U.S. Department of Education and should be unacceptable to the citizens of Florida. At the time of release Members of the Senate Education Committee, Senator Constantine, Representative Weatherford, and the Governor’s Office had not replied back with the option of making a comment on the issue. I urge Floridians to Speak Out and Voice Your Opinion. Don’t allow the Florida Legislature make the wrong decision for our students.

By: Ashira R

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Older believers have to be careful how they talk, I’m told. So let me first say, yes, there are some great new songs around. The music and the words both.
Now let me tell you how I really feel…

Since the “established” church seems to have trouble with the old hymnbooks, I sing out of one most every morning. In private. I love even the poetry of these songs. I was raised on them, what can I say? There was majesty and beauty and downright sense to the words.

Take this one. I have never sung it in my life, couldn’t whistle the tune if I tried, but while skimming through a particular songbook (Hymns of the Christian Life, 1936! -before even my time) , I have run across this song often. I decided to do a read only. Oh my, I was touched more than I have been in a month of Sundays in the established place. And I mean no offense to my home church. I just have trouble feeling at home during song-time. Check out these words:

1. Jesus and shall it ever be, a mortal man ashamed of Thee?

Ashamed of Thee Whom angels praise, Whose glories shine through endless days?

2. Ashamed of Jesus! sooner far let evening blush to own a star;

He sheds the beams of light divine o’er this benighted soul of mine.

3. Ashamed of Jesus! that dear Friend on Whom my hopes of heaven depend!

No; when I blush, be this my shame, that I no more revere His Name.

4. Ashamed of Jesus! Yes, I may when I’ve no guilt to wash away,

No tears to wipe, no good to crave, no fears to quell, no soul to save.

5. Till then, nor is my boasting vain, till then I boast a Saviour slain;

And O may this my glory be, that Christ is not ashamed of me.

OH how wonderful those words of Joseph Grigg. I can only imagine that Henry Oliver’s tune enhances the beauty. Because that’s how the old songs were, for the most part. Great lyrics, supportive music. Not the other way around.

Here’s a suggestion for Mother Church, the Body of the Lord Himself. If we so desire novelty for our youth, let’s teach them some of these great old songs that they have never heard. To them, they will be new. To us they will be precious. And we’ll all be happy.

Suggestion two, while I’m on a roll. The Church was not created for the world, but for the saints. Let the Church remain holy and draw all men to Christ through the preached cross. Let the saints feel comfortable in their own home. The world has its own.

Did I just change the subject…? not really. Music that appeals to the flesh is of the world. Music that effects bodily changes is fleshly. Music that makes me want to cover my ears is an offense. Music that, like alcohol and tobacco, takes some getting used to needs to be eliminated before all ears are polluted and people will not even want to go to a church that does not rock.

By: Bob Faulkner

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