A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs Episode 25: “Earth Angel” by the Penguins
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Mar 26, 2019 AI Snips
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Episode notes
Formulaic Originality
- Early rock and roll's power lies in simplicity, relying on familiar formulae used in slightly different ways.
- Originality comes from applying these formulae creatively, not from unexpected musical structures.
Rock'n'Roll Chord Sequences
- 50s rock and roll songs typically used one of four chord sequences: 12-bar blues, 8-bar blues, the three-chord trick (I-IV-V), and the do-wop progression.
- These progressions cover over 90% of the genre's records.
The Formation of the Penguins
- The Penguins formed in the LA vocal group scene around Central Avenue, known for its complex band memberships.
- LA groups were fluid, members changed frequently, making it difficult to track their history.