Production Styles Issues - Essay Example

There are several differences between the production styles implemented in the 1950s and the 1960s. During the 1950s the music that emerged was largely influenced by the rhythm and blues that had been popular in the 1940s. The 1950s then witnessed the emergence of popular music styles such as doo-wop, R&B, and soul. The production elements implemented in this musical landscape largely involved more traditional forms of instrumentation. In this way, trumpets, saxophones, and percussion elements were increasingly accompanied by guitars. Music production in the 1950s was also linked directly to 1950s cultural constraints. In these regards, there was a general degree of naiveté and modesty in the lyrical production during this era. The late 1950s and early 1960s witnessed shifts in these production styles. With the gradual emergence of rock and roll in the late 1950s and early 1960s, there was a corresponding loosening of cultural standards. In this way, the music of this period increasingly incorporated sexual themes and innuendos. In terms of instrumentation, production styles increasingly came to incorporate guitars as the primary carrier of rhythm and melody.

The different production styles of the early 1960s are embodied in Coaster’s hit song ‘Down in Mexico’. This song emerged at a transitional time for music. With 1950s-style productions gradually being phased out for 1960s modes of production. In this way, this song retains the 1950s instrumentation style, with the use of brass instruments as the major production method. Still, guitar and bass are incorporated to an increasing extent in this track. Perhaps a more notable element of this track is the increasing emphasis its places on darker themes. While the track retains much of the 1950s cultural standards, there is a distinct shift in tone from the light-hearted naiveté that was reminiscent of the 50s, to the 1960s increasing willingness to incorporate darker and more challenging themes.

There are several notable similarities and differing elements between the musical landscape in the 1950s and 1960s. From an overarching perspective, it appears that rock music became more homogenized in the 1960s, although the difference depends on what categories one uses. The 1950s witnessed a disparate array of music styles. Rhythm and blues, country, doo-wop, jazz, and soul music also existed as major styles during this period. In this way, there was considerable disparity in terms of the popular music landscape, as a dominant music genre had not yet emerged. As the 1960s occurred many of these disparate music styles merged under singular genres. For instance, rhythm and blues increasingly became associated with rock music. Additionally, rock music incorporated many influences from country music. In this way, the 1960s witnessed greater homogenization in terms of the musical landscape. Still, in other ways, there was significant innovation and diversity. Jazz during this period continued to remain relatively popular and witnessed increasing innovation in the form of free jazz. This period also experienced considerable development in rock music with surf rock, progressive rock, and psychedelic rock emerging. Read More