Years ago when I was writing all of my biggest hits (lol) I sat down to read The Manual (How to Have a Number One the Easy Way), the 1988 book by The KLF, for a spot of advice.
The one thing that really struck a chord - pun intended - was Call and Response. It’s something you don’t really think about when you’re listening to music, or writing it, but the deeper you delve, the more you realise why Call and Response in music resonates.
So what is it exactly? Call and Response is a distinct phrasing in music where the second phrase is heard as a direct response to the first. This can be done through vocals - “Hey Sylvia? Yes Mickey!” - or in instrumental phrases like the banjos having a little chat before all hell breaks lose in ‘Dueling Banjos’ From Deliverance.
Ultimately, Call and Response is dialogue. It’s communication. It’s that feeling that you’re not alone in the world. There’s a reason why there’s quite a few go to Ad Faves in the playlist this week: ‘Togetherness’ is everything.
Next time I’ll wang out my more obscure faves, but this one is for Summer Gatherings, The Chatterboxes, The Lonely Hearts and KLF nerds amongst you (If you fancy checking the book out btw, you can read the whole thing here)