Marginalia
All these old songs are like your kids … They all get you to where you are at.
What can I bring to amplify this person’s superpower.
via Virginia Trioli
🎧 Mark Ronson’s Songs of Pop Perfection (Take 5)
Where do you begin with Mark Ronson? 7 Grammys, an Oscar, and so many hit records over 15 years of writing and producing music. He may not sing, but he’s topped the charts in every other way; crafting ‘Uptown Funk’, co-writing ‘Shallow’ with Lady Gaga, and collaborating with musicians from right across the genre map. Ever since that debut album back in 2003, I’ve been a fan. The way he scooped up hip-hop, soul, and funk into perfect pop packages grabbed my attention and kept it. Over the years Mark and I have crossed paths a few times but he’s never done a Take 5. And the opportunity to get inside the musical mind of Mark Ronson is something I’ve been hankering to do for a long time. From OutKast to The Smiths, King Princess to Kacey Musgraves to Prince, hear one of the world’s great producers explore how their songs define pop perfection for him. King Princess – ‘1950’ The Smiths – ‘Stop Me if You Think You’ve Heard This One Before’ Outkast – ‘Ms. Jackson’ Kacey Musgraves – ‘Slow Burn Prince – ‘Pop Life’
Mark Ronson gives insight into what defines a perfect pop tune. For Ronson, the best pop songs have a tinge of melancholy, with the push pull of melody and sadness. This reminds me of his discussion of music collection for Crate Diggers. The thing I love most about listening to Ronson speak about music is his breadth of knowledge and experience.
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