Pachelbel is Truly the Father of Pop Music

[liz_marcs]

And despite my debilitating cold (held in check by the magic that is Robitussin gel caps — even more awesome than liquid form!), I crawled onto YouTube to check something out recommended by kurukami.

I didn't get to the video (sorry!) because, as befitting my somewhat whacked out brain (due to cold and Robitussin), I got distracted by shiny!

I learned something new. See, it appears that Pachelbel is the most played composer in the world and the Father of All Pop Music.

How did I reach this conclusion you ask?

Please meet the Axis of Awesome and their song "4 Chords", which they contend is the basis of all pop hits.

First, let's start with them singing it live (it also appears to be a more up-to-date version than the one they recorded).

Wheeee! That was fun. Now here's a fan-made video of the recorded version of "4 Chords", except it comes with an "answer key" of artists and songs.

So, who is the genius that discovered that golden progression? Who is this giant among men that delivered it unto our ears first?

The answer, according to comedian Rob Paravonian, is Johann Pachelbel.

It goes without saying that Paravonian is not happy about this state of affairs one bit. He even has a very, very funny rant about it.

Which you can watch here...

And so, I have spread a little knowledge today.

There are days when the Internet is simply Good.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to crawl under my comforter and sleep for a year.

Comments

[maggiebloome.livejournal.com]

Ahaha I love Rob P. And the Axis Of Awesome! All you need to complete the tryptych is Tripod's Oasis Medly (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2wJDnyd-ow) XD

[jaydeyn-sitari.livejournal.com]

I just laughed my ass off! THANK YOU! :D Now I'm going to be hearing bloody Pachelbel where I go! :D

:D
Jaydeyn

[rileysaplank.livejournal.com]

That is a whole world of Awesome.

[uninvitedcat.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! I've now subscribed to Rob Paravonian's podcast via iTunes to learn more of his comedy! (You give the best music recs too!)

[4thdixiechick.livejournal.com]

Hee!

that was awesome.

Hope you feel better soon.

[tigerlily0484.livejournal.com]

And then there are days when the Internet is Excellent. Today is one of those days. As both an Australian and something of a music geek who at one point dabbled in cello (among other things), I laughed so hard at these clips I think I burst something in my brain.

"He once dated a cellist, and she dissed him really bad, so he came up with the worst cello part he could think of." Damn straight. Freakin' Pachelbel.

Heh. Thanks for this. :)

[othercat.livejournal.com]

*is ded*

[flipthefrog.livejournal.com]

Delurking to comment: actually, the "Pachelbel Bass" was a common chord progression in the Baroque period (mid-1600s to mid-1700s), the name of which I can't remember for the life of me. It shows up everywhere at least partly because it's a simple run around the Circle of Fifths, descending by a fourth and then up by a step, repeated ad nauseam,and also because this progression is pleasing to the ear and simple to compose for.

This has been your Music History for the day.