Jolies mélodies

A catching melody isn't it? But have you noticed how it is built on a sequence of just three notes repeated on and on at different levels with the usual few notes that permit the transition from one scale to another? So it works wonder but basically the melodic line is at its simplest. Of course it had to be found though.

Like everybody, I am very sensitive to melodies but I mean real melodies, not just some sort of gimmick that certainly is efficient and powerful but yet somehow unsatisfying musically wise.

Now consider the difference between the stuff Macca used to come out with and that of Mick and Keith. One is a brilliant melody maker whereas the others are brilliant musicians. 

Think of that masterpiece whose first melody spans over 8 bars! And the second melody also spans over 8 bars!!! Two extraordinary melodies in one single song. Certainly Paul had received a visit by the Gods of music when he composed that piece.

Now listen to that one by Keith. Of course it's a wonderful song but note how it's nonetheless based on repetitions and the different parts have to be piled up in order to make ends meet, so to say.

To each his own of course and everyone has a special place in one's heart for such and such tune but globally speaking, consider the respective titles of the two groups and the melodies that come to your mind. It's not a matter of who's the best but just comparing the lenght of the melodies.

The name of Gérard Lenormand is totally unheard of in America of course but I give the link to that song which was an enormous hit in France 40 years ago and whose melody I've always found a long and sophisticated line worth the ones that are met in operas.

And compare with this one which also was a huge, huge hit in 1970. Lovely but the melody is rather simple, yet efficient and catchy.

Anyway, as is the case with books and films and songs that are recommended by the friend of the friend etc. our reception is usually tepid to say the least, the usual fear-of-the-unknown reaction. Also there's no accounting for taste as we all know.

There are thousands of such examples here but I admit I've lost contact with the modern production in the French songs department.