The Next Hit

[A. Kingstone]

Consider this. A hundred years ago George Gershwin used a flat seventh on a major chord and perked people's ears. Kern, Porter, Arlen, Rodgers were finding new melodies. The thirties and forties had melody notes on the sixth which was supposedly an unusual sound (Alec Wilder-American Popular Song). Everything Happens To Me uses sharp and flat nines in the bridge melody. What's New, flat fives in the first eight.

A hundred years ain't much, aviation, medicine, civil rights - ears.


Could the next great pop song utilize the flat nine or a minor second?

If you write it remember me when the royalties roll in.

[A. Kingstone]

Has the Jobim influence already eliminated the flat ninth and minor second?

Is the Major-Minor system doomed?

[Christian Miller]

I’m not sure if this counts, but this was a big hit in the UK and the minor second is prominent in the guitar part and synth hook

(Modal modulation from E Locrian to E Aeolian for the nerds)

Its not quite Jobim haha

[A. Kingstone]

I’m not sure if this counts, but this was a big hit in the UK and the minor second is prominent in the guitar part and synth hook

(Modal modulation from E Locrian to E Aeolian for the nerds)

Its not quite Jobim haha

Thanks Christian: A renouncement of my Finnish heritage and a grand mal seizure before breakfast.

[Christian Miller]

Job done!