You can write a song as if it is an answer, or a sequel to some other song. For example, David Bowie’s song Ashes to Ashes is the sequel to his first hit Major Tom. You can do the same for a whole album; Liz Phair wrote her 1993 debut album Exile in Guyville (generally considered to be her best work) as a song-by-song reply to the Rolling Stones’ 1972 album Exile on Main Street. Her 2005 album Somebody's Miracle was originally modeled after Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life.
Liz Phair, who reviewed Keith Richards’s autobiography in the New York Times, stated: “I felt that ‘Main Street’ was a masterpiece that also typified a male perspective on love, sex and rock ’n’ roll. Since I was, at the time of making my record, frustrated and hurt by men, yet desirous of their attention and respect, I answered both the topics and the sound on ‘Exile on Main Street’ as if it represented the thoughts and feelings of a boyfriend, and I wanted to argue the female point of view.”
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That's a great idea for an album concept. I'll have to relisten to both albums.
ReplyDeleteI guess it will work better if you try it with one of your favourite songs, or albums.
ReplyDeleteOr write your own ‘Exile on’ followed by your hometown. In my case that would be ‘Exile in Amersfoort’ (mmm has a nice ring to it).