The idea for Chris Dalla Riva’s brand new book began as something of a lark. Chris and a friend simply wondered what they would learn if they listened to every number one hit starting with the very first Billboard Hot 100 Chart in 1958. The resulting book, Uncharted Territory: What Numbers Tell Us About The Biggest Hit Songs and Ourselvesis a data driven look at the history of pop music as we know it. It’s also a remarkable window into America’s musical and cultural history.
Chris and I talked deeply about the ways in which technology is constantly shaping the way that our music sounds, the ways in which we experience it, and that technology forever changes what it actually means to “release a record”. Still, with all of that change, as listeners we have solidified in our minds the ways in which we think music ought to operate. There are codified ideas about albums, side lengths, and song sequencing that were based on the limitations of vinyl albums that have defined what we think of as a record, long after vinyl has stopped being the dominant musical format.
Another terrific example of the ways that technology pushes our creative output is to study the early recordings of Bing Crosby or Frank Sinatra who were some of the first singers to benefit from new developments in microphone amplification technology. As great as those singers were, the availability of this new technology made their talent more captureable. Chris also shares the story of how Gregorian chants were written to be sung within massive Cathedrals with intense amounts of reverb. With these sonic limitations to work with, Gregorian monks came up with simple songs and chants that allowed the space and the reverb to enhance the music.
Over the course of researching the book, Chris found himself noticing unusual, and unpredictable trends in pop music. In many respects, the myriad novelty hits and one-hit wonders that top the charts on a given week are a direct reflection of America’s scattered cultural attention. This project has proven out that every era of popular music has had its share of true greatness and an occasional smattering of dreck.
In finishing the book, Chris admits he isn’t worried about the future of music, but he is worried about finding a new way for artists to get paid. Chris is correct that the music will remain, but he and I are both concerned deeply about the economic future of the industry and we're both fearful of the tech overlords who seem to be leading the charge. Still, the music remains.
So come along with me and author Chris Dalla Riva for a stroll through the history of American culture one number one tune at a time.
Cheers,Matty C
