Switched on Pop

Throughout pop history, groups from The Ink Spots to the Beach Boys to Fleetwood Mac all forged their sound in the alchemy of vocal harmonies, harnessing the magic that happens when different voices join as one. Then suddenly, right around the 1980s, vocal harmonies started to wane in pop. Whether it was Michael Jackson creating a new model of the solo star, music technology making the voice more like an instrument, or simply audiences wanting a new sound, today the art of vocal harmony is hard to find on the charts. But bands like Tiny Habits, whose originals and covers showcase intricate and delicate harmonies, are bringing the sound back to the people, with a message that everyone needs to sing more, and to sing together.

CREDITS 


Reanna Cruz: Producer 

Iris Gottlieb: Illustrator 

Charlie Harding: Host, Executive Producer 

Dion Lee: Art Director 

Brandon McFarland: Audio Engineer 

Nick Ripps: Video Editor 

Nate Sloan: Host 

Lissa Soep: Editor 

Zach Tenorio & Jocie Adams: Theme Composers 


Switched On Pop is a co-production of Vox Media Podcast Network, Vulture, and Rock Ridge Productions.

Links: ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠ 

Songs discussed:


Fleetwood Mac – The Chain

The Roches – Hammond Song

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young – Suite: Judy Blue Eyes

Pérotin, The Hilliard Ensemble – Viderunt omnes

Mbuti men – Elephant Hunting Song

Bulgarian State Television Female Choir – Pilentze Pee

The Golden Gate Quartet – Stormy Weather

The Jackson 5 – Who’s Lovin’ You

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons – C’mon Marianne

The Beach Boys – Barbara Ann

Michael Jackson – Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough

Tiny Habits – Right In Front Of Me

Tiny Habits – Anything He Was

Tiny Habits – one more (live acoustic)


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