Week 8 Discussion

Early rock standards. Understanding the concept of a “standard” and applying it to 1950s rock ‘n’ roll.

Many songs from the 1950s have begun to take on the characteristics of a “standard.” They are often played and re-interpreted by more contemporary artists in ways that suggest the songs can be appreciated for much more than their “nostalgic” value. Go to and search for cover songs that were originally recorded by artists mentioned in this chapter. For example, Cheap Trick famously covered Fats Domino’s “Ain’t It A Shame” in the 1970s.

Compare the musical characteristics of the original and the cover version. Note any changes in the lyrics. Discuss the way the cover song may change the “meaning” or significance of the musical material. Engage the material in a similar way that Starr and Waterman do in their discussion of cover songs in this chapter.