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In this Padlet, I will be exploring the musical element of linking. As Ratliff’s describes the musical element, he uses an example of the repetitive things we do in a day that takes us to a certain goal. And although in music, there’s often purposeful rhythm that goes throughout the song that goes along with lyrics, linking is somewhat different. In this Padlet, I will be exploring how Ratliff describes linking as a free element in music, something almost elusive. Trying to examine that element in different songs and being able to see how linking is having some type of stability in the background, but in the end it is a type of fluid motion that works all together on its own. The way Ratliff describes this music element is able to clarify what you should be listening for in a song to identify this element but also opens us your eyes to a different side of songs and the purposeful un-purposefulness that the musician is trying to convey in their music.

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Do you agree with Ratliff’s arguments regarding this musical element? Why or why not? 

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Do you agree with Ratliff’s arguments regarding this musical element? Why or why not? 

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I do agree with Ratliff’s arguments regarding the musical element “linking.” I believe he is trying to differentiate the commonalities of repetition and linking. In repetition he describes it as a set motion, something that it thought of and followed through on purpose. Although, with linking he describes it as harmonious but not forceful harmony but a harmony that is fluid and free flowing, that just finds its balance.

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“Rather than settling within its prescribed parameters, it seems to move inexorably forward and outward, unfolding and enfolding, according to the logic that suites it best.” (Ratliff, Ch. 18, Pg.209)

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Examine at least one musical example in Ratliff’s playlist in detail – how does it exemplify this musical concept? 

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Examine at least one musical example in Ratliff’s playlist in detail – how does it exemplify this musical concept? 

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I chose to examine the song “Tomorrow Sunny” by Henry Threadgill and I believe this song exemplifies the musical concept of “linking” because of its unusual melodies and beats. When listening to the song, it’s very unusual and gets the listener to thinking weather or not its cohesive. Although, by the end the song works with all the different melodies and unusual rhythm.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv3IotojVDs

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“We tell ourselves – and we may be right – that repetitive motion, in large form, cultivates an almost spiritual interest in security or regularity, and guards against chaos.” (Ratliff, Ch. 18, Pg.207)

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Find at least one musical example outside of Ratliff’s playlist and justify its inclusion – how does it exemplify this musical concept?

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Find at least one musical example outside of Ratliff’s playlist and justify its inclusion – how does it exemplify this musical concept?

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I choose the song “Black is the Color of my True Loves Hair” by Nina Simone because I believe it takes the same type of unexpected rhythm and melodies. In the beginning of the song, Nina plays the piano not in any specific set wat, as the explanation of linking takes on, but in a way, that elongates the end of whatever note she is singing. Then as you go along into the song, the usual piano playing in a high pitch in a way works with the deepness and soulfulness of Nina’s voice making you focus on what she’s saying but also the rhythm and melodies in the background. Which I feel really exemplifies linking.

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Nina Simone - Black is the Color of my True Love's Hair

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Nina Simone - Black is the Color of my True Love's Hair

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWmCbEbMmeU