The Crystals - Then He Kissed me - 1963
The Crystals - Then He Kissed me - 1963
The Crystals - Then He Kissed Me (1963)
Then He Kissed Me is a song by the American girl group The Crystals. Released in 1963, this track is a classic example of the Phil Spector's Wall of Sound production technique. The song was written by Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, and Phil Spector, and it remains an iconic track from the early 1960s era of pop music. It's a perfect example of the Girl Group genre, characterized by its harmonious vocals and romantic lyrics.
Background and Production
Phil Spector, renowned for his innovative and influential approach to music production, employed his trademark Wall of Sound technique on "Then He Kissed Me." This method involved using a multitude of instruments, layered harmonics, and a reverberation effect to create a rich, full sound that was revolutionary for its time. The song's production is a testament to Spector's genius and his ability to transform the landscape of pop music.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Then He Kissed Me" was not only a commercial success but also received critical acclaim. It has since been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, advertisements, and TV shows, cementing its place in popular culture. The song is often cited as one of the best examples of the girl group genre and is remembered for its narrative-style lyrics and melodious tune.
For more detailed information on this song, visit the Wikipedia page: Then He Kissed Me - Wikipedia.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What innovative production technique did Phil Spector use in "Then He Kissed Me"? (Wall of Sound) (!Multi-track recording) (!Synth-pop sound) (!Acoustic minimalism)
In what year was "Then He Kissed Me" released? (1963) (!1960) (!1965) (!1970)
Who were the main writers of "Then He Kissed Me"? (Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, and Phil Spector) (!Brian Wilson and Mike Love) (!John Lennon and Paul McCartney) (!Carole King and Gerry Goffin)
Which genre best describes "Then He Kissed Me"? (Girl Group) (!Psychedelic Rock) (!Folk) (!Rhythm and Blues)
What theme is predominantly featured in "Then He Kissed Me"? (Romantic love) (!Social protest) (!Teen rebellion) (!Adventure and exploration)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
Which girl group performed "Then He Kissed Me"? (The Crystals) (!The Ronettes) (!The Shangri-Las) (!The Supremes)
Which famous music producer worked with The Crystals on "Then He Kissed Me"? (Phil Spector) (!George Martin) (!Berry Gordy) (!Quincy Jones)
In which city were The Crystals primarily based? (New York City) (!Los Angeles) (!Detroit) (!Chicago)
How did The Crystals primarily gain fame? (Through their association with Phil Spector) (!Via talent shows) (!Through social media) (!As backup singers for other artists)
Which of the following songs is also a hit by The Crystals? ("Da Doo Ron Ron") (!"Respect") (!"My Boyfriend's Back") (!"Stop! In the Name of Love")
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What is the first line of "Then He Kissed Me"? ("Well, he walked up to me and he asked me if I wanted to dance.") (!"He was just a boy, and I knew him well.") (!"We walked on the beach beneath the stars.") (!"He looked into my eyes and took my hand.")
What happens immediately after the protagonist dances with the boy? (He kissed her) (!He left the dance floor) (!He sang a song) (!He introduced her to his friends)
Which line indicates the progression of the relationship in the song? ("And then he asked me to be his bride.") (!"We danced through the night.") (!"He walked me home in the moonlight.") (!"We talked for hours and hours.")
What does the singer feel towards the boy in the song? (Happiness and love) (!Confusion and doubt) (!Anger and frustration) (!Indifference)
How does the song "Then He Kissed Me" end? (With the couple's marriage) (!With a breakup) (!With a reunion) (!With a dance)
Memory
| The Crystals | Girl group that performed "Then He Kissed Me" |
| 1963 | Year "Then He Kissed Me" was released |
| Phil Spector | Producer of "Then He Kissed Me" |
| Wall of Sound | Production technique used in "Then He Kissed Me" |
| Romantic love | Main theme of "Then He Kissed Me" |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Research the 1960s music scene: Explore how the music scene in the 1960s influenced the creation of songs like "Then He Kissed Me."
- Create a playlist: Compile a playlist of similar girl group songs from the 1960s.
- Write a short story: Write a short romantic story inspired by the lyrics of "Then He Kissed Me."
Standard
- Compare and Contrast: Analyze the differences and similarities between "Then He Kissed Me" and another Phil Spector production.
- Music Analysis: Explore the musical elements of "Then He Kissed Me," focusing on its melody, harmony, and rhythm.
- Study the Wall of Sound: Research Phil Spector's Wall of Sound technique and discuss its impact on music production.
Difficult
- Analyze the Lyrics: Perform a detailed lyrical analysis of "Then He Kissed Me," discussing its narrative structure and themes.
- Study The Crystals' Career: Research the career of The Crystals and their place in music history.
- Create a Documentary: Produce a short documentary about the girl group era, highlighting "Then He Kissed Me."
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Oral Exam
- Discuss the Cultural Impact: Talk about how "Then He Kissed Me" reflects the culture and values of the early 1960s.
- Music Production Techniques: Discuss how the production of "Then He Kissed Me" influenced modern recording techniques.
- Phil Spector's Influence: Analyze how Phil Spector's work with The Crystals impacted the music industry.
- Girl Group Phenomenon: Examine the role of girl groups in the 1960s and their lasting legacy in the music industry.
- Compare Girl Groups: Compare The Crystals with another girl group of the era in terms of musical style and cultural significance.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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