53 Words: Talkups

A talkup is the arcane art of saying a bunch of often disconnected words during a song’s intro on the radio with the express goal of talking over the music until the very second actual lyrics begin. If you are on the money, you hit the post. It’s a lost art.

For example, the talkup on the song below would require one to talk jibbrish for about 12.5 second. Try it.

Merry Clayton - Yes (Extended Version)

53 Words: Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Harmony and chemistry is a funny thing. The late Tammi Terrell sang her parts separate from Marvin Gaye and producers Fuqua and Bristol mixed them into a masterpiece. The perfect three-act drama with an ending that leaves the listener with that “I’ve just heard a classic” feeling. Diana Ross’s version? Not so much.

Marvin Gaye – Aint' No Mountain High Enough