Intro
1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.
2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.
Like any other art, music has its snobs. But even the biggest music snobs have their little guilty pleasures. Although some of us might not like to admit it, we all enjoy a nice catchy pop song every once in a while. Something with a great hook and simple lyrics that get stuck in your head the minute you hear them, something that makes you start smiling and tapping your toes every time it comes on the radio.
Jason Mraz writes upbeat songs with reggae and rock influences. His latest album, We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things, features the hit single “I’m Yours.” While some critics have dismissed the album as “lightweight,” plenty of people like Mraz’s music for how mellow and happy it makes them feel. Listen to what Mason and Beren think.
Dialog
1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.
2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.
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Mason: Because the remedy is the experience…
Beren: Oh, I love that song! Jason Mraz.
Mason: It is just crazy catchy, you know!
Beren: It’s so mellow.
Mason: I don’t love him, right? I don’t hate him. He’s one of those guys that I’ll find myself thinking of his songs or singing his songs. It’s like, damn you, Jason Mraz, for being so poppy!
Beren: It gets stuck in your head! It’s awesome.
Mason: But he’s one of those guys that…My mom probably loves Jason Mraz.
Beren: Well, he has that whole cute, slightly effeminate, acoustic singer-songwriter thing going on.
Mason: He’s like parent-friendly rock. He puts “s”s on words that don’t need to have “s”s on them…
Beren: What?
Mason: You know, “You gots-ta do this,” “the remedies,” the…
Beren: Oh yeah…
Mason: But no, he’s still such a sweetheart, right? With that million-dollar smile.
Beren: Babyface…
Mason: Which makes me think he’s kind of a jerk in real life. Like Jason Mraz is like the guy in high school that I knew who got all the leads in the plays but was actually just a total jerk-bag.
Beren: Aww…Is he a good live act though? Have you ever seen him in concert? ‘Cause I feel like I’ve only seen videos.
Mason: I’m sure he is. He’s got the voice of an angel, I can’t argue that…
Beren: It is golden.
Mason: It really is just…it’s smooth. Smooth jazz Mraz.
Grammar Point
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Discussion
Mason has a Jason Mraz song stuck in his head. Beren loves Jason Mraz, but Mason’s feelings are more mixed. He thinks the music is really catchy, but sometimes it annoys him.
Even though Mraz is popular with young people, Mason thinks older people would like his music too because it isn’t too edgy. Plus, Mraz is a cute guy with a young, sweet face and a pleasant voice.
Do you like simple music that makes you feel good and makes you want to sing along? Or do you prefer darker, edgier music?
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