QUOTABLE

“Unlike operatic or theatrical singing, the classic-pop style is naturalistic, sung in the singer’s ordinary voice. And unlike blues or rock ‘n’ roll, it is conversational, sung for the most part at a speaking level. You can’t shout out or wail lyrics such as ‘A kiss is still a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh.’ In short, a classic-pop song, like a vintage Bordeaux, is best when served for two, at room temperature.”

--Roy Hemming and David Hajdu, in their new book “Discovering Great Singers of Classic Pop.”