Music 1003 Test 2

Woodstock (1969):

advertised as a three-day outdoor festival of "peace & music." Actually lasted for four days; approximately 400,000 people attended; 32 musical acts (including the above Psychedelic Rock figures and others). This was the event at which Jimi Hendrix performed his controversial version of the National Anthem. (Musical depiction of falling bombs, military sirens, and Taps; special effects on the guitar also created dissonance and distortion at various points.)

James Brown

"Godfather of Soul" and "Soul Brother Number One"; central figure in stimulating Black Pride and identity in the late-1960s ("Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud); known for his charismatic interactions with his audience; exciting performances; dancing; exuberant singing (almost shouting at times)

Funk

A grittier, "earthy" style of dance music that emerged in the 1970s, along with disco; owes much to James Brown's soul music. Motown artists such as Stevie Wonder and the Jackson 5 • Music characterized by: o Strong, dance-oriented rhythms Catchy melodies Call-and-response Repeated rhythmic patterns Heavy bass line o Simple forms, with a lot of repetition of sections o Dense textures in both voice and other instruments Use of synthesizers and drum machines becomes more common as the decade progresses o Lyrics often refer to "funk" and dancing, moving, or grooving o Parliament Funkadelic led by George Clinton "Give up the Funk (Tear the Roof of the Sucker)" (1976)

Ray Charles

"Genius of Soul"; native of Georgia; blind at age 6; talented pianist and arranger; jazz trio in Seattle; later, solo performer with a unique style of showmanship and expression. Soul style is evident as early as the mid-1950s. "Halleluja, I love her so" and "Georgia on My Mind" are good examples of his style.

Aretha Franklin

"Queen of Soul"; continues tradition of strong, African-American female perspective, from Classic Blues (Bessie Smith, etc.) through earlier R&B (Ruth Brown, etc.) Became an important voice for the modern Black woman in the late-1960s. First recorded on major/mainstream label Columbia (not much interest in Franklin's jazzy TPA songs); much more success as a soul singer for Atlantic Records (independent label, promoted African-American artists; competed with Motown)

Led Zeppelin (formed in London, 1968)

"Stairway to Heaven" (1971) released on the album Led Zeppelin IV; the longest single track (8 minutes long) released in pop music (after Dylan's 6-minute single "Like a Rolling Stone" in 1965). Not originally sold as a single (too long!) Audiences (and radio DJs) needed to purchase the full album in order to own this one track; more than 14 million copies sold eventually, and the album stayed on the Top LP chart for 5 years. In "Stairway to Heaven" the texture builds across the span of 8 minutes, from simple acoustic guitar with recorders, and a simple folk-like singing voice, to a thunderous, almost heavy-metal style of singing, with a complex guitar solo. Lyrics describe a materialistic woman who believes she can buy her way into Heaven; unusual approach to lyrics, which demonstrate this band's interest in mythology and Middle Earth themes.

Pet Sounds

1966, first concept album, not very successful but very influencial

"Walk This Way" (Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith, 1986):

A collaboration between hip-hop and heavy metal, an arrangement of the original Aerosmith hit by the same name (1975); begins as the original song, with the same electric guitar hook, but the use of turntable scratching immediately connects it to hip-hop. This new version features two MCs rapping the verses (often in rapid-fire call-and-response); the chorus features Steven Tyler's screaming, heavy metal style singing. The MTV video contributed to the popularity of the song, and the growing popularity of hip-hop; also stimulated renewed interest in Aerosmith; Run-D.M.C. had already found success with Def Jam Records, and had a $1.5 million endorsement deal with Adidas by the time this song was released, which speaks to the commercial presence of hip-hop by 1986 (this continued to grow into the 1990s).

Thriller (1982)

Album by Jackson, containing many hit singles, a blend of musical styles, and collaborations by Van Halen, Paul McCartney, and Vincent Price. This is considered the best-selling album in pop music history (well over 40 million copies sold), and has appealed to an exceptionally wide audience since its release. The title song "Thriller" was especially popular because of its long, theatrical MTV video. The music on this song features synthesizers, funk style, Jackson's singing, and a spoken/"rapped" section by 1950s horror film star Vincent Price.

The Internet

Among so many other uses, this was one of the most significant advances in distributing music and video to the general public, through sites such as MySpace (2003), YouTube (2005), and for several years before that, other storage and download services dedicated to music distribution. This was made possible by the introduction of the MP3 file format.

Reality Television

An enormously important form of entertainment for audiences beginning in the early-2000s, and a way of finding potential new talent for the music industry. Most reality shows focusing on music focus on the audition process, tracking contestants through various stages of elimination; some shows include image consulting, vocal coaching, etc. The grand prize usually includes money, and a recording contract. [Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood are examples of superstars "discovered" on American Idol] American Idol, Americas's Got Talent, and The Voice, and so many others

Disco audience

At first, Black, Latino, and/or gay audiences in NYC and other large cities; the blockbuster hit film Saturday Night Fever (1977) brought disco into the mainstream (Bee Gees and the Village People among others). Audiences of mainstream rock considered disco to be frivolous, silly, overly simple, etc. (See Comiskey Park "Disco Demolition Night" footage (1979) online.) Disco style is still evident in some pop music in the early 1980s (synth-pop/dance-pop)

Early Hip-Hop

Began as a local phenomenon in the South Bronx, the most economically devastated area of New York City. Encompasses not only the music, but a broader culture: o Music o Fashion/dress o Speech/language/local slang o Street art (graffiti) o Breakdancing

Disco: The rise of disco (1975-80) was driven by several factors:

Black popular music: Motown, soul, and funk • Social dancing among American middle class • New technologies: synthesizers, drum machines, and synchronized turntables • Economic recession—DJs cheaper than live musicians in dance clubs

Bob Dylan (b. 1940)

Born Robert Zimmerman in Minnesota; took his stage name from poet Dylan Thomas. A central figure in urban folk music in the early 1960s; considered the spokesperson for young adults interested in social and political topics; a voice for the Civil Rights Movement. Shocked his audience in 1965 by playing the electric guitar at the Newport Folk Festival. (He was also backed by a full rock band.) Many diehard followers considered him a "sell-out" and felt he had betrayed their ideals; others respected his change in style, and he actually gained some new audience members.

Alternative Rock

By the 1990s, almost every genre of popular music had an "alternative" version; artists were looking for new approaches, through lyrics, instruments, combining various styles, incorporating new technologies, or revisiting old ones. Alternative Rock is one of the most enduring genres (although of course the term can describe so many different styles, artists, etc. Our focus is on the genre that emerged in the early-1990s, through Nirvana and the Grunge Rock (or the "Seattle Sound"). [Note: Alternative Rock began as an extension of punk rock traditions; hardcore rock (Metallica, for example) was an extreme version of punk (loud, fast, and angry); by the early 1990s, we see a sleeker, more commercial style emerging, with some of those elements still in place.]

Synthesizers:

Came into use in the early 1970s (Stevie Wonder); used in various genres by the end of the decade (hip-hop and disco, most notably); was a dominant sound in pop music (synth-pop/dance pop) by the early 1980s; sometimes combined with more traditional instruments (electric guitar, drums, etc.)

CD (1981)

Compact disc; highly convenient format for albums; by early-1990s, this format had taken over vinyl records and cassette tapes, although these formats were still in use (vinyl continues to go through periods of revival today)

Late-1960s Early 1970s:

Counterculture considered at an end after the deaths of Hendrix, Joplin, Morrison, and well as the Beatles' breakup. o Economic recession in the U.S. meant that many people were out of work in the early 1970s, and turned to music, dance, etc. as people had done with Swing music during the Depression. Now, club owners were saving money by hiring DJs to play records rather than paying live bands. (Digital technology began to play a role—synthesizers, drum machines, etc.) o Two main audiences identified in the music industry: the teenager (still), and the mature audience, ages 25-40 (new, or at least the former teenager!) o The LP (long-playing album) became significant, as more artists were releasing concept albums (featuring a connecting theme from one song to the next; see below) o Continued increase in interest in the electric guitar and innovative, artistic approaches to this instrument; many were combining traditional sounds with new techniques. English rock musicians were central in much of this

• "U.N.I.T.Y." (Queen Latifah, 1993).

Dana Owens (b. 1970) recorded this song for her album Black Reign. The song is a response to themes present in gansta rap, specifically sexual harassment, domestic violence, and the glorified "gangsta" lifestyle (she draws on her own experiences); the overall message is especially directed at the black community, that men and women should treat each other with love and respect. The song begins with a saxophone sample from "Message from the Inner City" (The Crusaders, 1973); music combines hip-hop (rapping in an aggressive, almost masculine style in the verses—this is an effective way of expressing her thoughts through "the voice" of the audience she hopes to reach—and reggae (singing in a Jamaican dialect in the chorus, "U.N.I.T.Y."; the sax solo returns in the chorus, and also at the end of the song.) [note: Queen Latifah spells out the word "unity" in reference to Aretha Franklin's "R.E.S.P.E.C.T."—this further illustrates the theme of respect in this lyrics.]

Pink Floyd (formed in London, 1965)

Dark Side of the Moon (1973) o Concept: Examines various uncomfortable themes such as money/greed, personal conflict, mental illness, etc. Note: Incorporates traditional rock instruments, but also pre-recorded "everyday" sounds, improvised conversation, and various sound effects. 12-bar blues is familiar to us in "Money" but the time signature (7/4: 7 beats per measure gives that track an off-center, disjointed effect that fits the mood of the album)

"The Message" (Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, 1982):

Describes in vivid detail life on the streets of New York (specifically the economically devastated South Bronx) as of 1982, including vandalism, drug use, prostitution, violence, racial inequity, and hopelessness. (This is a good example of social realism as expressed through music.) Contemporary pop culture references give the song an "of-the-moment" sense that ties it to 1982, yet there is also a timelessness to it that makes it still relevant today. Verse-chorus form, as in many pop songs, although the lyrics are all rapped. Synthesizers and drum machines, plus sampling of street sounds; style of rap is conversational yet highly rhythmic, with a sense of growing agitation and some irony; the lyrics come through clearly (very important in conveying the message of the song).

Electronic Dance Music (EDM)

Digital synthesizers were widely in use in urban dance clubs by the mid-1970s (remember, the struggling economy contributed to this use for practical reasons, but the style soon captured the interest of those who attended such clubs.) Rather than hiring a live band to provide music, a DJ would spin records, looping samples, adding digital effects through synthesizers and drum machines, to create new musical pieces in a new kind of live performance. Hip-hop DJs did this also, but with EDM as it started to emerge as House music (Chicago, mid-1970s) and Techno (Detroit, mid-1980s), there was a specific focus on the electronic instrumental elements, rather than rapped verses. Both House and Techno are similar in technique and style, using digital technologies, samples, etc., although Techno tends to feature more "futuristic" sounds and special effects. (Some also argue a difference in tempo, but that is another topic.) The overall sound traditionally has a "thumping" steady beat, a fast tempo, and loud volume—this was music one would hear in a rave club (it still is, from all reports.) Today, EDM style is widely in use, and is often applied to existing songs (as a remix) in any number of styles. [There are too many subgenres to address in class, e.g., Dubstep, Freestyle, Trance music, various genres that incorporate "electronica" in their names, etc., etc., etc.]

The Rolling Stones (formed in London, 1962):

Exile on Main Street (1972) o Concept: Weird blend of themes of hedonism (living for pleasure) and isolation; includes numerous popular styles (rock 'n' roll, blues, country, gospel, and soul) Note: this album was completed while the band was in tax exile in France. Recorded over several years, in different studios, including the homes of band members.

"Respect" (1967)

Franklin's Number One hit on Pop and R&B charts. (Cover version of Otis' Redding's original hit by the same name in 1965.) Exemplifies soul music; gospel-influenced solo singing, with backup singers in call-and-response with Franklin. "R.E.S.P.E.C.T." is spelled out at the end to underline the meaning of the lyrics: Franklin speaks on behalf of women, that men should be loyal to them always, whether they are together or apart. (Note: this is different from Redding's song, which promotes the idea of loyalty, only when a man and woman are actually together. The idea of "out of sight, out of mind," essentially. Franklin's interpretation makes it clear that she does not agree.)

"What's My Name?" (Snoop Doggy Dogg, 1993):

From the hit album Doggystyle; designed for commercial success, definitely a dance track; incorporates various samples, synthesizers, and complex layering processes; features Snoop Doggy Dogg's laid-back, Southern Califorian style of rapping, with lyrics expressing various themes associated with gangsta rap; establishing street credibility and personal identity (largely through bragging) is essential here. To increase mainstream exposure (through radio and album sales) a "clean" version was released along with the uncensored version; this became very common in hip-hop.

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" (Nirvana, 1991)

From the surprising hit album Nevermind. This single was basically an anthem for teenage angst, and Nirvana (led by Kurt Cobain) had the perfect image for Grunge Rock (or the Seattle Sound). The song has several sections, with different styles of singing and instrumental accompaniment. Traditional rock instruments (electric guitar, bass, percussion) and Cobain's moody singing. The guitar hook at the beginning is highly recognizable in pop culture today, featuring a four-chord progression that is heard at various points in the song. Cobain's signing is at times tired and depressed, and at other times, angry and agitated. The video shows, on the surface, a stereotypical high school scene, with teenagers at a dance, cheerleaders, etc., but the overall scene is dark, nihilistic, and anarchic (without order or structure). Cobain's face is darkly shadowed throughout most of the video.

Madonna (b. 1958):

Gained popularity in the early-1980s through synth-pop hits such as "Lucky Star" and "Like a Virgin"; various hits on the mainstream Pop and R&B charts. Greatly influenced by disco, funk, and Motown. Has, in turn, influenced numerous performers through her music, innovative (and occasionally shocking) image, both of which changed frequently throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Known for playing with people's expectations of female stereotypes.

Gangsta Rap

Genre of hip-hop that glorifies the "gangsta" lifestyle (drugs, guns, materialism, misogyny, gang violence, and even death), in a fatalistic tone; usually told from the first-person perspective, with personal, localized references to place names and people (in this way, it is meant to be exclusive). Serious rivalries existed between West Coast (Long Beach, Compton, CA) and East Coast (New Jersey, New York) artists and record labels, especially in the mid-to-late 1990s, which led to the deaths of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls (the Notorious B.I.G.) in 1996 and 1997, respectively. [Note: the biopic Straight Outta Compton (2015) tells the story of rise and fall of the controversial West Coast group, N.W.A.]

Urban Folk Music:

Greenwich Village (NYC) was home to various "bohemian" artists, musicians, and poets by the 1950s; strong interest in political and social topics, which they often discussed at their gatherings. Musicians such as Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, and Peter, Paul & Mary, used music as a vehicle to address these topics. Dylan, in particular, became the musical "spokesperson" for young people involved in the protest movement, etc. Musical style of urban folk music tends to be fairly "natural"—acoustic guitar, individual vocal style (not always traditionally "pretty"; uniqueness was much more important, with a focus on the lyrics more than anything.

Pedro Navaja," 1978 (Rubén Blades Willie Colón)

Gritty lyrics (Spanish): Neighborhood tough guy attacks a prostitute (they simultaneously kill each other, and a drunkard steals their money) • Mismatch between the musical style and the story • The music is very light-hearted and fun (dance music) • Sophisticated musical arrangement • Texture and intensity gradually build

Eric Clapton

Guitarist associated with the band Cream, and a solo artist, is known to have taken a strong interest in American blues; the music of country blues artists, such as singer/guitarist Robert Johnson, was revived in part through Clapton's music (from the late-1960s)

Soul Music

In the 1960s we see a change in terminology in relation to pop music by African-American performers. (Race Records Rhythm & Blues Soul). Became a symbol of the Black community's effort to achieve cultural definition in the 1960s. Music as a point of identity. Combines styles of: o gospel singing: this is especially notable; strong emotional expression; exuberance; sometimes even a sense of religious ecstasy o rhythm & blues: 12-bar blues, call-and-response, strong rhythmic activity o rock 'n' roll: charismatic performances, showmanship o jazz: big band instruments

Progressive Country:

In the 1970s, mainstream country music included commercial, sleek Nashville style (popularized by Patsy Cline) and more hardcore style, with elements of blues and rock (Merle Haggard). Other country musicians were interested in departing from traditions, or blending a variety of styles. Progressive country grew out of the 1960s Counterculture; blended honky-tonk, rockabilly, singer-songwriters, and country rock styles; musicians took a more intellectual approach, and often incorporated social and political themes in their lyrics.

Concept Albums:

It became increasingly popular for bands to make full albums with a unifying theme (concept), rather than simply an album of individual songs. This began with Pet Sounds (The Beach Boys, 1966), by the early 1970s it was common for albums to feature some kind of story or narrative, or a unifying element through production approach, instrumentation, etc. Concept albums are often associated with the genre progressive rock, because of the artistry and experimentation put into their composition and production, compared to more traditional popular music albums. The following are notable examples from the early 1970s (all from England):

Psychedelic Rock/San Francisco Rock:

Late-1960s musical style associated with the Counterculture (those who rejected mainstream society; communal living and drug experimentation were a big part of this; largely centered in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco.) "Alternative" rock music scene. Blends variety of styles and musical influences: • Eastern and Western musical traditions o Various instruments and styles yielded a diverse effect o Blues, bluegrass, jazz, and rock • Dense musical texture • Volume and distortion (new electric guitar techniques were in use) Artists in San Francisco included Jefferson Airplane ("White Rabbit," 1967), Janis Joplin, and the Grateful Dead, among others.

Salsa

Latin-based dance music first popular in NYC (alongside disco); promoted by independent record labels; Rubén Blades Willie Colón ("Pedro Navaja," 1978) • Style combines: o Latin ballroom dance music o Afro-Cuban percussion and dance rhythms o Modern jazz o Story-telling, gritty lyrics about social issues ("Pedro Navaja" is a good example)

Punk Rock:

Mid-to-late 1970s; a "back to basics" approach to rock; reaction against complex rock music. Young male audiences especially felt alienated from their former heroes in rock; mainstream rock had become increasingly difficult for this audience to understand and replicate. • "Non-musical" garage-band style: o Loud, fast, angry, distorted o Rebellious lyrics; Nihilism (belief in nothing; rejecting all meaning in life) • First in NYC, performers such as the Velvet Underground, Patti Smith, etc. at the club CBGB's • Soon, English groups such as the Sex Pistols (led by John Lydon—aka "Johnny Rotten") and the Clash were bringing punk rock to a wider audience. "Anarchy in the UK" (Sex Pistols, 1976)

• "Doo Wop (That Thing)" (Lauryn Hill, 1998)

Lauryn Hill (b. 1975) found early fame with the hip-hop trio, the Fugees. (Before that, she appeared on a soap opera, and in film.) As a solo artist, she carried over the style of the Fugees (hip-hop, with reggae, jazz, and R&B elements), and also picked up what Queen Latifah had started, in terms of using her music to address social issues, especially directed at young men and women. The song "Doo Wop (That Thing)" promotes the message that men and women should both make careful romantic choices, and essentially stay classy. The verses are directed individual at her female audience, then her male audience. She calls on her own experiences, admitting that she made some of the same mistakes she is observing in this song. Styles include hip-hop (Hill's distinctive style of rapping), reggae, jazz, and R&B (doo-wop harmonies, use of horns and other traditional instruments). The video features a split-screen (1960s/1990s), with different fashions, dance styles, and associated music; this illustrates Hill's point that very little has changed over the years, in terms of male/female interactions.

"Night of the Living Baseheads" (Public Enemy, 1988)

Lyrics address the crack cocaine epidemic in urban centers in the U.S. ("Base" refers to this drug, as does "white knight" and other terms.) The song includes numerous samples of music and spoken language (the song begins with an excerpt from a speech made by an associate of Louis Farrakhan; the style of rapping is highly aggressive throughout (compare the style here to those heard in "The Message" or "Walk This Way"). Public Enemy included 2 MCs, 1 DJ, a "minister of information," and dancers who usually appeared in paramilitary uniforms, performing martial arts dance moves, and carrying weapons. Some found the group's image intimidating and did not look beyond this to hear the social messages expressed through the lyrics. (One of the members was also known to promote homophobic and anti-Semitic messages, which reflected on the group as a whole. See Brackett.)

New Wave:

More commercial-friendly genre related to punk rock (emerged around the same time in the mid-1970s), but usually more melodic, combining rock and blues styles, with at least a slightly agitated quality (although not nearly as angry, loud, and distorted as punk rock). New wave and disco are both evident in early-1980s synth-pop/dance-pop. • "Psycho Killer" (the Talking Heads, 1977) is a good example of new wave music recorded around the same time as punk rock.

Reggae

Musical genre established in Kingston, Jamaica; combines elements of Caribbean folk music and American R&B; earlier styles include Ska (1950s) and Rock Steady (1960s); Reggae by the 1970s. All three styles feature strong "oom-CHA, oom-CHA" rhythm, although the tempo becomes progressively slower from the 1950s-70s. Bob Marley (1945-81) was vital in bringing Reggae to the mainstream (e.g., "I Shot the Sheriff," 1974); also cover versions of Reggae hits (e.g., Eric Clapton's version of "I Shot the Sheriff," also in 1974) • Common Reggae elements: o Slow tempo; laid-back style o Guitar, bass, and drums are dominant o Interlocking rhythms o Political and social messages in the lyrics

"Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" (1965)

Number Nine on the Pop charts; exemplifies Brown's musical style (note: the "new bag" refers specifically to a new dance, or more generally, a new musical style, compared to recent pop music, the Twist, etc.: o Riffs in brass o Syncopation o Percussive style of playing guitar, bass, and brass o Call-and-response o Twelve-bar blues form broken up with an eight-bar bridge o Interlocking polyrhythms (several short rhythms that work together)

"When Doves Cry" (1984)

Number One single from the album Purple Rain; the song features Prince on all parts (vocal and instrumental) in this complex, layered recording. Begins with a short electric guitar solo, continues with synthesizers and drum machines; synth-pop with a strong funk influence. The song is divided approximately into two equal part; the first section is essentially verse-chorus, the main part of the song; the second section consists of various 8-bar phrases of instrumental and/or vocal lines.

"Eleanor Rigby" (1966)

One of the Beatles' most experimental songs; traditional verse-chorus form; unusual instrumentation: string quartet (like "Yesterday," without guitar). Poetic, abstract lyrics describe two lonely people and their futile lives. Music reflects the lyrics: harmony alternates between two chords (loneliness, futility); melody does not lead anywhere. Verse-Chorus form—alternates between persistent refrain and narrative; some overlap toward end

ProTools (1991):

One of the first computer programs designed for professional studio use, or home studio use. Allowed the user to adjust various sound elements, add effects, and make corrections and other edits to digital audio files. Home recordings could be very sophisticated using this type of program. Many other similar programs exist today, such as Garage Band, Cubase, Audacity, Sound Forge, etc.

Prince (1958-2016)

Raised in a mixed-race, middle-class family in Minnesota, influenced by various styles and musical artists; as in Madonna's music, disco, funk, and Motown played an important role in his style, along with Santana, Hendrix, and other guitarists; Prince wrote all of his own music, performed all of the instrumental and vocal parts on recordings, and produced the tracks. Recorded more than 75 songs per year (many have yet to be released). First album, Prince, in 1979; first hit album, the soundtrack for his film, Purple Rain, in 1984; several hit singles from that album, including "When Doves Cry."

Eminem (Marshall Mathers, b. 1972)

Rapper, producer, actor; considered the best-selling pop artist since 2000; early popularity through his alter-ego, Slim Shady; unusual success as a white rapper, in a genre traditionally dominated by African-American artists. He is recognized for his especially diverse and innovative approach to lyrics, which often draw on his personal life experiences, having grown up in a predominately black community near Detroit.

The Beatles' musical style

Reference to traditional popular music forms; verse-chorus, AABA, 12-bar blues; emphasis on melody; imaginative instrumentation; music often reflects the lyrics

Latin Rock

Style of rock music, popular by the early 1970s, through Santana; combines various styles (jazz; San Francisco rock; soul; salsa); Latin percussion and electric guitar are prominent, along with short, repeated melodies and rhythms.

Michael Jackson (1958-2009):

Superstar artist, first known through his Motown recordings and performances with his family group, the Jackson Five. Had a built-in audience when he branched out as a solo artist in the late-1970s, but found enduring fame through the album, Thriller in 1982.

David Bowie (1947-2016)

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) o Concept: Ziggy Stardust is a man from outer space who comes to earth and becomes a rock star. Bowie developed Ziggy Stardust as a persona for stage performances associated with this album. Note: Bowie is often associate with "glam rock," through his makeup and costume selections, flamboyant stage performances, and artful approach to songwriting. (Just before his death earlier this year, Bowie released his final album, Blackstar. This was his 25th studio album.)

M.C. Hammer

This artist recorded what is recognized as one of the top-selling hip-hop singles of all time, "U Can't Touch This" (1990). Received numerous music and video awards over the years. Features a sample from Rick James's early-1980s hit "Super Freak."

ADAT (1992)

This device allowed the user to record multiple audio tracks digitally, mix and process them using a program such as ProTools, then make a physical (analog) cassette recording of the finished product. Many hopeful musicians recorded demo tracks using this type of home studio equipment. (Today, many people use computers exclusively for all aspects of their home recordings.)

First hip-hop LP: Sugar Hill Gang, Rapper's Delight (1979).

This represents the first suggestion that hip-hop music had the potential to find a mainstream audience. International success: ranked on the pop charts, not only in the US, but around the world. Released as a long track (more than 14 minutes) and shorter versions (for radio play and single released as a 45 / 7-inch disc)

"Like a Virgin" (1984)

Title song from Madonna's hit album that year; synth-pop (the synthesizer is a dominant sound in this song, and most others of this time); definitely dance music, with a moderate tempo, steady beat, and synthetic bass groove; Madonna is the only singer on this track, and the production is largely focused on her; blends high-pitched, youthful quality, with mature, sensual singing style. Simple formal structure, verse-chorus.

"A Hard Day's Night" (1964)

Title song of the film by the same name, starring the Beatles. The song contains updated traditional elements; modified AABA form; modified 12-bar blues (in section A, "blue notes" added to traditional harmonies; the chord changes don't always happen in the expected places)

Streaming Music

Today's music consumer tends to use a combination of formats, from downloads and physical copies or music and video, to streaming music libraries (either their own collections stored on "the Cloud", through a subscription services, or through "free" sources such as YouTube.) The possibilities seem endless! What will be next?

AutoTune (1995)

a digital processing effect that allows one to manipulate the pitch and/or quality of individual vocal or instrumental parts; this can be used as a corrective process, or as a special effect. The result is often "robotic," inauthentic, or at least far less natural than an unprocessed musical line. This became so trendy (and many considered it overused) in the mid-to-late 2000s, that a strong negative response became evident in critical writings. Auto-Tune has also been used in clever, unexpected ways, most notably news clips that have been processed with this program to create melodies from spoken phrases, adding harmony, rhythm, and other elements to create a musical composition

MTV: Music Television

cable television station originally dedicated to music videos (also news, interviews, and game shows specifically geared toward music audiences). Started broadcasting in 1981; early videos tended to feature white synth-pop and rock musicians (the Eurythmics, Van Halen, etc.) Individual artists were heavily promoted on MTV, which contributed to their celebrity status, through their image as well as their music. (Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince are especially notable)

MP3 (1997)

compressed, digital file format; allowed for small audio files to be uploaded/downloaded/stored for personal use and/or sharing (often illegally, especially in the early days). The reduced file size and digital recording processes in many cases resulted in a quality that was not as fine as analog recording (physical formats, as in records or reel-to-reel).

Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970)

important figure in Psychedelic Rock; innovative use of electric guitar; considered a "sound sculptor" through his highly expressive, experimental style that included a great deal of distortion, volume, and various special effects that set him apart from most other guitarists of the day. Many turned to him for influence in style, technique, etc. His death, and those of Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison (the Doors) signified the end of the Countercultulre.

Continuing developments in popular music

include new approaches to existing genres, such as revivals of old styles and forgotten artists; also, new recording and performance methods. Streaming, virtual performances allow artists to appear from a distance, and to collaborate with others in new ways. "Holographic" performances have also yielded some creative (and sometimes controversial) results, incorporating the images of deceased artists into actual performances—digitally "sampling" video footage, and creating new choreography, etc. (Michael Jackson and Tupac Shakur, for example.)

"Good Vibrations"

non traditional form and usual instruments, complex production style

Beatles

o English rock band formed in 1960 First popular in the UK and Germany; "Beatlemania" spread to the United States a bit later, surrounding their first tour in early-1964. Began with cover versions of American rock n' roll hits; enduring commercial success through their own music; influences include American R&B and country blues, as well as "exotic" instruments and music from India Reference to traditional popular music forms; verse-chorus, AABA, 12-bar blues; emphasis on melody; imaginative instrumentation; music often reflects the lyrics

Carlos Santana (b. 1947) "Oye Como Va" (1971)

o Mostly instrumental dance track o Multi-track recording allows complex textures o Improvised electric guitar and organ solos o 8 measure of Spanish lyrics calls attention to the rhythmic elements; essentially, "Listen to my rhythm, it's good for moving/enjoying." (Again, this is a dance track.)

Elements heard in disco music (for example, Donna Summer, "Bad Girls," 1979):

o Steady beat o Medium-fast tempo o 4/4 time signature o Straightforward, repetitive song forms o Simple harmonies o Straightforward lyrics ("Bad Girls" is very clearly about prostitution in the city)

"Outlaw" country

subgenre of progressive country; Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash promoted a "dangerous" romantic image through their appearance and story-telling lyrics; masculine, gun-slinging persona, intended to be attractive to female audiences. A good example is "Ladies Love Outlaws" by Waylon Jennings.

"Like a Rolling Stone" (1965)

was released on Dylan's controversial album Bringing It All Back Home, which featured both acoustic and electric tracks. At more than 6 minutes, this was the longest single track released in pop music at that time. It features his gruff, aggressive style of singing (almost rapping, as he "spits out" his lyrics in a very scornful, cynical tone.) Listen to the lyrics: this is not a happy, romantic song. It is full of bitterness, mocking a former lover who used to have it all, and now has nothing. He is not at all sympathetic. Instruments: in addition to Dylan's singing voice, we hear organ, electric guitar, and percussion, plus the traditional Dylan harmonica, among other instruments. Strange, unexpected combination!

iPod and iTunes

were both introduced in 2001 to accommodate the growing use of MP3 music files; other MP3 players and online retailers were soon introduced, although iTunes was the number one music retailer online by 2008. (Today, Amazon and various other sources for purchase and downloads are in competition with iTunes, and each other, and, of course, streaming music services.)

MP3.com, Napster, and various "peer-to-peer" online sites

were established beginning in the late 1990s as a way of distributing music files for public use; copyright infringement was an enormous problem, leading the various legal battles (including those involving the Supreme Court). Some sites were shut down permanently, while others were reestablished following new regulations.