Rock II Final
Compare British and American punk in the mid- to late '70s. In the course of your answer, you should be sure to make reference to the political outlook of each, and to at least one representative band from each side of the Atlantic.
-The punk genre began as a rebellion against commercialized rock. In both American and British punk, songs tended to be simple, fast, and aggressive. Although both were direct and in your face, their lyrical content differed. American punk was more socially charged and British punk was more politically charged. For example, The Dead Kennedys (an American punk band) released a song called "MTV Get Off The Air." This song showed their distaste for commercialized music by calling it 'mindless garbage.' On the other hand, the Sex Pistols (British punk band) released a song called "God Save the Queen." This song criticized the government calling it a 'facist regime.' -Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1973 and 1976 in the United States, and the United Kingdom. Punk was an international movement, especially in London, New York and Los Angeles. Punk bands created fast, hard-edged music, typically with short songs, stripped-down instrumentation, and often political, anti-establishment lyrics. By late 1976, bands such as the Ramones in New York City and The Clash in London were recognized as the vanguard of a new musical movement. Bands from the UK often yelled about monarchies, rising unemployment, problematic inflation and a decline in economic growth, whereas the US bands refocused after vietnam on environmentalism. The country celebrated the first "Earth Day" on April 22, 1970, the environmental movement was successful in raising awareness about the need to protect the environment. The United States bands also faced significant changes in its demographic portrait because of the economic problems the country faced and changes in immigration laws. British punk was much more focused than American punk, which was often just loud. United Kingdom: (The Clash) -The Clash: This punk band may not have been the first punk band to rise in England, but they do represent English punk music well. Compared to the American Ramones, The Clash focused more on political issues, protesting monarchies and oligarchies and speaking their minds. They also encouraged white youth to riot in protest like their black peers in the song "Career Opportunities" in 1977. The Clash's music seemed to have developed in their active years. Compare their first song on their debut album, "Janie Jones" with "London Calling". In three years difference, they go from screaming, power chords, and fast tempo to more organized, complex playing (not in general, just compared to their early days), and meaningful lyrics. "Janie Jones" sings of a man that likes to smoke pot and listen to rock music, but none of it compares to being with Janie Jones, a girl he likes. However, "London Calling" speaks of the end of the world coming near, or at least, how much the world has changed over the years. The Clash maintained a bad boy image that really appealed to England and helped make punk music what is it in both England and the US. -United States: (The Ramones) The Ramones: It can be argued that this band started punk rock, period. The Ramones changed the rock sound with a fresh approach. This band aspired others to be rebellious bad boys of the 1970's. Their tough guy image really shaped the reflection rock had now portrayed on the audience. They captured people with their fast, repetitive, power chords and their lyrics of deformity and anti-society. The song "Blitzkrieg Bop", is an early and still very popular Ramones song. When people think Ramones, they think of this song. This song truly paved the wave of punk rock not only in the US, but also in the UK, and eventually, around the world. The song mostly features three power chords that played loud and fast. Blitzkrieg Bop, interesting enough, is German for Lighting War. This was a tactic the Germans used during WWII to strike their enemies fast and lethal. Anyway, the image of leather jackets, sunglasses, fast power chords, and the "bad ass" attitude not only represents The Ramones, but also punk in general.
Cindy Sherman
o Visual artist o Self-portraits (but not really her) → characters in fake movies o Steeped in irony
From the late '80s onward, the term "Alternative" came to be applied to many kinds of music that did not necessarily sound all that much alike. Compare the styles of two acts (individuals or bands) that have both been described as "Alternative" but whose work is markedly different from one another. What seem the most crucial differences? What are the most crucial similarities?
Music that didn't playing by mainstream rules Violent Femmes: all acoustic, sounds nothing like mainstream rock R.E.M.: incomprehensible lyrics, can barely understand what is being said, when we can hear it doesn;t seem like he even knows what he is saying Nirvana: powerful stamp on what Alternative rock was, in the wake of Nirvana alternative became more mainstream. Sound of just bass and guitars, crunchy, sludgy electric guitar. Cobain's voice "boy next door " throught the verses and wailing throughout the chorus Foo Foo Fighters: Moving from quiter voice higher and higher (Let It Die) Green Day: though criticized by Sex Pistols as a cop out, regarded as revitalizing punk rock and bringing back the three chord, simplistic style but adding a certain clean catchiness to it. "Holiday" off the album American Idiot depicts irony much like their predecessors in the 70s. U2: one of the most popular rock and roll bands of the 80s, "The Joshua Tree" 1987, zealous righteousness and post-punk experimentalism, more concert-esque vibes, dance-inflected pop/rock, ever-evolving.
The term "New Wave" was applied to many kinds of music that did not necessarily sound all that much alike. Compare the styles of two acts (individuals or bands) that have both been described as "New Wave," but whose work is markedly different from one another. What seem the most crucial differences? What are the most crucial similarities?
New Wave was the pop music response to punk music. It was made up of many different styles and many one hit wonders. Two artists within this genre were Elvis Costello and Devo. Elvis Costello thrived in the late 1970s. After his first album released in 1977 he became widely known as a prime solo New Wave artist. Something that set Costello apart was his deep lyrical content opposed to the typical 'mindless garbage' lyrics that many New Wave songs held. For example in his song "Pump It Up" rhyming is used, this is considered complex for New Wave. Devo, on the other hand, was the typical new wave band. They produced typical pop songs that were radio friendly. An example of this is their song "Whip It," which was musically simple and lyrical nonsense. Devo: -Thrived 1979-1983 -Style - new wave -Innovation, known for use of technology and electronics (synthesizers) -1986 moved towards electronic drums -Fell apart in 1990 when members began to concentrate on own projects Devo took its name from their concept of "de-evolution" -- the idea that instead of evolving, mankind has actually regressed, as evidenced by the dysfunction and herd mentality of American society. Their music echoed this view of society as rigid, repressive, and mechanical, with appropriate touches -- jerky, robotic rhythms; an obsession with technology and electronics (the group was among the first non-prog rock bands to make the synthesizer a core element); often atonal melodies and chord progressions -- all of which were filtered through the perspectives of geeky misfits. Devo became a cult sensation, helped in part by their concurrent emphasis on highly stylized visuals, and briefly broke through to the mainstream with the smash single "Whip It," whose accompanying video was made a staple by the fledgling MTV network. Cheap Trick: Thrived 1973-Present Often Referred to as the American Beatles in Japan Known for use - and large collection - of unusual and vintage guitars and basses Since the 70s they've been blending elements of pop, punk and even metal in a way that is instantly catchy and recognizable. With timeless classics such as "I Want You to Want Me," "Surrender," and "The Flame". Have a poppy, catchy sound with Similarities: Highly innovative groups. Cheap trick was responsible for the 12 string bass, Devo was one of the first to make synthesizers a core element, Devo helped pioneer the music video. Both went on world tours While musically different, both "Whip it" by Devo and "Surrender" by Cheap Trick embody late 1970s/ early 80's nostalgia. Differences: Entirely different sounds, electronic vs. guitar. Cheap trick is vanilla ice cream, everyone can bob their heads and recognize cheap trick, the description of "American Beatles" is very appropriate. Devo had some popular songs, but did not achieve anywhere near the success of Cheap Trick, one would be hard pressed to hear a clip of a Devo song and place the artist. Devo embodied more of the electronic aspect of new wave, Cheap trick was decidedly more pop. Cheap Trick was able to adapt and maintain success, touring for 40+ years, Devo fizzled into individual projects. Devo maintained more punk elements than Cheap Trick, which had more classic rock sounds. Song content: Again with the "American Beatles", Cheap Trick often focused on love songs and relationships, while Devo focused more on other topics.
Eminem
Slim Shady is an american rapper/hiphop artist. He rose to fame in 1999 with the release of The Slim Shady LP and is still active. He was mentored by Dr. Dre. o From Detroit o Worked with Dr. Dre too o Challenges what counts as gangsta rap o Strikes out on path of his own o Disrespectful to mom, but won't way the n-word o Song about killing people (even women) o Tests boundaries of what's ok and not ok to say o "Kill You" (2000)
Discuss and compare the work of three female artists, at least one active before 1990 and one in the 1990s or beyond (Madonna, for instance, would fit into either of these categories). Do these artists' work suggests that the scene has changed for women in the course of the last 40 years, or that the idea of "women's rock" (or women's role in related styles) has changed? Do they seem to be seeking to accomplish essentially the same thing?
The Goo-Goo's, Madonna and Pink. Throughout the past 40 years women in music have moved into the mainstream. Not only becoming more common, but also more popular. Before the 1990s women in music seemed to have one goal: fighting to exisit in a very masculine industry. After 1990 this goal gradually shifted to be more based Heart "Crazy on You"-1976 The Bangles - all female band, feminist anthem ( we are accustomed to be the ones being looked at, while men go out and do the looking. Women are there for visuals. "Different Light" talks about reversing these roles However, their popular songs were written by men and has an old timey angle Beyonce "Freedom" Ideas: The Bangles, Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman, Heart
Madonna
The Queen of Pop was active from 1982 until present. She began her career with an iconic pop song "Everybody". She is known for her risque music videos. -Falls under the topic of women in rock discussed in class -"Holiday" was her first top 40 hit from her self titled debut album (1983). One of her most critically acclaimed albums and best selling albums is "Like A Prayer" (1989). -has sold more than 300 million records worldwide and is recognized as the best-selling female recording artist of all time. -She attained immense popularity by pushing the boundaries of lyrical content, imagery in her music videos and constantly changing her style. -She created the gay pop music genre that was highly influential.
Over the last 40 years or so, heavy metal has tended both to splinter into a range of subgenres and to find itself cross-pollinated (as it were) with a range of other kinds of styles. Discuss three bands we have covered in class who seem to represent different faces of heavy metal through these years. Name the subgenres or styles at hand and discuss the differences between these three.
Thrash Metal: fast pass, distortion Slayer "Necrophobia" Death Metal: lyrics are very dark, Arch Enemy Black Metal: high shrieking range, cosmic violence, end of human (satan) Cradle of Filth "From the Cradle to Enslave" Nine Inch Nails: industrial Rage Against the Machine: rap -Rap Metal - Faith No More -Symphonic Black Metal - Cradle of Filth -Doom Metal - Black Sabbath Rap metal bands institute the vocal and lyrical form of hip hop. Rap metal is often mislabeled as rapcore (punk rap fusion), however rap metal does not include turntables or sampling into its sound and are usually fronted by rappers. Symphonic black metal is a black metal subgenre that emerged in the mid to late 1990's. It is known for its symphonic and orchestral elements and is centralized in Europe. Song structures are inspired by symphonies, but traditional characteristics of metal are retained, such as shrieked vocals, fast tempos and high-pitched electric guitars. Doom metal is an extreme form of heavy metal music that typically uses slower tempos, low-tuned guitars and a much "thicker" or "heavier" sound than other metal genres. Both the music and the lyrics intend to evoke a sense of despair, dread, and impending doom.
Consider in as much detail as you can one of the post-1980 music videos we have encountered in class, addressing the question of how it works to develop an image of a "real" person behind the entertainer.
Three possibilities Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" Two different persona, one acting in a silent movie, no lip sining representing a private Michael Jackson, who cannot be seen in photos (verse 1) Second is aware of the cameras and is seen dancing and performing, he is in the public eye There are two sides to Michael Jackson, the one we see the "performer" Madonna Madonna in color - approached by photographer Madonna in photography studio is in black and white and it lip singing Introduces color where it doesn't belong, introducing herself into the musical industry Parabel about a real Madonna o Deeply divisive figure → feminist or not? o Contradictions about own contradictions o Camera is center stage o Has to reject former world o "Borderline" (Borderline) = 2 Madonna's that inhabit the same world, but outside in real-world Madonna is in color with friends and family • She submits to work of fashion photographer and makes her famous (in black and white) the camera owns her and she is singing and dancing • We like that Madonna performs but we don't like that she is in the black and white world • At end of the video, she puts color where it doesn't belong (she is in color) • The real Madonna is laying claim to the Madonna inside the studio (take ownership of public self) Lady Gaga "Bad Romance" Alcohol and sexual submission Once in a while get these shots of lady gaga close up, this ladt gaga is not involved woth the storyline occuring in the rest of the music video. This is the real Gaga
The Sex Pistols
a British Punk group that thrived from 1975 to 1978. Their music was highly aggressive and controversial, their songs often included lyrics that were politically charged. For example, "God Save the Queen" criticized the British government. -English punk rock group -thrived from 1975-1978. They were known for being highly aggressive and controversial. -Formed by entrepreneur Malcolm McLaren -In 1978 they went to America for a tour that only lasted 14 days before the band broke up -Combined corrosive music & lyrics with a determinedly anti-social lifestyle -Spear Head of a Punk Rock movement -God Save the Queen Lyrics criticized the government
Iron maiden
a heavy Metal band from London. They reached popularity in the early 1980s and are still active. Their album Number of the Beast (1982) was hugely popular. -Formed in 1975 -Heavy Metal -Early '80s -Heavy metal is just too "evil" -"The Number of the Beast" (1982) -Song about end of times -Begins with horror movie monologue -Song about demonic possession
Bridge
a new idea or insight added to the song, intended to provide relief from the repetition in the rest of the song. It is a unique musical and lyrical idea, not seen anywhere else in the song. In "Dream On" by Aerosmith the bridge begins with "Dream on, dream on..." New idea or insight with its own musical and lyrical idea. different from everything else in the song. Intimate/personal relations in song Around halfway mark in the song "Upside Down" by the A Teens the lyrics "somehow, someday..." start the bridge
DJ
a performing musician or turntable who creates continuous music for dancing by mixing and joining pre-recorded tracks. Some popular DJs today include Calvin Harris and David Guetta. Also known as disc jockey. A performing musician on turntable who creates continuous music for dancing by mixing and joining pre-recorded tracks Emerged in the U.S. in the late 1970s & early 80s Scratching Beat-mixers, lengthy & seamless mix between records
Slayer
a thrash/death metal group that formed in the early 80s. Their music was brutal, transgressive, and sometimes chaotic sounding. Their lyrics tended to include extreme violence and references to Satan, sometimes causing controversy. An example of this is their song "Angel of Death" which references to the horrors that occurred from Nazism. Slayer implements a lot more aggressive percussion and low guitar, and are considered one of the four main thrash metal bands. Their lyrics are often about going against established societal principles, specifically referencing satanism and necrophilia. They also represent this subgenre well with shouted lyrics and criticism of warfare. -Mid '80s -Thrash metal (fast, loud and intense) -Rawness → precise but distorted; screamed lyrics -Lyrics violent (about torture; graphic) Ex. "Necrophobic"- (1986)
Death metal
grew from Thrash metal in the late 80s. The lyrics focused solely on death, pain, and suffering, taking thrash to the extreme. Death Metal consisted of complex song structures with loud, heavy riffs. Artists in this genre include Death and Morbid Angel. o Early to mid-'80s o About extreme violence and despair o About physical frame of dying (having to do with the body) o Low growling vocals (no melodic notes) o 1st band: Death (1983) o Ex. Arch Enemy, "Ravenous"
Chorus
is the most exciting musical part of the song that repeats (both lyrically and musically) throughout the song. In "Dream On" by Aerosmith the chorus begins with "Sing with me, sing for the year..." Powerful musical arrival Main event of the song at least one actual song: A-Teens "Upside Down" (2001) Lyrics: "Upside down, bouncing off the ceiling, inside out, stranger to this feeling"
Heavy Metal
rose to popularity in the late 60s and early 70s. The music in this genre was very aggressive sounding with distortion in all instruments, especially bass. Black Sabbath and Metallica were big bands within this genre. Heavy metal developed in the late 1960's from blues rock and psychedelic rock. This genre was pioneered by groups like led zeppelin and black sabbath, and is characterized by a heavy bass sound and amplified distortion. o '70s and '80s o Guitar, bass, drums (power trio) o Fetishize the heaviness of sound o "members only" → either you're into metal or you're not o Ex. Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Judas Priest
Punk
started in 1975. Songs and lyrics focused on rebellion against the system, both politically and socially. The Dead Kennedys and the Ramones were big artists in this genre in the United States. While the Sex Pistols and the Clash were big artists in this genre in the UK. Aggressive style of rock Returned rock & roll to the basics - three chords & simple melody Own genre in mid-'70s Velvet Underground, the stooges, & New York Dolls The Ramones → America Sex Pistols → London The Clash Rebellion against commercialized rock. Songs were simple, fast, and aggressive. Most songs had a sense of controversy and were politically charged. Artists include Sex Pistols and the Clash. Part of the contradictory movement initiated in London by Malcom McLaren in 1975 Est. techniques of instrumentation, forms & chordal repertory, but articulated them with abandon & ferocity Eddie & the Hot Rods → simple chord structures & disdain for slick performance Iggy Pop & Lou Reed came challenging lyrics and a sense of confrontation Aggressive instrumental attacks & minimal riffs By end of 1977 punk co-opted into the New Wave
Thrash metal
stemmed from speed metal during the 80s. Thrash was very similar to speed metal, but allowed greater leeway in terms of tempo, groove, and instrumental dexterity. Many artists in this genre went platinum without the help of mainstream media, radio, or MTV. Artists in this genre include Metallica and Slayer. o Very fast, loud, and intense music o Mid '80s o About controversial topics → decaying bodies; torture o Rawness, screaming, o Ex. Slayer, "Necrophobic"
The Go-Go's
the most popular all-female band to emerge from punk/new wave in the late 70s and early 80s. They were the first commercially successful female group that wasn't controlled by male producers or managers. Although they played punk rock songs, many of their hit songs such as "Our Lips Are Sealed" and "We Got The Beat" were considered new wave pop. -Female New Wave band (first all-female band to lead the charts) -Sparse and guitar-driven -Aesthetic bound up in the '60s -"We Got the Beat"
U2
was an Irish rock band that formed in 1976. Initially their music was post-punk arena rock, but it continued changing throughout their career. Their music had heavy effect based guitar textures and maintained anthemic qualities. -is an Irish alternative rock band active from 1976 to present. The 1987 album The Joshua Tree put them on the map. They are one of the all time best selling groups. o Irish band o Christian themes in a lot of their songs o Raw and unpolished music o Wailing singing o "Sunday, Bloody Sunday" (1983)→ about the protestors killed by the British parachute regiment
R.E.M.
was one of the first alternative rock bands. They experienced mainstream success in 1987 with "The One I Love", through 2011. Popular worldwide, frequently addressed political and environmental concerns. Mid '80s from Athens, Georgia Alternative band → originally famous on college campuses and became famous outside of that (David Letterman) Carved out a place for alternative rock Michael Stipe is known for voice and cryptic and personal persona Fascination with communication (lack of it) → high wailing at end of song "So. Central Rain" (1984)
New Wave
was the pop music response to punk music that developed in the mid to late 70s. The music in this genre tended to be pure and simple with 'mindless garbage' lyrics. The songs in this genre consisted of many different styles and a lot of one hit wonders. New Wave artists include Devo and Elvis Costello. Pop music response to punk music. Music was simple and pure with mindless garbage lyrics. Genre consisted of many different styles and one hit wonders. Artists include Elvis Costello and Devo. During late '70s & early '80s Catch all term for the music that directly followed punk rock "Sweet Dreams" Eurhythmics Two categories: Post-punk: arty, difficult, and challenging New Wave: pop music, pure & simple Fascination with electronics, style, and art Second life in 1982 & 1983, polished MTV-radio (Culture Club)
The Bangles
were a female pop rock/new wave band active from 1981 to present with a 10 year break. Famous songs include Eternal Flame and Walk Like an Egyptian. 1980's female rock band Sing about seduction and love "In a Different Light"- song about inverting the gaze normally centered on women (as objects of men's desire); authored by members of band "Manic Monday" → real hit; synthesizer is highlighted; sounds like normal pop songs; men play central role
Van Halen
-An American heavy metal band that formed in 1972. Their guitarist, Eddie Van Halen, was an extremely influential musician and was known for his virtuosic playing. Their music combined heavy metal intensity with a brighter pop sensibility. They accomplished this with a weighty sound and guitar virtuosity, incorporated with pop-friendly hooks and vocal harmonies. -American hard rock & heavy metal band -Formed in 1972 -Eddie van halen & alex van halen -Combined heavy metal intensity with a brighter pop sensibility -Eddie an influential electric guitarist Two-handed tapping and extreme vibrato Flamboyance, atleticism, good looks, showmanship & swaggering persona -Heavy metal band with the strength of their often weighty sound & guitar virtuosity, but also incorporated pop-friendly hooks & vocal harmonies -Adaptation of chord progressions & virtuosic practices from 18th century european models (Bach & Vivaldi) by influential guitarists such as Van Halen
Discuss the evolution of rap from the '80s to the present day. Make specific reference to at least two acts at work in the '80s, and at least two active in the last twenty years.
-Public Enemy: 1988 "Fight the Power," New York based, controversial representation of the black american ghetto underclass -Run DMC: Credited for the sound and style of hip-hop, helped move genre from singles-oriented to album oriented, opened the door for future groups (NWA), "It's Tricky" 1986 (song) -Eminem: Besides Beastie Boys, first white rapper to have critical acclaim, Slim Shady LP (alter-ego), 1997 -Dr. Dre: gangsta rap, "The Chronic" 2001, discovered Eminem, business man, Beats by Dre -In the early '80s rap was largely composed of party anthems. The artists such as Run-DMC (1983-1987) and Public Enemy (1982-1985) were just beginning to integrate the DJ into the music, and established the hardcore rap genre. Public Enemy began to politicize rap, a theme which persists to this day. Public Enemy's Flavor Flav also began to introduce the idea of being a pimp or a player into the rap game, and emphasized his wealth. These acts gave way to harder gangsta rap which focused more on extreme sex, violence, and profanity for groups like NWA. Building on NWA, gangster rap artist Snoop Dogg thrives from 1993 to present, helping the genre explode and produced mainstream music. The early 1990's marked the excessive use of materialistic subject matter, discussing money and high society living. While the gangster rap themes are still present in many artists, Eminem revolutionized the path rap music took. He rose to fame in 1999 with the release of The Slim Shady LP and is still active. He was mentored by Dr. Dre, and 2002 received first Oscar in hiphop for "Lose Yourself". This changed the rap game permanently, the public was completely on board with the sounds of hip hop and rap, perhaps because Mathers is white. The genre has expanded such that there are still gangsta rap and party rap artists, but the evolution of rap has really made the music accessible for anyone to enjoy.
Run-D.M.C.
-Some of the most influential, popular rappers in America, who thrived during the 1980s. They recorded the first "new school" hip hop record called "It's Like That" and released the first full hip hop album, laying the track for many future rappers. They were well known for their fusion of rock and rap. -Thriving in the 1980s, -some of the most popular and influential rappers in America. -They released the first 'new school' hip hop recording with their -single "It's Like That" and released the first full hip hop album. -Spare, blunt, & skillful, with hard beats and powerful, literate, daring vocals -Known for fusing rock and rap together. -First hardcore rap outfit -Set sound & style for next decade of rap -Spare beats & excursions into heavy metal samples -Opened the door for politicized rap First hip-hop to construct full-fledged albums
Snoop Doggy Dogg
-a gangsta rap artist. He became popular in 1993 with Doggystyle and still is active. He recently converted to Rastafarian and released a reggae album -began his career in the early 90s, entering the music world as a gangsta rap artist. However, Snoop has adapted to the music industry and has become a chameleon.
Gangsta Rap
-a rap subgenre that started in 1985 in Philadelphia. Music in this genre consisted of aggressive lyrics, focused on the violence of street life. Many artists in this genre were known for their violent public image and some include 50 Cent and Ice-T. -Evolved from hardcore hiphop and pioneered by artists like Ice-T in the mid 1980's, popularity with groups like NWA and snoop dogg. Characterized by extreme violence, sex, and profanity. o Early '90s o Celebrates the persona of the gangsta o Drug trade; unafraid; won't be arrested or killed o Upholds tradition of this persona o Least afraid of the police (slavery vs. incarceration) o Snoop Doggy Dogg; 50 cents
Grunge
-a subgenre of alternative rock that formed in the late 80s, becoming popular in the early 1990s with Nirvana's single "Smells Like Teen Spirit." Grunge bands were known for their purposely unfashionable look and their use of distorted guitar without extended guitar solos. -Lyrics in this genre tended to focus on cynicism, pain, and bitter humor. Artists include Nirvana and Pearl Jam. -Subgenre of alternative rock emerging in Seattle in the mid 1980's. Characterized by angst or apathy in lyrics and heavy guitar distortion, pioneered by Nirvana and Pearl Jam. o Late '80s and early '90s o Centered in Seattle, WA o Failed communication o Generation uncertain about its place in society o Contrast→ verses quiet, choruses high and screaming o Nirvana; The Pixies
Progressive Rock
-began in the late 60s to the early 70s. The genre was based on experimentation, the use of the synthesizer, and consisted of songs that were typically longer than 3 minutes. Artists within this genre include Pink Floyd and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer. -A development of UK pop music that began in 1967 with the sonic exploration of the Beatles' Strawberry Fields Forever and the classical allusions of Procol Harum's A Whiter Shade of Pale, and continued as an active underground scene in many parts of Europe into the late 1990s. -It was predicated on an achieved maturity of UK rock, divorced from American precursors, an ideology of free expression and a complementary striving for legitimation -Features include the escape from the format of the three-minute pop single, e.g. Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven -references and allusions to, and borrowings from, art music as in Emerson, Lake and Palmer's Pictures at an Exhibition or Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, -integration of free jazz techniques -Lyrics often display a pretentious quasi-mystical quality -enabled by growing studio sophistication, a general shift from a working-class, dancing market to a student, listening market, and an economic boom, -The struggle for legitimation frequently led to critical charges of pretentiousness. -Traditionally melodic -More literary -More oriented toward classically trained, instrumental technique -Ended with punk
Sampling
A process in which a sound is taken directly from a pre-recorded medium and transposed onto a new recording. This can be seen in"Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang, where they rap over reconstructed loop (or sample) of "Good Times" by Chic Process in which a sound is taken directly from recorded medium and transposed onto a new recording. Example: "Rapper's Delight" is rapping over reconstructed loop of "Good Times" Took further in 1980s, using inumerable samples & cut-ups as the basis for their own non-rap tracks
Public Enemy
A rap group that thrived in the early 80s to the early 90s. Their music tended to include complex beats infused with sirens, spoken samples, and scratching. While their lyrics tended to address the socio-political realities of African American youth. They became -known for their overtly political songs and their unique, energetic stage performances. -A rap group that thrived in the 1980s to mid 1990s. -Known for lyrics addressing socio-political realities of African Americans. -They used bodyguards who acted as stage performers to enhance their militancy. -Music featuring sonically complex beats infused with sirens, spoken samples, and scratching -1982 mobile DJ Crew Spectrum City -Garnered attention for its overly political songs & unique, energetic stage show -Fear of a Black Planet (1990)
Discuss two songs recorded after 1990 that clearly partake of a "retro" impulse: that is, they make some sort of palpable allusion to the music of the past (you can stick to songs we've discussed in class, or deal with others if you like). How are the two similar or different in (A) the way in which this allusion is accomplished and, as far as it is possible to speculate, (B) the purpose that seems to be served.
Jet "Look What You've Done" begins with a piano lick lifted directly from John Lennon "Imagine" There album art cover also appears to come from a Beatles album "Karma Police" based on the beginning of the Beatles "Sexy Sadie" One moment in the song start pulling chords from Sadie, after second bridge "for a minute there I lost myself" seeming like they are references what just happened, them becoming the Beatles Go Gos "We got the beat" Make explicit references to certain dance culture in the '60s. (only if needed)
