Music 1003 Final

Eleanor Rigby

One of the Beatles' most experimental songs, traditional verse-chorus form; unusual instrumentation

CD (1981)

A compact disc, highly convenient format for albums, that had taken over vinyl records and cassette tapes.

AutoTune (1995)

A digital processing effect that allows one to manipulate the pitch and/or quality of individual vocal or instrumental parts. It 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.

Concept Album

A full album with a unifying theme (concept), rather than simply an album of individual songs. First Concept Album: Pet Sounds.

Funk

A gritty, "earthy" style of dance music that emerged in the 1970s, along with disco. This genre owes much to James Brown's soul music.

New Wave

More commercially friendly genre that related to punk rock, however it was more melodic. Combined styles of Rock and Blues. Evident in early-1980s synth-pop and dance-pop. Example: "Psycho Killer" -The Talking heads, 1977

Brian Wilson (Beach Boys)

Most important record producer of the 1960s

Carlos Santana (1947): "Oye Como Va" (1971)

Mostly instrumental dance trace that used multi-track recording to make complex textures. Used 8 measures of Spanish lyrics and an improvised electric guitar and organ solo.

MTV

Music Television, where individual artists were heavily promoted on TV.

Urban Folk Music

Music used to address the topics of politics and socialism. Musicians include Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, and Peter, Paul & Mary.

Pink Floyd (London, 1965)

"Dark Side of the Moon" (1973) was produced by this artist. Concept: Examines various uncomfortable themes such as money/greed, personal conflict, mental illness, etc. Incorporates traditional rock instruments, but also pre-recorded "everyday" sounds. Style: 12-bar blues, 7/4: 7 beats per measure gives the track a unique effect.

Call-And-Response

"Echoing" an sound in a song. A succession of two distinct phrases usually played by different instruments/singers.

The Rolling Stones (London, 1962)

"Exile on Main Street" (1972) was produced by this artist. Concept: Wried blend of themes of hedonism (living for pleasure) and isolation. This group includes popular styles from 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.

Ray Charles

"Genius of Soul," native to Georgia. Blind at the age of 6, he was a talented pianist and arranger. He originated as a trio singer in Seattle and became a solo performer.

James Brown (1960s)

"Godfather of Soul" and "Soul Brother Number One." Central figure in stimulating Black Pride and identity in the late 1960s. Known for his charismatic interactions with his audience, exciting performances, dancing, and exuberant singing (almost shouting at times).

Aretha Franklin (1960s)

"Queen of Soul." Continues the tradition of a strong, African-American female perspective. Started from Classic Blues and became an important voice for the modern Black woman in the late 1960s.

"U.N.I.T.Y." (1993)

Prod. by Queen Latifah. The song is a response to themes present in gangsta rap, specifically sexual harassment, domestic violence, and the glorified "gangsta" lifestyle. *The overall message is especially directed at the black community, that men and women should treat each other with love and respect.

"What's My Name" (1991)

Prod. by Snoopy Doggy Dogg from the hit album "Doggystyle." Designed for commercial success as a dance track. Includes synths and samples with Snoop's laid-back style of rapping.

"Papa's Got a Brand New Bag"

- James Brown: Number Nine on the Pop charts. Shows Brown's musical style through: -Riffs in brass -Syncopation -Percussive Style (of guitar, bass, brass) -Call-and-response -Twelve-bar blues -Interlocking polyrhythms

The Beach Boys (1960s)

5 man band, genres included Rock N Roll, R&B

Soul Music

A symbol of the Black community's effort to achieve cultural definition in the 1960s. It originated from Race records, then to Rhythm & Blues, then to Soul. Style: Combination of Gospel singing, Rhythm & Blues, Rock N' Roll, and Jazz.

Eminem

AKA Marshall Mathers (b. 1972). This artist was a rapper, producer, and actor. Considered the best-selling pop artist since 2000, with early popularity through his alter-ego Slim Shady. Recognized by his diverse and innovative approach to lyrics (storytelling).

Woodstock (1969)

Advertised as a three-day outdoor festival of "Peace & Music." It actually lasted 4 days for over 400K people. This is where Jimi Hendrix performed his controversial version of the National Anthem.

"Thriller" (1982)

Album by Michael Jackson, containing many hit singles and a musical style and collaborations by Van Halen, Paul McCartney, and Vincent Prince. Considered the best-selling album in pop music history.

"Respect" (1967)

Aretha Franklin's Number One hit on Pop and R&B charts. Perfect example of Soul music because it's Gospel-influenced and the lyrics are meaningful. The song talks about how men should always be loyal to women, whether or not they are apart.

Eric Clapton (Early 1970s)

Associated with the band Cream, and a solo artist. Known for his interest in American Blues. The music of country blues artists was revived partly through his music.

"Like a Rolling Stone" (1965)

At more than 6 minutes, this was the longest single track released in pop music at the time. Featured a gruff, aggressive style of singing (almost rapping). Not a happy song, rather bitter.

iPod and iTunes

Both introduced in 2001 to accommodate the growing use of MP3 music files.

Synthesizers

Came into use in the early 1970s. Used in various genres by the end of the decade, and was a dominant sound in pool music, sometimes combined with more traditional instruments.

MP3 (1997)

Compressed, digital file format that allowed for small audio files to be uploaded/downloaded/stored for personal use or for sharing. Reduced file size made the quality less than analog recording (like records).

Pet Sounds (1966)

Considered the first concept album, which carries 1 theme from the beginning to the end of the album

"Walk This Way" (1986)

Produced by Run-D.M.C. A collaboration between Hip-Hop and heavy metal. Begins with the style of the original song then incorporates a turntable scratching, that hooks to the Hip-Hop. Includes rapping over the verses, and was put on MTV.

Late 1960s - Early 1970s

Counterculture dissolves after the deaths of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison, and the Beatles' breakup. Economic recession meant people were out of work, and turned to music and dance, similar to the Swing music phase during the Depression. Club owners begin hiring DJs instead of live bands to save money. The LP (long-playing album) became significant, as more artists were releasing concept albums.

"The Message"

Hip - Hop song prod. by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five (1982). The song descries in vivid detail life on the streets of NYC as of 1982 (i.e. Vandalism, drug use, prostitution, violence, racial inequity, and hopelessness. Form is Verse - Chorus (as in many pop songs), but the lyrics are all rapped. Uses synths and drum machines, with samples of street sounds. The style of rap is highly controversial yet highly rhythmic.

Disco

Elements of this genre include: -Steady beat -Medium-fast tempo -4/4 signature -Straightforward, repetitive song forms -Simple harmonies -Straightforward lyrics

The Beatles (1960s)

English rock band formed in 1960. First popular in the UK and Germany, then spread to the US. Genres include American R&B and Country Blues, as well as "exotic" instruments and music from India

Led Zeppelin (London, 1968)

Formed in London in 1968. Released the song "Stairway to Heaven" in 1971

Madonna (1958)

Gained popularity in the early 1980s through synth-pop hits like "Lucky Star" and "Like a Virgin." Known for playing with people's expectations of the female stereotype. Various hits in the mainstream pop and numerous performers through her music.

Pedro Navaja (1978)

Gritty lyrics (Spanish), mismatch between the music style and the story. The music is very light-hearted and fun (dance music). Sophisticated musical arrangement, and a texture and intensity that gradually builds.

Jimi Hendrix (1942 - 1970)

Icon of Psychedelic Rock, innovative use of the electric guitar: Considered a "sound sculptor" through his highly expressive, experimental style that included a great deal of distortion, volume, and other special effects. His death, and those of Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison, signified the end of Counterculture.

Psychedelic Rock/San Francisco Rock

Late 1960s musical style associated with the Counterculture. "Alternative" rock music scene. Blends a variety of styles and influences from Eastern and Western traditions. Dense musical texture, and volume and distortion.

Salsa

Latin-based dance music first popular in NYC (alongside disco). Promoted by independent record labels.

Progressive Country (1970s)

Mainstream country music that included a commercial, sleek Nashville style and a more hardcore style. Contains elements of Blues and Rock. Grew out of the 1960s Counterculture, blended Honky-Tonk, Rockabilly, Singer-Songwriters, and Country Rock styles. Incorporated social and political themes.

Punk Rock

Mid-to-late 1970s. A "back to basics" approach to rock that originated in NYC. It was a rebellion against complex rock music. Young male audiences felt alienated from their former Rock heroes. Mainstream rock was increasingly difficult for this audience to understand and replicate.

Reggae

Musical genre established in Kingston, Jamaica. Combines elements of Carrivean folk music and American R&B. Style: -Slow tempo, laid-back style -Guitar, bass, and drums are dominant -Interlocking rhythms -Political and social messages in the lyrics

"When Doves Cry" (1984)

Number One single from the album "Purple Rain." The song features Prince on all parts (vocal and instrumental) in his complex, layered recording. Song is divided up into 2 equal parts. The first section is Verse - Chorus, and the second consists of various 8-bar phrases of instrumental and/or vocal lines.

ProTools (1991)

One of the first computer programs designed for professional studio use or home stereo use. Allowed the user to adjust various sound elements and add effects.

Alternative Rock (1990s)

One of the most enduring genres, with artists like Nirvana and Grunge Rock.

The Internet

One of the most significant advances in distributing music and video to the general public. Ex: MySpace and YouTube

"Good Vibrations" (1966)

Originally recorded for the ill-fated Smile album. Number One hit when it was released, features unusual instruments (organ, flute, cellos, theremin, plus more traditional rock instruments). Record cost around $75,000 to record

"Doo Wop (That Thing)" (1998)

Prod. by Lauryn Hill, who found her early fame with the hip-hop trio, the Fugees. The song promotes the message that men and women should both make careful romantic choices, and essentially stay classy.

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" (1991)

Prod. by Nirvana from the hit album "Nevermind." This song was essentially an anthem for teen angst, and Nirvana -led by Kurt Cobain- had the perfect image for Grunge Rock.

"Night of the Living Baseheads" (1988)

Prod. by Public Enemy. The lyrics address the crack-cocaine epidemic in the urban centers in the US. The song had samples of music and spoken language. 2 MCs, a DJ, and dancers.

Prince (1958 - 2016)

Raised in a mixed-race, middle class family in Minnesota, influenced by various styles and musical artists. Disco, funk, and motown played an important role in his lifestyle. He wrote all of his own music, performed all of the instrumental and vocal parts on recordings, and produced the tracks. He recorded more than 75 songs per year. Is a savage.

"Rapper's Delight" (1979)

Recorded by the Sugar Hill Gang. Represents the first suggestion that hip-hop music had the potential to find a mainstream audience. Had international success; ranked on the pop chats, not only in the US but around the world.

"Stairway to Heaven" (1971)

Released on the album "Led Zeppelin IV." Longest single track (8 minutes long) released in Pop music. The texture of the song builds throughout the 8 minutes, salting with acoustic guitar and ending in heavy-metal form of singing. The lyrics describe a materialistic woman who thinks she can buy her way into Heaven.

1960s

Society changing quickly, early in the Vietnam Era. Approaching the Civil Rights Movement

Syncopation

Stressing the normally unaccented beats. The "element of surprise" in music.

Latin Rock (Early 1970s)

Style of Rock music, popular by the early 1970s, through Santana. Combines styles like Jazz, San Francisco Rock, Soul, and Salsa. Latin percussion with electric guitar and short, repeated melodies and rhythms.

Outlaw Country

Subgenre of Progressive Country. Masculine, gun-slinging persona. Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash promoted a "dangerous" romantic image through their appearance and story-telling lyrics.

Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009)

Superstar artist, first known through his Motown recordings and performances with his family group, the Jackson Five.

Disco

The rise of this Musical Genre was driven by several factors: -Black popular music -Social dancing -New technologies like synthesizers, drum machines, and synchronized turntables -Economic Recession

Interlocking Polyrhythms

The simultaneous use of two or more conflicting rhythms.

Urban Folk Music Style

The style of this genre includes: -Fairly "natural" -Acoustic guitar -Individual vocal style -Focus on lyrics more than anything

Punk Rock

The style of this genre includes: -Non-musical garage-band style -Loud, fast, angry, distorted -Rebellious lyrics

Reggae Style

The style of this genre includes: -Slow tempo, laid-back style -Guitar, bass, and drums are dominant -Interlocking rhythms -Political and social messages in the lyrics

Funk Style

The style of this genre includes: -Strong, dance-oriented rhythms -Heavy bass line -Catchy melodies -Call-and-reponse -Simple forms, and dense textures -Use of synthesizers and drum machines

Women in Rap

The term referring to the several female artists and their important contributions to the genre. Ex: Salt n' Pepa, Queen Latifah, and Lauryn Hill.

"Like a Virgin" (1984)

The title song for Madonna's hit album that year. Included Synth-Pop (dominant sound in the song), dance music, and a moderate tempo and steady beat. Production largely focused on her blended pitch and youthful sound quality. Verse chorus.

David Bowie (1947 - 2016)

This artist had the stage name that created, "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" (1972): Ziggy Stardust is a man from outer space who comes to earth and becomes a rock star. This man developed Ziggy as a persona for stage performances.

M.C. Hammer

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

Disco Audience

This audience was initially Black, Latino, and/or Gay audiences in NYC and other large cities. Audiences of mainstream rock considered it to be frivolous, and overly simple.

ADAT (Alesis Digital Analog Technology) (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 cassette recording of the product.

Early Hip-Hop

This genre began as a local phenomenon in the South Bronx, the most economically devastated area of NYC. It encompasses not only the music, but a broader culture.

Gangsta Rap

This genre of Hip-Hop glorifies the "gangsta" lifestyle in a fanatic tone. Usually told from the firs-person perspective, with personal, localized references to place names and people.

Salsa Style

This genre style combines: -Latin ballroom dance music -Afro-Cuban percussion & dance rhythms -Modern Jazz -Story-telling, gritty lyrics about social issues

Electronic Dance Music (EDM)

This genre uses digital synthesizers, and was widely used in urban dance clubs by the mid 1970s. Rather than hiring a live band, a DJ would spin records, looping samples, and adding digital effects through synths and drum machines. Also includes House music and Techno.

Early Hip Hop Culture

This genre's culture encompasses: -Music -Fashion/dress -Speech, language, and local slang -Street art (graffiti) -Breakdancing

Digital Recording and Editing

This term described the following factors: -ProTools (1991) -ADAT (Alesis Digital Analog Technology) -AutoTune (1995)

1980s - 1990s

This timeframe includes MTV, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Hip-Hop, M.C. Hammer, Eminem, Women in Rap, Alternative Rock, and EDM.

Counterculture

Those who rejected mainstream society: communal living and drug experimentation were prominent.

Beatles' Musical Style

Verse-Chorus, AABA, 12-bar Blues, emphasis on melody, imaginative instrumentation, music often reflects the lyrics

Bob Marley (1945 - 1981)

Vital in brining Reggae to the mainstream audience. "I Shot the Sheriff" (1974)