Vanderbilt MUSL 1650 History of Rock Final Study Guide

Bruce Springsteen

"The Boss" was born in Freehold, NJ Signed by John Hammond (Columbia A&R) Rooted in 60s idealism & music, unlike many other 80s stars

NWBHM

"The New Wave of British Heavy Metal" Musical movement in the late 70s and early 80s Inspired by Led Zeppelin & Black Sabbath, but harder, faster, and louder Led by Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, and others

Donna Summer, "Last Dance"

"The Queen of Disco", began as a gospel singer Song begins as a ballad, breaks into quintessential disco "Four on the floor" kick drum pattern (all 4 beats in each measure played) Elaborate string and horn arrangements

The Cure - "Boys Don't Cry"

British band formed in late 70s, still tour and record today Dark lyrics, experimentation with electronic instruments, incorporation of pop elements Helped lay foundation for goth rock Lead singer Robert Smith's ghoulish appearance became a (much-imitated) visual trademark Robert Smith (vocals)

Def Leppard, "Photograph"

British band that fused pop and metal One of first "metal" videos played on MTV Name spelling inspired by Led Zeppelin Produced by legendary Robert "Mutt" Lange This song from 1983 album Pyromania, which sold 6 million records Drummer Rick Allen lost left arm in 1984 car crash but continued to play in band Joe Elliott, vocals

The Clash, "Train in Vain (Stand By Me)"

British punk band Involved with social causes like Rock Against Racism More musical sophistication than some punk bands Reggae & rockabilly influence Great songwriting This song from classic album London Calling album Joe Strummer, vocals/guitar

MTV

Cable television arrived late 70s-early 80s in most American homes Music Television launched August 1, 1981 First video: "Video Killed The Radio Star" by the Buggles Targeted young audiences & initially played very few black artists...until Michael Jackson By the end of the 1980s, temporarily replaced radio as most important trendsetter in rock and pop music Emphasis on the visual changed the music business forever

Los Angeles

Center of 80s hard rock (aka "hair band") scene, especially the clubs around Sunset Strip Many LA bands sold multi-platinum during the time (Motley Crue, Poison, Guns 'N' Roses, Ratt, Van Halen) Album sales spurred by MTV airplay Visual image borrowed elements from 70s glam (men wearing makeup, long hair, tight pants, etc.)

Nirvana, "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

Combined hardcore punk with melodic hooks Became the quintessential grunge band and first to find commercial success This song from their album Nevermind Cobain committed suicide in April 1994 after battling drug/health problems & depression (Courtney Love, actress & lead singer of Hole, is his widow) Dave Grohl founded Foo Fighters shortly after Cobain's death; they are one of the most successful rock bands of the past 20 years Notable members: Kurt Cobain (vocals/guitar), Chris Novoselic (bass), Dave Grohl (drums)

The Cars, "Just What I Needed"

Combined punk, new wave, pop Ric Ocasek, singer/guitarist/creative leader Most commercially successful of the late 70s-early 80s New Wave bands Made music videos which became MTV staples

The Ramones, "I Wanna Be Sedated"

Considered by many to be the first punk rock band All band members took the last name Ramone Modeled look after 50s greasers like Gene Vincent (black leather jackets, t-shirts, jeans) Fast, short, raw, catchy, energetic songs Listen for one-note guitar solo Joey, Tommy, Dee Dee, Johnny

80s Benefits

1985 "We Are the World" benefit for USA for Africa Band Aid & Live Aid - both organized by Bob Geldof (of Boomtown Rats) for famine relief in Africa Paul Simon's Graceland album and Artists United Against Apartheid (run by Little Steven) raised awareness about the horrors of South African apartheid

Riot Grrrls

A feminist cultural expression which grew out of the Pacific Northwest around the same time as grunge (late 80s-early 90s) Featured women in alternative and punk rock bands who became role models for their uninhibited performances and creativity (Bikini Kill, 7 Year Bitch, Hole, L7...) Included writers, artists, etc. Incorporated political activism, particularly around issues like domestic violence, abortion rights, and body image Precursor of mid-90s female singer-songwriter movement (i.e. women of Lilith Fair, Alanis Morrisette, etc.)

The Birth of Hip-Hop

Block parties in boroughs of NYC in the mid-70s featured DJs spinning two turntables of vinyl records The role of the MC eventually became dominant Hip-hop refers to cultural expression which includes music, dance (incl. break dancing early on), language, art (incl. graffiti on subway cars), fashion, etc. Traditions of improvised spoken rhyme/poetry (incl. social commentary, humor,. insult. Competition, wit, etc.) have a long history in African American culture and is also found in Africa

Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine, "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You"

Born in Havana, Cuba, but grew up in Miami Fused Latin & pop The Miami Sound Machine started as a wedding band and built Latino following first Keyboardist/husband Emilio Estefan-creative leader Predated 90s Latin pop explosion by a decade

Metal vs. Grunge

Both heavy styles emerged from underground movements and eventually went mainstream Metal - collection of styles including thrash, speed, death, etc. Guitar solos tend to remain central Grunge - more aligned with punk & hardcore styles Plenty of bands blurred lines between these styles

Milli Vanilli, "Girl You Know It's True"

Dance-pop duo Combination of hip-hop and Euro-dance styles This song sold 7 million copies in the US alone "Rob & Fab" were models who lip synched to tracks recorded by studio musicians Became the first artists ever stripped of a Grammy Became scapegoats for a technique that was fairly common Consider: Does it matter to you whether the musician whose image is on a recording actually created the music? Is there any point at which the use of technology in recording is "cheating"?

R.E.M. - "Radio Free Europe"

From Athens, GA Involved w/ social & political causes This 1981 song (their first single) sparked a DIY movement of "alternative rock" Slowly built grass-roots following through constant touring & support from college radio stations Michael Stipe (vocals), Peter Buck (guitar), Mike Mills (bass), Bill Barry (drums)

Michael Jackson, "Billie Jean"

From album Thriller Biggest-selling album of all time Produced by Quincy Jones Breakthrough video production Use of drum machines, synthesizers Arguably the most successful and influential entertainer of all time - worldwide influence, first truly international pop star Changed the music business as major labels try to replicate his success, looking for broadest possible appeal Impact of sexual abuse allegations is still unfolding years after his death

Peter Gabriel - "Sledgehammer"

In 1960s & 70s, lead singer of British prog band Genesis o Known for his theatrical use of masks, makeup, props, etc. during performances Solo career in 80s aided by innovative videos played on MTV Incorporates electronic, word music, political message into his work This song from 1986 album So

Stevie Wonder, "Superstition"

In 1971, re-negotiated his contract w/Motown at age 21 Gained complete creative control His greatest artistic achievements came in this initial period of autonomy Clavinet - keyboard which plays the hook on the song This song is from Talking Book album

Bruce Springsteen — "Born to Run"

Lyrics deal with working-class hopes & frustrations E Street Band - backup band Signature horn section sound (R&B infl.) This album released in 1975; pop stardom arrived in 1984 with Born in the USA albums AABA structure

Public Enemy, "Don't Believe the Hype"

Many consider them the definitive rap group of all time Moved hip hop towards a pro-black consciousness & social/political message This song from classic 1988 album It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back Also signed to Def Jam Notable members: Chuck D, Flavor Flav

The Pretenders - "Brass in Pocket"

Lead singer & creative leader Chrissie Hynde o Born in US but moved to London in early 70s o Worked as a music writer/critic o Animal rights activist Fused punk, soul & pop This song from their classic 1980 self-titled debut album

Lou Reed, "Walk On The Wild Side"

Leader (with John Cale) of Velvet Underground Seminal proto-punk band inspired by the Beats Part of Andy Warhol's Factory scene Long and diverse career as solo artist This song is from 1973 album Transformer Listen for doo wop influence Produced by David Bowie Reed's first pop hit Reflects interest in characters & subjects not normally found in pop music (addicts, prostitutes, transvestites, etc.) Strophic form

Run-D.M.C., "My Adidas"

Led the second wave of rap From Hollis, Queens (NYC) Fused rock and rap, sometimes using heavy metal samples This song from their 1986 Raising Hell album, the firm to crossover into pop mainstream (also included "Walk This Way" w/Aerosmith) Run is the brother of Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Records Run (Joseph Simmons), Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell), D.M.C. (Darryl McDaniels)

Guns 'N' Roses, "Sweet Child O' Mine"

Less polished than most hard rock bands at the time Brought back raw, gritty, blues-influenced rock & roll This song from influential 1987 Appetite for Destruction album (both went to #1 with the help of MTV, almost a year after initial release) The rise of grunge in early 90s speeded the end of this kind of music Axl Rose (vocals), Slash (guitar), Izzy Stradlin (guitar), Duff McKeagan (bass), Steven Adler (drums),

Disco

Named after discotheques, dance clubs where the music was played Experience is DJ/dance floor-oriented; typically no bands on stage Studio 54 was the most famous of the 70s disco clubs Foundation for Euro-dance, techno, rave, and EDM trends that followed Many people say we are in the middle of another disco era right now

The Go-Go's, "We Got the Beat"

Next generation of girl groups, but they played their own instruments One of the first successful all-female bands that weren't controlled by male managers & producers Fused New Wave & pop (were part of late 70s California punk scene) Lead singer Belinda Carlisle also had successful solo career Success in England first

Journey - "Don't Stop Believin'"

Not metal - quintessential AOR band (Album-Oriented Rock) Based in San Francisco area Started as jazz-rock fusion band before Perry joined Guitarist Neil Schon was in Santana at age 15 Unusual structure: chorus appears once, at the end Steve Perry, vocals

Punk Rock

Originated in NYC's Bowery district Literary-minded, avant-garde musicians like Patti Smith & Richard Hell helped define the sound, look, & aesthetic CBGB's-club at the center of the scene An aesthetic as much as a musical style Rebellion against virtually all previous styles of rock music, but especially "corporate rock" Rebellion against society/belief in anarchy DIY (Do It Yourself) attitude Ripped clothing signaled rejection of rock star clothes/attitude Minimalistic, aggressive, angry musical style Belief that anyone should be able to play; virtuosity was unimportant

The Police - "Every Breath You Take"

Part of British New Wave in late 70s Pop, punk, reggae, jazz influences Biggest success came in 80s when band incorporated more pop into their sound This song, from their Synchronicity album, spent 8 weeks at #1 Sting has also had a successful solo & acting career AABA structure Sting (vocals/bass) Andy Summers (guitar), Stuart Copeland (drums)

Talking Heads, "Burning Down the House"

Part of avant-garde CBGB's scene One of the earliest New Wave bands First 4 albums produced by Brian Eno (formerly of Roxy Music) Experimentation with electronic sounds & technology, incl. Keyboards David Byrne, vocals

Elvis Costello, "Alison"

Pictured here with his band The Attractions Helped usher in New Wave (punk attitude with more musical sophistication, cleaner image) Brilliant songwriter Costello has had a long and diverse career British Verse chorus verse chorus

Bob Marley & the Wailers, "I Shot The Sheriff"

Signed to Island Records in 1972; first Jamaican reggae band to have international success Wrote songs about spirituality and the struggles of poor Jamaicans Listen for piano playing "offbeats" -typical reggae sound The Wailers still tour (Peter Tosh & Bunny Wailer were in early version of the band)

Sly & The Family Stone, "Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin"

Sly Stone - leader First major rock band to be integrated both racially and gender-wise From San Francisco, combined funk, psychedelic rock Larry Graham - bassist that innovated the "slap bass" technique Stone, Graham, and Stone's sister Rosie all sang lead vocals

Marvin Gaye, "What's Going On"

Successful R&B career in the 60s on Motown Duets with Tammi Terrell are especially notable This 1971 song & album mark an artistic departure Gaye produced it himself Concept album organized around a central character who is returning from Vietnam Took on subjects like war and poverty that were typically avoided by Motown Berry Gordy initially didn't want to release it

The PMRC Hearings

The PMRC (Parental Music Resource Center) was a group of Senators wives led by Tipper Gore Believed that the music industry should submit to a rating system for content of recordings 1985 Senate hearings included testimony of Frank Zappa, Dee Snider (of Twister Sister), and John Denver, who argued that musicians' 1st Amendment (free speech) rights were being violated

Bee Gees, "Stayin' Alive"

This comeback hit marked 2nd phase of career (were also successful in the 60s as a "blue-eyed soul" group) From 1977 film Saturday Night Fever double LP soundtrack (film starred John Travolta) Biggest selling album ever until Michael Jackson's Thriller Helped bring disco to middle America 3 members: Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb, and Maurice Gibb

Prince, "Darling Nikki"

This song from classic Purple Rain album Brilliant performer (guitarist, singer, dancer, keyboardist, drummer, etc) Sexually suggestive songs/performances MTV staple in 1980s Subject of much controversy and targeted by PMRC

Van Halen, "Jump"

Van Halen brothers Raised in Netherlands, moved to California Sons of a jazz musician Classically trained Virtuosic Eddie pioneered the use of new guitar-playing techniques, i.e. "tapping" (playing with both hands on the next of the guitar) This song from 1984 album marked a change in their sound (use of synthesizer) and transition to superstardom David Lee Roth (vocals), Alex Van Halen (drums), Eddie Van Halen (guitar), Michael Anthony (bass)

AC/DC, "Back In Black"

Visceral, minimalist hard rock Led by brothers Malcolm (rhythm guitar) & Angus Young (lead guitar) Their sister suggested that Angus wear his school uniform onstage, which became band's visual trademark Original lead singer Bon Scott died in 1980; replaced by Brian Johnson

Jackson Five, "ABC"

Last great act to emerge on Motown Michael became lead singer at age 6 First group in history to have first four singles hit #1 Giant crossover success - became a Saturday morning cartoon show

"My album may be #1, but I'm not commercial!"

-There's irony in the rock industry -Everyone wants commercial success but doesn't want to be mainstream -Consider the anti-mainstream stance of many alternative rockers -R.E.M, The Rolling Stones -Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) never came to terms with being famous They Argue- There shouldn't be a stigma in groups trying to achieve commercial success (they believe that the issue lies in the extent they compromise their musical integrity for success) It is difficult to know whether groups alter their sound genuinely or for only monetary gain "Commercial" is often used to modify performers who are talented and versatile enough to produce music successfully in many different styles They should be respected not condemned "Commercial" should not be an evaluative musical term because it means nothing musically It is an economic term

Not all music is art; most of it is simply product.

-What defines art vs. product -Art transcends generations -Product is done with the intention of making money, lacks artistic freedom -Example of product: Milli Vanilli -Elvis -selling a performance, entertainment not always "great art" -Motown, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye breaking off of that -Question who gets to decide what art is -PMRC hearings -Tension between freedom of expression and the well-being of the public P1: The vast majority of what we hear is product 95-5 split There are people that know how to innovate and create something amazing and there are people who know how to make a product because people just want to consume music So much work is put behind songs that are pushed through a formula of "what sells" and not necessarily true art Very few make genuine art Groups that stick out rn and that we really remember are ones that innovated the most Elvis, the Beatles, maybe Michael Jackson Berry Gordy Motown Groomed the image and sound of talented black to sell a certain kind of music Milli Vanilli Using to models to sell an image of music Pat Boone Vanilla versions Kiss They were an act, not there to convey musical innovation Crazy marketing by Gene Simmons

The Old School (Hip-Hop)

As early as 1973 DJs started manually looping the percussion breaks of certain disco and funk songs to keep dancers going Jamaican "dub" mixes removed the vocals from dance singles to emphasize rhythmic aspects of tracks MCs created more and more elaborate raps with music Often used snippets of prior recordings ("samples") in constructing songs, sparking intellectual property debate Kurtis Blow was the first rap artist to have commercial success (signed w/ a major label; had first gold rap single "The Breaks") Melle Mel (writter/rapper) & Grandmaster Flash (DJ) from the Furious Five innovated new techniques, wrote songs like "The Message" w/ more serious subject matter

Good is bad, and bad is good

At first in the mid-60s peace, love, and racial tolerance were themes New groups were trying to play better music and make more uplifting statements Beatles-Stones division Stones represented the anti-hero concept "Acted, sang, and were bad" Inversion of criteria The "badder" you were the better Heavy distortion Screamed and shouted while those who sang in tune were derided The best groups were those who played with the least sophistication, sophistication was considered commercial Claimed that this is a product of laziness - both in performers and listening Support for their claims Many groups like the Ramones in punk rock performing simple songs, ozzie for supporting suicide and death, acid rock and drugs The Stones embraced the idea of being bad influences and wanted to be considered bad people who break the laws and don't follow the rules Disco, people started liking music that wasn't difficult to create (really repetitive, four on the floor)

"Disco Sucks"

Became catchphrase among many rock fans Rock radio stations encouraged people to burn their disco records Backlash was partly a reaction to monotonous music, partly homophobic, partly a reaction to the huge popularity of disco Consider this argument: all music deserves to be judged according to its own context and function

Beastie Boys, "You Gotta Fight For Your Right To Party"

Began in 1981 as hardcore punk group This song from their 1986 debut Licensed to III Produced by Rick Rubin (who founded Def Jam Records w/Russell Simmons) Use of hard rock samples First of #1 album in rap history Spawned much debate about authentic expression and racial privilege in hip hop, but were in general accepted by hip-hop fans and artists Ad-Rock (Adam Horowitz), MCA (Adam Yauch), Mike D (Michael Diamond)

Metallica, "Enter Sandman"

Best, most influential heavy metal band of the 1980s Pioneers of "thrash" (aka speed metal) Built fan base through constant touring (support from radio and MTV came after years of work) This song from their 1991 album Metallica, moved into mainstream 2000 took legal action against Napster, but eventually dropped their case James Hetfield (vocals, guitar), Kirk Hammett (guitar), Jason Newsted (bass, replaced by Robert Trujillo) Lars Ulrich (drums)

Ozzy Osbourne, "Crazy Train"

Fired from Black Sabbath, released first solo album Blizzard of Ozz 1980 This song & controversial "Suicide Solution" are from that album Great showman, outrageous live shows Later successes of Ozzfest & MTV reality show Accused in 1986 of encouraging suicide

Music, including rock & roll, affects behavior

First half- Author's perspective -It is highly known that music affects behavior -refers to school of thought on this from centuries ago -Presents scientific evidence, music takes over our emotions -We tend to commend the good behind music but shrug off the bad -Commend civil rights protest -Peter, Paul & Mary -Marvin Gaye, "What's Goin' On" -Bruce Springsteen had Reagan pull Born in the USA -Shows that musicians know music does this -Ozzy Osbourne, ruled the kid that killed himself was his own fault -"It's all an act", think hard rock/glam rock -Oh we know to not actually do drugs -Rampant drug culture, abusing women

The Sex Pistols, "God Save the Queen"

First major British punk band Represented working-class anger at dismal economic conditions Violent live shows Influenced by Iggy & the Stooges, Ramones Put together by clothing store owner Malcolm McLaren Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols is their one album This song's release coincided with the Queen's Silver Jubilee celebration Johnny Rotten (vocals), Steve Jones (guitar), Sid Vicious (bass), Paul Cook (drums)

Music & technology in the 1980s

In the early 80s, Americans began buying a lot of VCRs and video games Portable cassette players and boom-boxes gained in popularity New synthesizer, drum loop technology changed the sound of pop music CDs introduced originally a windfall for the music business as music fans re-purchased their vinyl collections introduced digital audio to consumers

Judas Priest, "You've Got Another Thing Coming"

Influential, true British "heavy metal" Laid groundwork for speed and death metal in the 80s This song from 1982 Screaming for Vengeance album Leather & chains image (no spandex or makeup) Rob Halford, vocals

Reggae

Jamaican musicians in 60s influenced by Black Power movement in US Reggae grew out of the more uptempo 1960s Jamaican musical genre ska Rastafarian religion is at the core of this music Reggae & ska inspired many punk & new wave musicians Jamaican dub mixes were an important part of early hip-hop history

U2 - "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"

Met in high school in Dublin, Ireland Formed in 1976, still record and tour together today Slowly built their following (helped by MTV starting 1983) Committed to political/social causes The Edge's signature layered guitar textures (w/ heavy use of effects like delay) helps define the band's sound This song from their classic album Joshua Tree Bono, (vocals), The Edge (guitar), Adam Clayton (bass), Larry Mullen (drums)

Sugarhill Gang, "Rapper's Delight"

Regarded as the beginning of recorded hip-hop Released 1979 on Sugarhill Records, eventually selling over 8 million copies Samples Chic's "Good Times" Even after this hit, most industry people thought rap was a passing fad

Madonna "Like A Virgin"

Trendsetter for 80s dance music (outgrowth of 70s disco & R&B) This song was her first #1 song and album Like Jackson, exploited new video medium Brilliant control of her image Particularly "good girl" v. "bad girl" dichotomy, demonstrated here Pastiche style throughout career