Week 18: Beyoncé

Beyoncé, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (2008)

Week 18: Beyoncé
TU 12.15/TH 12.17 (FINALS WEEK)
Sec 38 Final Exam Time: Tu 12/15 from 7:15 – 9:30 AM
Class: Class review

Music News 12.7.15

• M.I.A's new single tackles the world's refugee crisis (Slate)
• One Direction accounted for five of the top ten retweets on Twitter in 2015 (VentureBeat)
• Pitchfork names the best music videos of 2015 (Pitchfork)
• The 2016 Grammy nominations announced (MSNBC)
• Apple Music and iTunes Match bump up capacity to 100,000 songs (DigitalTrends)
• DJ Earworm releases his annual mashup of the year's biggest singles (YouTube)

Week 17: Sam Smith

Sam Smith, "I'm Not the Only One" (2014)

Week 17: Sam Smith
TU 12.8 (LAST REGULAR DAY OF CLASS)/TH 12.10 (SEC. 63 ONLY; FINAL EXAM TIME) Sec 63 Final Exam Time: Th 12/10 from 8:00 – 9:30 AM 
Class: Presentations
Due: REFLECTION 8 (Due Tue 12.8)

Upcoming:

Week 18: Beyoncé
TU 12.15/TH 12.17 (FINALS WEEK)
Sec 38 Final Exam Time: Tu 12/15 from 7:15 – 9:30 AM 
Class: Class review

Music News 12.3.15

• Carrie Underwood gives James Cordon's "Carpool Karaoke" a country spin (Entertainment Weekly)
• Eliot Sumner, daughter of Sting, comes out as gay, non-gendered (People)
• Holiday wish list item: An official Metallica skateboard (MetalInjection)
• Drum off: Foo Fighter's Dave Grohl vs The Muppets' Animal (Consequence of Sound)
• A new record: Seventeen of Justin Bieber's tracks are in Billboard’s Hot 100 this week (Fortune)
• Psy is back (CNN)

 

Reflection 8: Snowed Out—Surviving the Christmas Music Avalanche

It used to be that they wouldn't show up until at least the day after Thanksgiving—at the earliest. Any earlier than that and it just seemed like jumping the gun. But these days, the dust of Halloween has hardly settled before someone, somewhere, eagerly rolls them out. Whenever it is they come, Christmas songs come with a vengeance. And while some people can't wait to revel in holiday cheer, others quickly feel inundated by the near endless stream of Christmas cheer. While these songs can be expected at a party or in a church, they can also be heard while on hold on the telephone or in every mall in America. How do you feel about holiday music? Which songs do you like and which do you detest? What is the line between this music celebrating the season and it spoiling the spirit? Finally, if you do not celebrate Christmas, how does holiday music affect you?

Include at least two of the following in your discussion:

• "Centuries-old Christmas Carols Endure" (Tennessean)
• "Science Behind Why We Love, or Hate, Christmas Music" (WDIV)
• "The Ten Most Annoying Christmas Songs" (Gawker)
• "Ten Best Christmas Songs for Atheists" (Alternet)
• "Christmas Songs that Upset Me" (phillyBurbs.com)
• "Five Christmas Songs that Don't Suck" (Nerve)

Requirements:

• Must be in MLA Style
• Must be two full pages in length
• Must include a works cited page

Due:Tu 12. 8 (Note Tuesday due date)

Week 16: Billy Joel

Week 16: Billy Joel
TU 12.1/TH 12.3
Read: OWEN—Pg. 101 – 200
Class: SHORT ANSWER RESPONSES; Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: INFOGRAPHIC (Note new due date; email Thu 12.3 by 5 PM)

Upcoming:

Week 17: Sam Smith
TU 12.8 (LAST REGULAR DAY OF CLASS)/TH 12.10 (SEC. 63 ONLY; FINAL EXAM TIME)
Sec 63 Final Exam Time: Th 12/10 from 7:15 – 9:30 AM
Class: Presentations
Due: REFLECTION 8 (Due Tue 12.8)

Week 18: Beyoncé
TU 12.15/TH 12.17 (FINALS WEEK)
Sec 38 Final Exam Time: Tu 12/15 from 7:15 – 9:30 AM
Class: Class review

Music News 11.23.15 (Adele Edition)

• How Adele and the BBC pranked a group of Adele impersonators (Entertainment Weekly) 
• Adele smashes Beyoncé's iTunes sales record (People)
• 25 release is on track to be the fastest selling album in America—ever (Guardian)
• Adele and Drake in a virtual lovefest (Rolling Stone)
• Hear Adele's stunning raw mic feed from this weekend's Saturday Night Live (Independent)
• Also ... Saturday Night Live shows how Adele can silence your conservative relatives during Thanksgiving (YouTube)

Week 15: Lauryn Hill

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

Week 15: Lauryn Hill
TU 11.24/TH 11.26 (THANKSGIVING—NO CLASS)
Read: OWEN—Pg. 101 - 150
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Excerpts from BBC Four Sessions: Bruce Springsteen with The Seeger Sessions Band (BBC Four)

Upcoming:

Week 16: Billy Joel
TU 12.1/TH 12.3
Read: OWEN—Pg. 101 – 200
Class: SHORT ANSWER RESPONSES; Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: INFOGRAPHIC (Note new due date; email Thu 12.3 by 5 PM)

Week 17: Sam Smith TU 12.8 (LAST REGULAR DAY OF CLASS)/TH 12.10 (SEC. 63 ONLY; FINAL EXAM TIME)
Sec 63 Final Exam Time: Th 12/10 from 7:15 – 9:30 AM
Class: Presentations
Due: REFLECTION 8 (Due Tue 12.8)

Week 18: Beyoncé
TU 12.15/TH 12.17 (FINALS WEEK)
Sec 38 Final Exam Time: Tu 12/15 from 7:15 – 9:30 AM
Class: Class review

Music News 11.17.15

• Social media campaign pushing Eagles of Death Metal's Duran Duran cover, "Save a Prayer," to top of UK charts (OfficialCharts)
• Also ... London soccer fans at France vs. Englnd match unite in "La Marseillaise" to honor French terror victims (BBC News)
• Justin Bieber drops twelve dance videos in support of his new album, Purpose (Cosmopolitan)
• Taylor Swift partners with Scholastic to donate 25,000 books to NYC schools (Entertainment Weekly)
• Zayn Malik's previews a clip of his first solo single, "Befour" (People)
• Tool announce 2016 tour, Primus to open (Consequence of Sound)

Week 14: Loretta Lynn

Loretta Lynn, "You Ain't Woman Enough" (1966)

Week 14: Loretta Lynn
TU 11.17/TH 11.19
Read: OWEN—Pg. 51 – 100 Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Writers workshop
Due: INFOGRAPHIC (Draft 1, B&W print or in electronic form)

Upcoming:

Week 15: Lauryn Hill
TU 11.24/TH 11.26 (THANKSGIVING—NO CLASS)
Read: OWEN—Pg. 101 - 150
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Excerpts from BBC Four Sessions: Bruce Springsteen with The Seeger Sessions Band (BBC Four)
Due: INFOGRAPHIC (email by 5PM on Tue 11.24)

Week 16: Billy Joel TU 12.1/TH 12.3
Read: OWEN—Pg. 101 – 200
Class: SHORT ANSWER RESPONSES; Reading discussion; Presentations

Week 17: Sam Smith TU 12.8 (LAST REGULAR DAY OF CLASS)/TH 12.10 (SEC. 63 ONLY; FINAL EXAM TIME)
Sec 63 Final Exam Time: Th 12/10 from 7:15 – 9:30 AM
Class: Presentations
Due: REFLECTION 8 (Due Tue 12.8)

Week 18: Beyoncé
TU 12.15/TH 12.17 (FINALS WEEK)
Sec 38 Final Exam Time: Tu 12/15 from 7:15 – 9:30 AM
Class: Class review

Music News 11.14.15

• Terrorists kill over 100 people at Eagles of Death Metal concert in Paris (Rolling Stone)
• Also ... All band members survived attack (JustJared)
• Judge dismisses copyright lawsuit against Taylor Swift (Entertainment Weekly)
• Empire's ratings hit new low—is it vulnerable? (Complex)
• Justin Bieber: "I just want people to know I’m human. I’m struggling to get through the days."
• Number one 50 years ago this week: The Sound of Music soundtrack (Billboard)

 

Week 13: Jay-Z

Jay-Z (Ft. Alicia Keys), "Empire State of Mind" (2009)

Week 13: Jay-Z
TU 11.10/TH 11.12
Listen: DB—Owen Noon and The Marauder music primer
Read: OWEN—Pg. 1 – 50; eR—“Infographics: Separating the Great from the Mediocre” (The Next Web), “What Makes a Great Infographic?” (DashBurst), “The 90 Best Infographics on the Web” (Creative Bloq), “You Suck at Infographics” (Wired)
Class: ENGLISH DEPT. ASSESSMENT; Reading discussion; Presentations; Watch—“David Holt: The Joyful Tradition of Mountain Music” (TED Talks); Lecture—“Infographics 101”
Due: REFLECTION 7A or 7B

Upcoming:

Week 14: Loretta Lynn

TU 11.17/TH 11.19

Read: OWEN—Pg. 51 – 100 

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Writers workshop

Due: INFOGRAPHIC (Draft 1, B&W print or in electronic form)

Week 15: Lauryn Hill

TU 11.24/TH 11.26 (THANKSGIVING—NO CLASS)

Read: OWEN—Pg. 101 - 150 

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations;  Excerpts from BBC Four Sessions: Bruce Springsteen with The Seeger Sessions Band (BBC Four)
Due: INFOGRAPHIC (email by 5PM on Tue 11.24)

Week 16: Billy Joel

TU 12.1/TH 12.3

Read: OWEN—Pg. 101 – 200

Class: SHORT ANSWER RESPONSES; Reading discussion; Presentations

Week 17: Sam Smith

TU 12.8 (LAST DAY OF CLASS)/TH 12.10 (SEC. 63 ONLY)

Sec 63 Final Exam Time: Th 12/10 from 7:15 – 9:30 AM

Class: Presentations

Due: REFLECTION 8

Week 18: Beyoncé

TU 12.15/TH 12.17 (FINALS WEEK)

Sec 38 Final Exam Time: Tu 12/15 from 7:15 – 9:30 AM

Class: Class review

Infographic: A History of Music Playback Technology

Even in your own lifetime, the ways people listen to music have radically changed. Technology that was once bulky and cumbersome (e.g. the Discman) has evolved into that which is sleek and easily accessible. It's easy to take for granted the almost unlimited access we have to music today. And it is also easy to forget that it hasn't always been this way. For this assignment, you will create an infographic illustrating the development of music playback technology from the 19th century to today—and beyond. Which technologies you choose to highlight is up to you, but strive provide a comprehensive view of the advancements in this field. Also, you are responsible for whatever sources utilized in your infographic. And just as in traditional essays, you will require a thesis to guide your design.

Some points to consider:

• The next wave: Consider the implications of the next wave of technology. For example, was the next technological advancement merely an incremental, or did it represent a fundamental shift?
• The retail angle: You might consider how and where music is (or was) purchased. What is the relationship between musical recording technology and the ways in which we purchase music—or don't?
• Portability: Think about all the places we can and do listen to music. Does technology allow us to take music into places that were previously difficult or impossible?
• Continued issues: What issues has current technology still failed to address? What are potential areas of growth for new technologies (e.g. high-res audio)? 

Infographics are most easily utilized in PowerPoint (or a comparable program). Additionally, if you are experienced in it, you may also utilize Photoshop or Illustrator. This assignment must be delivered electronically.

Requirements:

• Six sources minimum
• The infographic's must outline your thesis
• Include a works cited page

A well-executed infographic will:

• Have a title that articulates the goal of the assignment
• Have a concise thesis as the subheading—important
• Have a concise controlling argument dictating the design
• Visually translate perspectives and facts in a clear and enlightening manner
• Stay within the parameters of movie and real life AI

Due: Thu 11.19 (Draft 1; B&W hard copy or in electronic form); Thu 12.3 (Final draft; email by 5PM)

Music News 11.5.15

• Kurt Cobain's iconic MTV Unplugged cardigan set to go to auction (New Music Express)
• Adele's "Hello" is the best selling single in over 15 years (Entertainment Weekly)
• Josh Groban and Kelly Clarkson perform electrifying cover of "All I Ask of You" from The Phantom of the Opera (Vutlure)
• Queen Latifah and Jermaine Dupri to search for Hip Hop's next big star on Lifetime series (Hollywood Reporter)
• Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" spawns plagiarism lawsuit (USA Today)
• Five hundred people arrested at a pair of SoCal EDM shows (Consequence of Sound)

Reflection 7-B: California, Here I Come—Songs of the Golden State

Note: This week you have the option to choose from two different prompts. Do only one, either 7-A or 7-B. Each is only one full page.

In 1965, The Mamas & the Papas, stuck in a dreary New York City, pined for a warm Los Angeles day in "California Dreamin'":

All the leaves are brown
(All the leaves are brown)
And the sky is gray.
(And the sky is gray)
I've been for a walk
(I've been for a walk)
On a winter's day.
(On a winter's day).

I'd be safe and warm
(I'd be safe and warm)
if I was in LA
(If I was in LA)
California dreamin'
(California dreamin') 
on such a winter's day.

The Mamas & the Papas were certainly not alone in longing for California. For decades, thousands of artists have drawn inspiration from California, and their songs are as diverse as the state itself. For this reflection, examine two of the following songs. In your examination, consider how the state is portrayed through all aspects of the song (e.g. melody, lyrics). What images are used? What emotions are evoked? Is it a realistic portrayal of the state or a fantasy? Finally, is the California of these songs something you've experienced?

Whole California:
Leslie Gore, "California Nights"
Phantom Planet, "California"
LL Cool J, "Going Back to Cali"
Eagles, "Life in the Fast Lane" 
Al Jolson, "California, Here I Come"
Carole King, "Back to California"
2Pac, "California Love" 
The Presidents of the United States of America, "Fuck California"
Joni Mitchell, "California"
The Beach Boys, "Surfin' USA"
Eagles, "Hotel California"
The Decemberists, "California One/Youth and Beauty Brigade"
Katy Perry, "California Gurls"
The Beach Boys, "California Girls"
Sammy Hagar, "I Can't Drive 55"

Northern California:
Linda Ronstadt, ""Talk to Me of Mendocino"  
Johnny Cash, "Folsom Prison Blues"
The Doobie Brothers, "Ukiah"
Journey, "Lights"
Tony Bennett,  "I Left My Heart in San Francisco"
Otis Redding, "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay"
Scott McKenzie, "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)"
Judy Garland, "San Francisco" 
Chris Isaak, "San Francisco Days"
Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Lodi"
Dionne Warwick, "Do You Know the Way to San Jose" 
The Thrills, "Santa Cruz (You're Not that Far)"

Southern California:
Dwight Yoakam, "Streets of Bakersfield"
Jan and Dean, "The Little Old Lady from Pasadena"
Doris Day, "Hooray for Hollywood"
Collective Soul, "Hollywood"
Randy Newman, "I Love LA"
Missing Persons, "Walking in LA"
Hole, "Celebrity Skin"
Sheryl Crow, "All I Wanna Do"  
Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Under the Bridge"
The Doors, "LA Woman"
Tom Petty, "Free Fallin'"
Frank Sinatra, "LA is My Lady"
Tom Waits, "San Diego Serenade"


Requirements:

• Must be in MLA Style
• Must be one full page in length

Due: Thu 11.12

Reflection 07-A: Guilty as Charged—Confessing Our Musical Guilty Pleasures

Note: This week you have the option to choose from two different prompts. Do only one, either 07-A or 07-B. Each is only one full page.

Though we may not admit it, we all have them. And while they are near and dear to our hearts, often they are kept secret. Yet, our musical guilty pleasures serve an important role: they make us happy—even if we don't always own up to them. But why are guilty pleasures, so guilty? What sets this music apart from that which we enjoy openly? Can a song really be so bad it's good? This reflection is your opportunity to come out of the musical closet and reveal three of your musical guilty pleasures.

 Include one of the following in your discussion:

• "Why Do We Feel Guilty about ‘Guilty Pleasures’?" (Den of Geek) 
• "Science of Guilty Pleasures: Study Uncovers How Feeling Bad Can Boost Your Happiness" (Daily Mirror)
• "21 Heavy Metallers Admit their Guilty Pleasures" (Buzzfeed)
• "'Mambo No. 5' is the Most Popular 'Guilty Pleasure Song,' According to Spotify" (People)
• "Guilty Pleasures: What Music are You Embarrassed to Love?" (NPR Music) 
• "25 Guilty Pleasure Songs That I Will Not Apologize for Loving" (Thought Catalog)

Requirements:

• Must be in MLA Style
• Must be one full page in length
• Must include a works cited page

Due: Thu 11.12

Week 12: Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake, "What Goes Around ... Comes Around" (2006)

Week 12: Justin Timberlake
Tu 11.3/Th 11.5
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: EXPOSITORY (ANNOTATED—INSTRUCTIONS TO BE GIVEN IN CLASS PRIOR TO TURN IN)

Upcoming:

Week 13: Jay-Z
TU 11.10/TH 11.12
Listen: DB—Owen Noon and The Marauder music primer
Read: OWEN—Pg. 1 – 50; eR—“Infographics: Separating the Great from the Mediocre” (The Next Web), “What Makes a Great Infographic?” (DashBurst), “70 Best Infographics on the Web” (Creative Bloq), “You Suck at Infographics” (Wired)
Class: ENGLISH DEPT. ASSESSMENT; Reading discussion; Presentations; Watch—“David Holt: The Joyful Tradition of Mountain Music” (TED Talks); Lecture—“Infographics 101”
Due: REFLECTION 7

Expository Essay: This is Your Brain on Music

Cognitive scientist Steven Pinker has argued that music is simply a byproduct of language, no more than an evolutionary “spandrel.” And he has dismissed music as “auditory cheesecake,” which “just happens to tickle several important parts of the brain in a highly pleasurable way, as cheesecake tickles the palate.” In fact, he claims that, “as far as biological cause and effect are concerned, music is useless.” Daniel J. Levitan takes the opposite view of music and, in This is Your Brain on Music, he attempts to refute Pinker’s theory by citing some of the latest cognitive science. In a concise essay, briefly outline some of Levitan’s key rebuttals of Pinker’s argument about music. Cite specific evidence from This is Your Brain on Music  to support your thesis.

Note: Levitan's official website includes an extensive playlist of songs mentioned in the book, along with an explanation of the musical concept illustrated in each. Find the list here.

Requirements:

• MLA Style, including parenthetical citation
• 2-3-page minimum
• Include a works cited page

Due: Thu 11.5

 

Music News 10.29.15

• Kanye West releases silent film in support of his clothes line (Rolling Stone)
• Ricky Martin joins Taylor Swift for a rendition "Livin' La Vida Loca" at her Miami show  (Socialite Life)
• Rhianna joins Luc Besson's next film (New Music Express)
• Justin Bieber walks out of awkward Spanish-language interview (Entertainment Weekly) 
• Sam Smith taking a break because "it feels right" (New York Daily News)
• Siri coming to Apple Music on the new Apple TV (VentureBeat)

Reflection 6: A Little Mood Music—Creating an Annotated Playlist

Regardless of the situation, there are always songs that fit it just right. Whether you require a romantic mood, a little inspiration, or if you just want to forget your troubles, music exists to enhance those and any other experience. For this reflection, you will create a playlist of at least six songs to fit one of the following situations. Additionally, you must annotate each song in 2-3 sentences. Your annotations should explain your rationale for their inclusion. When compiling your playlist consider the role music plays in the situation? Is it central to the experience or better in the background? What kind of mood are you hoping to evoke? What kinds of music do people typically play in this situation and does your playlist offer any surprises?

Based upon your month of birth, create an annotated playlist of at least six songs for one of the following:

1. January—A cold and rainy day: What's the best music for staying indoors on a chilly and wet winter's day? 
2. February—A romantic dinner for two: Love is in the air; how do you enhance the mood with music?
3. March—Spring cleaning: It's time to give the house a good scrubbing; what music will motivate you to get the job done?
4. April—Working out: Swimsuit weather is around the corner; which songs will push you toward your goals?
5. May—A Cinco de Mayo party: You're hosting a few friends for a casual Cinco de Mayo party; how will your playlist keep the party caliente?
6. June—Studying for finals: Time to get serious about hitting the books; which songs can keep you the most focused?
7. July—Celebrating the Fourth: It's America's birthday, how will you show your musical pride?
8. August—A road trip: You're taking to the road; what songs will inspire a spirit of adventure?
9. September—The dog days of summer: It's end of summer is in sight, but it's not leaving without one final heat wave; what music will help you beat the heat?
10. October—A Halloween party: All Hallows' Eve is upon us; what's a frightfully good playlist that will keep your party going?
11. November—Fall back for fall:The time change has been rough to for you to adjust to; what are some songs to inspire restful sleep?
12. December—A holiday dinner party: Friends are coming over for festive dinner; which songs will be most ring in the spirit of the season for your guests?

Required:

• Must be in MLA Style
• Must be one full page in length

Due: Wed. 10.4

Week 11: Vince Guaraldi

Vince Guaraldi Trio, "Great Pumpkin Waltz" (1965)

Week 11:Vince Guaraldi
Tu 10.27/Th 10.29
Read: BRAIN—“What Makes a Musician?” – “The Music Instinct”
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: REFLECTION 6

Upcoming:

Week 12: Justin Timberlake
Tu 11.3/Th 11.5
Class: English Dept. Assessment; Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: EXPOSITORY (ANNOTATED—INSTRUCTIONS TO BE GIVEN IN CLASS PRIOR TO DUE DATE)

Music News 10.24.15

• Adele drops surprise single, "Hello," from forthcoming album, smashes records (Billboard)
• Madonna's fans take to the streets of Portland (Oregonian)
• How kids can learn to love classical music (Guardian)
• Wale: Frank Ocean only won a Grammy because he's gay (HollywoodLife)
• Prince joins Instagram (New York Daily News)
• Prince Jackson kicks off speculation that Michael Jackson was not his father (Daily Mirror) 

 

Multimedia Presentations, Sec. 63 (Updated Schedule)

Find the details of the assignment here.

Week 11: TU 10.27/TH 10.29

1. Ryan T. and Daniela O. - Grease is the Word: Legacy of a Legendary Musical
2. Lachlan W. and Lily C. – There’s a Light: Inside The Rocky Horror Picture Show
3. Thomas P. and Leilani S. - Blonde Ambition: Thirty Years of Madonna

Week 12: TU 11.3/TH 11.5

1. Marlen M. and Ali B. - Sistas of Hip Hop: From Lady B to Nicki Minaj 
2. Lori W. and Huy T. - MTV: The First Decade 

Week 13: TU 11.10/TH 11.12

1. Chris L. and Carolyn C. – The Movie Musical Comes Back: Moulin Rouge!, Dreamgirls, and Les Miserables
2. Suyash G. and Harrison L. - Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper, and the Day the Music Died  

Week 14: TU 11.17/TH 11.19

1. Cuc P. and Mariah R. - The World of Bollywood Musicals
2. Gabrielle T. and Karen M. - Explicit Content: The History of the Parental Advisory Label 

Week 15: TU 11.24

1. Azaian C. and Andre F. - Totally Bitchin’: All about New Wave

Week 16: TU 12.1/TH 12.3

1. Victoria T. and Alex T. - Masters of the Music Video: Spike Jonze, Hype Williams, and Mark Romanek 
2. Anthony M. and Mory N. - Go, Man Go: Inside West Side Story 

 

Multimedia Presentations, Sec. 38 (Updated Schedule)

Find the details of the assignment here.

Week 11: TU 10.27/TH 10.29

1. Ashley C. and Shawndina M. – What is K-Pop?
2. Aarti S. and Julian F. - There’s a Light: Inside The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Week 12: TU 11.3/TH 11.5

1. Kiera E. and Maria B. - Blond Ambition: Thirty Years of Madonna
2. Alex P. and Caitlin T. – Explicit Content: The History of the Parental Advisory Label

Week 13: TU 11.10/TH 11.12

1. Shruti S. and Jennifer N. – Masters of the Music Video: Spike Jonze, Hype Williams, and David Fincher
2. Lennon K. and Allie M. - Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper, and the Day the Music Died

Week 14: TU 11.17/TH 11.19

1. Juan T. and Akhil K. – The Drop: Inside EDM?
2. Alfonso D. and Emma D. – It's Like Totally Bitchin’: All about New Wave

Week 15: TU 11.24

1. Julie H. and Seni M. - Woodstock: Three Days of Peace and Music
2. Steve F. and Natalie G. - Sistas of Hip Hop: From Lady B to Nicki Minaj

Week 16: TU 12.1/TH 12.3

1. Eli M. and Elvys D. - Inside the Bollywood Musical

 

Week 10: Stephen Sondheim

Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter, "A Little Priest" from Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Week 10: Stephen Sondheim
Tu 10.20/Th 10.22
Read: BRAIN—“Anticipation” – “After Dessert, Crick was Still Four Seats Away from Me”
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Watch—“Why Music Moves Us” (The Agenda with Steve Paikin); Lecture—"The Most Common Grammatical Errors—And How to Avoid Them"
Due: REFLECTION 5

Upcoming:

Week 11:Vince Guaraldi
Tu 10.27/Th 10.29
Read: BRAIN—“What Makes a Musician?” – “The Music Instinct”
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations
Due: EXPOSITORY (ANNOTATED—INSTRUCTIONS TO BE GIVEN IN CLASS PRIOR TO DUE DATE)

Music News 10.17.15

• T.I. on Hillary Clinton's presidential candidacy: "Not to be sexist, but I can’t vote for the leader of the free world to be a woman." (Vibe)
• Virginia family builds extravagant Halloween light show display to Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis' "Downtown" (Time)
• Kanye West drops in on American Idol auditions (Taste of Country)
• MTV India to curate  Apple Music's Bollywood and Indian playlists (Medianama)
• Leaked: A surprise Justin Bieber-Selena Gomez duet (Billboard)
• Does One Direction's "Perfect" steal from Taylor Swift's "Style"? (New Music Express)

Reflection XX | All On My Own—On Breakup Songs

At one time or another, all of us will feel the sting of a painful breakup. And when we're in the grips of heartache, we most often turn to music for comfort. Yet, it's not usually cheerful, uplifting music that gets us through our darkest moments. Instead, it's sad songs that routinely makes us feel better. Why? Why do we take comfort in maudlin songs when we're feeling lonely to begin with? What is it about hearing about other people's misery that makes us somehow feel better? Are there certain elements that make up a perfect breakup song? And if you've ever found yourself at the raw end of a breakup, what music got you through the pain? Do you have a go-to song for a breakup? If so, what is it and how does it help you cope?

Here are a dozen iconic breakup songs to get you in the (sad) mood, but feel free to use any songs you like:

• Toni Braxton, "Un-Break My Heart"
• Bill Withers, "Ain't No Sunshine"
• ABBA, "The Winner Takes it All"
• Jewel, "You Were Meant for Me"
• Candace Glover, "I Who Have Nothing" [Tom Jones cover]
• Jim Croce, "Operator (That's Not the Way it Feels)"
• Patsy Cline, "She's Got You"
• Elvis Presley, "You Were Always on My Mind"
• Roy Orbison, "Crying" 
• Sinéad O'Connor, "Nothing Compares 2 U" [Prince cover]
• Elton John, "Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word"
• Adele, "Someone Like You"

Include at least three of the following in your discussion:

• "How Listening to 'Sad Songs' Heals the Blues" (Telegraph)
• "Five Scientific Reasons Why Breakups are Devastating" (Huffington Post)
• "Why Do Breakup Songs Hurt So Good?" (How Stuff Works)
• "Here are Ten Break Up Songs That Will Make You Feel Better. What Other Song Made You Feel Better About It?" (Reddit)
• "Why Do We Need Breakup Songs? Aren't We Suffering Enough?" (NPR)
• "The 20 Most Poignant Breakup Songs" (Billboard)

Requirements:

• Must be in MLA Style
• Must be two full pages in length
• Must include a works cited page

Due: Thu 10.22

Week 9: Amy Winehouse

Mark Ronson (Ft. Amy Winehouse), "Valerie"

Week 9: Amy Winehouse
Tu 10.13/Th 10.15
Read: BRAIN—“I Love Music and I Love Science—Why Would I Want to Mix the Two?” – “Behind the Curtain”
Class: CLOSE READ; Reading discussion; Presentations; Lecture—“Close Reads: A How-To”

Upcoming:

Week 10: Stephen Sondheim
Tu 10.20/Th 10.22
Read: BRAIN—“Anticipation” – “After Dessert, Crick was Still Four Seats Away from Me”
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Watch—“Why Music Moves Us” (The Agenda with Steve Paikin); Lecture—"The Most Common Grammatical Errors—And How to Avoid Them"
Due: REFLECTION 5

Music News 10.8.15

• Sam Smith debuts video for "Writing's on the Wall" from Spectre (Time)
• Paparazzi snap nude photos of a vacationing Justin Bieber (People)
• Lady Gaga checks into American Horror Story: Hotel (USA Today)
• 50 Cent says Empire's ratings are down because of too much "gay stuff" (Huffington Post)
• Some US radio stations are already playing Christmas music (Digital Music)
• James Corden, John Stamos, and Julianne Moore star in a Taylor Swift-inspired soap opera (Daily Mirror)

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Close Read Playlist: Female Singer-Songwwriters

Choose one of the following songs for next week's in-class close read:

1. Anaïs Mitchell, "Wedding Song" (Anaïs Mitchell, 2010)
2. Dolly Parton, "Jolene" (Dolly Parton, 1973)
3. Hole, "Doll Parts" (Courtney Love, 1994)
4. Erykah Badu, "Tyrone" (Erykah Badu and Norman "Keys" Hurt, 1997)
5. k.d. lang, "Trail of Broken Hearts" (k.d. lang and Ben Mink, 1989) Mariah Carey, "Vision of Love" (Mariah Carey and Ben Margulies, 1988)
6. Bobbie Gentry, "Ode to Billie Joe" (Bobbie Gentry, 1967)
7. Alicia Keys, "Fallin'" (Alicia Keys, 2001) 
8. Corinne Bailey Rae, "Like a Star" (Corinne Bailey Rae, 2005)
9. Loretta Lynn, "Don't Come Home A' Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)" (Loretta Lynn and Peggy Sue, 1967)
10. Carole King, "You've Got a Friend" (Carole King, 1971)
11. Tracy Chapman, "Fast Car" (Tracy Chapman, 1987) 
12. Norah Jones, "Come Away With Me" (Norah Jones, 2002) 
13. 10,000 Maniacs, "What's the Matter Here?" (Natalie Merchant and Robert Buck, 1987)
14. Kate Bush, "This Woman's Work" (Kate Bush, 1989)
15. Adele, "Chasing Pavements" (Adele and Eg White, 2008)
16. Sade, "Jezebel" (Sade Adu and Stuart Matthewman, 1985)
17. Cyndi Lauper, "Time After Time" (Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman, 1983)
18. Joni Mitchell, "Both Sides Now" (Joni Mitchell, 1967)
19. Yoko Ono, "Yes, I'm Your Angel" (Yoko Ono, 1980)
20. Taylor Swift, "Begin Again" (Taylor Swift, 2012)
21. Regina Spektor, "Fidelity" (Regina Spektor, 2006)
22. Tori Amos, "Cornflake Girl" (Tori Amos, 1994)
23. Jewel, "You Were Meant for Me" (Jewel Kilcher and Steve Poltz, 1996)
    
24. Katie Melua, "Halfway Up the Hindu Kush" (Katie Melua and Mike Batt, 2005) 
25. Sarah McLachlan, "Adia" (McLachlan and Pierre Marchand, 1997)
 

Week 8: Journey

Journey, "Lights" (1978)

Week 8: Journey
Tu 10.6/Th 10.8
Listen: DB—Iconic Female Songwriters music primer
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Lecture—“On Wordiness: Exercises”
Due: REFLECTION 4

Upcoming:

Week 9: Amy Winehouse
Tu 10.13/Th 10.15
Read: BRAIN—“I Love Music and I Love Science—Why Would I Want to Mix the Two?” – “Behind the Curtain”
Class: CLOSE READ; Reading discussion; Presentations; Lecture—“Close Reads: A How-To”

Music News 10.1.15

• Katie Perry groped by fan onstage in Brazil (Rolling Stone)
• Jakob Danger, son of Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, releases solo album (New Music Express)
• What have we done to deserve this?: Honey Boo Boo debuts rap single (Daily Mail)
• Coachella organizers eye new festival in New York (KTLA)
• Carly Rae Jepson to play Frenchy in FOX's Grease: Live (Variety)
• Music video of the week: Lana Del Ray's "Music to Watch Boys To" (Rolling Stone)

Reflection 4: As Heard on TV—The Music of Commercials

Let's face it, music can have great influence over us and that includes the ability to sell us things. Advertisers have known this for decades, which is why TV  commercials have been laden with music since the early days of radio. Today, music is still an integral part of commercials. Advertisers work diligently to find music that enhances the appeal of a product, knowing that pairing the right song with the right product can result in increased profits. Additionally, many artists' songs have been resurrected, or plucked from obscurity, after being placed in a major commercial. For many artists, having "that song from that commercial" can translate into a considerable bump in album sales. For this reflection, you will examine three of the following commercials to assess the overall impact music has in the ads. (Note we are not looking at songs that are modified for a particular campaign, but songs that are used in their original form in order to help sell you something.) Each of these songs was chosen for a reason. But what do you think those reasons were? What likely was the desired effect? How is the product enhanced by this music? If you are already familiar with the song, how does your prior knowledge affect your appreciation of the ad or the product? Finally, do songs in television advertising ever influence your own purchase of products?

 

Choose three of the following ads for your analysis:

• Subaru Forester's "Making Memories" featuring Gregory Isakov's "Time Will Tell" (2015)
• Android's "Friends Furever" featuring "O-De-Lally" by Roger Miller (2015)
• Google Play's "Play Your Heart Out" featuring "Rainbow Man" by Busy P (2014)
• Android's "And You" featuring Andrew W.K.'s "Party Hard" (2014)
• Apple iPhone's "Metal Mastered" featuring "Ooh La La" by Goldfrapp (2013)
• Coach's "Coach Love" featuring Blonde Redhead "Girl Boy" (2013)
• Target's "Threshold" featuring “So Groovy Now" by Jocelyn Alice & Right The Stars (2013)
• The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas' "Misfit Right In" featuring Major Lazer ft. The Partysquad's "Original Don" (2013)
• Chipotle's "The Scarecrow" featuring "Pure Imagination" by Fiona Apple (2013)
• Taco Bell's "Viva Young" featuring fun's "We are Young" in Spanish (2013)
• Target's "Color Changes Everything" featuring "Alouette" by The Delta Rythmn Boys (2012)
• The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas' "Let Him Go" featuring Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" (2012)
• Internet Explorer's "IE9" featuring "Too Close" by Alex Clare (2012)
• Chipotle's "Back to the Start" featuring Coldplay's "The Scientist" (2011)
• Hieneken's "Date" featuring “Jaan Pehechaan Ho” by Mohammed Rafi (2011)
  
• Volkswagen Passat's "The Force" featuring "The Imperial March" by John Williams (2011)
• Apple iPod's "iPod Nano" featuring "1234" by Feist (2007) 
• Gap's "The Skinny Black Pant" featuring "Back in Black" by AC/DC (2006)
• Apple iPod's "Life is Random" featuring "Jerk it Out" by The Caesers (2006)
• Epic Games' Gears of War's "Mad World" featuring "Mad World" by Gary Jules (2006)
• Gap's "Pretty Khaki" featuring "I Enjoy Being a Girl" from Flow Drum Song (2005)
• Chanel's "Le Film" featuring "Claire de Lune" by Claude Debussy (2004)
• Mitsubishi Eclipse's "Days Go By" featuring "Days Go By" by Dirty Vegas (2003)
• Mitsubishi Outlander's "Breathe" featuring "Breathe" by Télépopmusik (2002)
• Volkswagen Jetta's "Big Day" featuring "One Million Miles" by J. Ralph (2001) 
• Gap's "Simply Irresistible" featuring Daft Punk's "Digital Love" (2001)
• Volkswagen Cabriolet's "Pink Moon" featuring "Pink Moon" by Nick Drake (2000)
• Gap's "Khaki Swing" featuring "Jump, Jive, and Wail" by Louis Prima (1998)
• Diet Coke's "Diet Coke Break" featuring "I Just Want to Make Love to You" by Etta James (1994)
• Pepsi's "Just One Look" featuring "Just One Look" by Doris Troy (1992)
• Nike Air's "Revolution" featuring "Revolution" by The Beatles (1987)
• Honda Scooters' "Don't Settle for Walking" featuring "Walk on the Wild Side" by Lou Reed (1986)
• Levi's "Launderette" featuring "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye (1985)

Required:

• Must be in MLA Style
• Must be two full pages in length

Due: Tu 10.6

Week 7: Céline Dion

Céline Dion, "The Power of Love" (1993)

Week 7: Céline Dion

Tu 9.29/Th 10.1

Read: “Writing about Music” (University of Calgary), “A Guide to Writing about Music, Pt. 2: Thinking” (Invisible Oranges)

Class: Reading discussion; presentations

Due: EDITORIAL (FINAL DRAFT—ATTACH DRAFT 1 TO BACK)

Upcoming:

Week 8: Journey
Tu 10.6/Th 10.8

Listen: DB—Iconic Female Songwriters music primer

Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Lecture—“On Wordiness: Exercises”

Due: REFLECTION 4 

Music News 9.24.15

• Singer/songwriter Ryan Adams reinterprets Taylor Swift's entire 1989 album (NPR)
• Sam Smith previews a snippet from "The Writing's on the Wall" from Spectre (JustJared)
• Actress Rose McGowan challenges Hollywood beauty standards in her striking new music video (Rolling Stone) [NSFW]
• Sean Combs is the world's highest paid rap act (Forbes)
• Fox's hip hop soap, Empire, returns for season 2 (Tampa Bay Times)
• Chris Cornell cover's Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U" (Rolling Stone)

The Hip Hop Wars: Old School Video Playlist: 1979 - 1992

Here is a video playlist highlighting some of the biggest hits of the first dozen (or so) years of hip hop:

• The Sugarhill Gang, "Rapper's Delight" (1979) 
• Kurtis Blow, "The Breaks" (1980)
• Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, "The Message" (1982) 
• Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force, "Planet Rock" (1982)
• Grandmaster Melle Mel, "White Lines (Don't Do It)" (1983)  
• Whodini, "Freaks Come Out at Night"(1984)
• Run-DMC, "King of Rock" (1985)
• LL Cool J, "I Need Love" (1987)
• Beastie Boys, "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (to Party!)" (1987)
• Salt-N-Pepa, "Push It" (1988)
• Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, "It Takes Two" (1988)
• Neneh Cherry, "Buffalo Stance" (1988) 
• Jungle Brothers, "I'll House You" (1988) 
• Kid 'n Play, "Rollin' with Kid 'n Play" (1988) 
• Tone-Lōc, "Wild Thing" (1988)
• Queen Latifah ft. Monie Love, "Ladies First"(1989)
• Young MC, "Bust a Move" (1989)
• De La Soul, "Me, Myself, and I" (1989)
• LL Cool J, "Mama Said Knock You Out" (1990)
• Salt-N-Pepa, "Let's Talk About Sex" (1990)
• A Tribe Called Quest, "I Left My Wallet in El Segundo"(1990)
• P.M. Dawn, "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" (1991) 
• Monie Love, "Work it Out" (1991)
• DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, "Summertime" (1991) 
• Beastie Boys, "So What'cha Want" (1992)
• Arrested Development, "Tennessee" (1992)

Week 6: John Williams

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, "The Imperial March" from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, (1982)

Week 6: John Williams
Tu 9.22/Th 9.24
Read: WARS—Chapters 11-13
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Writers workshop
Due: EDITORIAL (DRAFT 1; BRING 2 COPIES)

Upcoming:

Week 7: Céline Dion

Tu 9.29/Th 10.1

Read: “Writing about Music” (University of Calgary), “A Guide to Writing about Music, Pt. 2: Thinking” (Invisible Oranges)

Class: Reading discussion; presentations

Due: EDITORIAL (FINAL DRAFT—ATTACH DRAFT 1 TO BACK)

Editorial: Saving Hip Hop Today

In The Hip Hop Wars, Tricia Rose argues:

Hip Hop is in a terrible crisis. Although its overall fortunes have risen sharply, the most commercially promoted and financially successful hip hop—what has dominated mass-media outlets such as television, film, radio, and recording industries for a dozen years or so—has increasingly become a playground for caricatures of black gangstas, pimps, and hoes. Hyper-sexism has increased dramatically, and homophobia along with distorted, antisocial, self-destructive, and violent portraits of black masculinity have become rap's calling cards. Relying on an ever-narrowing range of images and themes, this commercial juggernaut has played a central role in the near-deception of what was once a vibrant, diverse, and complex popular genre, wringing it dry by pandering to America's racist and sexist lowest common denominator.

Is there any turning back for hip hop? Can a multi-million dollar industry abandon its trite motifs, and return to a simpler time? How does hip hop return to its roots? Is there hope for hip hop? In a concise editorial, explain how you believe hip hop can be reclaimed. To support your thesis, cite evidence from The Hip Hop Wars: What We Talk About When We Talk About Hip Hop—and Why It Matters

Requirements:

• MLA Style, including parenthetical citation
• 3-page minimum
• Include a works cited page

The best papers will:

• Have a title that articulates its point of view
• Stay within the parameters of the subject matter
• Have a concise thesis which outlines a clear position
• Be written in a voice that is casual, yet informed
• Clearly support their theses with solid evidence and a logical structure, thoughtfully citing from The Hip Hop Wars.
• Conclude with a summation of the argument
• Properly cite evidence using MLA's parenthetical citation method
• Are in compliance with MLA Style

Sample editorials from around the country:

• "Donald Trump is an Aimless, Angry Leader" (Washington Post)
• "Refusal to Issue Same-Sex Marriage Licenses is Not an Expression of Religious Liberty" (New Haven Register)
• "A Shameful Response in Europe to the Refugee Crisis in North Africa and Mideast" (Los Angeles Times)
• "Overreaction in Clock-Bomb Mix-Up has Chilling Effect" (Dallas Morning News)

Due: Draft 1 - Thu 9.24 (Bring 2 copies); Final draft - Thu 10.1 (Attach draft  1 to back)

Week 5: Carole King

Carole King, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" (1971)

Week 5: Carole King
Tu 9.15/Th 9.17
Read: WARS—Chapters 8-10
Class: AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL; Reading discussion; Presentations; Lectures—“Better Reading 101” and “Citing Sources in MLA 101”
Due: REFLECTION 3

Upcoming:

Week 6: John Williams
Tu 9.22/Th 9.24
Read: WARS—Chapters 11-13
Class: Reading discussion; Presentations; Writers workshop
Due: EDITORIAL (DRAFT 1; BRING 2 COPIES)

Music News 9.8.15

• Sam Smith lands the coveted theme for the next James Bond film, Spectre (CNN)
• With "What Do You Mean?," Justin Bieber becomes youngest male artist to debut at #1 (Entertainment Weekly)
• Survivor frontman: Use of "Eye of the Tiger" at Kim Davis rally was unauthorized, sues for $1.2 million (NBCNews)
• Sia's new single was reclaimed for herself after it was cut from Adele's 25 (New York Daily News)
• Report: Bruno Mars offered to headline half-time show for returning for Super Bowl 50 (Entertainment Weekly)
• Country legend Merle Haggard on country music today: "They're talking about screwing on a pickup tailgate, and things of that nature ... I don't find anything you can whistle, and nobody even attempts to write a melody. It's more of that kids stuff." (Rolling Stone)

Reflection 3: We Are(n't) the World—Exploring International Music

J-AX (Ft. Il Cile), "Maria Salvador" (#6 on iTunes Italy Singles Chart)

Despite "Gangnam Style's" recent success, we don't often get the opportunity to hear non-English music on American commercial radio. While we might hear the occasional song sung partially in another language (e.g. "Macarena," "Time to Say Goodbye," "Bailamos"), songs sung entirely in a foreign language are still rare (e.g. "La Bamba," "Bamboleo"). However, that's not the case around the world, where foreign language songs, including American music, routinely become hits in a number of markets. But Americans, it is said, are notoriously resistant to songs that aren't in English. So, while the rest of the world gets to hear a variety of international artists, Americans are largely limited to music from English-speaking countries (e.g. the UK, Canada, Australia). For this reflection, you'll take a musical trip around the world. First, go to PopVortex's iTunes International Charts page, which compiles Apple music sales worldwide. Next, choose three countries, and spend some time sampling the local musical fare. As you do, consider what are these countries' musical tastes are at this moment, and to what degree American music has penetrated their charts. Finally, do you you believe any of the music you sampled could have a shot at success in America? Why or why not?

Requirements:

• Must be in MLA Style
• Must be two full pages in length
• Works cited page
  

Due: Thu 9.17