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