I thought this class was very educational and I learned a lot of fascinating things I didn't previously know. Perhaps the lesson I found most beneficial was the musical texture project. It helped me identify different musical textures and was an overall beneficial assignment to say the least. I enjoyed the lecture part of class too because we were never doing the same thing. We varied almost every class between lectures, in class film, and in class listening. These were abnormal from any other of my other college courses. As much as I dislike schooling online I actually enjoyed the listening journals when I could get it to function properly for me. It allowed me to go back and realize what made me like the songs I did like in the first place. It also allowed me to get a taste of music I was previously unaware of and write about it after a couple listens. There wasn't any music we listened to or played that I felt was bad or in poor taste, but I can listen to any genre of music so that really doesn't say much.
I did have few gripes, but it didn't involve the instructor or classmates. It is more of a personal issue which is my own problem, but I have trouble focusing on any subject for three hours. I cant even play video games or do much of anything for three hours straight. My attention span is low to say the least, but I don't think that was ever a real problem. However, Mrs. Mills allowed one break per class period which was greatly appreciated. Another problem I had was finding constant computer/internet issues throughout the class. These technological difficulties made things a bit of a problem but I adjusted and tried to overcome those obstacles. I've never been a fan of internet schooling or posting on a blog, but I don't think it ever interfered with my learning process. It did nothing to hinder my learning of the musical arts and I would refer anyone with a slight interest in music to Mrs. Mills music appreciation course.
Friday, 17 July 2015
Friday, 3 July 2015
Week 6
Familiar Music
Artist: Jeru The Damaja
Song Title: History 101
Run Time: 4:22
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOKZtwus3rw
Artist: The Doors
Song Title: Light My Fire
Run Time: 7:07
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deB_u-to-IE
Artist: The Doors
Song Title: Roadhouse Blues 4:08
Run Time: 4:08
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pEMd1SdkAE
Artist: The Doors
Song Title: The End
Run Time: 11:47
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSUIQgEVDM4
For my sixth entry into the listening journal I chose to write about "Roadhouse Blues" which was written and performed by The Doors. I think this track is very special in its own unique way because it combines two totally different genres of music. The song mixes elements of both blues and classical rock which during that time period was a very rare thing to do and implement in music. I think by combining these two vastly different styles made them blend so well together. To put it in math terms, two negatives make a positive, I feel like that's what they were aiming for when they were producing this song. I think it is important to mention that this song actually required more musicians than The Doors typically used. The Doors consisted of a vocal singer, a drummer, and a keyboardist. However, this song uses heavy uses of the harmonica and even required a bass player. The bass was huge because up until then The Doors never used a bass player in a majority of their songs because Robby Krieger, guitarist, was their sound when it came to stringed instruments. I also think this song exemplifies the music for that time period. By combining all these instruments and different elements and creating something totally new and fresh which seemed to be the trend during that time period. One thing I found particularly fascinating about this song is how the harmonica player almost sort of synchronizes his playing to that of the lead vocals, Jim Morrison. The accompanying harmonica to Jim's lyrics and antics adds more character to the song. Around 1;35 one can hear Jim calling for Robbie to do his own thing on the guitar. This almost makes it seem like it seem like Robbie's brief instrumental was improv, but I do not feel like that was the case.
Unfamiliar Music
Artist: Gustavo Dudamel
Song Title: Danzon No. 2 (Arturo Marquez)
Run Time: 9:42
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA7vEIj6Lzk
Artist: Maurice Ravel
Song Title: Bolero
Run Time: 17:22
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KgpEru9lhw&index=44&list=PLVXq77mXV53_3HqhCLGv4mz3oVGYd2Aup
For my sixth week unfamiliar music I chose to type in "Classical Music for Studying" on youtube and this was on the 2nd page. The piece was made by Maurice Ravel and is called "Bolero". It begins with light taps on the drums while what seems to be the flute introduces the broad audience to a clarinet and harp. It seemed like a variety of different instruments have their opportunity to shine while the percussionist continues to lightly tap on their set of drums. While the harp was playing a majority of the song there is very little use of stringed instruments until about the six minute mark. This is where I started to recognize the use of more stringed instruments. Also around the six and half minute mark is where my favorite instrument from the brass family is used, the saxophone. I thought the saxophone player did an exquisite job, and I would not be opposed to hearing more of what was being played. I felt like this whole orchestra was basically performing one very large crescendo for the entirety of the song. It gradually became louder using more and more instruments as the song progressed. The stringed families presence was hard to narrow down too without watching the video because I found it difficult to hear a majority of the stringed instruments until the later parts of this piece. I felt the ending was very well done because the light taps on the drums were now full on beats that were very appropriate for that ending. Overall I liked this piece for its gradually increasing tempo and sound.
Artist: Jeru The Damaja
Song Title: History 101
Run Time: 4:22
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOKZtwus3rw
Artist: The Doors
Song Title: Light My Fire
Run Time: 7:07
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deB_u-to-IE
Artist: The Doors
Song Title: Roadhouse Blues 4:08
Run Time: 4:08
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pEMd1SdkAE
Artist: The Doors
Song Title: The End
Run Time: 11:47
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSUIQgEVDM4
For my sixth entry into the listening journal I chose to write about "Roadhouse Blues" which was written and performed by The Doors. I think this track is very special in its own unique way because it combines two totally different genres of music. The song mixes elements of both blues and classical rock which during that time period was a very rare thing to do and implement in music. I think by combining these two vastly different styles made them blend so well together. To put it in math terms, two negatives make a positive, I feel like that's what they were aiming for when they were producing this song. I think it is important to mention that this song actually required more musicians than The Doors typically used. The Doors consisted of a vocal singer, a drummer, and a keyboardist. However, this song uses heavy uses of the harmonica and even required a bass player. The bass was huge because up until then The Doors never used a bass player in a majority of their songs because Robby Krieger, guitarist, was their sound when it came to stringed instruments. I also think this song exemplifies the music for that time period. By combining all these instruments and different elements and creating something totally new and fresh which seemed to be the trend during that time period. One thing I found particularly fascinating about this song is how the harmonica player almost sort of synchronizes his playing to that of the lead vocals, Jim Morrison. The accompanying harmonica to Jim's lyrics and antics adds more character to the song. Around 1;35 one can hear Jim calling for Robbie to do his own thing on the guitar. This almost makes it seem like it seem like Robbie's brief instrumental was improv, but I do not feel like that was the case.
Unfamiliar Music
Artist: Gustavo Dudamel
Song Title: Danzon No. 2 (Arturo Marquez)
Run Time: 9:42
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA7vEIj6Lzk
Artist: Maurice Ravel
Song Title: Bolero
Run Time: 17:22
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KgpEru9lhw&index=44&list=PLVXq77mXV53_3HqhCLGv4mz3oVGYd2Aup
For my sixth week unfamiliar music I chose to type in "Classical Music for Studying" on youtube and this was on the 2nd page. The piece was made by Maurice Ravel and is called "Bolero". It begins with light taps on the drums while what seems to be the flute introduces the broad audience to a clarinet and harp. It seemed like a variety of different instruments have their opportunity to shine while the percussionist continues to lightly tap on their set of drums. While the harp was playing a majority of the song there is very little use of stringed instruments until about the six minute mark. This is where I started to recognize the use of more stringed instruments. Also around the six and half minute mark is where my favorite instrument from the brass family is used, the saxophone. I thought the saxophone player did an exquisite job, and I would not be opposed to hearing more of what was being played. I felt like this whole orchestra was basically performing one very large crescendo for the entirety of the song. It gradually became louder using more and more instruments as the song progressed. The stringed families presence was hard to narrow down too without watching the video because I found it difficult to hear a majority of the stringed instruments until the later parts of this piece. I felt the ending was very well done because the light taps on the drums were now full on beats that were very appropriate for that ending. Overall I liked this piece for its gradually increasing tempo and sound.
Friday, 26 June 2015
Week 5
Familiar Music
Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Song Title: Free Bird
Run Time: 9:03
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np0solnL1XY
Artist: Aerosmith
Song Title: Janie's Got A Gun
Run Time: 5:30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqQn2ADZE1A
Artist: Guns N' Roses
Song Title: Patience
Run Time: 5:56
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3X_ZpL_Hxc
Artist: Led Zeppelin
Song Title: When The Levee Breaks
Run Time: 7:07
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NaQZojWi6U
I chose to write my summary on Led Zeppelin's "When The Levee Breaks" because of the recent rainfall. I just felt like it was appropriate. I find Robert Plant's voice probably belongs to the baritone classification. He's capable of hitting very high notes and he's very flexible on the microphone. However, Plant doesn't make an entrance into track until about one minute and twenty seconds in. This allows the musicians an opportunity to work. I feel like this song has a polyphonic texture because of all the competing instruments. Jimmy's guitar, the harmonica, and of course the drums are all competing for the listeners attention which is only accompanied by Plants vocals. The song ends in a decrescendo as Jimmy plays a riff to declare that the music over as this is the final song on Led Zeppelin's forth album.
Unfamiliar Music
Artist: Pink Floyd
Song Title: Echoes
Run Time: 23:27
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmADpBu_ZCA&list=PLYjaa9h0s4AasTvcKPAWEFi2lC3-qtXCW
I feel like I can listen to any genre of music and be relatively content with whatever may be being played. Pink Floyd is no exception as I've been a listener for a decent amount of time, but " echoes" seemed to slip under my radar. I couldn't think of a better time to listen to this song considering it is just above the minimum listening time. This piece is mostly an instrumental, but is inconsistent because it does implement some vocals at a few pivotal moments in the song. The guitar and a grand piano being the most prevalent instruments in this piece. The track is also fairly dynamic as the beginning is very soft, pianissimo, but grows louder throughout the songs entirety. However, I would say that the track is a relatively soft and mellow song. There are only brief instances where I feel this song could be categorized as a forte. What I found really fascinating was at the end of the track. They ended the track in a way I've never witnessed before which I found interesting. I felt like they ended the song with a mixture of crescendos and decrescendos which finally ended in another decrescendo.
Artist: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Song Title: Free Bird
Run Time: 9:03
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np0solnL1XY
Artist: Aerosmith
Song Title: Janie's Got A Gun
Run Time: 5:30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqQn2ADZE1A
Artist: Guns N' Roses
Song Title: Patience
Run Time: 5:56
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3X_ZpL_Hxc
Artist: Led Zeppelin
Song Title: When The Levee Breaks
Run Time: 7:07
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NaQZojWi6U
I chose to write my summary on Led Zeppelin's "When The Levee Breaks" because of the recent rainfall. I just felt like it was appropriate. I find Robert Plant's voice probably belongs to the baritone classification. He's capable of hitting very high notes and he's very flexible on the microphone. However, Plant doesn't make an entrance into track until about one minute and twenty seconds in. This allows the musicians an opportunity to work. I feel like this song has a polyphonic texture because of all the competing instruments. Jimmy's guitar, the harmonica, and of course the drums are all competing for the listeners attention which is only accompanied by Plants vocals. The song ends in a decrescendo as Jimmy plays a riff to declare that the music over as this is the final song on Led Zeppelin's forth album.
Unfamiliar Music
Artist: Pink Floyd
Song Title: Echoes
Run Time: 23:27
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmADpBu_ZCA&list=PLYjaa9h0s4AasTvcKPAWEFi2lC3-qtXCW
I feel like I can listen to any genre of music and be relatively content with whatever may be being played. Pink Floyd is no exception as I've been a listener for a decent amount of time, but " echoes" seemed to slip under my radar. I couldn't think of a better time to listen to this song considering it is just above the minimum listening time. This piece is mostly an instrumental, but is inconsistent because it does implement some vocals at a few pivotal moments in the song. The guitar and a grand piano being the most prevalent instruments in this piece. The track is also fairly dynamic as the beginning is very soft, pianissimo, but grows louder throughout the songs entirety. However, I would say that the track is a relatively soft and mellow song. There are only brief instances where I feel this song could be categorized as a forte. What I found really fascinating was at the end of the track. They ended the track in a way I've never witnessed before which I found interesting. I felt like they ended the song with a mixture of crescendos and decrescendos which finally ended in another decrescendo.
Friday, 19 June 2015
Week 4
Artist: Eric Clapton
Song Title: I shot The Sheriff
Track Time: 8:50
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10qLYy6hiFQ
Artist: Queen
Song Title: Bohemian Rhapsody
Track Time: 6:06
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ
Artist: Nas
Song Title: The World Is Yours
Track Time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_srvHOu75vM
I chose to write about "The World Is Yours" primarily because of the use of the piano and the lyrics. I think this song shares a homophonic texture because of the chords being played on the piano which accompany Nas' vocals. I enjoy uplifting music that contains substance and I feel like the poetry and the instrumentals in this track compliment each other very nicely. I think a lot of other musicians could agree with that considering the album in which this track was conceived on was the legendary album, Illmatic. Often hailed as the bible of rap or the greatest hip hop album of all time by various sources that are very reputable. While the piano provides the main melody it's Nas' raspy, yet smooth, delivery that really makes me enjoy this track. I think its pretty obvious that obvious Nasir is not a tenor, but I find it difficult to differentiate between a bass voice and a baritone. I would most likely label his voice as a bass in this song. However, the message/story he incites in his work is what really sets him apart from the rest. Nasir uses imagery to help the listener see his perspective of urban life on the inside. It's because of his vast vocabulary and ability to invoke visual aids just from words that makes this song stand out to me. Olu Dara, musician, has been quoted as saying, "A Nas rhyme is a Picasso for your mind." It took me multiple listens to fully comprehend most of what he means, but every time I've listened to this track it feels like they produced it to make it open to one's own interpretation
Unfamiliar
Artist: Tchaikovsky
Song Title: 1812 Overture
Track Time: 15:08
This number contains the string, woodwinds, percussion, and brass family. While the brass family is ignored a majority of the piece until the later half of this piece it fairs well without them. The beginning of this is fairly soft and has a sort of melancholy feel to it with the string family at full attention. However, it later shifts into more instruments being introduced as it progresses. I noticed that this number changes its melody and overall theme of music quiet a number of times throughout this piece. The beginning is whimsical, but shifts into a sort of diabolical and darker song around the 3:00 minute mark with the brass family making a fashionably late entrance. This seems to take place a number of times throughout the entirety of this piece. The brass family is short-lived as about 45 seconds after that the number takes another shift. I found it difficult to identify all the different instruments being applied to this song with the only distinct ones that stuck out being the violins, violas, snare drum, bass drum, and Tuba. I'm aware there are woodwinds being used, but I cannot specify which ones are being used. Around the 7:00 mark you can also notice the implementation of the triangle. Moments in this piece sound oddly familiar, but I have no memories that correlate to this piece nor had I had any prior knowledge of it.
Song Title: I shot The Sheriff
Track Time: 8:50
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10qLYy6hiFQ
Artist: Queen
Song Title: Bohemian Rhapsody
Track Time: 6:06
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ
Artist: Nas
Song Title: The World Is Yours
Track Time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_srvHOu75vM
I chose to write about "The World Is Yours" primarily because of the use of the piano and the lyrics. I think this song shares a homophonic texture because of the chords being played on the piano which accompany Nas' vocals. I enjoy uplifting music that contains substance and I feel like the poetry and the instrumentals in this track compliment each other very nicely. I think a lot of other musicians could agree with that considering the album in which this track was conceived on was the legendary album, Illmatic. Often hailed as the bible of rap or the greatest hip hop album of all time by various sources that are very reputable. While the piano provides the main melody it's Nas' raspy, yet smooth, delivery that really makes me enjoy this track. I think its pretty obvious that obvious Nasir is not a tenor, but I find it difficult to differentiate between a bass voice and a baritone. I would most likely label his voice as a bass in this song. However, the message/story he incites in his work is what really sets him apart from the rest. Nasir uses imagery to help the listener see his perspective of urban life on the inside. It's because of his vast vocabulary and ability to invoke visual aids just from words that makes this song stand out to me. Olu Dara, musician, has been quoted as saying, "A Nas rhyme is a Picasso for your mind." It took me multiple listens to fully comprehend most of what he means, but every time I've listened to this track it feels like they produced it to make it open to one's own interpretation
Unfamiliar
Artist: Tchaikovsky
Song Title: 1812 Overture
Track Time: 15:08
This number contains the string, woodwinds, percussion, and brass family. While the brass family is ignored a majority of the piece until the later half of this piece it fairs well without them. The beginning of this is fairly soft and has a sort of melancholy feel to it with the string family at full attention. However, it later shifts into more instruments being introduced as it progresses. I noticed that this number changes its melody and overall theme of music quiet a number of times throughout this piece. The beginning is whimsical, but shifts into a sort of diabolical and darker song around the 3:00 minute mark with the brass family making a fashionably late entrance. This seems to take place a number of times throughout the entirety of this piece. The brass family is short-lived as about 45 seconds after that the number takes another shift. I found it difficult to identify all the different instruments being applied to this song with the only distinct ones that stuck out being the violins, violas, snare drum, bass drum, and Tuba. I'm aware there are woodwinds being used, but I cannot specify which ones are being used. Around the 7:00 mark you can also notice the implementation of the triangle. Moments in this piece sound oddly familiar, but I have no memories that correlate to this piece nor had I had any prior knowledge of it.
Week 3
Familiar Music
Artist: Wu-Tang Clan (GZA)
Song Title: B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth)
Run Time: 4:31
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiitM0WIFlg
Artist: Bobby McFerrin
Song Title: Don't Worry Be Happy
Run Time: 4:03
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU
Artist: Nirvana
Song Title: Lake Of Fire
Run Time: 2:56
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT1BuLYt2RU
I decided to take a page out of the Wu-Tang's book and diversify my bonds by exploring other genres of music, besides hip hop, so I'll be writing my summary on "Lake Of Fire." First off I think it's important to note that the lead vocals, Kurt Kobain, is one of the few singers that is capable of changing their voice at any period during their performance. Throughout the song one can hear the fluctuation of his voice quite noticeably. It's because of this that I had a lot of difficulty categorizing Kurt in one particular vocalization group. I'm fairly certain that this would be viewed as having a homophonic texture because of the chords being played on guitar accompanying Kurt's vocals.
Unfamiliar Music
Artist: John Coltrane
Song Title: Blue Trane
Run Time: 10:43
I decided to check out another famous jazz musician because of the music's longevity. I feel like one could play Jazz music in any period in time and people would be willing to listen. However, unlike Miles Davis I noticed subtle differences in their respective songs. While Davis' played in a smooth, quiet, and sort of eerie kind of way I found this piece to be more chaotic and disorganized which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I believe this would be categorized as polyphonic because many of the instruments are playing different melodies than one another, especially the tenor saxophone. All the instruments are relatively
Artist: Wu-Tang Clan (GZA)
Song Title: B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth)
Run Time: 4:31
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiitM0WIFlg
Artist: Bobby McFerrin
Song Title: Don't Worry Be Happy
Run Time: 4:03
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU
Artist: Nirvana
Song Title: Lake Of Fire
Run Time: 2:56
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uT1BuLYt2RU
I decided to take a page out of the Wu-Tang's book and diversify my bonds by exploring other genres of music, besides hip hop, so I'll be writing my summary on "Lake Of Fire." First off I think it's important to note that the lead vocals, Kurt Kobain, is one of the few singers that is capable of changing their voice at any period during their performance. Throughout the song one can hear the fluctuation of his voice quite noticeably. It's because of this that I had a lot of difficulty categorizing Kurt in one particular vocalization group. I'm fairly certain that this would be viewed as having a homophonic texture because of the chords being played on guitar accompanying Kurt's vocals.
Unfamiliar Music
Artist: John Coltrane
Song Title: Blue Trane
Run Time: 10:43
I decided to check out another famous jazz musician because of the music's longevity. I feel like one could play Jazz music in any period in time and people would be willing to listen. However, unlike Miles Davis I noticed subtle differences in their respective songs. While Davis' played in a smooth, quiet, and sort of eerie kind of way I found this piece to be more chaotic and disorganized which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I believe this would be categorized as polyphonic because many of the instruments are playing different melodies than one another, especially the tenor saxophone. All the instruments are relatively
Friday, 5 June 2015
Week 2
Familiar Music
Artist: A Tribe Called Quest
Song Title: Oh My God
Run Time: 3:29
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ETsie9aFKE
Artist: The Doors
Song Title: Riders on the Storm
Run Time: 7:08
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DED812HKWyM
I chose to write about A Tribe Called Quest's hit off their Midnight Marauders album because it's simply a good track to me. It makes you want to bop your head and swing your hips and I think the most important aspect of music is how it makes the listener feel. You simply can't listen to A Tribe Called Quest and not feel the groove of their near immaculate flow topped off with Qtip's smooth delivery. In my opinion, he possesses perhaps one of the greatest voices in hip hop history. It's simply butter to your ears. Evidence for this claim can be found on 2:13 where Qtip recites his second verse which just sounds smooth and cool to put it simply. In the beginning of the second verse Phife Dawg's opening lines are as follows, "One for the treble, two for the bass. . . " which is a direct play on of Elvis Presey's work on his song "Blue Suede Shoes." It's remarkable how artists recognize the greatness of their predecessors and continue to use samples from their work even today. The track also possesses perhaps one of the more obnoxious hooks in hip hop history as well. Busta Rhymes recites the title of this track as the chorus to the song. I think the implantation of horns, bass guitar, and other instruments I'm not acutely aware of just add to the overall experience this song provides. I genuinely believe this song was produced simply as a track to play at a dance party or club because it's nearly impossible for me to give this a listen and not tap my foot to the beat.
Unfamiliar Music
Artist: Miles Davis
Song Title: All Blues
Run Time: 11:34
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-488UORrfJ0&list=PLdhGk7gKuZxYut3naMt3K1b3uwMbzZPIM
Despite not being that knowledgeable of the jazz music genre I found this track relatively enjoyable to listen to and certainly opened my eyes to how brilliant jazz music can be in the must subtle of ways. A friend of mine who is an avid jazz music connoisseur suggested I try this out. Unlike my previous entries this particular track does not contain lyrics of any kind and is pure instrumental. I thoroughly enjoyed the sophisticated melody which I found to be the best of any jazz musician I had previously listened to. It's a relatively quiet song which I think makes it so easy to listen to and keep on. I feel like the outro of this track does it great justice because of how the trumpet fades out in an almost eerie and creepy sort of fashion that just fits it almost perfectly.
Artist: A Tribe Called Quest
Song Title: Oh My God
Run Time: 3:29
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ETsie9aFKE
Artist: The Doors
Song Title: Riders on the Storm
Run Time: 7:08
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DED812HKWyM
I chose to write about A Tribe Called Quest's hit off their Midnight Marauders album because it's simply a good track to me. It makes you want to bop your head and swing your hips and I think the most important aspect of music is how it makes the listener feel. You simply can't listen to A Tribe Called Quest and not feel the groove of their near immaculate flow topped off with Qtip's smooth delivery. In my opinion, he possesses perhaps one of the greatest voices in hip hop history. It's simply butter to your ears. Evidence for this claim can be found on 2:13 where Qtip recites his second verse which just sounds smooth and cool to put it simply. In the beginning of the second verse Phife Dawg's opening lines are as follows, "One for the treble, two for the bass. . . " which is a direct play on of Elvis Presey's work on his song "Blue Suede Shoes." It's remarkable how artists recognize the greatness of their predecessors and continue to use samples from their work even today. The track also possesses perhaps one of the more obnoxious hooks in hip hop history as well. Busta Rhymes recites the title of this track as the chorus to the song. I think the implantation of horns, bass guitar, and other instruments I'm not acutely aware of just add to the overall experience this song provides. I genuinely believe this song was produced simply as a track to play at a dance party or club because it's nearly impossible for me to give this a listen and not tap my foot to the beat.
Unfamiliar Music
Artist: Miles Davis
Song Title: All Blues
Run Time: 11:34
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-488UORrfJ0&list=PLdhGk7gKuZxYut3naMt3K1b3uwMbzZPIM
Despite not being that knowledgeable of the jazz music genre I found this track relatively enjoyable to listen to and certainly opened my eyes to how brilliant jazz music can be in the must subtle of ways. A friend of mine who is an avid jazz music connoisseur suggested I try this out. Unlike my previous entries this particular track does not contain lyrics of any kind and is pure instrumental. I thoroughly enjoyed the sophisticated melody which I found to be the best of any jazz musician I had previously listened to. It's a relatively quiet song which I think makes it so easy to listen to and keep on. I feel like the outro of this track does it great justice because of how the trumpet fades out in an almost eerie and creepy sort of fashion that just fits it almost perfectly.
Friday, 29 May 2015
Week 1
Familiar Music
Artist: Outkast
Song Title: Aquemini (clean)
Run Time: 4:53
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM-LsaUKXj0
This duo's Junior album shares the same name as this track. Andre 3000 and Big Boi are two entirely different characters, but they have one common goal. They seek to entertain the masses with Big Boi's smooth delivery and Andre's deep messages It's important that the listener recognizes the distinctions between the two. Andre sings at a higher pitch than Big Boi, but not so much so that I would label Andre as a tenor. The track begins with a relatively quiet intro and then the symbols begin to crash together allowing Andre to proceed and recite the chorus to the song which is repeated four times. The lyrics are crucial to this track because rappers from back in this time period actually allowed their lyrics to contain substance. Many see rap as a genre of music that exclusively degrades females, driving expensive vehicles, and acquiring large sums of cash. Many artists from this time period were less focused on those unfortunate parts of the rap scene and more in-tune with the actual "Rhythm And Poetry" part of it. An example of this substance can be found after the second verse. At about 3:15 after the chorus the track goes completely silent for multiple seconds and this initiates the transition of the track completely. The melody changes and it's basically an entirely different song once you add in the trumpets which Outkast is known to do. However, Big Boi's verse is unparalleled to what Andre would recite at the 3:40 mark. After Andre recites his lyrics and the final chorus is over the track begins to fade with the trumpets still playing but getting quieter and quieter until they are no more.
Unfamiliar Music
Artist: Carly Comando
Song Title: Everyday
Run Time: 5:45
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCObXuAwCIA
This song was very overwhelming when I first heard it and took multiple listens to fully appreciate it to its full extent. I was having trouble finding an unfamiliar song so my friend that plays the piano suggested I give this a try. I wouldn't say I particularly enjoyed this song too much because I found it relatively depressing to listen to for unknown reasons, but you must appreciate the skill and dexterity it requires to become this skill full at playing a piano. I also really have to give it to Ms. Comando because this song was able to invoke feelings I had previously not felt in a song before. It's weird to actually like a song that makes you feel depressed but I did just that. Around the 2:49 mark is where the basic progression of the song takes a bit of a turn, but for all the right reasons. She begins to play higher notes, but later returns to the same melody of the beginning. I've never played an instrument like a piano or an organ nor had I had any ambitions to play one until I heard this, but it really made me realize and appreciate just what an amazing instrument a piano really is.
Total listening time: 10 minutes and 38 seconds
Artist: Outkast
Song Title: Aquemini (clean)
Run Time: 4:53
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM-LsaUKXj0
This duo's Junior album shares the same name as this track. Andre 3000 and Big Boi are two entirely different characters, but they have one common goal. They seek to entertain the masses with Big Boi's smooth delivery and Andre's deep messages It's important that the listener recognizes the distinctions between the two. Andre sings at a higher pitch than Big Boi, but not so much so that I would label Andre as a tenor. The track begins with a relatively quiet intro and then the symbols begin to crash together allowing Andre to proceed and recite the chorus to the song which is repeated four times. The lyrics are crucial to this track because rappers from back in this time period actually allowed their lyrics to contain substance. Many see rap as a genre of music that exclusively degrades females, driving expensive vehicles, and acquiring large sums of cash. Many artists from this time period were less focused on those unfortunate parts of the rap scene and more in-tune with the actual "Rhythm And Poetry" part of it. An example of this substance can be found after the second verse. At about 3:15 after the chorus the track goes completely silent for multiple seconds and this initiates the transition of the track completely. The melody changes and it's basically an entirely different song once you add in the trumpets which Outkast is known to do. However, Big Boi's verse is unparalleled to what Andre would recite at the 3:40 mark. After Andre recites his lyrics and the final chorus is over the track begins to fade with the trumpets still playing but getting quieter and quieter until they are no more.
Unfamiliar Music
Artist: Carly Comando
Song Title: Everyday
Run Time: 5:45
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCObXuAwCIA
This song was very overwhelming when I first heard it and took multiple listens to fully appreciate it to its full extent. I was having trouble finding an unfamiliar song so my friend that plays the piano suggested I give this a try. I wouldn't say I particularly enjoyed this song too much because I found it relatively depressing to listen to for unknown reasons, but you must appreciate the skill and dexterity it requires to become this skill full at playing a piano. I also really have to give it to Ms. Comando because this song was able to invoke feelings I had previously not felt in a song before. It's weird to actually like a song that makes you feel depressed but I did just that. Around the 2:49 mark is where the basic progression of the song takes a bit of a turn, but for all the right reasons. She begins to play higher notes, but later returns to the same melody of the beginning. I've never played an instrument like a piano or an organ nor had I had any ambitions to play one until I heard this, but it really made me realize and appreciate just what an amazing instrument a piano really is.
Total listening time: 10 minutes and 38 seconds
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