Personal Soundscape, Pt 5

My personal soundscape is still growing, and my IAH 208 class (Music + Culture) has certainly played it’s role in doing so. This last – and certainly not least – influence is under four months old, yet can easily be seen today. In addition to increasing my vocabulary, this course has also increased my understanding of music. I find myself giving even more notice to the rhythm in some of my favorite Doors’ songs, and catching the finite details as Adele croons over homophonic textures. Some could get overwhelmed with the loads of details existing in the musical world, but it has been an intriguing pursuit of knowledge for me. I will certainly share some of the information I have learned with friends and family. More proof that music – and it’s influences on others – comes full circle.

Personal Soundscape, Pt 4

Another influence that I notice every day is courtesy of my friends. I have maintained close friendships with many of the same buddies I had in elementary and middle school. Our soundscapes have grown together, rubbing off on each other with some occasional friction. My friends and I don’t all have identical music tastes, but identical respect and open mindedness towards music. For example, one of my friends was constantly raving about The Red Hot Chili Peppers and their untouchable rock sound. I had, of course, heard plenty of their famous hits on the radio like most my age. However, I never found anything unique in their sound and usually overlooked their music. This same friend declared that he wanted us all to go to the RHCP concert in Grand Rapids last May. I was not opposed to the idea, but I also was not ecstatic about seeing this band live. My premonitions were immediately proven wrong, as I had one of the best musical experiences of my life inside Van Andel Arena that night and a newfound enjoyment for The Red Hot Chili Peppers. They are now a band I listen to frequently, and I shake my head at the ignorance I previously displayed regarding their music. Live music is almost always infinitely better than the recorded sound, and in this case it even brought a new fan on board. This memorable moment would not have happened, and would not have been nearly as enjoyable if it weren’t for my friends, though.

Personal Soundscape, Pt 3

Were this paper to be written when I was much younger, the previous paragraph would have been a lie. It’s undeniable that my parents held the most influence over what I listened to as a child. Not just because they were the ones in charge of the dial, but because they were the most trusted figures in my life. When I heard blues musician Keb Mo played at home, I didn’t understand the stereotypes that may exist of someone who listens to blues music. All I knew was that my dad enjoyed it, and so did I. I can still sing the choruses of many songs from the 60’s and 70’s because of my parents listening choices. Even as I started to grow older and move into my own musical tastes I could still respect my parents favorite music, because they had grown to be a symbol of my childhood. The album “Raising Sand” by Robert Plant & Allison Krauss brings vivid memories of traveling around downtown Grand Rapids and other places that my dad would travel with the CD. Listening to this album today invokes waves of nostalgia as Plant’s timeless voice uncovers memories of my childhood. This is just one of the many albums played by my parents that I still listen to today. Not only was I influenced by the musicians that my parents chose to listen to – but in my dad’s case; the music he made himself. I am ashamed to admit that I still haven’t had the patience to learn the guitar that my father has mastered so well. I could only hope to have even a quarter of the talent that he has on the “axe”, and these overwhelming expectations may be part of the reason I never even tried. This is a ridiculous excuse, and I plan on taking up the guitar by the time I graduate college. In this sense, I suppose, my parents are still influencing my relationship with music.

Personal Soundscape, Pt 2

Above any other person or group of people, I truly believe that I have had the singular most influence on what music I listen to and enjoy. This seemingly obvious answer may not be supported by many sociologists, but I would venture to guess that they would be just as defensive if someone told them their ideologies were largely shaped by others. I believe that I have molded my music tastes – with smaller, less powerful, and definite influences. A friend may recommend an artist to listen to, or blare his favorite song over the speakers while driving; but it’s going to be my ears that make the ultimate judgment on what they hear. I have never been caught in the whirlwind of peer pressure when it comes to music. I like what I like; from the booming bass and vulgar lyrics of Gucci Mane, to the soothing guitar-play, and calming voice of Jack Johnson. Ever since I learned to maneuver the internet sometime late in elementary school I have been hell-bent on browsing music that piques my interest. This has resulted in the digital library that exists on my external hard drive with music from my iTunes dating back to middle school. It’s complete bullshit when someone says they listen to “everything”, but I don’t have 15,000+ songs of similar music. I enjoy a diverse range of music, and can’t fathom being narrow eared. Rarely will I not even give a song a chance on the premises that “I haven’t heard it”, because this is how all music was first listened to. It may seem arrogant to believe so, but I wish everyone would be the strongest influence on their musical palette.

Personal Soundscape, Pt 1

Music surrounds our every day life much in the same way that family and friends do. The worst day of your life can be brought into partial solace from a simple melody or lyric from your favorite song. Then, the next song on your iPod might invoke feelings you had on one of the saddest, most troubling days of your life. The wide spectrum of emotions we feel on a daily basis can easily be conveyed musically, and this is one of the main reasons that song and dance have been engrained so deeply into almost every culture in the world. Music may not BE life, but it certainly parallels it both literally in history, and figuratively in it’s similarities. This sort of stability is as refreshing as any relationship we hold with a human being; which could be why we find so much comfort in throwing on headphones and spending time with our music. Not only does she sound beautiful, but she’s open minded – and willing to change! New music is being created every day, and older music is waiting to be found with the digital power we yield today. There seems to be no limits to the expanses of the musical universe, and the word “genre” does not even begin to give justice to the galactic size of musical possibilities. Leave it to human nature to try and conquer, and categorize the infiniteness of music – much like space. Our curiosity and eagerness to explore can’t be considered a mistake because of the amazing discoveries and undeniable progression we have made musically. Like any human venture, however, there have been troubling developments as a result of exposure. There are inherent flaws in the music industry existing, and it’s difficult to say that music is better off for it. This has certainly furthered blurring of the lines between “artistic” and “capitalistic”. Issues existing on scales as large as that fortunately do little to take away from the personal meaning that music can hold. I will examine a few that have had the largest impacts on my own soundscape.

Musical Gender Perceptions: “Bad Religion” – Frank Ocean

The song I chose to analyze for gender perceptions was “Bad Religion” by Frank Ocean. It is from Ocean’s debut album on a major label, released last summer and titled “Channel Orange”. The album received both critical and social acclaim for it’s fresh R&B sound, and the admission from Ocean in one of the songs that he had a gay lover. This came as a surprise to all his fans as he was finally beginning to break through in the mainstream, but it certainly did not make the overwhelming majority of his supporters think of him as any less of a person, or as a musical talent.

This particular song comes as the fourteenth track of the seventeen on the album. It opens with an ominous sounding organ that soon gives way to Ocean’s powerful voice. His crooning – ranging from a soft, whisper-like sound to screams that never sound out of control – clearly carries the song. The piano that comes in during the chorus also seems to have a more feminine sound to it – similar to something you might hear in an Adele song.

Lyrically, Frank seems to be spilling all of his emotions to a taxi driver that he just came to meet. This type of behavior could easily be categorized as feminine, yet Ocean’s honesty transcends any gender. One of his main attractions as an artist has been his willingness to let fans into his head, and examine his often eccentric thought processes. All Frank really wants though, is for people to “love” him as he embellishes this powerful word after the chorus. This type of unrequited love – and not the more obvious religious detraction – defines the song, in my opinion. “Bad Religion” makes many bold social statements, but the main message being communicated to the listener seems to be that Ocean is a hell of a singer and songwriter – regardless of sexual orientation.

Promoting Peace Through Music

Music’s most immediately recognizable benefit to society is usually in it’s entertainment value. But is that the most important role music plays? Sure, we often find solace – or even elation – through music. These emotions, however, are short-lived and ultimately irrelevant if we do not take advantage of the other vessels of influence music carries. Music can bring attention to societal problems that may otherwise go unnoticed, or even unacknowledged. Framing an issue can become infinitely stronger when placed in a song, as opposed to simple text in a news article. Most Americans would immediately recognize the tune of “One Love” that Bob Marley created with his band The Wailers. That timeless classic has been transcendent in American culture with it’s messages of love, peace, and anti-war sentiments. The chorus sticks in your head like most popular American songs, subliminally solidifying Marley’s wise directions to “Let’s get together, and feel alright”.

While peace in the world may not be completely attainable, the promotion of it has helped distinguish many musicians. No decade can lay claim to the birth of as many peace-seeking artists like the 1960’s can. The music industry was flush with protesting artists amidst the controversies of the Vietnam War. One could even argue that this lengthy conflict had more influence on popular American music than any other event in our country’s short history. The entire landscape of music was changed with the emergence of protesting rock music, the manipulation of psychedelic sounds, and the counterculture as a whole. It is easy to find elements of the 60’s sound even in today’s most popular music. Miguel, a Grammy-nominated R&B artist, uses “spacey” sounds and psychedelic textures while he croons about loving women. This haze-inducing type of music could easily be linked to the sounds of a band like The Doors, who had their own music of the 60’s influenced by mind-altering experiences. Jim Morrison gave his own thoughts on the conflict in Vietnam on songs like “The Unknown Soldier”, which depicts a soldier’s demise. After organs grimly play for the apparently dead soldier, sounds of celebration and Morrison’s screaming close out the song as he declares “The war is over!”.

Promotion of peace was – and still is – a constant message for folk artist and counterculture hero Bob Dylan. He is living proof of music that emerged in the 1960’s still living on today. Even at the ripe age of 71, Dylan is still creating music and performing in the name of peace. His most celebrated works, however, came during the counterculture’s prime in the 60’s. “The Times They Are a-Changin'” could easily be considered the most important song of the decade, as it provided an anthem for all the change surrounding US culture. Other protest songs drew heavy influence from this classic, but could not capture the timelessness that Dylan provided in the lyrics. You could easily find meaning today in the lyrics as Dylan calls for “…senators, congressmen” to “Please heed the call”. This was the ultimate achievement for Dylan. He created a song in the moment that can still hold relevance five decades later, and promote messages of peace.

Keb’ Mo’

I think I’m going to purchase my Keb’ Mo’ concert tickets today. While everyone else on campus is raving about Macklemore and his corny raps, I’m anxious to see one of my favorite blues artists that I’ve grown up listening to. My dad has seen Kevin Moore – aka Keb’ Mo’ – in concert multiple times, and was constantly playing his albums when I was a child. It didn’t dawn on me until after high school how much I appreciated his soothing voice and acoustic guitar. He is returning to The Intersection venue in Grand Rapids for a third consecutive year on March 23rd, and I decided it would be an enjoyable (not to mention affordable) concert to attend.

For those of you who aren’t familiar:

Analyzing: “Find My Way” – The Gabe Dixon Band

This is a song that was shared to me through my IAH 208 class (Music + Culture). My analysis is in response to his paper arguing in favor of this particular piece of music.

Describe the musical elements you hear in this piece:

• The song has a very upbeat tempo with a rhythm that is relatively easy to pick up on. The typical 32-bar chorus form is pretty clearly used here. The singer has a very light sounding voice that I believe could appeal to both male and female listeners. The piano play that opened up in the beginning of the song was a highlight for me. The song’s polyphonic texture develops as the drums creep in, and the singer emerges with his lyrics. Even as the song winds down and the singer repeats the chorus, there is still a strong sense of an upbeat, optimistic sound. I imagine this would be a popular song on a radio station because of it’s easy listenability – so I suppose I disagree with Jake on that matter. I could easily see this song fitting into the morning rotation of one of the station’s back home in West Michigan.

Can you personally relate to this song?

• I have to admit that I can not personally relate to this song. I had never heard of The Gabe Dixon Band before I received the paper. I have also never seen “The Proposal”, which the song was supposedly featured in. Any attempt at a personal connection to this song would be a very long reach. That being said, it did open me up to a new band with a unique sound – something I’m never opposed to.

After multiple listenings, do you agree or disagree with the argument presented by your classmate?

• I would tend to disagree with the argument given by Jake, but that is simply a matter of personal taste. Upon first listen, the one word that kept spinning through my head was “neutral”. I didn’t dislike the song – but I didn’t find an immediate appeal either. I can certainly see where people would enjoy The Gabe Dixon Band. They are seemingly talented musicians that have grown enough in popularity to have their song in a feature Hollywood film. Obviously there is appeal somewhere that did not immediately jump out at me. The message in the lyrics of the song did not have a particularly strong impact on me, and that is probably where Jake and I differ. I imagine the song would have more meaning if this were the case for me. Perhaps I will give the band more listens, and another chance to enter my music repertoire in the future.

Analyzing: “Break On Through (To the Other Side)” – The Doors

What musical elements do you like about the piece?

• This particular song is very fast paced, and becomes increasingly so as more instruments and Jim Morrison’s distinct vocals are introduced. The song is in “4/4 time”, which as we have learned is common in Western popular music. I appreciate how The Doors fused elements of blues, rock ‘n roll and jazz to induce the “psychedelic rock” vibe that they were so familiar with. The organs that come alive from Ray Manzarek’s keyboard are a perfect complement for the steady bass line he holds throughout the song. I also enjoy the passion displayed in Morrison’s voice as he begins to scream the chorus, and the drums kick in speedily near the end of the song. I often find myself intensely drumming on the steering wheel of my car when this song comes on my iPod, or the radio.

Why does this piece have meaning for you personally?

• The Doors’ did not emerge as one of my favorite bands until late in high school. I had heard many of their songs on the radio growing up, but had never given the time to listen to one of their albums in entirety. I “came across” a download link for their entire discography, and started from the first LP – their self-titled, 1967 release. “Break On Through (To the Other Side)” was the opening song and I was hooked. The fast-paced, yet attainable rhythm immediately had my head nodding and my fingers tapping. I gained an immediate appreciation for Jim Morrison’s obvious charisma and his bandmates’ unique talents. The Doors would soon become my favorite band from the 1960’s, and one of my all-time favorites as well. “Break On Through (To the Other Side)” was my first, and most memorable experience from courtesy of this legendary band.

How does this song relate to your culture?

• The song relates greatly to my culture because of the impact that the time period this music was created in had on current society. The 1960’s were full of turmoil, change (wanted – or not), and creative outlets for those observing these ongoings. Jim Morrison was a cultural icon in America for his short life because of his unabashedly controversial behavior – as well as his unique vocal talents that could put listeners into a trance, or raise them out of their seats. His leadership (he struggled with alcohol and drugs frequently; but his demise was also the band’s) with The Doors helped cement their status as an iconic rock band.

Why is this a song that someone should listen to?

• I would venture to guess that most of my classmates enjoy at least one of the two following genres of music – whether they know it or not: blues, and jazz. You may think that not everybody is walking to class listening to Keb Mo, or Louis Armstrong on their iPod. However, two of the most popular genres of music in American culture are heavily influenced and arguably even developed from their generational forefathers – rock, and hip-hop music. Finding the progression from these seemingly unlike genres is an easy task if you give it the time and ear. The Doors’ music is wonderful to me because it incorporates these newer and older genres into a unique sound that had previously never been heard. No band before had been so successful experimenting with the harsh sounds of the organ, and fusing them with jazz-flavored drumming and the more modern, rock ‘n roll approved, electric guitar. Morrison’s often bluesy vocals also helped complete the circle from past eras of music, to the star status that was now bestowed on popular American bands. I believe that “Break On Through (To the Other Side)” perfectly illustrates all of the elements that make The Doors such a great listening experience.