Podcast Project 2

Alison Sudol- A Fine Frenzy

Peer Comment 3

Jahan,

You’re blog on Marvin Gaye was written fairly well. Even after having done my research on my own blog on him I never came across that he was discharged from the Air Force for failure to adjust. After looking into it a little further I also found out that he originally lost his virginity to a prostitute while in the AF. Not sure if you came across this, but check out http://www.gale.cengage.com/free_resources/bhm/bio/gaye_m.htm

for a pretty detailed bio.

            All the technical aspects are present in you blog. The only thing I would suggest is to take another look at your APA style for references. http://www.americanessays.com/tool-box/apa-format-citation-generator/

Is a great website that helped me out.

Aside from that, everything flowed well. The only other discrepancy I have is with your explanation of Motown releasing “What’s Going On”. From my knowledge I believe Marvin threatened to never sing for Motown again and they conceded. The song became popular, surprising Motown and subsequently the record label fell into a whole new market due to him.

-Patric Flynn

Taken from Jahan Gonzalez's blog on Marvin Gaye.
http://jahangonzalezmh2blog.blogspot.com/2012/09/whats-going-on.html

Peer Comment 2

Kelsey,
After reading your blog and the two of us discussing it class, we clearly are of the same sentiment towards The Velvet Underground. I wholeheartedly agree that if it weren’t for Andy Warhol Velvet never would have made it to mainstream. It’s difficult to protest that a band is terrible with Warhol’s pretext of it being a part of art in the Exploding Plastic Inevitable when trendy art critics and bohemian crowds applaud his work.

As for any technicalities in your work I’d say you should follow APA format or something similar. Breaking up your blog into multiple paragraphs when appropriate would benefit the reader by giving them a pause during changes in topics. Other than that one minor adjustment your blog excels form the others I’ve read.

-Patric Flynn


Taken from Kelsey Godfrey's Blog on The Velvet Underground.
http://kelseyagodfrey.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-velvet-underground-nico.html

Independent Research- Sarah McLachlan

Sarah McLachlan’s presence in the music world has been felt for over twenty years now. Originally releasing her first album in 1988, it wasn’t until her second release Solace in ’91 that she started gaining notoriety. Since then, she has gone on to sell more than 40 million albums worldwide and won several Grammys along with numerous other awards. Not to be outdone she has also helped more female musicians get started than any other artist has.

            She is mainly known for playing the piano, but is by no means limited to those confines as she plays the harp and guitar as well. Sarah is capable of writing lyrics too, drawing influence from Peter Gabriel. Although she mainly writes about relationships this in no way affects her versatility as a whole. Her music draws on emotion, which is accentuated by her vocal talent. With her mezzo-soprano range she is capable of invoking a stronger emotional appeal within her poignant ballads.

            Becoming frustrated by the way promoters and radio stations treated female musicians Sarah founded Lilith Fair in ’97. The festival consisted solely of female artists or female-led bands. It initially lasted for three annual tours, but its decreasing reception caused Lilith to go on hiatus. It was once again revived in 2010, but again poor ticket sales were the cause of its inevitable cancellation. Despite its waning pop popularity Lilith Fair raised over $10M for women's charities. Not only that but it helped start or boost many female artist’s careers such as A Fine Frenzy and Erin McCarley.

Being male and admitting I like Sarah’s music generally makes me the source of ridicule when the topic is brought up. It affects me little since I know just how amazing of a musician she really is. I’m extremely partial to vocally talented female artists. Great ones are far and few between, but there are diamonds in the rough like A Fine Frenzy that are able to spark similar emotions that Sarah does. However, for some reason Sarah’s music touches me more than all the others. I think she sounds the best when she does live sets; her CD Mirrorball is one example.

            Moreover, being enthralled by her voice helped me escape reality when I was deployed for the first time. I listened to her albums on a daily basis for almost 15 months straight. It wasn’t the lyrics that grabbed me as much as her voice. To me she’s capable of making any subject sound beautiful. For example, Possession, which is probably her most popular song. The lyrics are about obsession with intent to rape, but many people miss that because of her extraordinary vocals. My heart melts at the sound of her voice and that’s a rarity to come across. So while people choose to tease me for liking her, ultimately the joke’s on them for not recognizing her talent.

Electronic Music Entry

Pioneers of electronic music, Kraftwerk has had a lasting effect across many genres of modern music. For over 40yrs Kraftwek’s all-electronic music has paved the way influencing many artists and setting the stage for new music genres to come to fruition. The band was formed in 1970 by Ralf Ralf Hütter and Florian Schneider, which upon creation gave off an immediate robotic feel. This is definitely so when the band performs on stage. Standing behind their synthesizers they combine repetition and appealing melodies all within a minimalistic approach.

            Kraftwerk’s first several releases in the early 70’s were experiments in rock. None of their early works used hooks or catchy structures. Both Hütter and Schneider have remarked that they never found poppy songs or catchy songs that are found frequenting radios that interesting. They are more interested in having the listener unsure what is coming next, but at the same time enjoy what is being played. Those several albums were more of an exploration into modifying various instruments through multi-dubbing and tape manipulation.

            They found their first commercial success in 1974 with the release of Autobahn. This album allowed them to spread their music to a wider audience cover all of Europe and even reached the US and Canada. Their hit title Autobahn, the same as the album title, was an ode to the monotony many face while driving this well-known road. The two albums released afterward Radio-Activity and Trans-Europe Express would also pay homage to other such modern marvels. The band would maintain similar themes through subsequent releases.

            With their ability of synthesizing in an minimal capacity it drives their music to be popish. Hütter and Schneider would certainly have something to say after reading that, but this style of music is no different from the simplicity of a pop singer. People find solace in simplicity and that’s what’s makes both styles appealing. While I may not find their music engaging it’s undeniable to see how the use of effects in their music has drifted over to many bands and even bled into numerous genres.

Electronic Music Innovations

Eno has been a highly influential figure in world of music. Being one of the pioneers in the electronic genre, he has made a notable mark in ambient music as well. Having coined the term “ambient music” and developed innovative production techniques Eno has had a wider impact on music than most people will ever know.

            Initially his music career began with Roxy Music in the early 70’s, but his time with the band was short lived as he tired of the rock star lifestyle. Straightaway Eno moved toward a solo career and subsequently released four albums within a five-year span. The first of these, No Pussyfooting, Eno started experimenting with tape-delay system he was developing. Used mainly as an effect on his friend’s guitar, it was this use of technology that would set the stage for sampling in genres such as hip-hop and electronica.

            After a car accident left him bedridden for a number of months in ’75 Eno had what is probably his most noteworthy innovation. Being unable to turn up his stereo to hear over a rainstorm it dawned on him that music could have similar attributes as the world surrounding us. Moods, colors, tones, feelings, all can be expressed similarly through the se of music. German composer, Wagner, may be first noted for his ability to incite feeling through his works in the theatre. However, Eno showed through Another Green World that it can be used more often than just in theatre.

            Aside from his ambient works Eno has also been instrumental in the producing side of music. During the 70’s he worked worked with David Bowie, Devo and even assisted in promoting the short lived “No Way” genre. He has produced for several popular 80’s bands like Talking Heads and Depeche Mode as well. His milestone as a producer came when he worked alongside U2. He has worked on seven of their albums, including Joshua Tree, which is arguably one of the most influential albums to have been released in the last 30 years.
            Brian Eno has had a substantial impact on my life. Joshua Tree to this day remains on of the most influential albums of my youth. Aside from that, my desire to work in postproduction may very well be attributed to what he’s done. His ability to show the importance that music and sounds can have on an environment has caused this industry to expand exponentially.

Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On

Marvin Gaye, the Prince of Soul, started with the doo-wop quartet, the Marquees. The band would change their name to Harvey and the New Moonglows before finally disbanding without any commercial success. Gaye filled his time by playing drums for the Spinners while also working for Harvey Records. Not long afterwards Marvin was signed to release a solo album. Inspired by Ray Charles and Nat King Cole, Marvin’s crossover from R&B wasn’t well received. It wasn’t until he started singing duets did his success start to grow. Singing duets with Tammi Terrell, Gaye popularity took off. The duets success was short lived however as Tammi suffered from a brain tumor and passed away. Despondent Gaye receded from the music industry.

Gaye looked for a new direction in music, one that would be able to “affect the souls of people.” At this time he had been affected by the letters his brother had sent him while in Vietnam along with the increasing social tensions that were building up back home. After Obie Benson played an unfinished version of what would later become What’s Going On he convinced Marvin to record the song.

Initially, the single What’s Going On was refused by Motown’s founder Berry Gordy. Berry believed Marvin would lose much of his target audience if the song were released. In defiance, Gaye countered by stating he would never record for Motown again if the single weren’t released. After becoming a commercial success Motown allowed him to release the album What’s Going On.

Despite the constant pressure from Motown Marvin showed that his concept album could be a hit. Its heavy emphasis on the political issues of the day had never been done before in R&B. The manner in which he sang comes across as empathetic to the issued facing the nation instead of trying to drive an agenda. Also the entire album is sang from the perspective of a veteran who had returned from Vietnam. From beginning to end the album takes on the role of a disillusioned soldier who finds the country he returned to plagued with civil unrest and police brutality.  

I have long been listening to Marvin Gaye and its easy to understand why this album is a masterpiece. It flows so seamlessly with the rhythms piecing together with the melodies flawlessly. His voice is an instrument all its own. In addition to  the message it conveys it’s just an overall great album to listen to.

Peer Comment 1

Jahan,

Overall your blog on Pet Sounds met the criteria required for MH2. While it was an easy blog to read there are several things that you might want to consider before writing your next blog. Try “beefing” up your paragraphs. There are several that only consist of three sentences and are straight to the point. There’s no fault on being concise, but providing more information per paragraph may help the reader relate to what you’re trying to relay. There were also a few grammatical errors, “US.,” in the third paragraph and sounds in Pet Sounds isn’t capitalized later in the same paragraph. I’m sure they were just overlooked, but will easily stand out to a reader. These are minor errors and in no way take away from the overall quality of the blog and I look forward to reading more of you pieces. 

 Taken from: http://jahangonzalezmh2blog.blogspot.com/

Velvet Underground & Nico

Lou Reed and John Cale initially started the Velvet Underground in late ’64. During that time, Reed had been working for a record label as a songwriter while Cale, under a scholarship had moved to the U.S. to study classical music. Cale also had an interest in minimalist style of music, drone, of which Reed found fitting to his own style. Together they recruited Sterling Morrison to play guitar and after some disputes with their drummer they took on Maureen Tucker as a replacement. After playing a few small venues and an unsuccessful demo tape the band found a regular paying gig at the Café Bizarre.

Arguably the band may never have become a prominent part of counter culture if it wasn’t for Any Warhol. He started managing the Velvet Underground in the mid 60’s, making them his house band at the Factory in NYC. Under the pretext of incorporating music, art and film Andy also incorporated them into his multimedia event known as the Exploding Plastic Inevitable. In ’66 Andy helped produce their first album and under the insistence of Warhol had the German model Nico sing in three of the band’s songs.

             The Velvet Underground played a proto-punk style that was becoming popular in U.S. and British underground scenes. This distinctive style of music would later be seen as precursors of punk rock. Velvet found their niche during the age of peace & love with their intentionally gritty performances. Typical in today’s punk rock, they were able to shock audiences with chaotic performances citing drugs, violence and rebellion from the status quo in their lyrics. The band never cared for Nico’s involvement, but she added a softening look to their raw nature during the short time she was with them. There’s a blurred line between rebellion and wanting an alternative to mainstream. Regardless of Velvet’s motives they used this to their advantage. Unpredictability would become a trademark in their music.

            To me there’s in no enjoyment in listening to any of Velvet’s work save Heroin. I favor structure in music and don’t want to be hit with a wall of noise when listening to a song. They fit in perfectly with Warhol who was somehow able to gain a following inciting that the things he produces is art. Personally, their implosive nature neither works for the music scene or for themselves. Lou Reed has made great work outside of Velvet and I can also get behind Cale’s solo work, but them as a band doesn’t work. The Velvet Underground & Nico is highly overrated, mainly by the people who want to get more out of the eccentric part of the 60’s than what is deserving.

Podcast Project 1

The Beatles - I'm Only Sleeping

The Beatles‘ Revolver

When the Beatles first exploded onto the scene they had an altogether different look then the years to come. Following the proper style of dress that was indicative of the 50’s and early 60’s along with their poppy songs made the Beatles become the world’s first boy band. Songs like I Wanna Hold Your Hand were constructed very simply allowing for them to grasp a huge fan base, mainly with young teenage woman. The seemingly innocent band changed as they grew into their own and started redefining what was expected from popular music.

Revolver is easily labeled as one of the best rock albums of all time. What is incredible to see is despite the drastic changes in music over the course of several years the Beatles still peaked the charts on every album. What is easily overlooked however is Revolver can be seen as an extension to the album Rubber Soul. George Harrison has said "I don't see too much difference between Revolver and Rubber Soul, to me, they could be Volume One and Volume Two." Revolver however took on a more psychedelic vibe than Rubber Soul.

Revolver in many ways can be attributed to the spawning of psychedelic rock alongside The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds. Although The Beach Boys’ released their album first, Revolver is the more popular of the two. Most notably is John Lennon’s "Tomorrow Never Knows" wherein he attempts to relay to the listener a LSD trip in a three-minute song. Lennon drew heavily from Timothy Leary's version of The Tibetan Book of the Dead as he continued to be influenced by acid induced trips.

On Revolver, the band had used many experimental recording procedures to record the album. Tape loops and backward guitar solos were experimentally used alongside a tambura to complete the experimental effect. They also made use of the studio itself by recording the environment they were in. listening to the album puts you directly in the studio as the rustling activity of people is clearly audible. 

A more notable method widely used today is artificial double tracking. Lennon had asked if there was an easier way to obtain vocal doubles. As a result an engineer discovered a method that utilized a slight tape delay between an original vocal take and its copy to produce an artificial double, called flanging. Compression, an uncommon method at the time, was also instrumental in giving the band the feel they wanted. This is heard clearly when listening to the kick drum and guitars.

Having grown up with a father who listened to the Beatles, their music has always been there to influence me. Revolver still emits an innovative feel that will unlikely be reproduced ever again. From their political standpoints to love songs to psychedelic vibes Revolver time and again exceeds my expectations of what pure rock should be.

The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds

Unlike The Beach Boys’ previous work, Pet Sounds was taken into a radically new direction. Prior to its release their albums contained “fillers”. They would act as placeholders in between singles, as was common with many rock albums at the time. The demands from record labels to have their artists produce several albums a year put a lot of pressure on Brian Wilson. Despite these difficulties the all-encompassing Brian was expected to be the producer, composer, songwriter and vocalist for the band.

While working on Pet Sounds he drew influences from many different facets. He often thought of the Beatles as his chief rivals, but despite the competition he was still inspired by the albums they released. Enthralled by Phil Spector’s production techniques, Brian spent years working on perfecting vocal harmonies. At this time too he had been introduced to psychedelic drugs, which led him to experiment with previously unused methods in music.

            Pet Sounds was and still is ahead of its time. Many artists have been influenced by the Pet Sounds from the Beatles to Jane’s Addiction and it’s widely believed to be one of the greatest rock albums ever released. Although very experimental from their previous work, the album remains true to Brian’s vision of where he wanted to take the band. He was able to show a versatility that still remains hidden inside the world of music.

            The innovative uses of the instrumentals are characteristic throughout the entire album. The mesh of instruments ranging from percussion, bass, wind, piano, accordion, etc. harmonize fluidly. This complexity is never overwhelming and no one instrument is overused on any of the tracks. Another distinguishing factor in Pet Sounds is the lyrical content. It’s drastically different from the poppy albums indicative of their earlier work. This maturation shows a depth that previously wasn’t accepted, but afterward became a staple in music.

            Pet Sounds for me works on two levels. The Beach Boys weren’t the strongest vocalists, but the way the vocals intertwine makes it appealing to listen to. For me it’s still not a conventional album and yet the complexities in the vocals stay with me long after having listened to the record. The harmony within the vocals is done so well it’d be easy to have recorded this album without the use of instruments. However the marriage between the instruments while listening to the album in stereo truly shows how perfectly placed the instruments are. Even on the mono tracks, each instrument fits perfectly within their frequency range.  

Welcome All

Thanks for checking out my music history blogger. I started attending Full Sail after spending several years in the military followed by some government contracting positions overseas. My interests mainly focus on sound effects and dialog. I'm terribly inefficient in music so I mainly focus on vocal talent overall. A career in the music business isn't what I'm looking for, but I do appreciate what is being taught to me in the music heavy curriculum here at Full Sail. Many of the techniques learned can easily be used in sound design and post production. I look forward to this month as I'd never thought I'd see myself writing a blog let alone three in the coming week.