Watch the three sections of “The Story of Rock and Roll” Found here:

1.

Write at least 500 words in reaction to this video. Answer the following questions:

1. What do you think are the biggest reasons Rock ‘n’ Roll developed how and when it did?
2. What historical occurrences influenced Rock ‘n’ roll the most?
3. Who do you think were the most influential individuals during these early days of Rock ‘n’ Roll that we have studied so far?
4. What surprised you the most learning about the early days of Rock ‘n’ Roll this week?
5. In your own words, what were some of the things you learned from this video that most intrigued you?

2.

Artist:Ray Charles

For this assignment I want you to reflect on the artists we have listened to in this class up until now. You will share your song with the class, write a response about what intrigues you about this song, and comment on another colleagues post about their artist and song. Remember in these discussions that you only get full credit once you post yourself AND respond to a colleague.

Have you heard any artists so far that you will now add to your listening rotation? If so who and what about them appeals to you. If no one yet, why?

1. Write your response
2. Share a youtube link of the song of the artist that you are really enjoying.
3. Comment on a colleague’s post about their artist and song.

3.

For this assignment I want you to listen to The Ronette’s – Be My Baby. This is a classic song and considered one of the great songs produced by Phil Spector. As we talked about the role of the producer was starting to change. Producers now used the album as a creative tool to represent the music differently than it may be heard live. Listen to this song and answer the following questions.

1. What is the instrumentation on this track? (What instruments do you hear?) Hint: There are a lot
2. What are some techniques you hear that make this track sound so big?
3. When you hear an echo of an instrument on the track. What is that called?
4. How did his techniques differ from the recording techniques used before?

4.

6.9 Discussion: Beatles: Yea or Nay

Were the Beatles Game Changers?

There seems to be mixed opinions about the Beatles, so let’s have a discussion about it!

1. Determine if you think the Beatles are as influential and innovative as I (Prof. Anderies) made it seem. Are they Game Changers in the history of Rock/Pop Music?
2. Find a tune by the Beatles (that you either love or dislike) on YouTube and share the link (or embed)
3. Use that tune to support your argument on whether or not you think they are game changers. (Eg…”Why this is the greatest tune ever” or “Why I think their music is overrated”)
4. Write at least 150 words to share your opinion.
5. Write on at least ONE colleague’s post.

5.

For your first assignment you will write an album review of a Rock, Pop, or Soul album of your choice. The assignment is worth 100 points in total.

1. Submit your album review

When doing an album review I encourage you to listen to the album a minimum of two times. Put your phone down and minimize other tasks you have going on. Listening is an active experience. On your first listen, just take in the music. Be present and enjoy it for what it is. On your second listen, actively take notes. What was the name of the song, what style was it, who soloed, what was the tempo, what did you like/dislike, etc. By listening twice in this manner you should be able to write your review with much more ease. In addition, search online to see if there are any liner notes, or other writing about the particular album. Many albums are tied to social and cultural changes happening in the world. Understanding this can give context to many of the sonic choices in the music. Below are some suggestions of topics to focus on in your paper.

****MUST BE A MINIMUM OF TWO (2) PAGES TYPEWRITTEN (500 word minimum), DOUBLE SPACED. NO HANDWRITTEN REPORTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Name of Artist:

Name of Album:

Tunes or compositions:

Musicians: (both principal and supporting)

Possible summary focuses:

• Period in which the music represents
• Who has this artist influenced? Or who are they influenced by? And why?
• What is the instrumentation? How does the instrumentation affect mood and timbre?
• Are there general characteristics that make the style of music identifiable? For instance, does it swing? Or is influenced by Rock and technology? Latin based? Older style, improvisational styles?
• Are there any obvious musical forms? (Blues and AABA)
• Is the music singable? If not, does it allow a listener multiple listenings?
• What moods are set on this recording? Where would be the best place for this music to be heard?
• Is there any social significance to this recording?
• Is this music reacting to any previous musical styles?
• How do the musicians react to one another? Does the shoe fit?
• Are there vocals? Does the text have any significance? Or is the text on these collections rather distant to the music being performed?
• Is this recording compositional or improvisational or both?

If you are looking for inspiration here are a few suggested albums.

• Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd
• London Calling – The Clash
• Led Zeppelin II – Led Zeppelin
• Pet Sounds – The Beach Boys
• Are You Experienced – Jimi Hendrix
• Abbey Road – The Beatles
• What’s Goin’ On – Marvin Gaye
• Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder
• Green Onions – Booker T and the MG’s
• James Brown – Live At the Apollo
• Sam Cooke – Live at the Harlem Square Club 1963
• Burnin’ – The Wailers
• Elvis – Elvis Presley
• This is Fats Domino! – Fats Domino
• Berry Is On Top – Chuck Berry
• Bad Girls – Donna Summer
• Diana – Diana Ross
• Thriller – Michael Jackson
• Sing, Sing, Sing – Benny Goodman
• Straight Outta Compton – NWA
• Low End Theory – A Tribe Called Quest

6.

In addition to all that we learned about Elvis I want you to watch the following video on him.

After you have watch the video please participate in a discussion focusing on the question “Is Elvis worth the Hype?” There are no right or wrong answers here. I truly want to hear your thoughts and opinions about one of the biggest cultural icons of the 20th century.

1. I want you to answer this honestly utilizing what you have learned and anything else you can look up about Elvis.
2. Respond to one colleague in at least 5 sentences whether you agree or disagree with them and why?