History of pop music quiz

Using at least 3 complete sentences, describe 3 musical qualities that characterize funk.

• Emphasis on the downbeat or the “one”

• More heavily focused on repetitive grooves from bass, drums, and guitar, with chords playing a supporting, rhythmic role rather than being the main focus 

• Largely focus on rhythms and feel, making it danceable and groove-centered 

What new electronic instrument transformed the sound of funk in the 1970s? What did it offer as an instrument that no other could? Answer in at least 2 complete sentences.

• Synthesizer 

• offered new electronic tones and textures that traditional instruments couldn’t produce 

• allowed musicians to create deep bass sounds, sci-fi effects and sustained tones 

How did the music and drug use culture of psychedelia influence funk in the 1970s? Answer in at least 2 complete sentences.

• Experimentation 

• influenced funk music and to explore extended jams, layered sounds and studio effects 

• drug culture contributed more surreal,spacey and abstract lyrical themes 

• helped funk move beyond just dance music into experimental and exploratory 

Describe the responsibility James Brown took on socially and politically after the assassination of MLK in 1968. Answer in at least 2 complete sentences.

• James Brown took a leadership role for the black community 

• Has helped calm tensions by speaking publicly about nonviolent and unity

• Broadcasting a televised concert that helped prevent riots in Boston

• Used his music to promote black pride, self reliance and political awareness 

How were Sly and the Family Stone a model for integration? Your answer must connect to their music, and members. Answer in at least 2 complete sentences.

• A model for integration since they had both black and white members as well as both men and women 

• promoted messages of equality and unity, just like their sone “ everyday people” 

• combining diverse members and inclusive lyrics 

• represented racial and gender integration both musically and socially by challenging the norms at the time 

How did Motown’s music begin to change when embracing funk? Consider at least 2 of the following: finances, artistic freedom, shifting public taste, and political messages. Answer in at least 2 complete sentences.

• The company allowed artists more artistic freedom 

• moving away from the controlled songwriting and production 

• the shifting of public taste  was changing what was popular so they shifted towards more rhythms and socially conscious driven music, which caused Motown to adapt 

• Brought stronger political messages that embraced Motown’s music while helping the label remain financially successful in a changing industry 

Describe 2 of the musical characteristics of hard rock in at least 2 complete sentences.

• Loud , distorted electric guitars and powerful drum beats 

• aggressive vocals and strong, driven rhythms that emphasize high energy and intensity 

• more forceful than earlier rock styles 

Why was heavy metal controversial both musically and lyrically? Answer with at least 2 complete sentences.

• Used extremely loud volume, heavy distortion, and aggressive performance styles 

• explored dark themes as death, rebellion and supernatural, which parents critique 

• believed the music promoted negative behavior and anti social ideas 

How did progressive rock music seek to be viewed by serious musicians? Answer with at least one complete sentence.

• Serious art by incorporating complex structures, classical influence and advanced musicianship

• others wanted rock to be respected like classical and jazz music 

What does it mean for music to be album based? Answer with at least one complete sentence.

• A complete artistic statement rather than just a collection of hit singles 

• connected to themes , musical ideas and storytelling across the entirety of the album 

Describe at least 1 lyrical characteristic and 2 musical characteristics of the progressive rock of the 1970s in at least 3 complete sentences. Provide a song and artist example.

• Dealt with fantasy, science fiction or philosophical themes 

• the genre featured long song lengths and complex time signatures along with changes in tempo and dynamic 

• Known for its advanced instruments, vigorous demanding playing 

What new instrument and techniques did rock artists of the 1970s use to experiment and push the boundaries of rock and roll? Answer in at least 2 complete sentences and provide an example.

• Using synthesizers and advanced studio effects to expand the sound of rock music 

• used electronic sound effects to create layers and experimental music 

• an example would be Pink Floyd’s use of the synthesizer and special effects 

What was the PMRC and what was its stated goal? What was the solution they settled on to meet this goal after hearing testimonies from artists? Answer in at least 3 complete sentences.

• Parents music resource center was an organization formed to address the concerns of explicit content in popular music 

• its goal was to inform parents about the music that contained sexual, violent, or offensive lyrics 

• the solution was to settle for the use of an “ parental advisory” warning labels on albums and not just banning the music altogether