unit 11-20 american pop

Discuss the distinction of Elvis Presley

Influenced by black music (singing gospel in church, listening to r&b)
King of Rock & Roll

Identify the distinct musical characteristics of Little
Richard and Chuck Berry

R: Singer, songwriter, boogie-woogie influenced pianist with outrageous performance style
C: provided first definitive rock rhythm guitar style, first lyrics to describe teen life

List some of the unique musical attributes of surf
music

high register, close harmony vocals; array of new guitar sounds; regional identity, first time since rock that music evoked strong sense of place

Explain the musical role of the rock beat

Rhythm that moves twice as fast as the beat to maintain good groove

Identify the Motown sound

Upbeat black pop that was danceable with widest possible appeal; story to a melody with memorable hooks

How were heavy metal bands different from hard rock?

More distortion and played louder, more power chords, riffs were stronger and pervasive

Name a musical example that exemplifies Philadelphia sound.

Barry White, updated pop style of Motown

Define the musical term: funk

Popular music with strong, dance-oriented rhythms, catchy melodies, call and response, repeated rhythmically interlocking patterns

Explain the rhythm of reggae

Absence of beat marking, focused on afterbeats (ka-CHUN-ka), free roaming bass, complex interplay between instruments

Discuss disco

Uninterrupted stream of recorded dance music instead of live bands at clubs

Name the American genres that directly influenced bossa nova and tejano music

Bossa: Originated in Brazil, Latin styled American jazz, 16-beat samba rhythms
Tejano: Mexican music with country influences

Describe the musical characteristics of 1970s salsa

Rhythmically charged, harmonically advanced style in dance clubs;
Latin ballroom music, afro-cuban, rumba drumming, & modern jazz

Determine the similarities between salsa and tropical Latin music

Both are afro-cuban influenced, Tropical is more lyrical focused

Discuss the key elements pulled from other genres that contribute to country rock.

Subtle incorperation of rock elements in country music, pop-rock fusion

Describe Dolly Parton’s contribution to the country music genre

Successful country singer, actress, and businesswoman

Describe the relationship between sequencers and loops.

Sequencers create loops, which are repeating sound files

Recognize key genres that directly influenced early rap

Toasting of Jamaican DJs, George Clinton’s funk

Determine the common themes in gangsta rap

Violence of inner city life, political issues

Distinguish how Michael Jackson is a superstar performer

All-around performer, established use of music videos, innovative dancing

Using Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” as an example, describe some of the controversial issues addressed in 1980s pop music

Racism is wrong, we are all brothers & sisters of Christ, and using sexual appeal

Give examples of key characteristics found in the music of Bruce Springsteen and U2

Strong, rock-roots sound with traditional rock ensemble

Define alternative music.

Rock-related & punk-inspired styles with complete artistic freedom

Explain grunge music.

Punk disaffection with power & distortion of heavy metal

Elaborate how success destroyed Nirvana

‘Nevermind’ reached mass appeal, Cobain did not like the mass attention put on him, overdosed on tranqs and alcohol, later gunshot to head

Describe the state of the music industry in the early twenty-first century

Unpredictable nature of music business after digital stores, sound was primary source of innovation

Define American popular music in the twenty-first century

Focus on making one’s sound prominent and distinctive

Discuss how instrumentation is utilized in definitive twenty-first century examples

Array of electronic sounds are used, no longer bound by genre or needing real instruments