Sunday, December 4, 2011

Extra Credit: New Bands, Old Influences

           Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band is a very popular rock band in todays music industry. With their new album "Ultimate Hits: Rock and Roll Never Forgets" at number 2 on iTunes Top 10 they have remained the preferred choice for many rock lovers. When asked who main singer Seger's influences are, the artists he named all derived from 60's rock. Seger stated that "Little Richard was the first one that really got to [him]. Little Richard and, of course, Elvis Presley." He went on to tell that James Brown was also one of his favorites and the 1963 release of Live at the Apollo quickly became the choice of best album among him and his friends. Seger was also highly influenced by the music of The Beatles after they hit American shores in 1964. Growing up with soon to be musician Eagle Glen Frey, the boys fell in love with 1960s pop and rock radio and it's payola driven hits. Seger later recalled that he and Frey agreed at the time "you're nobody if you can't get on the radio."

         "Come Go With Me" by The Del Vikings was the first record that Seger purchased. He also stated artsits John Forgerty and Bruce Springsteen as main influences of his music. He later remarked, "There's a whole little clique of male vocalists. We're just sort of all connected." It is surprising to me that the most popular artists of our time have often been most influenced by those who were most popular in past generations. Although many artists today have their originality as well, it is the never forgotten legends such as Little Richard that will always have an influence on rock music- whether it be today in age, tomorrow or many years to come.

          Their new album has a good sound and overall beat. I enjoy their choice of instruments as well. The drum has a major influence in every one of their songs and even I, a new and unexperienced rock n roll listener, can pick up on the different attributes from sounds by The Beatles and other 60s bands. I wouldn't recommend the album to someone who doesn't like this genre, however it is a good choice for those who do. They put a new spin on an old sound, with originality in the lyrics.




Sunday, November 27, 2011

The Soundtrack of My Life

               If my life was a movie, the 5 songs that would make up my soundtrack are Jesus Take The Wheel- Carrie Underwood http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lydBPm2KRaU&ob=av3n, Make it Through the Rain- Mariah Carey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8KsWiLPdCs, Angel's Cry- Mariah Carey and Neyo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyGNfbKkMVE&ob=av3e, Ambitious Girl- Wale http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcUIv8Y_eIM and The Graduation Song (Friends Forever)- Vitamin C http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDM3eYp4KQ
               'Jesus Take the Wheel' is a very inspirational song by Carrie Underwood about "letting go and letting God." She basically tells a story about how a woman and her daughter driving almost crash, but instead are salvaged by God. She realizes at that moment that she needs Him and is asking for Jesus to take control of her downhill spiraling life, something she cannot do on her own. Although it didn't take a near-death experience like this to lead me to request the same of Jesus, I have been in the same position as the woman in question and can relate my life to it in many ways. 
               'Make it Through the Rain' is a very inspirational song that I run to when times are hard. Mariah Carey has a way of wording her lyrics to make it feel as if she's gone through the same hardships and pains as her fans and can relate to them on the most personal levels. This song in a nutshell is saying that although times may get rough, be strong and you can always make it past them. 
               My third song is 'Angels Cry.' This song is about about how a couple that was perfect for each other split. From the first time I heard it, I was reminded of my parents and their divorce. This has had a huge affect on me so it would be a major contribution to my soundtrack. 
                'Ambitious Girl' is a song by Wale about a girl who would rather chase dreams than men. I like Wale's music because he is more of a poet than anything and this song in particular describes the ambition, determination and desire for success in my personality. 
                Lastly, 'The Graduation Song' is about moving on to bigger things after graduating. It's lyrics represent all of the amazing memories I've made with friends that are more like family now, and the good times that are still to come. 

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Epilogue Summary

            I found the epilogue of All Shook Up to be most interesting because I enjoyed reading about Woodstock. I have heard about the festival prior to reading about it here and always had wondered what all of the commotion was about. Located first in August of 1969 at the little town of Bethel in New York, it turned out to be "chaotic, toiletless, muddy, and drug-filled." Much like many other rock n roll related events, parents highly discouraged their teenagers from attending, for the obvious reasons listed above. This didn't stop rebellions though, nothing would stand in their way of seeing performances of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and the Jefferson Airplane.
             I also found it intriguing that Michael Lang was only 24 years old and the rock group manager that organized Woodstock. He opinion about the festival and the generation was that it wasn't solely about the music but a mixture of "everything involved in the new culture." My favorite quote of the chapter though, was when Janis Joplin contributed his thoughts on the uprising of rock n roll saying, "we used to think of ourselves as little clumps of weirdoes. But now we're a whole new minority group."
              Although a place where drugs and sex seemed much involved, Woodstock was a memorable event for all those in attendance. Something they would never forget and were lucky to say they experienced first hand. Many of the artists considered their music an art form. I like that despite the indecency that occurred while the music was performed, it was still a way to unite together and appreciate the beauty in something black, whites, and everything in between could appreciate.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Opinionator #2

             In the article that I read the issue was regarding a developing monitoring system that restricts some forms of radio content over the "public" airwaves. Family Research Council strongly advocated the public and their right to prohibit certain vulgar media from reaching the ears and young impressionable minds of the adolescent. The Federal Communications Commission was approved by Congress powers that enabled them to enforce regulations in order to determine appropriate levels of obscenity, indecency and profane programming.   
              Due to the federal courts' demand to keep control over everything, the FCC has found difficulty controlling the inappropriate content on broadcast and cable channels. It is now understood that the only substantial way of approach is to encourage cable customers to receive or block channels with their new right to do so. This includes all forms from limiting high cable bills to "limiting exposure to unwanted sexual or violent content. In order to persuade consumers to use this new form of self authority, the cable sellers made it free for their subscribers to block certain channels. The FCC knows this approach by the "cable choice" or "a la carte," and FRC believes "cable choice" would start a whole outlook and perseverance of the media and entertainment industry, resulting in a cheaper final product that is appropriate for all ages. 
               I believe this notion is a big step in the right direction. Although some satellite box's allow consumers the choice of parental control, not everyone provides this. In relation to the "Big Picture Theory" or also known as the "Hypothermic Needle Theory," raising awareness about the need to prevent our younger generations from exposure to ill-suited content may stop them from trying to portray what they see or hear. According to the article, "Family Research Council will monitor judicial, statutory, and regulatory developments in this area and influence national policy to make television, radio, and cable programming appropriate for the general public." 

Monday, October 31, 2011

Scholarly Journal Article

The title of my scholarly journal was "Resisting Exile and Asserting Musical Voice: the Dixie Chicks are 'Not Ready to Make Nice' written by Jada Watson and Lori Burns and published in "Popular Music" in the Martin Luther King Library but originally Cambridge University Press 2010. It was about the Dixie Chicks' first words after silence when Natalie Marines of the Dixie Chicks denounced President George W. Bush on a London concert stage. Little did she know, this small relay of opinion would lead to serious career consequences for the 'Chicks'. The girls waited three years and endured public criticism and radio boycotts until they finally released their single 'Not Ready to Make Nice'. After what seemed to be the end of their career, the journal relays how they
responded and regained their voice.

The girl group made a video accompanying their song that included images directly relating to the lyrics of their song. Through the lyrics and images of the video the girls "created a platform of resistance to the social and institutional oppression they experienced." The trio explain what they believe to be their own responsibilities of a judgmental and punitive public opinion and furthermore touch on and influence a movement that had nothing to do with their country music. In the song, there is a dialogue between the Dixie Chicks and those who criticized them for voicing their opinion. Some viewed the song as an angry comeback while others respected the girls for standing by their values.

Overall the girls will always be seen as "The Dixie Chicks" instead of those who spoke against our country's leader and although there was much controversy it is now, for the most part, looked over when mentioning the once so popular girl group.


Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Opinionator #1

The title of the article I read was "Apple Loses Round in Wall Street's Expectations Game" and its title really says it all. Despite the triumphing technology Apple incessantly comes up with Wall Street's always changing frequency is still hard to keep up with. Impressively having the second best three-month period ever posted by the revered make of the iPhone, iPad and iPod, one would think this would be enough to keep stocks high and flourishing. However, Wall Street was brutal as it proceeded to result in a $22 billion loss for the company.  Apparently this all occurred because Apple failed to manage the "analyst expectations that can make or break a stock." This shortcoming was a reminder to all that even the booming companies have to watch they're numbers at Wall Street, nothing is ever sure. Luckily though,

Apple presumes to return to their prospering state with the holiday season quickly approaching. With the death of co-founder Steve Jobs, analysts must now try to figure out if the things change with the new Tim Cook to take his place.  Intelligently though,  according to Cook he will not tamper with the "magic" that has skyrocketed Apple's market value by nearly $300 billion during the past decade, surpassing all competition and making the name for most valuable technological company. The main issue with last quarters droppings was the mistake Apple made to release the date of the new iPhone 4s so early. This delayed buyers from purchasing anything else until the newest edition came out, resulting in a decrease in sales. Guidance for analysts is provided by most major companies in order to help keep their stock prices as stable as possible. Hopefully the company can continue to advance, returning back on their feet and on the right direction.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

5 Favorite Songs from Each Genre

I love the song "Tied Together with a Smile" by Taylor Swift. I can relate to the lyrics because it's seemed that many times I've been in her same position. This is my favorite country song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h49AV_aEuv0

My favorite R&B song of all time is "Burn" by usher. He has been one of my favorite artists for so long and I really love the way he produces his music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5XNWFw5HVw

My favorite rap artist is hands down Lil Wayne. I love him, despite that a lot of his lyrics tend to be vulger. I think one of his best songs is "Lollipop." It was very popular for a long period of time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IH8tNQAzSs&ob=av2n

My favorite rock song is "Adolescents" by Incubus. I love the soft voice the lead singer has and this song relates to a situation I've had as well. I also like the way they incorporate the electric guitar in their songs, usually it kind of bothers me but not when they play.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKD2fjBpHFk

My favorite pop songs always came from Brittany Spears. I loved her music growing up but I think her best song is and always has been "Baby One More Time". Its catchy and rhythm is easy to snap your fingers and sing along to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-u5WLJ9Yk4

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Music Memories #2

My grandma said that her music taste has varied just as much as mine has. When she was a teenager she liked more hip hop and rap but as she got into her late teens and early 20s her taste leaned closer to R&B, a genre without such vulgar lyrics and a smooth beat. Her first concert was a group called Sly and the Family Stone, their hit song was Hot Fun in the Summertime. Others included from Eta James and Nsync with me when I was younger. Now as she is older she listens to the same oldies but enjoys hip hop as well. Her favorite singer when she was younger was Luther Vandross and remains the same to this day. 
I find it interesting that it seems to be human nature to change music styles as we age and mature. When we're younger we relate to lyrics and music styles that pertain to the way we are feeling and the changes we go through during that time period. My music tastes have changed a great deal since age 5, but now I think I'm leaning towards a genre that will stick until I am my grandmas age. We both have grown up with artists who have sung their way through the years, Vandross for her, Mariah Carey and Usher for me. It is ironic that even so many years ago she liked the same genre and then shifted to a different one at the same time that I am. I have come to the conclusion that time may pass but people will always lean on music to bring them through the good and bad times, all depending on what they relate to individually. 

Monday, October 3, 2011

musicians that play happy music

1.  I think most songs by beyonce are usually happy. Like many other artists, she sings about love but hers are more on a positive uplifting side.
2. Another artist with happy songs is Michael Jackson. He usually sang songs that made me want to tap my feet and snap my fingers, his energy was unbeatable.
3. Musiq Soulchild sings songs that aren't degrading to women. He also sings about love but in a cute way that makes it sound much more promising than the typical heartbreak and turmoil.
4. Nicki Minaj's music isn't necessarily "happy" at all times but she does make interesting voices that make her songs more fun to listen to. I like her lyrics too and her songs make me smile.
5. Usher's songs are happy because he's either singing about love or has a good upbeat that makes you want to dance. The majority of the songs aren't depressing lovesick stuff but instead, fun with cute lyrics.

Monday, September 26, 2011

5 Songs Mentioning Sex and/or Drugs

Say Stop -yg
I like this song because of the beat, and the way the lyrics flow. However it does heavily influence the teenage age group to participate in sexual engagements because this is who the singer intends his music for
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Vd1HtSnfdg

I Wanna Sex You Up- Color Me Bad
If this song doesn't portray sex I don't know what does. The artist blatantly states he wants to "sex you up". The beat is catchy though, and somewhat easy to sing along to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g8JADUkjwM&feature=related

I Got 5 On It-Luniz
In this song Luniz's lyrics are all about how he wants to smoke, the chorus and song title is "I got 5 on it" meaning he's willing to pay five dollars for the next blunt.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6tqn7uhYKk

Wetter- Twista
Almost any song with this artists screams sex. His lyrics are typically about what he wants to do with the girl. This song is not my favorite because the girl's voice annoys me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4l6yKhaoJ0&ob=av3n

Knockin The Boots- H-town
This song is also about sex also. "Knockin the Boots" is an expression much like "Rock n Roll" because they both mean to having sex. Like the other artists H-Town clearly states what he wants from the girl and describes what he's gonna do "all night long"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrBnEaQd4ZY

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Music Memories #1

Over time my tastes in music have changed drastically. When I was 5 years old I most favored soundtracks from "Barney" and other childhood television shows such as "The Wiggles" and "Sesame Street." I watched the shows so frequently that I already knew the songs and loved to sing along with the  cheesy characters. At that age I closely related to the happy purple dinosaur who taught the importance of manners and cleaning up after yourself, and the jumping and jiving tunes the 3 "Wiggle" men sang in every episode. It's funny to look back and reflect on how I ever could have related to anything so annoying to me now, but that is just time passing and maturing of the human brain. Once I reached 10 years old AM 1110 was my favorite radio station. It played every single one of my favorite songs and if I didn't like the song before it came on that station, I did after. My favorite artists ranged from Brittany Spears, Nsync, Backstreet Boys, Destiny's Child, and Aaron Carter. At the time, I loved the "Now" albums, which were a series of cds that had a variety of the top tongs from different artists. The collection still goes on today, I believe I reached up to "Now 17" before my taste in music changed again around age 15. This was the Mariah Carey and Usher phase. Although still in love with their music today, they were almost all I listened to at the time. My favorite song by Usher was "Let it Burn" and my favorite song by Mariah Carey was "We Belong Together". It's interesting to see how much we change over time, I would never enjoy listening to anything from Mariah Carey when I was 5, but slowly began to love her music by 15. I'm sure once I'm 20 and 25 my music taste will change yet again, but I think my preferred R&B genre will remain with me for a while. Music has always been a substantial part of my life and I know I will always adore the feeling I get when listening to a song with those common, relateable lyrics.

Friday, September 16, 2011

5 Songs I Hate

I pretty much hate any type of "scream-o" music so this song represents all of that genre. Its too loud and obnoxious for my liking and I dont see the meaning behind their non understandable lyrics that every other genre has.
"Top 10 Best Screamo Songs" - Various Artists
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4t_Zp0YE2rI

I dont like this song because its too country, i like some types of country but the "redneck country bumpkin" genre is too much for me.
Daddy's Money- Ricochet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7yU9Z4nW6Y

I don't like this song because although very catchy in beat and tune the lyrics are so degrading towards women! Its crazy that something so vulgar would be so popular. (please excuse language)
Bitches Ain't Shit- YG
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Bm_yxsMCpE

Classical music is so boring to me so this song represents my dislike of the genre as well
Bach- Double Violin Concerto in D minor 2nd Movemnet, Largo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo0K_n3VLG4

I hate any song thats too repetitive and not creative with lyrics and metaphors. That is why lil wayne is one of my favorite rappers. This song though, Racks by YC ft. Future drives me crazy because the artists repeat the same lines over and over again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLvUfGZgQmE

Monday, September 12, 2011

favorite songs

My top 5 favorite songs are:

Mariah Carey- Heartbreaker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo0Sv4re-T4
I've always liked mariah carey and I can relate to the lyrics of the song because my boyfriend is a heartbreaker.

Jennifer Lopez ft. Ja Rule - I'm Real
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjx9oSJDAVQ&ob=av2e
This song has a good beat and I like it because she's speaking the truth!

Mariah Carey ft. Neyo- Angel's Cry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjx9oSJDAVQ&ob=av2e
This song reminds me of my parents and it always moves me when I listen to the lyrics and sing a long.

Usher ft. Beyonce and Lil Wayne - Love in this Club (remix)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9_h0ibPXb4
I like this song because it has 3 of my favorite artists together and the chorus is catchy.

Aaliyah- One in a Million
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKbWF1jwMhE
I like this song because aaliyah's voice is amazing and she captivates me when listening to her song.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

a little bit about me

My name is Taylor Torregano, I am a new student here at SJSU. So far I love it, the classes in college actually interest me and I'm excited to learn new beneficial things.  This class in particular correlates with my major and will relate to much of the information I'll learn about journalism. I'm interested in the evolution of music and its effects on society so I'm eager to get started on the topics. One thing I don't look forward too though, is the 72 hour "media diet" assignment. I am slightly addicted to my phone, and don't think I can go that long without it! The exercise will be interesting though and the results as well.