Ben Meyerson

[Ben Meyerson @bennyninetoes]

@MUSC117Fall2022 Clover discussed the advent of grunge as a mash of the D.I.Y. scene punk had established and metal. Cobain tried to unlearn his instruments, sticking to simplistic chords, but in reality was virtuosity guitarist.

[Ben Meyerson @bennyninetoes]

@MUSC117Fall2022 Part of your brand was to de-commercialize your music and embrace a communal experience, what financially kept the record label going?

Was it difficult to: gain a following? Get non-local venues to let you play?

What was the scene with the guy playing the solo-tone trumpet?

[Ben Meyerson @bennyninetoes]

@MUSC117Fall2022 Gray describes the Replacements song "Treatment Bound" as a 'tour de farce' (196). This phrase aptly captures the essence of the band. Lauded by their concertgoers, they were too talented to go unnoticed. Yet, internally the band mocked the idea of critically acclaimed success.

[Ben Meyerson @bennyninetoes]

@MUSC117Fall2022 Reynold's highlights how an environment in 'decay', like Manchester in the 70's, influenced the unique sound of post-punk rock. Using new studio techniques, bands like Joy Division often created a droning effect that embodied the coldness of the time.

[Ben Meyerson @bennyninetoes]

@MUSC117Fall2022 It was particularly interesting for Crowe to include the comments of rock legend, Elvis Costello to juxtapose perceptions of Boston with their own vision as simple musicians. The stardom they often shied away from infected the way their music was both produced and perceived.

[Ben Meyerson @bennyninetoes]

@MUSC117Fall2022 Hebdige asserts the style of Punk Rock is result of a rejection of pop culture. The bricolage that defined the punk style was used to symbolize the, "nothingness" they were trying to achieve (106). The variety of items used in fashion made sure no one style could capture theirs.

[Ben Meyerson @bennyninetoes]

@MUSC117Fall2022 The documentary shows how Big Star's identity as a band and the sonics of there music makes listeners feel that the band is their "own". They capture an "authenticity" that big record label musicians couldn't in an era where rock was overproduced.

[Ben Meyerson @bennyninetoes]

@MUSC117Fall2022 Reynolds captures how Glam took on aspects of and payed homage to its predecessors, while creating an identity of its own. Stripped down rock with new studio techniques created an unmistakable sound that was nearly as remarkable as the rejection of realism and embrace of fantasy.

[Ben Meyerson @bennyninetoes]

@MUSC117Fall2022 Rothstein embodies romanticism in this piece. His long and descriptive prose are representative of this movement in literature. His description of the "sublime" speaks to the almost otherworldly, incomprehensible nature of the concept.

[Ben Meyerson @bennyninetoes]

@MUSC117Fall2022 The Maysles Brothers' film, aptly named, Gimme Shelter, gives an unpolished look at the attempt to recreate the success at Woodstock. Unfortunately, that same sense of unity was not present at the Altamont Speedway. This dissonance lead to unavoidable violence.

[Ben Meyerson @bennyninetoes]

@MUSC117Fall2022 Pareles' description of Woodstock is one that embodies just how bizarre and unique the occasion was. For a short moment in time, a cities population came together to celebrate art without it being fetishized by consumerism. There has not been an event like this since.

[Ben Meyerson @bennyninetoes]

@MUSC117Fall2022 Keightley makes strong claims regarding the relationship between "authenticity", a core foundation for Rock 'n' Roll, and "mass culture". There is a constant struggle to ethically evaluate "mass culture" in order to maintain a identity that is unique and true to an artist.

[Ben Meyerson @bennyninetoes]

@MUSC117Fall2022 Landau does a good job of explaining how Motown changed traditional R & B to appeal to a greater audience. To be specific, a whiter audience. Yet, I need some clarification on what he considered "African American" music.