Rock Music of the 1960-70s
Overview
In
this class we will discuss and listen to some of the stylistic features of
classic (1960's through early 1970's) British and American pop and rock
music, including blues, Motown, soul and aspects of jazz which acted as clear
influences. This will not so much be a
history of the music, but an overview of its stylistic ingredients. We will focus specifically on what we are
hearing that makes this music special, likeable and enduring. Initially
we will look at some basic elements common to the style: format, rhythm,
instrumentation/arranging and harmony, musical precursors, certain cultural
and technological influences, lyric content. Next
we will focus on specific artists and some of the individual traits that
characterize their music. We will also
make comparisons between a variety of artists and their songs. We will want to see how different artists
often follow similar compositional procedures, but also how each evolved
individually. Finally,
we will look at specific albums (as opposed to just select song tracks) to
see how collections of songs were organized in significant ways and
sequences. This will show how often
times the album is more than the sum of its parts and not just a convenient
way to package a series of works. Throughout
the class, we will discuss terms and ideas specific to this type of
music–written explanations will be provided. The
goal of the class will be to enhance and refine your listening abilities as
well as to expand your musical vocabulary. Some
of the artists we will discuss include: The
Beach Boys The Beatles Chicago David
Bowie Earth,
Wind and Fire Aretha
Franklin Jimi
Hendrix Elton
John The
5th Dimension The
Grateful Dead Led
Zeppelin The
Left Banke Joni
Mitchell The
Monkees Pink
Floyd The
Rolling Stones The
Small Faces Traffic The
Who The
Zombies You
are encouraged to suggest other artists and/or particular songs that we can
include in the curriculum. Handouts/downloads
will be available on a weekly basis and also listening suggestions for
homework. Any music theory terms used
in class will have a simplified accompanying explanation. |
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Week |
Topics/links |
Assignments/Listening |
1: Jan 7 |
Introduction |
Listening guide (for any/all songs) |
2: Jan 14 |
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3: Jan 21 |
Blues,
Arrangements and Small Forms Continued |
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4: Jan 28 |
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5: Feb 4 |
Featured
Instruments continued |
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6: Feb 11 |
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7: Feb 18 |
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8: Feb 25 |
Coltrane:
My Favorite Things Davis:
Shhh/Peaceful Hubbard:
First Light |
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9: Mar 4 |
Jamming,
Digressions, Extended Sections |
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10: Mar 11 |
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11: Mar 18 |
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12: Mar 25 |
Album
Continuity: Abbey Road |