3-song analysis

The song "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon & Garfunkel was lyrically an indirect sexual song, but the message was implied. It is a catchy tune and has a repeated chorus. It is an upbeat song but not that fast and is easy on the ears. The woman sought help in the song and was cared for. When used in a film, the woman had an affair.

Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" had a rockabilly feel to it but would appeal to any casual music listener. It truly is a catchy and likeable song on the surface. The tone of the guitar and theme of the song had a type called "twang" to it. The lyrics discuss a classic prisoner hatred of the rich, who sit at home and smoke and drink all day while he has to experience prison. Johnny Cash's low voice mixed with the twang of the rockabilly style makes the song truly enjoyable.

Jimi Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower" was originally written by Bob Dylan, and that factor gives the performed song a blues feel to it. The song seems to present a conversation between two men, a joker and a thief. The end of the song is a kind if resolution, stating that even the present is not a good indication of the future.

British Invasions Comparison

Every American of age can remember the magnanimous British Invasion of The Beatles, but several other groups had emerged from the UK around the same time, grabbing attention and revealing themselves to the world. The Rolling Stones, the Kinks, the Animals, the Who, and the Yardbirds all had their time in the sun. The Beatles, symbols of peace and engineers of musical masterpieces contrasted the flaring tempers of the Kinks, a band that rose and fell with the untamable, outspoken lead singer Ray Davies. In a sense, they were similar by the fact that each "lead man"- Ray Davies and John Lennon- were not afraid to speak their mind. While other big-name groups had their hits, (the Animals "House of the Rising Sun", the Who's "I Can See for Miles" and the Yardbirds' "For Your Love") the formula that went into song-writing and lasting musical excellence separated both the Beatles and The Rolling Stones from the rest. Considered by many as the ultimate rock band, the Stones were loved and loathed. Parents and figures of authority made every effort they could to shield off the flamboyant group of rebels from their children and other innocent eyes and ears. Although each band had no hate towards the other, a divide in the public had speedily developed. You were either a Beatles-lover, or a Stones-lover during the British Invasion.

Sgt. Pepper Review

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is considered by many to be the best Rock n' Roll album of all time. Although many may not agree that it is the most musically appealing, they must acknowledge it's impact on Rock n' Roll and all of music. The use of orchestra in the sounds of the song and the idea of creating the album as one continuous theme of music revolutionized the genre of Rock, and would therefore have the credibility to be called the best album on history. I believe it's Rock n' Roll to an extent, but rather than fitting into the genre of Rock n' Roll, it expanded it and introduced unprecendented styles, adapted from other genres.

The Beatles Study Guide 10 facts

The Beatles' coming to America was part of a music movement in the time period, known as the British Invasion.

The Beatles wrote their own songs.

The Beatles covered previous songs.

Ringo was the oldest member of the Beatles.

George was the youngest member of the Beatles.

Bob Dylan introduced the Beatles to marijuana.

After their first two albums, the Beatles rarely made appearances for concerts, and usually stuck to impromptu performances.

The Beatles' first album was called With the Beatles, in the UK.

Pete Best was the original drummer of the group.

Deca was the name of the record company that rejected The Beatles for their "outdated" music style.

Pet Sounds Review

Per Sounds, the Beach Boys album released in 1966, is probably the best of all their work. Songs such as "Wouldn't It Be Nice" and "God Only Knows" bring the best of their symphonic vocals with some conventional strings. It was also when Brian Wilson was considered at the top of his game, releasing what is to be thought of as the last magic we saw from him in the music group. Everything seemed to fit right in place as Brian and his Beach Boys delivered a harmonic masterpiece.

How the Themes of Music Changed from the 50's to the 60's

The themes of music from the 1950's to the 1960's changed in many aspects. The rise of girl groups was one of the most monumental phenomenon in music if the decade. Everyone wanted to see the trios and young groups perform. Some of the successful groups included The Marvelettes, The Ronnettes, The Angels, and The Dixie Cups. Each of them had a popular influence on music and they quickly gained interest.
Black artists became more prominent as well, with musicians such as Ray Charles, The Supremes, and Otis Redding who each gained fame in a variety of genres. Motown Records was responsible for some of the largest success and money that resulted from the artists. They brought fame and supported big-name artists, such as Marvin Gaye and The Supremes.

Letter to Teen in the 50's

Dear Lenny,
I know it's been awhile, but there are some pretty big things that have gone on in the music industry during the 50's. I think it's interesting how the whole idea of Rock n' Roll and the genre itself came to be, as well as the turn it started to take after a few events took place.
One of the most ironic aspects is that the popularity of Rock music started with African Americans, and how their "untamed" style of music captivated the easily influenced minds of teenagers, like you and me. Groups such as the Delta Cats were the real beginnings of what we say was Rock n' Roll, but it wasn't too long before white bands and musicians were copying, "taming" the sound, and making big money off of their production.
Some of the bigger names include Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry, and Bill Haley. All of these artists shaped the industry of the 50's by popular, but not necessarily sustaining effects. That is with the exception of Chuck Berry, whose unprecedented guitar style showed what a guitar was musically capable of. To this day, musicians still take after Berry's style of really creating sounds and melodies with the strings.
Many people, including myself, agree that when Buddy Holly, a talents up-and-comer in all of music, tragically died in a plane crash, it truly was "The Day that Music Died". Record labels were signing bright-faced, fresh white, good boys and girls that could appeal in a non-offensive and teenage heart-throb way. This was popularly said to have been the demise of music of that era
Anyways, hope to see you eventually old friend.
Best regards,
Adam

Johnny Be Good by Chuck Berry

The song "Johnny Be Good" by Chuck Berry was my favorite of the ones the class listened to. The rythym and catchiness of the flow of instruments is foot-tap worthy to say the least. I think the song's popularity throughout the decades is due to how easily people can dance to it and find relief from stress just from listening to it. The repetition may seem annoying to some, but only makes it easier to sing along and make it that much more recognizable.

What Music Means to Me

The feeling that music gives me is hard to put into words, but it's something that keeps me relaxed and something I've become dependent on. The infinite variations and styles of music entertain me on their own, and discovering new music and retrieving old hits from the past is very enjoyable.