Late Homework Dump #2

O Superman- Laurie Anderson

Really unconventional piece that is almost uncomfortable to listen to, robotic voices. Part of it plays out in the form of a phone call. Sounds almost like the lyrics were protesting taxation.

Through the Looking Glass- Midori Takada

Very soothing album of ambient music and sounds, forgot i was listening to it at some point. Really great background stuff.

Perfect Lives- Robert Ashley

A talking with light music in the background, it kind of reminds me of sheryl crow’s all I wanna do, and it’s interludes of her speaking. A little long though ( I didn’t listen to all of it)

Study for Player Piano No. 37- Conlon Nancarrow

This song is basically what happens when you let a bunch of toddlers and young kids play with a piano all at once. Slightly more organised but definitely not pleasant to listen to. The term -Modern Art- comes to mind.

Don’t Believe the Hype- Public Enemy

Pretty good example of what was known as gangster rap back in the day. Looks like people never stop complaining about the media no matter what age.

So What Cha Want- Beastie Boys

I’m not sure what to say about this one except it reminds me of “Name of the Game” by the Crystal Method. Not a huge fan of the song in general as rap is not really my genre.

Smells Like Teen Spirit- Nirvana

Sounds angsty, like edgy teenagers. first time I've listened to nirvana. Seems ok

We’ve only just begun- Carpenters

Upbeat, warm.

Horse with no name- America

Ditto, a bit more energy

The Boxer- Simon and Garfunkel

Really peaceful sounding, could nap to this tbh. Not sure if it's just me but it feels like it has a slight southern vibe to it.

The Carpet Crawlers- Genesis

Very calm slow song by genesis, a bt different from the music I know from them.

Long Distance Runaround- Yes

More light music with a faster pace, it's bouncy and alternates between fast and slow. All i can relate it to is the charlie brown soundtrack at times.

One of These Days- Pink Floyd  

Song plays around with the stereo and direction of the wind a bit it seems. Pink floyd seems to have a recurring theme of using everyday sounds in his music, door knocking and wind are in this one.

Supernaut- Black Sabbath

This is the noise disgruntled parents were talking about back in the day I can only assume. Not my cup of tea.

I Wanna Be Sedated- Ramones

Upbeat rock, this one I can appreciate. Upbeat. I actually really liked this one.

1969- Iggy Pop & The Stooges

Sounds exactly like what you would find in the dictionary for in a vehicle documentary music.

A missed Listening

Conlon Nancarrow, Study for Player Piano No. 37

• Every time I thought it was going somewhere the pace and emotion changed. I would have to say this is a very complex piece. I don't know what kind of tone it is suppose to be setting but as I listen I think its more of a piece thats open to interpretation. My interpretation is just randomness. Overall, very interesting.

Robert Ashley, Perfect Lives 

• As I listen to it, it almost sounds like someones is talking out a story. Everything is soft and and little sound effects in the background of the piano gives it more of a abstract feel. Abstract but very simple at the same time. There are little parts where I can hear sort of a dreamy, dramatic part that intensifies as the vocalist says something intensely. Very descriptive in what he says and what kind of mood he is trying to set which I can say is subtle and at the same time dramatic.  

Midori Takada, Through The Looking

• This is a very good album. I sitting here listening to it and it almost brings a sense of softness and peace to my setting right now. It is a very nice piece to listen to when you are in one of those moods to relax and fall into a peaceful trance. Reminds me of so many different kinds of music. Sometimes it sounds like Japan's Komuso monks or Native American fluting. Honestly might saved this to my playlist. 

Laurie Anderson, O Superman 

• Watching the actual video is kind of trippy. I'm trying to figure out what she is talking about. I feel like this is a point to this song and I would like to know especially because of the date it was uploaded to youtube which is very recent even though it was released in year 1982, so side note I'm going to so what I could find on it now if there is anything. It is very cool in a way but has a sketchy/ dark feel to it. "Robotic arm" stands out to me in the video especially the dramatic ending which I found very interesting and through out the song the most interesting part was "O superman, O judge, O mom and dad". From my little research this is in meaning to say “leader of the free world” (Superman), the “global policeman” (Judge), and as a protector of human rights (Mom and Dad). Anderson believed that Americans had grown too comfortable with this reliance on military power. 
• Where I get this info, not sure if it exactly right

Listening Assignments

Laurie Anderson "O Superman"

I thought it was kind of cool that the lyrics are basically a telephone conversation and how she changes her voice to be different people speaking.  The music video seems more like a performance piece than an actual music video. It's interesting how she uses a light to make a silhouette of her arm and hand.

Midori Takada "Though the Looking Glass"
Its very slow and relaxing. It sounds like the music that you would hear if you went to a spa. I like how the flutes sound like birds at some points. However it does pick up a little bit later on but it does slow down again.  The instruments do make the music seem very surreal.

Robert Ashley "Perfect Lives"

The whole song feels like a story told over lounge piano music. It kind of caught me off guard when the woman appears in the background. I'm not too sure how i'm supposed to take this.


Conlon Nancarrow "Studies for Player Piano No .37

the beginning sounds like when little kids decide to mess around on a piano but other times it sounds like multiple pianists playing different songs at the same time. The title of this piece is different since you would think it would be piano player and not player piano. I guess its written for the pianos that play themselves. Over all I kind of like it in general.

Final

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B-479fuiXwA6RG9uZXpJMWFlS00

Final

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B9sVaOBRZkv7TUk0SGlRYlFpRXc?usp=sharing

Final With Many Updates

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B4-W3O1-lRPfSXlDVUNzQlM5dzA

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4-W3O1-lRPfeVNvVUp4UzFYdEE/view?usp=sharing

Final project Link, and thank you for a great semester!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3e8m3nCN52beThNRG5lY2VUTGM/view?usp=sharing