Response to Tyler's "Do genres die?"

Blog #10

After thinking about the question of "do genres die?" I have come to the conclusion that they don't. I feel like a bunch of genres are not played much anymore, but I guaruntee that someone still listens to at least one of every genre at some point. I also believe that genres evolve into other genres which I feel can sometimes be a little ridiculous.

A pet peeve of mine has always been how many different metals there are. I would hate to say that I listen to 7 different kinds of metal if someone asks me so I just say "metal", as a whole genre. I am in no way saying that bands should be denied of their uniqueness but to put it lightly, holy shit! I have seen genres that just dont make sense, for instance, "metamorphic rock"! I hate to be mean but when a bunch of bands have been around and have been known as just being "rock" bands, and then immediatly change into "metamorphic rock" bands I have to ask how their sound has changed to make them into this new genre.

MY POINT- Why so many genres? Simple as that.

Playlist

The Crystal Method- "Weapons of Mass Distortion"

The Crystal Method- "Name of the Game"

Pink Floyd- "Wish You Were Here"

Army of Anyone- "Disappear"

Ra- "The First Step"

What is more important to a listener...sound or lyrics??

Blog #9

I bet your asking yourself what the hell I mean. Well what I mean is that some people really like the sounds of bands but hate the lyrics so they don’t listen to them. In other cases people think that people particular lyricist wrote an amazing song, but hate the sound so they don’t listen to it.

One example I have comes from a few years ago when a Mother asked me what type of music I listen too. I explained to her that I listened to a lot of metal and hard rock. She told me that she would never let her 18 year old boy listen to that type of music because of all the screaming and yelling but she also expressed how it was hard to keep him away from it. I asked her what she listened too and she replied Christian rock as well as light rock and some classical. She also told me that she would prefer he listened to the same. I then expressed to here that there are many bands out there who scream and yell but they scream and yell about hope, love, and in her case Christian faith. I gave her a couple of names of bands such as Underoath, As I Lay Dying and All that Remains and told her a little about them. I mentioned to her that some have spiritual lyrics and in some cases the band consists of musicians who strongly believe in the Christian faith. I am not just saying this about Christian metal/rock but for all instances like this. She didn’t say whether or not she would allow her son to listen to any of these bands, but she did say that she would check them out.

I will ask the question again…do people pay more attention to lyrics or sounds to decide on whether they like the music?

This is a video of All that Remains playing “The Air That I Breather.” Although All that Remains is not labeled a Christian Rock/Metal band, the lead singer/lyricist, Phil Labonte explains that his Christian faith goes into many of his lyrics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG9qlKEyV4E

Playlist

All That Remains- “The Air That I Breathe”

Ashes Divide- “Forever Can Be”

Fair to Midland- “Dance of The Manatee”

Megadeth- “She-wolf”

30 Seconds to Mars- “Oblivion”

Guitar Tapping...Guitar Playing??

Blog #8

First things first...
I wanted to ask a tough question of whether guitar tapping is considered a real form of playing guitar. (Here is a video of Eric Mongrain performing a song consisting of almost all tapping. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb9cidk0Bfs ) I love these type of questions because it brings up so many opinions and so much conversation. I would like to express my ideas in this blog.

After watching this video I would have to say that guitar tapping is a real form of playing guitar. Although there is a not a ton of strumming with the guitar in its upright position, the basic idea of the guitar is there. I feel that in whatever way an instrument is made to play, if it is played like that then it is legit. A guitar makes sound by using it strings. Whether you strum, pick, or tap it is all making the guitar string make noise. Also, there has always been tapping especially within electric guitar riffs and solos, but up until recently no one ever created full compositions.

So how can an instrument be used to create sound but not in its original intended way. I always think of instruments like woodwinds. It was intended to have air blown through it to create the sound, but someone could easily create sounds by wacking it with drum sticks. Like I said, I feel like each instrument has a original way it should be played. Guitars were meant to have it strings moved to create noise, and woodwinds were meant to have air blown through them. There are many opinions or what is considered original playing but those are mine.

Playlist

Dream Theater- Scenes From A Memory (Whole Album)

Dream Theater- Images and Words (Whole Album)

Reflection

Blog #7

This week I want to do something similar to Dave's blog a week ago and reflect a little on Sam and Dave's piece from last class. I was lucky enough to be able to help them create it. I really liked the idea they had about correlating the 'Inept' chapter into a piece of music. I was very intrigued as to how they wanted to follow through with it. Initally I thought we might try and actually make a punk song but instead they took the idea a step further and had each of us play a instrument we have no clue how to play. Before I continue, I just have to say that it was unbelievably fun! not knowing how to play something and having free reign to do whatever you want is something you dont get to do that much in life. I never knew being inept at something could be so rewarding. I truly want to learn more about the electric guitar and possibly start taking lessons when I have some free time.

So about this idea of wanting to learn how to play the guitar. Is this where we should praise punk? I got to thinking about how people give punk a bad rap because it is the music that "everyone can play." Well I feel like in some cases punk leads people into other genres and experimental music. A lot of people may have started playing punk but then moved into different styles of music. This could be because they didnt like the simplicity, or the short songs. For example, prog rock band Dream Theater (I'm sorry about referencing them all the time) started up listening to mostly rock and punk. They became a band when prog rock was just starting to become big again. Prog rock lost all headway when punk rock came around in the early 70's. It just so happened that eventhough some of their influences were punk and rock but they turned into a progressive rock band. I think it is interesting how music is created from other genres. In other words, people who hate punk, create prog rock. People who hate certain types of music usually create something opposite. Now obviously this isnt always true. I like metal, prog, country, rap, jazz, punk, and many others. But I feel it very interesting to see that in some ways people owe the creation of their type of music to a music style they despise...


My Playlist

"The Arms of Sorrow" - Killswitch Engage

"In the Presence of Enemies I" - Dream Theater

"In the Presence of Enemies II" - Dream Theater

"I'm Broken" - Pantera

"Only You" - Filter

"Way Beyond" - 32 Leaves

"Stand"- Candlebox