Homework 7_ Rock _n_ Roll and Cover Versions
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University of California, Berkeley *
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Course
26AC
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by DoctorRockLobster39
1.
What is the story presented in Alice Walker’s fictional account
Nineteen Fifty Five
? (3-5
sentences)
In Alice Walker’s
Nineteen Fifty Five
, the narrative follows Gracie Mae Still, a former blues
artist who sells her song to Traynor, an emerging musician, who subsequently makes her song
famous. The story delves into the racial dynamics of the 1950s and the appropriation of black
music by white artists by illustrating a white man, Traynor, performing a song by a black artist
that made him famous without understanding the true meaning of the song. The story’s essence
lies in Traynor’s failure to grasp the African-American experience, the creators of rock and roll,
and his mere imitation rather than genuine embodiment of the music he is famous for, achieved
through performing songs originally created by black artists. It also centers on Grace’s
realization of how her work and identity were suppressed and overshadowed by Traynor’s fame,
despite her significant contribution to his success. This all highlights themes of racial inequality,
artistic exploitation, and the erasure of black artists’ contributions in the music industry.
2.
Would you consider cover songs, or a new recording of a song by someone other than the
original recording artist, as “fake” or “inauthentic”? Explain your position. (4-6
sentences).
I would not exactly consider cover songs, or a new recording of a song by someone other than
the original recording artist as “fake” or “inauthentic” because I think cover songs offer a lot to
both artists and audiences. For instance, cover songs allow for artistic exploration and
innovation, enabling different artists to infuse their unique creativity and personal flair into a
song. Cover songs allow a song to reach a more diverse audience. Different people have different
preferences when it comes to music, so with covers they will have a variety of artists to pick
from for a particular song as different artists have different styles. However, I believe that artists
who cover a song need to acknowledge the original artist and have a sincere embodiment of the
music. These artists need to put in the effort to understand the true meaning of the song they
want to cover.
3.
Does it matter if the original meaning of the song is lost in the cover version? (2-4
sentences).
I believe it does matter if the original meaning of the song is lost in the cover version because it
neglects the original artist’s intent and disrespect the efforts of the original artist. Like I
mentioned earlier, it is significant for an artist to understand the true meaning of the song they
want to cover and maintain that meaning when they cover. By disregarding the original meaning,
it can undermine the original artist’s vision and the emotional or thematic depth the song initially
conveyed. Also, it can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations, potentially lessening the
impact of the song and disconnecting audiences from its intended significance.
4.
Listen to this 2 version of “Hound Dog” and compare the following:
●
Rhythm and tempo
●
Use of bass
●
Guitar
●
Vocal style and timbre
●
Storyline and meaning of lyrics
Rhythm and Tempo:
Big Mama Thornton’s version maintains a slower, more traditional blues
tempo with a raw, steady rhythm that aligns more with the traditional blues style. Elvis Presley’s
version has a notably faster tempo, infused with a prominent, danceable rock ‘n’ roll rhythm,
creating a more energetic lively feel.
Use of Bass:
In Big Mama Thornton’s version, the bass plays a foundational role within the blues
structure. The bassline is steady and straightforward, aligning with traditional blues
accompaniment. It maintains a prominent, repetitive pattern that supports the song’s rhythm and
groove, contributing to the overall deep, earthy sound characteristic of blues music. In Elvis
Presley’s version, there is a more energetic, rock ‘n’ roll approach to the bass. The bassline is
punchier, driving the song forward with a more pronounced and lively presence. This aligns with
the upbeat tempo and danceable rhythm.
Guitar:
In Big Mama Thornton’s version, the guitar is more of a stand-in for whoever she is
talking about and it plays an integral component within the blues ensemble. The guitar work
follows a traditional blues style, featuring acoustic or clean guitar playing. The guitar contributes
to the song’s authenticity, adding depth and groove to the overall bluesy sound. In Elvis Presley’s
version, the guitar is merely just accompaniment. It incorporates a more prominent and driving
guitar, creating a lively and spirited rock ‘n’ roll feel. This adds on to the upbeat tempo and
danceable rhythm.
Vocal Style and Timbre:
Big Mama Thornton’s voice carries a deep, gritty timbre, reflective of
the classic blues style. Her vocals are forceful and soulful, evoking a sense of authenticity and
emotion. She also improvises and her version contains a heterogeneous sound ideal. Elvis
Presley’s rendition features a smoother, more polished timbre. His voice conveys a sense of
youthful exuberance and charisma, creating a more radio-friendly and commercially appealing
sound. His version contains more of a homogeneous sound ideal.
Storyline and Meaning of Lyrics:
Big Mama Thornton’s lyrics were about a guy who wants her.
Her delivery emphasizes the scornful attitude and frustration, portraying a woman's
empowerment and independence. Elvis Presley’s lyrics were more nonsense and removed
anything “sexual” to make him more appropriate and appealing, which is ironic with the way he
danced. His interpretation focuses more on the playful, lighthearted elements of the lyrics,
emphasizing a youthful and carefree approach.
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