American Underground Music Analysis Discussion

Part 1 (250 words)

Please listen to the following three psychedelic examples by the Doors, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, and complete a free write on your aural experiences.

1. Discuss two specific musical features you hear in each recording that qualify as emblematic of the psychedelic rock sound.

2. Describe the overall sonic texture and song structure of the Doors. What is unique about their approach?

3. Describe Janis Joplin’s vocal style. How might she exhibit influences from the Classic Blues Queens like Bessie Smith?

4. Describe Jimi Hendrix’s guitar sound and style. How might Jimi’s interpretation of the National Anthem be a statement of protest?

The Doors – “Light My Fire” (1967)

Janis Joplin – “Piece of Heart” (1968)

Jimi Hendrix – “Star Spangled Banner”/ “Purple Haze” (1969)

Part 2 (250 words)

Compare and contrast the following two songs and videos. The first is an example of New York punk from the Ramones, live at CBGBs in New York City; and the second is hardcore punk from the Dead Kennedys live at the DMPOs in San Francisco. Discuss what is similar, and what stands out as different between the two in terms of sound, style, performance, presentation, vibe, atmosphere and audience makeup and participation. (250 words)

Ramones at CBGBs (1977)

Dead Kennedys at DMPOs (1984)Part 3 (250 words) Please watch as much of the following 16 minute film titled Heavy Metal Parking Lot. This cult classic is an independent-made documentary featuring interviews with young heavy metal fans tailgating in the parking lot outside a Judas Priest concert in Landover, Maryland. The film acts as a time capsule for what a metal crowd looked and sounded like when heavy metal music was at its peak popularity in the mid 1980s. Reflect on what you saw in the film.Based on the film, how would you characterize the heavy metal fan base. What conclusions or takeaways can you draw from the way they were presented in documentary. What if any bias did you notice?

Heavy Metal Parking Lot (1986)

30 minute film version with additional footage (optional)