Our taste in music defines us. It informs the way we dress, the way we talk and the way we view the world. Whether you like Kanye or Taylor, prefer Nirvana to Led Zeppelin or simply like all forms of music, you are not alone. Americans love their music and we will do anything to collect all versions of every song created by our beloved icons.
Just look at the new stereo and digital remix of the Beatles library and then add in the power of a videogame aimed at a video-proficient generation. This is not the Fab Four seen only on fading reels of the Ed Sullivan Show or the stark Black and White film of "A Hard Day's Night". No,it is the digital and dimensional world where aging Baby Boomers and youthful iPod-Google-DS experts converge and appreciate musical, cultural legends.
It is truly a new day in the life.
I read the first paragraph (kanye) and think of the guy that sits next to me in mpc, but thats of course not what caught my attention. I spotted the words "A Hard Days Night" and read what was being said. These two paragraphs make me sit here and think about how much music has really impacted the media and more so the majority of us who listen to music.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Music definitely defines us. Music is something we can express our selves in ways that we can't. Being in a band, music is my life and I don't know where I'd be with out it. It's great to show our feelings and expressions through the music we play and the lyrics we write.
ReplyDeleteI really like the comment on music even affecting something like video games. I never would have thought that there would be music based video games when I was making Mario fight Bowser on my Nintendo 64. Now with Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and even DJ Hero, fans have yet another way to connect with their favorite artist. These video games give us another way to worship and obsess over musicians and bands we hold dear to us. It even gives us a way to discover new music. Free Bird garnered a whole new following just by being on Guitar Hero. It brought that song back into the forefront of music along with Lynyrd Skynyrd, the band that made it popular 30 some years ago. Musical video games are all about making that connection, and as long as they're around the popularity of music, and it's culture, will only increase.
ReplyDeleteI really like the first paragraph and how it talks about music defining us. People don't realize how much music impacts our lives. We get in our cars and turn on the radio, we start homework and listen to our ipods, malls and stores are always playing music, we hum/sing songs to ourselves etc. Its being pushed on us from all sides. What music you listen to can define what type of person you are, and what trends you follow. Its almost impossible to imagine one day without music. Its not necessarily a bad thing, but its amazing the control we give media to influence our lives.
ReplyDeletei agree, i do think music defines us. i also think that with time and more and more new technologies comes influences to younger groups of people. now we have 7 year olds dressing up like hannah montana and 12 year olds wanting to be taylor swift. music is starting to influence younger chlidren and wider ranges of ages as time and new technolgies come about
ReplyDeleteI agree. Music is a powerful tool. So much can be expressed through music itself, as well as the just the genre only that one prefers. I think it is reasonable to say that simply by looking at most people, one can make a fairly accurate guess as to the music they might listen to. People emulate the people they admire.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all the above posts, music does have a strong impact on our lives. Looking deeper its not the music itself that has the greatest impact on us but the music producers and the well thought out process that they go through to decide what type of music record industries should market to us as consumers. Have you ever heard a song for the first time and hated everything about it? Even though u once hated this song you catch yourself eventually humming the lyrics as it plays for the twentieth time through your speakers. This is because music is pushed on us as it is played constantly. We find ourselves like robots or slaves to the stereotypical, sexist, explicit lyrics of every song.
ReplyDeleteI believe everyone is different, but there is one thing that we all have in common; passion for music. Music ranges from many different genres. Music is culturally diverse and is liked all throughout the world. People listen to music for many reasons. Some listen to hear the stories, sing along in the car, and most importantly relate their lives to songs.
ReplyDeleteTo a point I can infer that rap music ruins childrens lives and impacts them significantly or I can also conclude that rap music is just another genre that people choose to listen to. I cannot really make that judgement of whether or not rap music is to blame for violence in this world today but i do agree that it effects young adults in some manner. It is showing men that violence is okay towards women and the media exaggerates this as well.
Everyone can relate to each other when it comes to music. Everyone has their favorite bands and artists they will defend, and it's unlikely that anyone hates music all together. What I am upset about is the way music is changing from full length albums to hit singles. iTunes has been a great storage area for all of my music for years, however, the way they offer their customers to buy just the songs they enjoy, offends me. Musicians and artists are two totally different names when it come to music these days. Musicians release singles every once in awhile, and artists release full length albums. It is here within the cluster of songs strung together on the same theme that we can find a pictue painted by the artists. With the change of music comes the change of art.
ReplyDeleteI believe that music has a big impact on our lives whether we realize it or not. We listen to it whie were driving, studying, working out, or simply just for the enjoyment. I also believe that music lyrics are a major part that we can relate to being human beings. From songs that make you happy/sad because they remind you of you're significant other, to those songs that have those lyrics that inspire you to be a better person in this world and many other situations also. Music is deffinatley a strong way to show our emotions through, and define us as individuals or members of certain groups.
ReplyDeleteMusic does have a strong impact of our lives. Whether you're the artist, the producer of the songs, or even the audio engineer behind it all who puts it all into one, music still puts an effect in our lives. It shapes us as a person. For example, someone who listens to reggae/jamaican types of music is most likely not to be the one stressing out 24/7 in a suit and hates theyre job. Music is the vibe setter. When I say this I mean it sets the mood of whoever is listening. People go out to nightclubs to party and have a good time, that is why there is techno/upbeat songs. It makes you want to bob your head and dance. People also express themselves through music. Emotion is party of the song. It is a form of art.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting how music can have such a huge impact on everyone. I think a lot of people don't think about music as a powerful tool that can shape who we are and our cultures. Music is something you are constantly surrounded by from a young age and is naturally a part of your everyday life. The music someone listens to can tend to give you an idea of who they are and has proven to be a strong way to connect with others.
ReplyDeleteMusic is just as much part of our lives in today's world as breathing. No matter what you are doing, people cn always be in the mood to listen to their favorite songs or artists. The new music of today has only developed because of what came before it. Even still today, people listen to The Beatles, The temptations, Elvis, Kiss. Why? Because music is a form of art that won't go extinct, it may converge again, vbut it will never be eliminated from our society.
ReplyDeleteI agree with alot of everyone's comments. Music is a huge deal in my life and is a major part of who I am and the person I came to be today. Music can help people cope with some of the daily problems they go through and can change a mood in an instant. It amazing how music has changed over the years within all different cultures; and that this will keep happening in the future. No matter who you are, music will always be apart of everyone.
ReplyDeleteMusic has a huge impact on so many different areas of everyones life- whether its old school vinyl or digital- its the notes themselve that affect our lives- they bring back memories, good or bad, help relive the past- put a smile on your face --Music is an integral part of therapy for autistic children- they are so much more attentive and verbal after hearing just a few notes- We would be lost without some form of music on our lives- I know I will always listen to it- its a part of who i am and who i wish to become
ReplyDeleteMusic is definitely a huge deal and is something that can shape the way a person is seen. Music can be seen as a form entertainment to a form of self expression. I do think that through the years music has evolved with the help of new technology each year. For example my parents joke and find it funny that I still listen to the bands they listened to when they were in college. (Pink Floyd, Zeppelin, The Stones) This is because new technology has made this music popular through games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Besides being influenced by music through video games such as Rock Band and Guitar Hero we also are probably influenced by music so much because these days we all have 24 hour access to music. If we can't make it out to the store to buy a CD, we have I-tunes to download and hear new music. Also I-tunes offers a copious amount of music dating anywhere from the 20's to the present. With all of the new technology and the constant access to music, I agree that music is a huge part of everyday life and music is constantly changing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the first paragraph. Music is a very important part of our lives today, and most people will do anything to soak it up and are very involved in being passive listeners. Also, the point brought up about music now affecting video games is undeniable. In addition to video games, t.v, and movies, as well as radio music plays major roles in all of these forms of entertainment. For example, t.v. shows use music to convey moods, and theme songs are created specifically for the show. Movies are similar, they have music throughout to intensify scenes and convey moods and also, music is played during credits to engage the audience. I disagree however when it was said that "music informs the way we dress''. I enjoy music and listen to many different kinds and I do not feel that music affects the way I dress. I do not try to emulate what my favorite artists are doing or wearing I never really have. But all in all, this is a very truthful post. Music is constantly changing our lives and now with all of the advancements in technology it is almost impossible to imagine a world without music.
ReplyDeleteMusic is the one thing that people can have in common, if nothing else. Music tastes vary so broadly, but for me personally, I love it all. Lil wayne to Rascal Flatts, to the Jonas Brothers! I really believe that music can not only bring unlikely people together, but it can give them common ground. Music is a getaway for me, it explains my feelings, thoughts, and days. No matter what the feeling you have, there is a song out there to depict it. I love where technology has been going with music, especially in the aspect of video games. Guitar Hero, Rock Band, even the Dance Revolution games are based on music. Its great to see one thing create such a large impact on almost everyone out there.
ReplyDeleteSacsha Sanders
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with this blog post as well as many of the comments left before my post. Music is a very powerful tool. Music can bring about change whether it be publicizing the nations current events or encouraging citizens to vote. Music also has the power to uplift its audience. Have you ever been listened to a upbeat song while you work out at the gym? It truly helps you go that extra mile. Also, Music similarly to Love is the universal language. Something that everyone can understand.
I would have to agree to some extent with this, but also disagree in some ways as well. I agree that music makes us with the types of clothes we wear or the type of person we are. I don't agree with the everyone going out to find remade versions of songs done by their favorite bands. I for one like most original artists the way it is. I would say music is what makes my life livable. I listen to all kinds of music it depends on what mood I am in when I wake up or what activity I am doing. Like if I am lifting weights I have my Ipod playing harder music so that the hard beats pump me up. I honestly think that music does influence people to an extent, but no one can by words make you commit a crime. I will agree with you that music is part of our everyday life. I mean you walk around campus and you are bound to find someone playing a song from the window of their dorm room and it may be new or it may be a song that takes you back to a better time who knows, but music is something everyone can agree on.
ReplyDeleteI think music has already built a social order, whether it is new or not is difficult to determine. Think back to the great Dr. King's speech, before the speech even started the marchers were singing "we shall overcome". At Woodstock, Jimmy Hendrix famously woke up the audience with an electrifying "Star Spangled Banner", not to mention Woodstock took place in the 60's when Vietnam took place. Music can be used to protest, to comfort, to gather, to teach, it could arguably the most direct form of communication. Modern music unfortunately contains insignificant messages to the audience, the tracks are previous creative inventions tainted by shallow lyrics that people will "hum" throughout the day. Yes, music can be a new social order so long as the messages are clear and direct. New technologies, no audience, new minds to mold, music is a vital form of communication, and a major inspirer to the impressionable nation we have today.
ReplyDeleteI love music as much as the next person. But too say it defines me is a bit extreme. My music interest vary from Taylor Swift to 50cent. From Micheal Jackson to Beyonce. But i define me, no one, or music can do so.
ReplyDeleteMusic is a way of life to everyone. it effects us all in different ways some positive and some negative. I feel like music does not define us completely, it can shape our personalities. if you are a musician or help make music you can express your feelings thoughts and what you are going through just in lyrics. in conclusion it shows how much music means to us as a culture.
ReplyDeleteMusic defines who we are and helps us create a sense of belonging in where we all fit in this world. Music is a modern day form of poetry. Poetry has brought people together for centuries and music has mirrored poetry in doing so. More recently, iTunes has created an engine called "Ping" which brings people together even more so. Ping has allowed people to create an account and share musical tastes with others via iTunes. If it is used to its full potential, Ping can be very powerful when it comes to forms of communication and reaching out to others.
ReplyDeleteMusic is a self defining mechanism; a catalog of a person's past, present and future. Self definition does not remain in the lyrics of the tune either. The artists of tracks become more than just a harmonious voice over a few instrumental sounds. People begin to find reflections and personal identification within their iconic figures. There is so much truth in the comprehension of how music sculpts our reality as mentioned; however, I would find the entry more effective if the opening left out Taylor and Kanye and instead included my idol; Beyonce of course. :)
ReplyDeleteI Believe music is apart of everyones life in some way. Music expresses and symbolizes many different things such as peoples cultures, feelings, and beliefs. Music is going to continue to evolve and be a way to represent the time periods.
ReplyDeleteI think it's ironic how you can tell what kind of music they like by the way they dress. We group people in categories, the gangster listening to lil wayne, the prep listening to keisha, the jock listening to Linkin Park. Its amusing. Music shapes up and it affects what we place an importance on.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this blog. It is unreal how much music does define us. It determines a lot about who we are. People make freinds through common music interests! You rarely find a group of friends who do not like that same music. It will be interesting to see how the future of music continues to mold us. The children growing up now, what music will they listen to? How will it shape their character? When we are old and grey will we turn on some Taylor swift or Kanye West and will it be considered the "oldies" that our children and grandchildren despise? Interesting..
ReplyDeleteWe let music surround us; something I find in my personal experiences is that I let music impact my moods. I can be driving back to my apartment after a wonderful weekend with my family, and a sad song will come on before I know it there I am crying as I sing along. The next song comes on abruptly snapping me out of that mood and has me smiling through all the tears. I think it is amazing that people have the talent to make you feel what they are singing, playing or creating, but on the other side of the spectrum a little scared by how easily I open myself up to other peoples thoughts and feelings.
ReplyDeleteMusic helps me remember. Music helps me forget. Music helps me escape. Music brings me back to life. Yes, music has indeed changed over the years and will continue to change until the end of time. I'm sure when i'm older with children I'll be annoyed, bothered by the "crap" my kids listen to like most parents are, but i only hope that music will do the same for my kids as its done for me. Music is a beautiful thing and I am very thankful for it. To say music defines me, may be saying a little much, but it without a doubt has helped me become myself and form many different theories i have on life today.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that music impacts every ones life, some more than others. I know for me, without listening to music everyday, I wouldn’t be able to express how I feel. I relate song lyrics to my life and how I feel at that moment and time. When the blog states, “ collect all versions of every song created by our beloved icons.” It makes me think about all the different and many ways to get music to the audience. Now in today’s society, there are many various ways to listen to music and I think this impacts the music industry in a very positive and effective way because it is getting the music out to the viewers faster and easier so more people can hear the music.
ReplyDeleteAs a performer myself, with dreams of one day touching and influencing people with my words and lyrics, I agree with this blog completely. Music, to me, defines every part of who I am when words fail. When we are hurt or in crisis we tend to turn to music and for a second it seems that someone out there understands exactly what we are going through. Bob Marley once said, "one good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain" I tend to agree with this statement, music if anything, is a form of therapy for me.
ReplyDeleteI really responded to the comment about the Beatles, they have always been my favorite band, John Lennon my favorite artist, and in a world where I-pods and music downloading is so prominent it is so easy to listen to all of our favorite artists and songs. After all, "Music is what feelings sound like."
Music is such a huge part of our everyday lives. I personally listen to the radio in the car, my i-pod on the way to class, and Pandora Radio (online website) when I'm studying. The type of music/genre I listen to also usually depends on what mood I'm in. Without music to turn to as an escape from everyday life, I do not know what I would do. It also helps that a lot of the artists I listen to, I can also relate to their lyrics.
ReplyDeleteI find it very interesting but true when the first paragraph talks about how music defines us. People don’t realize how much music has an impact on everyone. The music we listen to can very much define what kind of person you are, and what trends we follow. It can shape the way a person is seen through the eyes of others. Music can bring certain people together and create friendships, just by having other people enjoy the same type of music. I feel that music can help any person feel comfortable no matter what type of mood they are in and no matter what their situation is. Music lets you express your emotions and lets individuals break free.
ReplyDeleteMusic truly defines our culture as well as other cultures around the globe. No matter what language you speak, music is something that can be understood by everyone. I am completely obsessed with music and extremely open to every genre because great artists/bands can be found everywhere. Growing up, my parents definitely influenced my music choices. I remember going to the store with my dad when I was two or three, listening to "John, I'm Only Dancing;" which was my first taste of David Bowie's music. Since then, my dad has introduced me to so many great artists/bands such as Queen, Led Zeppelin, Badfinger, The Spencer Davis group, Pink Floyd (both Barrett and Gilmour), Heart, The Clash, The Beatles, Todd Rundgren, Ted Nugent, The Doors, Cream, Eric Clapton, Three Dog Night, Jimi Hendrix, Pat Benatar, and of course my favorite, Van Halen (both Diamond Dave and Sammy). Over the past two years due to the influence of my former best friend, I also have started getting into the punk and hardcore genres, especially California bands such as TSOL, Black Flag, and Agent Orange. I actually had the honor of meeting Henry Rollins of Black Flag when he came to Kent this past spring and my goal is to meet Jack Grisham from TSOL someday when I visit Southern California. The way I feel about music is exactly what Jack Grisham hoped his fans would get from the band's 2003 album "Divided We Stand", "To feel united with something or someone, No man is an island, sometimes I feel like an island adrift and unconnected. Maybe someone will hear this and say they understand it or feel the same."
ReplyDeleteI whole heartedly agree with the idea that music defines us. I also think it inspires us and plays a factor in shaping us as individuals. However I do believe in some cases music can have a negative effect on people in society. Some of the lyrics in certain genres of music (specifically rap) can give easily manipulated kids the wrong ideas about what priorities in life should be. I listen to rap, so I know it makes me a bit hypocritical, but I know better than to take the negative lyrics to heart. Music can also be inspiring though, not even just listening to it casual but how certain music is strategically used in movies to rise certain emotions out of the audience. The one aspect of this debate that I don't entirely agree on is music effecting the way people dress. I think in some cases this is true, but in the majority it isn't, Its stereotyping. I do agree that it is a huge part of our lives because no matter where you go or what you do music will be there, it surrounds us.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I think that music influences us as a society more now than ever. People have so much more access to such various types of music and many more artists. This allows for a wide variety of cultural influences, many more than just a couple decades ago.
ReplyDeletePersonally I don't know what I would do without music. I can always find a song that helps me cope with every bad situation that comes my way. I also play basketball and music provides motivation every time I step on the court. I'm thankful for the invention of the ipod and other mp3 players. Without them, I would not have an opportunity to download music I need to get through the day.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree that music defines us. We can use music as an outlet to express our emotions. For example, on various social networking sites we can use music lyrics to share our emotions with others via status updates and tweets. It is universally accepted to express our emotions through music. Music shapes us as individuals and let our emotions run free.
ReplyDeleteI agree, for the most part. But what about the opposite? Does the music define us, or do we simply seek out music that coincides with our pre-developed tastes? While the former may be right for others, I think the latter is the case for me. A year and a half ago, my friend introduced me to a genre of music that I'd never thought I'd ever like: Kpop. That's right--South Korean idol groups. But it turned out that Kpop suited my tastes perfectly, and I've loved it ever since. It doesn't necessarily *define* me, but rather it is something that suits my personality.
ReplyDelete(I hope that made sense. lol. I'm not the most articulate person...)
Music definitely plays a major role in people's lives. Today especially music is everywhere. Even walking around campus there are so many students who have their head phones in their ears listening to their ipod. Music does define us in so many ways. It also can let others know what kind of mood they are in. When I am in a good mood, I like to listen to songs that are upbeat and fun to sing and dance to. Music is a very important aspect for social events, it is entertainment. Music allows people to express themselves.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this post and I like that the digital remix of The Beatles library was mentioned. I did not know that it existed before this, and I listened to some of the songs and enjoyed them. I love the original songs, but the remix version is proof that music is constantly changing and defining who we are in the present.
ReplyDeletei agree our whole world revolves around the newest songs the newest artist We become friends and dump people depending on what they are listening to. We look up to these people so much that we change ourselves to look or even act like these people. Don't get my wrong i love music its everything to me but it seems people go a little to far. i heard on TV that justin Berber fans were so mad that he didn't win artist of the year that the person that did win they went on to her wikipedia and wrote mean and nasty things about her. I mean come on thats a little much. to put down and degrade someone just because she won over justin? and in my opinion she deserved to win. like the Beatles they were over decades ago then our generation but now they mean everything to us we had video games on then foods named after then don't get me wrong they are amazing. It amazing how much a song can change someones life though you can be ready to die and hear a song a wanna live you could be in a break up hear a song and feel so much better songs change your life they can change you.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree on this. Music does define us. And what I find most interesting is that, I don't think the music industry will never really fade out. In times of troubles, it still runs strong. At first many seemed to think that the downloading on music on computers would kill the industry. But now it's seemed to find a away around it and embrace it. I'm sure music downloading laws helped with this aspect as well, obviously. I think what floats around in my head is something I once heard on the news. They were talking about the movie industry and no matter how bad of shape things were in the world, the movie industry never seems to be affected by it. I feel the same way about music. People in a way almost turn to music (just like movies), in good times and bad. It almost serves as a form of escapism.
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