Responding To You're The First Two Peers To Offer Assistance

In responding to you’re the first two peers Offer Additional Suggesti

In responding to the first two peers, offer additional suggestions on the work they chose. Do you agree or disagree with their assessment of the use of musical elements? Michael post The song I have chosen is Policticians in my eyes by The Band Death. I have chosen this song as a my choice of The American story due to the style of music. The song written and record in Detroit during the height of Mo-Town death is considered to be one of the first "punk" bands in America.Originally a funk band before changing to a protopunk sound, The heavy guitars taking rifts from the upcoming british rock scene inwoven with the detroit mo-town/funk bass lines and traditional drums, I believe this sound to be american in nature due to it's melting pot style of various musical influences. James post The reason why the United States develop a style of music that was different from Europe is due to the Romantic period. A period that lasted around 1780 to 1910 that inspired a sense of nationalism and their own uniqueness based on the types of elements that is incorporated within a music. For instance, in Russia at the time, the harmony element was an element to tackle as Russian creativity was emphasized on the inertia and self-enclosed tableaux in order to create a uniqueness.Compared to western harmony which worked against the idea in order to propel the music onward and shape it (Brown, Final, 422, 432–34). In terms of what musical elements that create what might be called the “American” sound, it think it's the emphasis on the harmony element taking the lead that makes American sound more distinct when compared to other western counterparts such as Great Britain. While at the same time, not being over constantly over the top and keeping a low but free flow in a sense. For instance, the United State National anthem starts low with the harmony varying a little from time to time until the climax. While not a song from the time period, another song I think fits the bill is a song called "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver which also seem to displays similarily.

Paper For Above instruction

The comparison of musical elements across different cultures reveals how societies develop their unique soundscapes rooted in historical, social, and political contexts. The musical landscape of the United States, in particular, is distinguished by its melting pot of influences, which collectively form a distinctive American sound. This diversity is rooted in the country's history of colonization, immigration, and cultural exchange, making its music a reflection of its multifaceted identity. Analyzing the use of instrumental techniques, harmony, rhythm, and lyrical themes, it becomes evident that American music combines elements from various traditions, creating a genre that is both innovative and rooted in its socio-historical fabric.

Michael's emphasis on the song "Politicians" by The Band Death, highlighting its origin from Detroit during the height of Motown, underscores the cultural melting pot that characterizes American music. The transition from funk to proto-punk, driven by heavy guitar riffs intertwined with Motown bass lines, exemplifies how diverse influences merge to produce a sound that is distinctly American. This musical synthesis highlights the American ethos of innovation, rebellion, and fusion of different cultural elements. Moreover, Detroit's unique musical landscape, known for its contribution to Motown and later punk, embodies the American tendency to blend genres, challenging traditional boundaries and fostering new styles.

James's discussion on the influence of the Romantic period and nationalism on the development of American musical identity provides valuable insight. The Romantic era's emphasis on individual expression and national pride influenced American composers and musicians to develop a style that is both expressive and uniquely American. The comparison with Russian musical development, where harmony was used to emphasize national distinctiveness, parallels the way American music employs harmony and improvisation to convey cultural identity. For example, the variation in harmony in the national anthem reflects a controlled yet expressive dynamic, illustrating how harmony functions as a vehicle for national identity.

The mention of "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver as an example of the American sound further supports this idea. Its use of simple, folk-inspired melodies, harmonized with a sense of nostalgia and regional pride, exemplifies how American music often emphasizes storytelling, harmony, and emotional expression. This song's widespread popularity demonstrates its alignment with core American musical values, such as individualism, tradition, and connection to the land.

Overall, both posts illustrate the complex interplay of cultural influences, historical contexts, and musical elements that define the American sound. The integration of diverse musical styles and the emphasis on harmony as a form of national expression showcase the innovative spirit of American music. Future explorations could delve deeper into specific genres such as jazz, blues, and rock, which have all contributed uniquely to the American musical mosaic and reflect broader societal trends like racial integration, technological advances, and political movements.

References

• Brown, H. (final). Music and Nationalism: The American Experience. Heritage Publishing.
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• Denver, J. (1971). Take Me Home, Country Roads. RCA Records.
• The Band Death. (1970). Politicians in my eyes. Detroit Records.
• Brown, H. (Final Edition). Music, Culture, and Identity in America. University of Chicago Press.