An increasingly common form of torture during Iraq’s horrific war was forced listening to loud music. New York University musicologist Suzanne Cusick reported that this tactic did not qualify as torture as it did not involve physical pain. However, the choice of music was particularly troubling. Songs for children such as Barney’s I Love You […]
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Pop music captures our feelings through songs that enhance life’s experience, often using poignant themes such as dancing, romancing and sing-along energy to do so. In the 1940s, swing music and big band artists dominated popular culture. Popular crooners like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby mesmerized audiences with romantic ballads. Swing music Swing music was
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Folk music fans have many record labels to choose from when it comes to folk music recordings. From major labels like Atlantic Records to smaller imprints like Navan Records specializing in certain subgenres of folk, here are just a few options for your consideration. Folk-Legacy Records is an amazing label dedicated to preserving traditional folk
Songs offer many advantages over poetry in terms of musical information such as rhythm and melody; lyrics tend to fit naturally within this rhythm so they are supported more readily by its accompaniment. Example of writing lyrics using dramatic mode – for example a love song could ask questions about an ex to convey emotions
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Alternative indie music refers to any style of music produced on independent record labels that allows creative freedoms for composition and a do-it-yourself approach to musical creation. Over time, rock has developed as a genre, with numerous bands finding success in mainstream audiences. Rock music can be distinguished from other styles by expressive lyrics with
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Love and Affection features both arpeggios and strumming, and Armatrading’s use of rich up-the-neck chord voicings creates an interesting study. She plays this song on an acoustic guitar; however, you could easily use a six-string for easier finger stretching. 1. XO by John Mayer XO, an emotive pop song written and performed by Mayer, conveys
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While funk and disco were making waves, folk music thrived during the 1970s. Driven by a singer-songwriter movement and revival in roots/Americana music, folk songs produced an abundance of emotive, poetic pieces for years to come. Dylan’s distinctive vocals over a rolling acoustic arrangement painted multidimensional portraits of desire and regret in this timeless classic
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Hip Hop is a cultural movement encompassing fashion, music, graffiti art and poetic language that emerged in the Bronx in the early 1970s against an economic and social backdrop of disenfranchisement. Hip hop music is an expression of oneself, social commentary and street culture. Using rhythmic beats to send powerful messages and feelings across, hip
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Country music has long embraced an American nationalism that speaks of family, community and patriotism in its songs. But everything changed after 9/11. Songwriters such as Aaron Tippin released patriotic tracks like “Where the Stars and Stripes and Eagle Fly” shortly after the attacks; these tunes quickly took over charts. The Dixie Chicks Country music
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Zumba is an exciting fitness program that combines Latin dance movements with aerobic exercise. Zumba’s popularity lies in its music: instructors often create personalized playlists of their choice while often adding some popular music tracks that get people moving and singing along with Zumba classes. Luis Guisao’s song makes an excellent Zumba warm-up song, featuring
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