Songs that saved my life…

Desert Island Discs

What does music mean to us? Each week a celebrity guest is asked to imagine they are

about to be castaway on a desert island and they can choose the eight pieces of music which have meant the most to them in their life - either because it reminds them of a particular time, age, event or occasion. They talk about each choice to the presenter and then the piece of music is played.

Ricky Gervais - We are going to listen to an extract from Ricky Gervais on the show. (1.30 seconds)

Task: Have a go at this for yourself. Choose at least 3 and

discuss these with your partner.

Culture, Ideology and Music

How does music fit into our lives? What does music mean to us as

individuals? How are ideas/messages

communicated through music – in the lyrics, the genre of music?

How do music videos help this process? How does popular music help us to

acquire identity?

Coursework Assignment

Exploration of cultural context. (1000 words) An extended investigation on an area of your

choice. Focus is on ‘contexts and practices’ rather than the ‘individual’.

I.E – What does this particular area of popular music say about our culture or culture at that time.

You will investigate a topic using primary and secondary sources and your work will present your findings.

Task – Discuss with a partner the difference between primary and secondary sources.

Theoretical perspectives

Feminist – how are women represented in the pop music industry, what jobs do they do, how are they represented in lyrics, in videos. What sort of ideology does this express?

Marxist – how is class represented in different genres of music, in different eras? How is class represented in music industry? What kind of ideology in lyrics would reflect class views of society?

Post-colonialist – how are different ethnic groups represented in lyrics, in bands and genres, in management?

Postmodernist – how are different cultures, genres and eras combined within popular music and pop videos?

Case Study

Creation of group Identity In which specific context? Britpop Anthems and

the 1990’s ‘Cool Brittania’ Through which specific examples? Wonderwall

(Oasis) Common People (Pulp) With whose support? Music videos, articles,

Websites, BBC Archive documentaries etc.

The POWER of Pop Music

As you all found out music played a prominent part in the definition of your subculture study.

What are the reasons for this? Why is pop music so influential in the foundation and identity of a group?

Discuss with a partner your thoughts. Also note down an artist or band that at some point played in the creation of your identity/persona. (this can be willingly or subconsciously)

Britpop

The movement developed as a reaction against various musical and cultural trends in the late 1980s and early 1990s, particularly the grunge phenomenon from the United States. In the wake of the musical invasion into the United Kingdom of American grunge bands (in particular Nirvana), new British groups such as Suede and Blur launched the movement by positioning themselves as opposing musical forces, referencing British guitar music of the past and writing about uniquely British topics and concerns. These band were soon joined by others including Oasis

The era was highlighted by a rise in unabashed maleness, exemplified by Loaded magazine and lad culture in general. The Union Flag also became a prominent symbol of the movement, and its use as a symbol of pride. Exemplified nicely by Noel’s Union Jack guitar and that infamous Geri Halliwell dress.

Zeitgeist

Pop music has the ability to reflect the zeitgeist of the era.

In the 90’s Britain saw an influx of ‘cool’ highlighted by bands such as Oasis and Blur. This tied in with the New Labour Government of Tony Blair.

Britpop had the opportunity to reach out to the working classes and the Government saw that opportunity.

Oasis at Downing Street

Zeitgeist - the spirit of the time; general trend of thought or feeling characteristic of a particular period of time.

Oasis and ‘cool’

Watch the wonderwall video. How can Oasis be seen to be ‘cool’? Imagine yourself a young working class man

in the 90’s! What is it about being in Oasis that is cool?

How can that be exemplified in this video? As you watch the video make notes.

Britpop and the Working Class Read lyrics to common people - what are

your thoughts. Think Marxism/Adorno

Now watch the video – what are the messages of the song. How can these messages be reflected in the culture of the times?

Exploration of Britpop and the 1990’s In pairs note down as many possible ideas or

areas of study that are similar to this.