The MTV generation Flashcards
What was the impact of MTV?
It changed the way the music industry operated and became the preferred method of launching new music acts. It influenced the direction of pop music in the early 80s and sparked a second British Invasion.
What was the first song broadcast on MTV?
“Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles
What was the Second British Invasion?
It shared a lot of musical features with post-punk and new wave: danceable, synthesizers, irony/detachment in vocals
What were the 4 major artists that came via the Second British Invasion?
The Human League, Eurythmics, Culture Club, Duran Duran
What were the 4 main technologies that were prominent in early 80s pop?
Digital synthesizers, sequencers that enabled repeated sound sequences, digital samplers, and drum machines that could produce various effects.
What was the relationship between MTV and Race?
They featured very few black musicians at the start, which they justified by saying that they focused on rock, which was played by few black artists. They even refused to play Michael Jackson’s Thriller at first, but they eventually relented after Columbia Records threatened to ban its white groups from MTV.
What was Michael Jackson’s biggest album? Describe its impact.
Thriller (1982), where 7 out of 9 songs were released as singles. It was a major landmark in the use of the album as pop artists’ main creative medium as opposed to the single. There were also collaborations with white artists and the songs were made to appeal to both black and white audiences, breaking down preconceptions.
Describe the musical style of Madonna.
Strong bass lines, disco grooves designed for dancing, sing-along choruses.
What was Madonna known for?
She exerted strong control over her image and able to manipulate the media and stimulate public fascination (virtuoso of the superficial). Her songs also tested the norms of femininity and sexuality, frequently dealing with controversial topics.
What was the relationship between Madonna and feminism? Describe the critiques leveraged against her and her response.
She was frequently accused of reinforcing negative stereotypes of women with her videos and music, but she responded by saying that she’s in charge of how she portrays herself and is in control.
Describe Prince’s musical style.
It encompassed many influences, including funk, jazz, and psychedelic rock.
Describe Prince’s visual style.
He challenged expectations for what an African American musician “should” be like, with an androgynous image and the use of makeup.
What was Bruce Springsteen known for in his music?
He was hailed by critics as revitalizing rock. His music also reflected his working-class origins with a nostalgic, retro style drawing from 1950s and 1960s rock.
Describe the lyrical content of “Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen and how it was received.
It was about a returning Vietnam veteran unable to rebuild his life. Despite the left-wing view in the song, the seemingly patriotic chorus refrain allowed it to be associated with the right as well.
Describe the relationship of Bruce Springsteen to authenticity
He was known for representing authenticity in the way he portrayed himself and made reference to lower-middle class issues, even if this wasn’t necessarily “authentic” in the sense that he was a millionaire. So it was more that he came across authentic than really was.
