Annelise Multimedia Project

Annelise StabenauWorld History II       On The Velvet Underground and Nico, the New York City-based Velvet Underground paired up with the vocal stylings of German singer Nico. The two were paired up through the band’s producer Andy Warhol. This fusion of musicians results in an odd mixture of musical experimentation. On their debut album, The Velvet Underground uses alternate guitar tunings, creepy xylophones and keyboards, and a tambourine on virtually every track. Somehow, the band manages to make it overall a surprisingly catchy punk staple. Maureen Tucker’s drum beats are solid and uncomplicated, either using brushes on the snare or slow beats on the toms. A number of the songs use soft picking for a dreamy-guitar effect. On some tracks, the band attempts a soul sound. Lou Reed’s pitchy and raw vocals give the album a unique effect. He sings of love, mystery and drugs. His vocals range from Bob Dylan-esque vocals to catchy pop to traditional punk. Nico’s vocals are slightly irritating and I am undecided about what she provides for the album. Her voice is foreign sounding and breathy, making it easily comparable to that of Belle and Sebastian. Her voice is low and heavy. Her most enjoyable song on the album would probably be Femme Fatale, which features back up vocals from the rest of the band.  Although Sonic Youth’s Daydream Nation also has an alternative rock sound from New York City, it is worlds apart from The Velvet Underground and Nico. Most of the songs can be considered noise rock, and the percussion is fast notes on the hi-hat like that of The Ramones. Their sound is chaotic, and sometimes headache inducing. They sing of dysfunctional relationships and of New York City. The lyrics are definitely not the most meaningful, and for the most part are hard to make sense of. Their sound is abstract and unusual, but somehow their sound still remains slightly mainstream-suitable. Patti Smith begins her debut album Horses with the line “Jesus dies for somebody’s sins but not mine”. This lies down the base for the poetic punk singer’s music. Patti Smith continues to push the limits with her sound and her lyrics throughout the rest of the album. Her opening song is the insanely catchy Gloria, a song about a lesbian crush. Redondo Beach is second with a different, reggae, pop feel, later to be covered by Morrissey. Patti Smith uses poetry set over sometimes creepy and haunting piano. On this album, she marries punk with poetry and does so in a likable way. Patti Smith’s raspy and distinct voice keeps her music edgy.  She ends her album with a live cover of The Who’s classic song, My Generation. Patti Smith commonly ended her concerts with this song, often inviting her friends on stage to join her, after replacing a few of the lyrics with obscenities, you can hear her call out her friend John Cale’s name. Janis Joplin was also an amazing stage performer. Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits displays her versatility. The collection starts out with Piece of My Heart, a classic rock-blues song. She screams of heartbreak and breaking free from relationships throughout the album. Joplin’s music ranges from this rock-blues sound to country-folk such as in Me and Bobby McGee. Joplin also sings soul-lifting gospel with powerful organs, as well as catchy rock songs featuring face-melting guitar solos. Although just a little lady, Joplin’s huge, soulful raspy voice is powerful enough to move anyone. Joplin’s voice and lyrics show that she is not someone to be messed with.