Class 4: Liner Notes

In class 4, we will do our in class writing, peer review on the cover songs assignment, and we will talk about liner notes. What should be included in good liner notes? What information is interesting to read about? Do liner notes need to be relevant to the music/artist?

Homework: Compile a 5 Song EP, and write liner notes for it. Please post your work to the blog by Tuesday (Feb. 5) at 9am. Re-write of cover songs assignment due at next class (Feb. 6).

Links:
Wiki on Liner Notes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liner_notes
Online Liner Notes – The Who: http://www.thewho.net/linernotes/
Johnny Cash: http://tinyurl.com/yth7ja
Albumlinernotes.com

Class 3: Cover Songs

In class 3, we will do our in class writing, do peer review on the CD Review assignment, and we will talk about cover songs. We’ll define what a cover song is and read excerpts from both positive and negative opinions of covers.

Homework:
Pick a song that was covered and write your opinion about if the new version is any good. Post your work to this blog by Tuesday (Jan. 29) at 9am. Re-write of your CD Review is due (not posted to blog – email or give me a hard copy) by the beginning of class on Wednesday (Jan. 30).

Links:
Wiki Definition/Origin of Covers: http://tinyurl.com/yhmkgo
NY Post 100 Best Cover Songs: http://tinyurl.com/39cjmp
Cracked.com 20 Worst Cover Songs: http://tinyurl.com/37mj9n
100 Greatest Cover Songs: http://tinyurl.com/de948

Class 2: CD Review

In class 2, we will examine CD reviews; we’ll read some examples from Rolling Stone, New York Times, Seattle PI, perhaps others. We will also talk about the overrated/underrated assignment.

Homework:
Pick an album and write a review of it. Post your work to this blog by Tuesday (Jan. 22) at 9am.

Links:
• Rolling Stone – PJ Harvey: http://tinyurl.com/yu3o27
• Rolling Stone – Dropkick Murphys: http://tinyurl.com/25qyan
• Rolling Stone – Jay Z: http://tinyurl.com/3bv5wh
• New York Times – Eminem: http://tinyurl.com/2wuwt6
• Seattle PI – Silverchair: http://tinyurl.com/3yv59z
• Seattle PI – Einstruzende Neubauten: http://tinyurl.com/36jbdf

Class 1: Underrated/Overrated

In class number 1, we will take a look at Some Suggestions for Writing about Music by Dr. James Sobaskie (University of Wisconsin) and read a blog post by Scobie's brother-in-law Alek Felstiner; we'll discuss if Alek shows evidence of applying some of Dr. Sobaskie's suggestions.

Homework:
Pick an album and write about the most underrated and overrated song on the album. Post your work to this blog by Tuesday (Jan. 15) at 9am.

Links:
Suggestions for Writing about Music: http://tinyurl.com/2arqyy
New Plastic Weblog (Alek Felstiner): http://tinyurl.com/2cregs