Rhapsody

Album Review – Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Rhapsody Podcast

(Album Review): Album Review of Metallica’s Kill Em’ All

Today's episode is an album review, where I’ll be reviewing Metallica's first album, Kill 'Em All. Metallica's first album is an amazing first album compared to most bands first albums. Most bands don’t know what to do, or how to write an album, but whatever Metallica did, they did it right!

Segment 1: Best songs

Hit the Lights,
The Four Horsemen
Seek and Destroy
Amazing guitar solos and fast paced, catchy riffs.

Segment 2: Ok and meh songs

Motorbreath
Whiplash.
Don't have enough diversity in the riffs.
Still amazing guitar solos.
Jump into Fire
Metal Militia
No Remorse
Phantom Lord.
While good guitar solos are just bland.
Riffs are just decent at best.

Segment 3: In Depth of Anesthesia

Most unique song of the album
Bass solo, the entire song. Drums do come in towards the end to spice things up.
Editor’s Note - at the end of our podcast, we refer to some triads. While the quality of these triads are accurate, they aren’t “seconds”, but “thirds” which combine to form triads.

Credits:

Seek and Destroy

Hit the Lights

The Four Horsemen

(Anesthesia) - Pulling Teeth

Whiplash

Motorbreath

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Composer’s Corner: Former Happiness: Mood Explained By Music Theory

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Rhapsody Podcast

Composer’s Corner: Former Happiness: Mood Explained By Music Theory

Today’s episode is a Composer’s Corner and will focus on the theme of my piece, Former Happiness.

Segment 1: Key Signature

Bb Major
Bb Natural Minor
Chromatic

Segment 2: Dynamics

Why some parts are quiet - Flute and Glockenspiel
Use of breathing
Starting and ending with the same dynamics

Segment 3: Harmony and Motif

Double-Layered Synth
One instrument, multiple tracks
Melodic motifs

Credits: Former Happiness

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Deep Dive: Compromising with Depression: Lemon Boy by Cavetown

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Rhapsody Podcast

Deep Dive: Compromising with Depression: Lemon Boy by Cavetown

Today’s episode is a deep dive on Lemon Boy, by Cavetown, and will discuss how Cavetown uses this song to make a commentary on mental health issues.

Segment 1: Who is Cavetown?

Location, Age, etc.
Writes songs about mental health, as well as breaking down stigma surrounding it.
Role model for queer youth.
Introducing the song and what it’s about.

Segment 2: Miscellaneous Music Theory

Key Signature
Tempo

Segment 3: Lyrical Content + Instrumentation + Structure

Analysis of each verse and chorus
Differences in each chorus, why?
Overall meaning and connection back to the artist

Credits:

Cavetown

Lemon Boy - Cavetown

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Deep Dive: Lost For Words by Pink Floyd

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Rhapsody

Deep Dive: Lost For Words by Pink Floyd

Today’s episode is a “Deep Dive” on the song Lost For Words by Pink Floyd. Lost For Words was released in 1994 as a part of the Division Bell album. It was written by Pink Floyd’s singer and guitarist David Gilmour. This is one of my favorite songs of all time, and we’re going to really break it down. We’re going to be looking specifically at the lyrics, form, and instrumentation of the song.

Segment 1: Lyrics

Add details on segment 1. What did you talk about? Summarize the main points here.

The whole gist of the lyrics is an awakening of sorts - coming out of a time of darkness into a renewed sense of love and making amends
The song strives to communicate that getting caught in grudges only hurts yourself, and it’s time to forgive those who hurt you

Segment 2: Form

Add details on segment 1. What did you talk about? Summarize the main points here.

Lost For Words follows a clear structure which contributes to the message
The build-up, climax, and full-circle ending make for a satisfying result

Segment 3: Instrumentation

Add details on segment 1. What did you talk about? Summarize the main points here.

The instruments used in Lost For Words contribute to the mood and theme of the song
The drums and acoustic instruments give the song a spiritual/religious undertone

Credits:

Pink Floyd, Lost For Words

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Deep Dive: Lorde’s Liability

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Rhapsody

Deep Dive: LORDE’S LIABILITY

Today’s episode is a Deep Dive and will analyze the lyrics and instrumentation of Liability by Lorde.

Segment 1: History of Lorde

First album released in 2013 (Pure Heroine)
“Royals” became a smash hit and kick-started her career
Songs focus on disillusionment and a jaded worldview
Melodrama released in 2017

Segment 2: Instrumentation

Continues mood of angst often seen in her music
Key of D Flat Major creates a sombre mood

Segment 3: Lyrics and Singing Style

Verses tell the story of heartbreak and depending on yourself
Timbre of Lorde’s low voice gives the ballad depth and creates intimacy
Low range song (C3 - Ab4)
Song is so popular due to its emotionally vulnerable themes that audiences can relate to

Credits:

https://open.spotify.com/track/2dLLR6qlu5UJ5gk0dKz0h3?si=2a726e9285344b85 (royals by lorde)

https://open.spotify.com/track/6Kkt27YmFyIFrcX3QXFi2o?si=a261bff66350423b (liability by lorde)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_VDhIQYQyo (interview with Audacy News)

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Deep Dive: Cross Examination – Kabuki Girl

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Rhapsody

Deep Dive: Cross Examination - Kabuki Girl

Today’s episode is a Deep Dive and will talk about Kabuki Girl and it’s music theory .

Segment 1: Intro and background

Talking about myself and background info on Descendents

Segment 2: Melodies and Rhythm

Talking about melodies, instrumentalization, and the rhythm

Segment 3:Lyric dissection and form.

Dissecting the lyrics and what they mean, how this relates to most punk songs and the form of the song

Credits:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0SLh7bywpM (Descendents - Kabuki Girl)

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Album Review: Your City Gave me Asthma

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Rhapsody

Album Review: Your City Gave me Asthma

Today’s episode is an Album Review and will Go over the album¨Your City Gave me Asthma¨.

Segment 1: Background info

Created by British musician Wilbur Soot. Released on June 25, 2020. The album features 7 songs, these songs feature an acoustic guitar and vocals.

Segment 2: Songs in the album

7 songs in the album. Each song in the album has a deep meaning behind it.

Jubilee Line

Saline Solution

Since I saw Vienna

Losing face

Your Sister Was Right

La Jolla

Im Sorry Boris

Segment 3:Jubilee Line

Jubilee Line is the most popular song on the album.

Although this beginning is very dramatic, the song later gets to very serious issues.

Credits:

Wilbur Soot - Jubilee Line https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9jSeLeHZI0

Wilbur Soot - Since I Saw Vienna https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_SyNxuQOCM

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Deep Dive: Jimi Hendrix

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Rhapsody Podcast

Deep Dive: Jimi Hendrix

Today’s episode is a Deep Dive and will dive into the artist Jimi Hendrix, focusing on his influences both musically and culturally, and his discography during his lifetime.

Segment 1: Influences

Brief overview of Jimi Hendrix’s influences stemming from his childhood, musical career, 1960s culture, and …hobbies.

Segment 2: Are You Experienced?

Focusing on Jimi Hendrix’s 1967 debut album, using examples from the songs “Fire” and “Third Stone From The Sun.”

Segment 3: Axis: Bold As Love

Focusing on Jimi Hendrix’s 1967 sophomore album, exploring its R&B and Psychedelic sound. Used the song “Spanish Castle Magic.”

Segment 4: Electric Ladyland & Conclusion

Focusing on Jimi Hendrix’s third and final album released during his lifetimes, the legendary 1968 double album Electric Ladyland. Discussing its wide variety and legendary reputation, used songs “...And the Gods Made Love” and “All Along The Watchtower.” Concluding with a discussion on Jimi Hendrix’s death and lasting legacy.

Credits:

Jimi Hendrix, “Fire”

Jimi Hendrix, “Third Stone From The Sun”

Jimi Hendrix, “Spanish Castle Magic”

Jimi Hendrix, “...And the Gods Made Love”

Jimi Hendrix, “All Along the Watchtower”

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Connect The Dots – Tyler the Creator

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Tue, 04 May 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Connect The Dots - Tyler the Creator

Episode #10

Episode Format: Connect the Dots

Intro: In this enter episode format we will be discussing Tyler the Creators style

Segment 1: Segment Title

Tyler the Creator and his Albums

Segment 2: Segment Title

The storys in his Albums

Segment 3: Segment Title

His style trough chords

Music Credits: Provide the song title and any links used (include all)

Smuckers
See you again
Igors theme

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Lemon Demon

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Tue, 04 May 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Lemon Demon

Episode #9

Episode Format: [Connect the Dots]

Intro: In this Connect the dots we will be discussing the overall whimsical and unique style of Neil Cicirega, also known as Lemon Demon.

Segment 1: Lifetime Acheivement Award

Segment 2: Touch-Tone Telephone

Segment 3: Cabinet Man

Music Credits: Provide the song title and any links used (include all)

Lifetime Achievement Award-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMStKtXO4A8&ab_channel=LemonDemon-Topic
Cabinet Man-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ_P3F3nA1U&ab_channel=LemonDemon-Topic
Touch-Tone Telephone-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbxL5BVEkRs

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Deep Dive – I Ain’t Marching Anymore

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Tue, 04 May 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Deep Dive - I Ain't Marching Anymore

Episode #10

Episode Format: Deep Dive

Intro: In this Deep Dive we will be discussing the song I Ain't Marching Anymore by Phil Ochs, and its roots as a protest song and a folk song. We will be looking into the melody, rhythm, context, and context of the composer, as well as the album.

Segment 1: Musicality

goes over the tempo and some rhythms used
examines the key and use of modes, looks at the layout and how it's unusual

Segment 2: Context

goes into Phil Ochs background and how it influences his music
examines the immediate context of the song (Vietnam War, protest song)

Segment 3: Conclusion

looks at some more lyrics and their meanings
looks at the last cadence in the song and how it's unusual

Music Credits: Provide the song title and any links used (include all)

I Ain't Marching Anymore by Phil Ochs → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRU_ruqnR6Q

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Head to Head – Trap vs. Brooklyn Drill

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Tue, 04 May 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Head to Head - Trap vs. Brooklyn Drill

Episode #7

Episode Format: Head to Head

Intro: In this Head to Head we will be discussing the differences and similarities between the hip hop subgenres of trap and Brooklyn drill.

Segment 1: Bass

Played legato

Segment 2: Time signature

4/4, or common time

Segment 3: Key

Drill’s darker sound uses minor keys
Trap production is more varied, can be major or minor

Segment 4: Location

Drill - London producers, center in U.S. is NY/Brooklyn
Trap - Mainly Atlanta, but all over the country

Segment 5: Lyrics

Themes reflecting crime and gangs, based on inner city life

Segment 6: Instrumentation

Both have the same core sounds (drums, bass)
Drill uses less autotune

Music Credits: Provide the song title and any links used (include all)

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Deep Dive: Cool Patrol

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Cool Patrol by NSP

Episode #6 Type: Deep Dive

In this “Deep Dive” episode, we’ll break down NSP’s “Cool Patrol” and discuss what makes this song so unique.

Segment 1: Background

Segment 2: The “Theory”

instrumentalization,
Tempo
Melodic Lines

Segment 3: The “Non” Theory

Lyrical content and how it plays into the theme of the song

Music Credits:

Give credit to any music or sound effects you used. Include the title of your source and any links.

Cool Patrol - NSP

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Head to Head: Sadie and Dark Souls

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Erik Satie and Dark Souls

Episode #5 Type: Head to Head

In this “Head to Head” episode, we’ll be comparing the composition of both Gymnopedie no. 1 by Erik Satie and Firelink Shrine from Dark Souls by Motoi Sakuraba and showing how the two pieces from different time periods achieve the same mood and styling in both similar and different ways.

Segment 1: What’s in a chord?

How chords are built

Segment 2: Gymnopedie

Ambient, but why?

Segment 3: Firelink Shrine

A video game connection to Satie?

Music Credits:

Gymnopedies no. 1 by Erik Satie at 1:45-3:30

Firelink Shrine by Motoi Sakuraba at 6:30-9:00

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Deep Dive: Frank Ocean “Seigfried”

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Seigfried by Frank Ocean

Episode #4 Type: Deep Dive

In this “Deep Dive” episode, we will discuss Frank Ocean’s “Seigfried” and what contributes to its spacy, ethereal vibe.

Segment 1: Intro

Frank Ocean and some history

Segment 2: Seigfried - The “Theory”

Scales
Chords

Segment 3: The “Non Theory”

Lyrics
Dynamics
Instrumentation

Music Credits:

Siegfried by Frank Ocean

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Deep Dive: Frank Ocean “Nights”

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Nights By Frank Ocean

Episode #3 Type: Deep Dive

In this “Deep Dive” episode, we will discuss Frank Ocean’s “Nights” and how the lyrics and instrumentation set it apart from the rest.

Segment 1: Overview and lyrics

Basic overview of the song and a dive into the meaning behind some of the lyrics and the song itself.

Segment 2: Music theory

Tempo/rhythm/meter
Texture/instrumentation
Dynamics

Segment 3: Non-music theory

Album and song relevancy
Behind the artist and its relationship to the music

Music Credits: Nights by Frank Ocean https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4l9bFqgMaQ

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Connect the Dots: Mingus

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Rhapsody: Jazz on Jazz

Episode #2 Type: Head to Head

In this “Head to Head” episode, a classic jazz performance of ‘Moanin is pitted against its modern interpretation. Which is better?

Segment 1: History

Mingus
‘Moanin
The BBC’s

Segment 2: The Original

Meter, intervals, and more!

Segment 3: The “Cover”

Improv all the way?

Music Credits:

Moanin’ by Charles Mingus arranged by Sy Johnson

(Transcription) Leo P at the BBC Proms 2017

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Connect the Dots: Christmas Songs

Hopewell Valley Student Publications Network — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0500

What Makes A Song A Christmas Song

Episode #1 Type: Connect the Dots

In this “Connect the Dots” episode, we examine Christmas songs to find what makes them sound like Christmas, using music theory concepts as our guide.

Segment 1: Song Intros

Last Christmas,
I’ll I Want For Christmas
White Christmas

Segment 2: The Theory

7th Chords
Inversions
Cadences

Segment 3: The “NON” Theory

Era
Lyrics
Jingle Bells

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