Assignment
1. "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" by Sly and the Family Stone represents the move to a new style, incorporating R & B and rock elements. Give examples of both and elaborate on their significance in this song.
2. "Living for the City" by Stevie Wonder is a clear example of his development and maturity as an artist. How does his vocal delivery continually re-engage the listener throughout the song? Discuss the importance of the audio story told as the bridge, or "B" section? What other style of rock is incorporating this technique?
3. "Tear the Roof Off the Sucker (Give Up the Funk) by George Clinton and Parliament is an excellent example of a new style of funk, called "on the 1". Unlike most R & B music where the rhythmic emphasis is on beats 2 and 4 (backbeats), the emphasis is now on beat 1. What musical elements are present in this song? How do they work together to create such an infectious groove?
4. Trace the roots of Reggae from island music to its first international exposure in the 70's. How important was Bob Marley to the music, as well as to social change?
5. George Clinton and Parliament utilized business and artistic concepts from both James Brown and glam rock acts. How did this provide a unique approach to funk music? Are they influential to later acts? Are they still influential?