9 students today.
As usual I started by asking if anyone had any music-related adventures this past week. One student had gone to a used CD store and bought a lot of CDs, but no one had seen any live music.
Speaking of live music I mentioned that on Saturday I was going to see a concert by Andy Allo (website), who has played with Prince (info). I actually don't know her music and played the first clip of her I could find: "People Pleaser" (video). That's a cool song, but the concert I was going to was just Andy playing solo with an acoustic guitar, more like this: "Yellow Gold" (video).
One student said he is really excited that Paul Simon (info) will play a concert, opening for Sting (info) in Seattle on 19 February 2014.
I can't remember why we played a Sting song at this point rather than a Paul Simon song, but we listened to "Shape Of My Heart" (video, lyrics, song info).
The next song chosen was along the theme of the day: "One hit wonders". The song was "Look At You Girl" (video, lyrics, song info) by Chris Ledoux (info). I think it's cool that international students can hear American music with fresh ears and without any judgement. Many Americans tend to have a love-or-hate relationship with country music. Many Americans just don't like country music. It's hard to explain why; here's a blog post which tries to explain it. It's very common in Seattle for a person to say "I like every kind of music except country and opera." Sounds like a quote from me...
The next song chosen was "Have A Nice Day" (video, lyrics, song info) by Bon Jovi (info). The student who chose it likes it because it's about loving life.
The next song was another one-hit-wonder: "There She Goes" (video, lyrics, song info) by The La's (info). The student who chose this song likes it because The La's influenced many of his current favorite bands. The La's only released one album, but he (and many music fans and critics) feel it's a great album.
The next song was "Enter Sandman" (video, lyrics, song info) by Metallica (info). Most people in the class already know this song so I asked why it's a "one hit wonder" for her and she said she doesn't know any other Metallica songs, she only knows this one. Which is fair enough -- for her it's a one hit wonder!
Because "Enter Sandman" is about nightmares I asked around the class if anyone has dreamt in English. Some have, some have not. I asked what the situation in the dreams were where they were dreaming in English. Very interesting answers!
The next song was "Bad Day" (video, lyrics, song info) by Daniel Powter (info). The student who picked this song said the song and the lyrics pick him up. He mentioned it was used in a Japanese commercial.
Speaking of commercials, that reminded me that Sting had a hit with the song "We'll Be Together" (video, lyrics, song info) but he had originally written the song as a "job" for Kirin beer: the company paid him a ton of money to write a song that included the lyric "together", so he wrote the song, made a lot of cash from Kirin *plus* had a hit single in the charts. That Sting sure knows how to maximize his writing talent! Here's the Kirin beer commercial that was shown in Japan for the song.
The next one hit wonder was "What's Up" (video, lyrics, song info) by 4 Non Blondes (info). That's a perfect choice for the theme! I mentioned that the singer for 4 Non Blondes, Linda Perry (info) is now very influential from producing hit records by Christina Aguilera and Pink among many other female artists.
If you've been reading this blog for the past weeks you are asking yourself "Why wasn't there a Wiz Khalifa song this week?" Well, there was: "Roll Up" (video, lyrics, song info). This was the first Wiz Khalifa (info) song our friend ever heard by his favorite rapper.
With that we ran out of time for the day. I like the theme of "songs used in commercials or on tv" so that is the theme for next class.
10 students today, + 1 song sent in by email!
Today there was no theme -- I just asked students to share the songs they have been listening to lately.
As usual I started class by asking if anyone had any "musical adventures" during the past week. One student said she heard one of the most beautiful songs she has ever heard played by the piano player at Nordstrom. The song was "Chuckanutt Drive" (video) by Joseph Rojo (Facebook page).
I asked the student what items she was shopping for and she said her friends were shopping for shoes. I told the class that as a guy, I just don't get womens' obsession with shopping for shoes and bags...
The next song was from our friend who always chooses a Wiz Khalifa (info) song. This time it's the song Wiz does with Miley Cyrus (info): "23" (video, lyrics, song info).
I mentioned something about Miley's father and most of the class did not realize her father, Billy Ray Cyrus (info) had a big hit back in the 90's: "Achy Breaky Heart" (video, lyrics, song info). This song had a cheesy dance that went with is (you can see it in the video). It was a one-hit-wonder, which means he never had any other hits in his career. But he did have Miley, who is keeping America entertained [groan].
The next song was "Counting Stars" (video, lyrics, song info) by OneRepublic (info). Nice song! The student who chose it has simply been listening to it a lot lately. We talked about how this song is about being young and wondering which path a person's life will take.
The next song was "Cool Guys Don't Look At Explosions" (video, lyrics, song info) by The Lonely Island (info). The students were laughing before I played this video so I wasn't sure what to expect, but it is a funny parody.
That parody inspired the next choice: "The Fox (What Does The Fox Say?)" (video, lyrics, song info) by Ylvis (info). The student who chose this song had heard it while driving in the car and he used Shazam (website) to find out the name of the song. It cracks him up (="makes him laugh a lot").
The next song chosen was "Angel" (video, lyrics, song info) by Sarah McLachlan (info). The student who chose this song had also heard it in her car for the first time. She was driving home and the song came on and she loved it so much she kept playing it over and over, driving around her neighborhood, not going home. This song is kind of the opposite part of life from "Counting Stars" by OneRepublic.
The next song was chosen by a student who was not in class today. He had sent me an email before class saying he couldn't attend class, but he wanted to suggest a song. So we played it: "Just The Way I Am Feeling" (video, lyrics, song info) by Feeder (info). I read his explanation for why he chose it to the class. Here it is:
"There are two reasons why I'm listening to this song. The first reason is simply because I found out this band recently (specifically, about 2 months ago, before I came to Seattle). The second reason is because I thought this song is perfect. The harmony of melody, lyrics, vocal and backing chorus seemed to be so beautiful and perfect for me. These kind of songs are really good refreshment for my ear, which frequently listening to fast, loud and noisy music!"
The next song was "The Breeze" (video, lyrics, song info) by Dr. Dog (info). The student who chose this song said he likes it because the lyrics are very poetic, the harmonies are great, like the Beatles, and the song picks him up.
The next song was from one of the new students today: "Open Arms" (video, lyrics, song info) by Journey (info). The student who chose this song said he sang it once in a talent competition! Very impressive! I mentioned that there is a movie out about the new singer for Journey, who is from the Philippines. The movie is called "Don't Stop Believin'" (info). I'd like to see it some time.
The next song was "Whatever Happens" (video with lyrics, song info) by Michael Jackson (info). I had never heard this song, but I like it!
The last song of the day was back to Miley Cyrus, this time "We Can't Stop" (video, lyrics, song info). Today's class gave me enough Miley Cyrus to last for a year.
Inspired by Miley's father, the theme for the next class is "one hit wonders" -- bands that only ever had one hit. An alternative is "songs where I like only this one song from this band, all the others I don't like". As always, of course, you can share any song with the class that you have been thinking about lately.
The day before Halloween -- today's theme was "candy" and "scary songs". Spoiler alert: the last video we watched was Thriller! 5 students today -- a small class.
I started the class by playing a couple of American "classic" Halloween songs: "Monster Mash" (video, lyrics, song info) and "The Time Warp" (video, lyrics, song info). The latter is from the movie "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (info), which is an underground favorite of young people across America. People love that movie and it is traditionally shown at midnight in a theater and the audience come dressed like the characters in the film. I have always wanted to take my students to see it, but haven't been able to coordinate it yet. One day I'll show my students this uniquely American experience!
However, none of the students today were very impressed with either of those two songs. So I quickly asked them which songs they had in mind.
The first song was the "Piano Duet" (video, song info) from the movie "The Corpse Bride" (info). That was a good choice!
It reminded me of the animation in the movie "The Nightmare Before Christmas" (info), which is by the same director. We watched the song "This Is Halloween" (video, lyrics, song info) from that movie.
We then talked for a while about traditions in the students' countries for honoring dead relatives.
I asked the class if they like scary movies. Most of the class are not big fans of scary movies. But they said Japan makes great scary movies, like Ring (video, info). The Japanese movies are scary because they build tension, which is a different kind of scary than American movies which seem to rely on blood.
The next song chosen was "Cemetery Gates" (video with lyrics, song info) by The Smiths (info). The student who chose this song said he likes how it is about the lives of all people in a cemetery, as opposed to being sad they are no longer living. I personally love visiting cemeteries for that reason: I think of all the lives there within my sight.
The next song was "Beheaded" (video with lyrics, song info) by The Offspring (info). This was a great choice for Halloween! But it's pretty gross! I only know the hits by The Offspring (ex. "Pretty Fly For A White Guy" (video, lyrics, song info) and didn't know they had such a hard song.
The last video of the day was, naturally, "Thriller" (video, lyrics, song info) by Michael Jackson (info). We've all seen that video a thousand times and the beginning can be a bit boring so we skipped to the zombie dance, which *never* gets boring! :-)
With that class was over for the day. I look forward to hearing what adventures the class had over Halloween. Theme for next week's class is... no theme -- let's just listen to any songs you have been listening to lately!
Today's class followed Murphy's Law (definition): First the computer equipment I use for the class was being used by another teacher. Then the room for the class was changed without my knowledge. In the end 6 students found the new room and I finally got the laptop, speakers and projector set up.
One student had been listening to music in her headphones before class and I asked her what song she was listening to. It was "Wake Up Call" (video, lyrics, song info) by Maroon 5 (info).
The next song was "Man I Need" (video, song info) by Jagwar Ma (info). I had heard this band's name before but had never heard their music. It's a good song.
By the way, Jagwar Ma will play a concert in Seattle on 10 December! In fact, it will be in the U-District, in a cool old theatre, The Neptune (info). Concert information here.
I told the class that one of my favorite ways to hear new bands is to check out CDs from the Seattle Public Library (website). It is free to check out books and CDs and DVDs -- you just have to go to a library and show your ID with proof that you live inside Seattle and you get a library card. Through the website you can put materials on hold and have them delivered to your nearest library, then you get an email when it is there and ready for you to pick up. What a great public service!!
The next song was "Scarborough Fair" (video, lyrics, song info). This song was famously covered by Simon & Garfunkel (info), but the student who chose this song prefers the version by Sarah Brightman (info).
The feeling of "Scarborough Fair" reminded me of one of my favorite romantics songs, "My Ain True Love" (video, lyrics, song info) by Sting (info) with Alison Kraus (info).
The next song was "Call Your Friends" (video, lyrics, song info) by Zebrahead (info). This song was chosen according to the theme of the day -- songs you listen to before going out to a party. The student who chose this song said he would like to go to a party like the one shown in the video, but he hasn't been to one like that yet.
At this point we talked about Halloween parties for a while.
The next song chosen was "No Sleep" (video, lyrics, song info) by Wiz Khalifa (info). Yes, it's the same student who chose Wiz Khalifa last week.
The next song was "Mr Saxobeat" (video, lyrics, song info) by Alexandra Stan (info).
I can't remember how we go to the next subject, but the student who loves Wiz Khalifa said he likes to dance the "C-Walk" (info). I didn't know what that dance is like so we watched a video which shows it: "Let's Make Some Love" (video). The student showed us some of his C-Walk moves at the front of the class.
With that, class was over for the week. Nothing seemed to work right today, but it was a fun class nonetheless. Next class we'll be in the regular room: HUB 337 . And since it's almost Halloween, the theme is naturally... songs about candy! Or scary songs/videos ;-) .
8 students today.
As I set up the computer one student told me that she had waited for days until I posted the notes from last week's class so that she could hear the song "9 Million Bicycles" again. Oops, sorry for the delay! Once she had the link she listened to the song at least 7 times in a row :-)
Before I talk about the music in the class I want to mention two upcoming music-related events:
1/ On Friday, 25 October the Seattle Art Museum has an after-hours party called "SAM REmix". They do this party only 4 times every year and it is very, very cool. It's hard to describe exactly what goes on, but there's a lot of music and a lot of interactive creativity + art. I highly recommend going with some friends! More info and tickets (it usually sells out) here.
2/ There will be many Halloween-themed parties in clubs around Seattle starting the weekend of 25/26/27 October, but the one I recommend for students is the FIUTS dance party at Nectar in the Fremont neighborhood on 30 October. More info here. (You must have ID showing you are 21+ to go to this bar.)
Now to the music we heard today!
The theme for today's class was "Songs that you listen to while doing homework". The first song was "Butterfly Lovers" (video, song info) which is a very famous Chinese classical piece. The student told the story behind the song, about how two people who couldn't be together in real life died and became butterflies. It sounds like a classic tragic love story! Very pretty music!
The next song chosen was "Right Here Waiting" (video, lyrics, song info) by Richard Marx (info). This song isn't exactly one which the student who chose it listens to while doing schoolwork, but since he heard it -- a week ago for the first time -- he has been listening to it repeatedly.
The next song was also not one for studying, just a favorite song: "This Plane" (video, lyrics, song info) by Wiz Khalifa (info). The student who chose this song is just a really big Wiz Khalifa fan and loves a lot of his songs.
The next song was back to our theme for the day: "Solitude" (video) by T-Square (info). This is a Japanese band from the 80's that only does instrumental music. The student first heard the band's music in a video game but finds it good music to study to.
The next song chosen was "Can't Find My Way Home" (video, lyrics, song info) by Blind Faith (info). The student who chose this song like rock music, but for studying likes the more mellow, less noisy music. He mentioned that he is amazed that the singer, Steve Winwood (info) sang such a deeply introspective song at age 21, the same age as the student is now himself.
The next song was "1/3 No Junjou Na Kanjou" (video) by Jani Lane (info). This song came from an album to benefit Japan after the 2011 tsunami. The album was all covers of songs by the band Saim Shade (info).
I mentioned that the singer of that song, Jani Lane, had sung in a glam metal band from Los Angeles in the 1980's, Warrant (info). They only had one song I liked, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (video, lyrics, song info). I have to admit that the song they are most famous for was "Cherry Pie" (video, lyrics, song info) but I don't like that song. We talked for a while about how the style was for guys to have long hair in the 80's. Even I did!
The next song was "Truth Of Touch" (video, song info) by Yanni (info). The student who chose this song loves Yanni's music, the songs touch her emotionally very deeply.
Somehow we talked about Michael Bolton (info) and I said I think he is "cheesy", then I had to explain what this word means. It's a classic American term -- we use it very often! -- but it's kind of hard to explain. I describe it as "trying too hard and not being very creative about it". We often say a joke is cheesy or a guy is telling a cheesy story. It's not a serious insult. We watched a little bit of the Michael Bolton video "Said I Loved You But I Lied" (video, lyrics, song info) and as the students watched the video they understood what cheesy means. Another great example of cheesiness is that video for "Cherry Pie" by Warrant above.
With that the class was over! If you need inspiration for songs to introduce to the class next week, think of your favorite songs to listen to before going to a party. But, as always, any songs you want to share with the class are welcome!
A big class today -- 14 students!! It is a very interesting mix of people from all around the world coming to the classes this quarter. And they are quite talkative, which is good!
Since there were so many new students we did some quick introductions then went straight into the music. The theme I had suggested was "Songs that remind you of when you first came to America."
But before we heard the first song there was an advertisement for the new movie "Gravity" (info). I mentioned to the class that the best movie theater in Seattle to see visually rich films is called the Cinerama (website). It is downtown at 4th Ave & Lenora St. I want to see "Gravity" so will try and organize a class trip to see it in the next week.
The first song chosen was "Someone Like You" (video, lyrics, song info) by Adele (info). The student who chose it said it was simply the first song she heard when she arrived in Seattle (she was in a store when she heard it).
The next song was "The Time Of My Life" (video, lyrics, song info) from the movie Dirty Dancing (info). The student who chose it said this song represents the dreams that many people have when they come to America and he hope to have this song in mind when he arrives back in his country after spending a year in America.
I mentioned that the movie "Dirty Dancing" is a movie every American knows and if the students want to see some typical American culture, and see something all Americans know, they should watch this movie.
The next song was "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall" (video, lyrics, song info) by Coldplay (info). The student who chose it said he heard this song in the airplane as he flew to Seattle.
The next song was "Empire State Of Mind" (video, lyrics, song info) by Jay-Z (info). The student who chose is said she wants to go to New York City and this song reminds her of that place. We talked about impressions of what New York is like, both from students who have been there as well as students who want to go there. One student had been in the Twin Towers 6 months before 9/11.
In "Empire State Of Mind" Jay-Z refers to being the new Frank Sinatra (info) and he refers to a line from "New York, New York" (video with lyrics, song info) so I had to play a bit of that "classic" NY song.
The next song chosen was "Next Year" (video, lyrics, song info) by the Foo Fighters (info). The student who chose this song said the lyrics matched his situation when he came to the US. I can see that!
The next song was "Seasons Of Love" (video, lyrics, song info) from the musical Rent (info). The student who chose this song had seen the Broadway production of Rent in New York and she said the musical inspired her to be more open and accepting.
The lyrics citing big numbers and comparing them to life and love in that song reminded me of a song that someone recently posted on the Language Of Music Facebook group: "Nine Million Bicycles" (video, lyrics, song info) by Katie Melua (info). I didn't know this song until it was posted on Facebook but I think it's a very sweet love song.
The last song of the day was "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" (video, lyrics, song info) by Avril Lavigne (info). This song is, of course, a classic, originally written and sung by Bob Dylan (info) but the student who chose it today said he was surprised at how well Avril Lavigne sang it so that's why he chose this version.
With that class was over for the day. It was fun!
My suggestion for songs to think of for next class is songs you listen to while doing your schoolwork/homework. But of course any song that is on your mind that you want to share with the class is welcome.
See you Wednesday!
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