Archetype Essay (50 points)

Marcus Meston

MDIA 1020

Section #3

ARCHETYPES: COME ON, REALLY?

            The druggy archetype is a character that is commonly seen in film. Two of the most popular shows within the last couple of years have prevalent druggy characters that add a unique section of the show. In the show Breaking Bad, Jesse Pinkman not only struggles with his own addiction, but he deals drugs to others. Even though a lot of actors portraying that archetype are dimwits such as Harold and Kumar or Cheech and Chong, Jesse Pinkman has serious demons with his meth and heroin addiction. Many scenes are outlined with Pinkman internally battling with the horrible reality of drug use on both the mental and physical side.

            On the other hand, the show Girls has a character named Laird, who is in the same apartment as the main character. He adds quirky comments and odd scenarios that can add comic relief or a break from some of the serious scenes. This is a difference between the new trend of stoner comedies such as “The Big Lebowski”, “Pineapple Express” and “Half Baked”.

            I think that this archetype is alive and well especially in modern film and television. It has progressed from a light-hearted view of drug culture as evidenced in Cheech and Chong to the critically acclaimed show Breaking Bad. Girls showed a balance between the two extremes. I believe this character will be seen in a similar light as Laird in future films and television.

That's not what I heard (75 points)

Mini Saga Songs (both of them)

https://soundcloud.com/marcus-meston/sets/mdia-1020-songs-recorded

Achy Breaky Heart LAW

Listening Framework

(Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Rae Cyrus)

Listening Phase 1 (Rhythm)

Source [where is the rhythm coming from?]

The rhythm is driven by the drums and the strumming of the acoustic guitar.

Time/Tempo [guess at the time signature]

The time signature is common time, which is also known as 4/4. And the tempo was in the middle range. I would say it was around 100 BPM upon first listen.

Groove [describe how the personality of the rhythm]

The groove is straight up. It is not trying to lay back like most funk songs and it is not pushing onward either. It is just a standard drumbeat.

Listening Phase 2 (Arrangement)

Instrumentation [which instruments drive the song?]

The instrumentation has a “honky tonk” vibe that contains twangy guitars playing standard country riffs. The guitars and drums drive the song along with a consistent rhythm.

Structure/Organization [how is the song built?  Order, patterns, etc.]

There is not a bridge in this song. It contains a verse, chorus, verse, chorus, solo section, breakdown of the chorus, and then the chorus again.

Emotional Architecture [Draw how the song build and drop?]

There is a breakdown of the chorus and then a normal chorus but besides that there is not a significant emotional build and drop.

Listening Phase 3 (Sound Quality)

Balance

-       Height [high and low of frequency]

The higher frequencies consist of the acoustic guitar, and the tambourine that hits on the 4 beat in between the verses and choruses. The bass of course takes the low end and the drum snare sits about midrange along with the vocals. The hi hats and occasional keyboard are in the upper middle EQ range.

-       Width [stereo panning left/right]

The bass and drums are in the middle but the acoustic guitar seems to be panned completely in the left and right ear to create a wide and open sound. The occasional guitar riffs come in the middle-right ear and sometimes the middle-left ear.

-       Depth [layers of instruments]

The layers are pretty basic. There is a rhythm guitar that is acoustic, a bass guitar, a drum set, and a lead guitar. In addition to this, there are keys in the songs and tambourine. 

Who Let the Dogs Out LAW

Listening Framework

(Who Let the Dogs Out by The Baha Men)

Listening Phase 1 (Rhythm)

Source [where is the rhythm coming from?]

The rhythm is kept by the drums and there is rhythmic chanting of dog sounds from the background singers.

Time/Tempo [guess at the time signature]

The time signature is 4/4 and the tempo is at a danceable pace.

Groove [describe how the personality of the rhythm]

The groove has a sort of Jamaican reggae vibe.

Listening Phase 2 (Arrangement)

Instrumentation [which instruments drive the song?]

Drums, bass, keyboard and acoustic guitar are prevalent in the song. It is driven mostly by the drums and chanting background vocals.

Structure/Organization [how is the song built?  Order, patterns, etc.]

It has a common pop song structure. Verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, breakdown and chorus.

Emotional Architecture [Draw how the song build and drop?]

The song builds up to the catchy chorus but it is not reliant on the dynamics of the song. It is not a song that plays on emotion, instead it plays on catchiness.

Listening Phase 3 (Sound Quality)

Balance

-       Height [high and low of frequency]

The bass takes over the low end, the high frequency consists of the high hat from the drums and the vocals were in the mid range.

-       Width [stereo panning left/right]

The piano was on the right side of the ears subtly and everything else sat in the middle. There was not a lot of panning

-       Depth [layers of instruments]

There are not many instruments tracked for this. The layering was done mostly in doubling the vocals and background vocals to accentuate the lyrics. 

Friday LAW