Music Cassttes

How can one define music has always puzzled even the greatest thinkers and musicians. They have always been confused over the classification of music. A majority of them perceive it as a form of art as it is very subjective but there are many who look at it as a science as it is governed by certain rules. The word Music itself has been derived from Greek word ‘mousa’ that means ‘to muse’. In the 21st Century, the definition that is accepted widely now is that Music is an art or science that combines sounds produced by both vocal and instrumental means to produce beauty of form, harmony and expression of emotion.

Music has the power to bridge the gap between two people or two nations. There are many scriptures and archaeological proofs that show that music has been an important aspect of man’s life since the prehistoric times. In many parts of the world and for a long period, music was a sort of means of communication between two people. Even the tribal people who are isolated from the civilized society have their own music and song that they perform at rituals thus showing that music has its own ancestral past alongside humans. There have been many forms of music since time unknown but music as a whole has always remained same. In 2008 archaeologists found a flute made from bone in the Hohle Fels Caves in Germany. We all have heard the term classical music and we keep hearing it all the time at some place or the other. Classical Music is used to define music that was rooted in the traditional art. Complex, lasting and abstract are a few attributes related to the classical music.

One of the oldest music traditions of the world are found in India. Excavations at the sites of Indus valley civilization have unearthed sculptures depicting various dance forms and musical instruments. Different stringed instruments and drums were found at the Mohen jo Daro and Harrapa excavation sites. The Indian traditional music can be broadly classified as the southern Carnatic music and the northern Hindustani classical music. In Carnatic music, focus was on the devotional and spiritual aspects of a man’s life and was devoted to the Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Unlike the Southern counterpart, northern Hindustani music was more of the common man’s music, being influenced heavily by the Afghan Mughals. The characteristic feature of Indian Classical music is that it is monophonic and it revolves around a single melody line called ‘raga’. Raga is a rhythmically organized line that is controlled by ‘Taals’. One of the four Vedas of India, the Samveda has long descriptions of music.

Apart from the entertaining aspect, there are proofs that show that music can be used to heal a person either physically or mentally. This is because listening to music makes you feel better and it acts as a catalyst to your rate of recovery.. there are numerous forms of music like the Rock, Jazz, Opera, Metal, Trance etc. but the aim of music is just one-to touch the hearts of all.

Sarah Palin

She didn’t need red carpet and no bright light was needed to focus upon her- the sun was still there to enlighten her. And the most attractive and biggest topic of discussion, Sarah Palin, took a completely unexpected decision at the very last moment on the way to theatre. That thought provoking decision was not to bump into the theatre in a SUV but to leave it around the corner and move across the street unannounced and suddenly. The people at the neighbourhood became very anxious to have a single shot of her everlasting gorgeous look. She had to cross a hurdle of media persons and cameramen crew across about 50 yards.

Yes, this is true. This happened in Pella, a small town with a population of 10,000 which was chosen for one of the sites for world premiere of The Undefeated, a documentary based upon her political carrier. Her dress code included bellbottom jeans with matching shiny, silver belt. She still makes the audience feel as she is young enough and independent of age factor. She was accompanied by her husband, Todd.

It is heard from reliable sources that Palin was in Iowa and the same day when president and presidential elect were in news capturing the importance in 2012 election, was selected for movie premier. Still the release of the movie took its news market share as expected. The hype factor of the movie premier was surprising. The press and supporters still wait with anxiety to hear her decision about continuing her political career. She always keeps the topic hanging forward and she did the same that premier night too.

Although it was announced one day prior to the premier that press wouldn’t be allowed in the theatre while the show would be running. But a few reporters obtained last-minute seats and standing rooms at the back of the theatre. The movie started with a blast, with a gathering of Hollywood celebrities. The environment was very rich with no offence attitudes. It was clear from the foul languages from some well known actors and others taking fruitful amusement from those words. Some of them even used to criticize Palin, and the audience appeared to relish the note that they aren’t used to the behaviour of showbiz crew.

The movie got settled to some slower chapters, had some footage of Palin as a child. It also included lots of discussions regarding the Alaska energy policy. The audience was very attentive to the movie sequence in the mid section. After all that Palin already had become a celebrity and credits rolled. As the sound was shut off, Palin stood in front of the screen, thanked the audience and the filmmaker.

The early days

The seeds of Hip Hop were first sown during the early 70’s by DJs such as ‘Cool Herc’ in the Bronx, U.S.A.

DJs would play parties with twin turntables and soon realised that by using two copies of the same record they could prolong their favorite breakdowns to the further enjoyment of the crowd.

Over these extended breakdowns MCs could tell or ‘rap’ stories along to the beat, whether it be about a woman they liked or about what they had for breakfast, it all added to the effect of the records and sometimes added a touch of light hearted entertainment in an otherwise difficult ghetto life.

Eventually the DJs started making their own records to rap over. By using Roland drum machines and electronic synthesizers that could be synchronized together, a new sound called ‘Electro Hip Hop’ was formed.

Breakdance & Graffiti

This music craze was accompanied by another new art form.. Spraycan Art or “Graffiti Art” which also originated in the Bronx but quickly spread across America and eventually Europe and the world.

Gradually a new way of dancing accompanied Hip Hop and Electro, it took wild moves from Jazz, disco and other street dance forms and became known as ‘break dancing’ and ‘body popping’ (inspired by robotic movement). Breakers would form crews and use linoleum sheets or card to battle each other, sometimes in front of passers by.
The fashion was also important, b-boys would wear designer sports labels such as Nike, Puma, Adidas, Fila and Elise.. from head bands to trainers and caps to shell tracksuits.

The popularity of the sampler allowed hip hop producers to sample old funk and soul records to further experiment with break beats. By the late 90’s Hip Hop was reaching it’s zenith and artists such as BDP, Mantronix, Eric B & Rakim and De La Soul were finding great popularity.

Evolution

Even white punk and rock bands tried getting in on the act with artists such as Aerosmith and The Beastie Boys getting “DEF” and kids normally into heavy metal started wearing lace-less shell toe Adidas trainers.
Hip Hop has since remained popular in two forms, on a commercial level which is more commonly associated with R&B and the likes of MTV but also it carries on in a more underground fashion and there are new sub genres constantly emerging such as grime and garage. Hip Hop style rap is also used over certain dance music records, some better than others.

Hip Hop will always be around thanks to a rich heritage laid down by such luminaries as Afrika Bambaataa and The Soul Sonic Force, hip hop continues to evolve.