http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?id=1598271&vid=315983
American Idle winner David Cook's new music video "Light On". Posted on the front page of VH1. Clothing, hair style, theme, etcetera. THE MAINEST STREAM OF POP it seems - American Idle; music/TV that everyone watches.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Meaningless Analysis of Kanye West's "Good Life"
1. What is the song basically saying about how to live a good life? Paraphrase the main idea.
The main idea presented in this video as to what makes for a “good life” is definitely one of American popular culture’s influence. Kanye very clearly presents the common American perception of a well lived life – a large amount of wealth and fame, expensive things, as well as having attractive people around you. Kanye also tells us that he has his own style – implying that the good life also consists of being a unique individual (while still aiming for fame and riches).
2. What lyrics particularly speak to that perspective? Use quotes as evidence.
The messages presented to us within the lyrics of this song are of, pretty much, the common image of the “good life” according to popular culture in the United States summed up in a song. The song speaks of moving up in the world of American popular culture by becoming a superstar, (“I’ma get on this TV, mama. I’ma, I’ma put shit down”). The song tells us about going on a “living spree” involving expensive cars booze and attractive women (and their butts).
One of the verses of the song goes as follows:
Have you ever popped champagne on a plane
While gettin’ some brain?
Whipped It out, she said, “I never seen snakes on a plane”
Whether you broke or rich you gotta get biz
Havin’ money’s the everythin’ that havin’ it is
The first line is, seemingly about Kanye having champagne on a private plane whilst interchangeable woman is performing oral sex on him. In the following line, he states that if you’re either wealthy or poor you need to keep expanding your bank because, as he says, money is everything.
He also says that before he had a life that is good, he “imagined” having it – implying that those without this kind of life should wish that they had it.
3. How do the video images support, re-orient, or challenge the dominant theme of the lyrics? Analyze.
The images of the video, for the most part, portray the same ideals for what a good, meaningful life should consist of. We see Kanye around riches and sex. However, we are given new messages (possibly more subtle even as visuals). The video shows a certain style of how to dress and act. As Kanye sings, he gives off a certain type of persona that seems to be looked upon as a role model for much of today’s youth. We also see what, according to this version of a good life, a sexy woman looks like.
4. What else do you notice that's interesting? Look for internal contradictions, aspects of the message that resonate with other messages from the pop culture, points that connect to your own perspective, etc. Analyze squared.
There are probably many contradictions that can be seen in the messages that this music video portrays, but one contradiction stands out as oddly clear to me.
Yo, it’s got to be cause I’m seasoned
Haters givin’ me salty looks, Lowry's
50 told me go head and switch them style up
And if they hate then let them hate
And watch the money pile up
In this verse Kanye expresses the importance of being independent and different – yet, throughout the whole song he explains how his own life is THE good life. That the things he speaks of that make up his life and how he got there, are indeed the things that make up a meaningful life. This is a contradiction because if what he says is simply what makes a good life, than it would be impossible for people to be truly independent while striving for the this kind of life. The goals would be too linear.
The main idea presented in this video as to what makes for a “good life” is definitely one of American popular culture’s influence. Kanye very clearly presents the common American perception of a well lived life – a large amount of wealth and fame, expensive things, as well as having attractive people around you. Kanye also tells us that he has his own style – implying that the good life also consists of being a unique individual (while still aiming for fame and riches).
2. What lyrics particularly speak to that perspective? Use quotes as evidence.
The messages presented to us within the lyrics of this song are of, pretty much, the common image of the “good life” according to popular culture in the United States summed up in a song. The song speaks of moving up in the world of American popular culture by becoming a superstar, (“I’ma get on this TV, mama. I’ma, I’ma put shit down”). The song tells us about going on a “living spree” involving expensive cars booze and attractive women (and their butts).
One of the verses of the song goes as follows:
Have you ever popped champagne on a plane
While gettin’ some brain?
Whipped It out, she said, “I never seen snakes on a plane”
Whether you broke or rich you gotta get biz
Havin’ money’s the everythin’ that havin’ it is
The first line is, seemingly about Kanye having champagne on a private plane whilst interchangeable woman is performing oral sex on him. In the following line, he states that if you’re either wealthy or poor you need to keep expanding your bank because, as he says, money is everything.
He also says that before he had a life that is good, he “imagined” having it – implying that those without this kind of life should wish that they had it.
3. How do the video images support, re-orient, or challenge the dominant theme of the lyrics? Analyze.
The images of the video, for the most part, portray the same ideals for what a good, meaningful life should consist of. We see Kanye around riches and sex. However, we are given new messages (possibly more subtle even as visuals). The video shows a certain style of how to dress and act. As Kanye sings, he gives off a certain type of persona that seems to be looked upon as a role model for much of today’s youth. We also see what, according to this version of a good life, a sexy woman looks like.
4. What else do you notice that's interesting? Look for internal contradictions, aspects of the message that resonate with other messages from the pop culture, points that connect to your own perspective, etc. Analyze squared.
There are probably many contradictions that can be seen in the messages that this music video portrays, but one contradiction stands out as oddly clear to me.
Yo, it’s got to be cause I’m seasoned
Haters givin’ me salty looks, Lowry's
50 told me go head and switch them style up
And if they hate then let them hate
And watch the money pile up
In this verse Kanye expresses the importance of being independent and different – yet, throughout the whole song he explains how his own life is THE good life. That the things he speaks of that make up his life and how he got there, are indeed the things that make up a meaningful life. This is a contradiction because if what he says is simply what makes a good life, than it would be impossible for people to be truly independent while striving for the this kind of life. The goals would be too linear.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Meaningless Comments for others
For Kyle C.
Nice video, Kyle. People watching was an interesting thing to include, especially since you can probably learn from it. We kind of all do it but you filmed it. Also, sitting at the computer doing assorted things is an entirely honest pass time!
For John L.
You've really put together a nice thing here. You've shown us the meaning that your family has for you very well. You're video's tone and your music choice fit well.
For Ian G.
Hah, Ian you're cool. You're video is different and I like that it is an interview. You're seem very much at terms with what is meaningful in your life. You are down to earth. Nice work mr. Tripple Kyle!!
For Sam R.
It was a very sweet video! The song was nice. The pictures of your friends and family showed great meaning. I like the assortment of photos you chose. The sports teams were a nice touch as well. Nice work!
Mara
You and your family and friends looks so happy : ) The photos and footage were incredibly upbeat and made me feel good. The song added to the good feeling too. Nice job.
For Kiya V.H.
The scenes from in the car along with the song were nice and pleasant : ) They show happy moments and memories and that is very meaningful. I like that the film was uploaded sideways. Cool.
For Bonnie B.
The scenes of you and your boyfriend were sweet. And with your friends, very happy feeling. I really like that song.
Nice video, Kyle. People watching was an interesting thing to include, especially since you can probably learn from it. We kind of all do it but you filmed it. Also, sitting at the computer doing assorted things is an entirely honest pass time!
For John L.
You've really put together a nice thing here. You've shown us the meaning that your family has for you very well. You're video's tone and your music choice fit well.
For Ian G.
Hah, Ian you're cool. You're video is different and I like that it is an interview. You're seem very much at terms with what is meaningful in your life. You are down to earth. Nice work mr. Tripple Kyle!!
For Sam R.
It was a very sweet video! The song was nice. The pictures of your friends and family showed great meaning. I like the assortment of photos you chose. The sports teams were a nice touch as well. Nice work!
Mara
You and your family and friends looks so happy : ) The photos and footage were incredibly upbeat and made me feel good. The song added to the good feeling too. Nice job.
For Kiya V.H.
The scenes from in the car along with the song were nice and pleasant : ) They show happy moments and memories and that is very meaningful. I like that the film was uploaded sideways. Cool.
For Bonnie B.
The scenes of you and your boyfriend were sweet. And with your friends, very happy feeling. I really like that song.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Meaningless Video 1
Untitled from Kyle Tannenbaum on Vimeo.
Quite obviously I’ve included many pictures of my band, “Inside Dogs” in action. That group of guys and the music we have been creating is among several things in going on in my life as of recently that have made very happy. If I were asked to describe the aspects of my life in which I find the most meaning – or, which are the most meaningful to me – these friendships would definitely be included in my answer. (I guess I’m being asked that question right here aren’t I) The song playing in the background is one of the first songs the band ever played. (“Veils of Reality” written by Manuel Villanueva the lead guitarist)
The awesome little red Dutch man in the blue suit is Duppet Van Leeuwenhoek. He is the band mascot.
I’ve included pictures of my parents and I, which were taken while we were eating brunch at a nice restaurant on Mother’s Day. (They had great French toast). I love my parents a whole lot. They are very supportive and I am lucky to have them as parents. We have family issues, but come through them fine. They're honestly all around wonderful people.
There are a good number of pictures of my two cats Colette and Jasmine. The two of them are great, friendly and loving. Colette, the one with a bit of white fur, is particularly photogenic. The black dog that makes an appearance in this video is one that I’ve known for most of my life that lives with good friends of the family. She is a sweet dog and her name is Midnight.
There are pictures of various objects around my house which have either been around me long enough for me to consider them a part of my home and comfort zone – such as the colorful paper hand and the wooden Dalmatian dog sculpture, or are things which I commonly use and enjoy – such as the blue tea kettle or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Toward the end of the video there are a few photos that I took while at a concert in December of 2007. Manuel and I saw the band “HIM” play at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square. We waited in line for 11 hours in 20 degree weather, standing against a brick wall to be at the front row. It worked out perfectly – we stood right below the guitarist and had an absolute blast. I would do it all again.
Following these pictures are two versions of the same design, which was not drawn by me, featuring an amazing sort of, Celtic/Finnish pattern, which I’ve loved since I first saw it a few months ago. Thought I’d include it. I plan to get a tattoo of a similar design. The symbol within the centered circle is a “heartagram” – created by the singer of HIM. It signifies the idea that love conquers over evil. Beautiful.
The last few pictures … are of something incredibly dear to me. They are of Alejandra and I. (Well, not the first one with her in it. That one is of her and her new puppy!:]) You know her. I love this girl. She alone, in the few short months we’ve really known each other, has made me happier than I could have imagined possible. Needless to say, she is an amazing person and I hope I never have to experience life without her again.
__________
All of the people and things which I have included are things that make me happy. I would say that none of them are meaningless.
__________
Including pictures of ALL my friends would have been a good thing. They are all people that make me happy. They are meaningful aspects of my life. I did not though.
__________
__________
There seems to be a frame or pattern of interest that can be depicted from the my video. It is odd and hard to explain, but it seems that most of things that I would consider the good and the bad in my life come from the same places. :-0
__________
Being in a band is probably typical. And believing that we're different and have potential is probably typical too. I feel that I have an okay understanding of what is and is not meaningful in my life. Even if my video does not reflect that. I am still a dumb teenager.
__________
My interests lie in music, and the people I love. That is a really linear list of things to call the "interesting" aspects of my way of life, but they are what come to mind. Oh wellllll. I hope that my choices at this point in my life will lead me to a good place. Who doesn't.
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