MUSIC PAPER
Papers should be 3-5 pages, double spaced and in a word document. Your paper should include footnotes, bibliography and a discography. Your research should include at least 3 sources (reviews, articles, books). For more information about proper formatting please visit:
(Links to an external site.)
Papers should include a thesis statement and a conclusion and include your own insights and ideas about the facts that you gather. I am not looking for a strictly “historical” paper but a paper that includes your assumptions and opinions (supported by other articles etc.).
Papers will be docked points for late submissions. (Late papers subject to instructor approval).
Please send the paper to Canvas only (under week 10) with your full name, email and telephone.
Select one of the following topics to write about:
1) There are 2 Beatles left: Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. Discuss one of their current careers. Do you think they should have retired with the band? Why or why not? What do you think of the fact that they are touring? Should a musician ever retire? Has their style changed since their Beatles days?
2) Write a paper on a modern day production that uses the Beatles music. This can include a musical(s) such as “Rain” (currently on Broadway) , Cirque du Soleil’s (“Love”), or a discussion of the new forthcoming ballet written by Paul McCartney. The Ballet. “Ocean’s Kingdom,” which premiered September 22, 2011.
3) Are the Beatles still one of the greatest bands ever? Why or why not? Are they still important? If so, how? Locate articles that may support your argument.
4)Compare the Beatles with another rock group such as the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd? How were they similar or different. Select a specific album or time frame (early rock or psychedelic rock) to support your claim.
5) Discuss the life and contributions of one of the Beatles after the Beatles disbanded. What was their music like now? Were they ever as strong as they once were in the Beatles?
6) Many people still blame Yoko Ono as the reason for the Beatles break-up? Ono continues to be an artist and activist in her own right, does she deserve this hostility? Why or why not? Please locate articles to support your claims.
7) Many bands have gone on to cover the music of the Beatles. Discuss various covers and how they are different or similar? Do they take away from the original or keep the world wanting more Beatles music?
8) First read the article about “Paul-is-Dead” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_is_dead
(Links to an external site.)
and then discus the 1969 hoax. How did this tale emerge as one of rocks most urban legend? Have there been similar ones since then with other rockers?
9) Discuss how the women in the Beatle’s lives changed them or influenced them? You are welcome to discuss the special relationship between Yoko Ono and John Lennon (There is a famous interview by David Sheff from January 1981 that you may be able to track down).
10) John Lennon made the following remarks in 1966
which has been since called “The Jesus Controversy.” Lennon said that Beatles had become “more popular than Jesus.” This began an outrage in the United States. Discuss the situation (what was happening at the time in the U.S. and England). What do you think of his statement? Was it incorrect or an opportunity for a media frenzy?
Here is a small documentary on the issue:
(Links to an external site.)
11) Discuss the roll of manager Brian Epstein in shaping the image and success of the Beatles. Do you think he was successful?
12) How do you think George Martin contributed to the studio explorations of the Beatles. Discuss his history as a musician and producer and his long standing relationship with the Beatles.
