I explored the theme of "Songs about New York" which included such songs as U2's "The Hands That Built America," the Bee Gees' "Nights on Broadway," and Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind." These songs have very different takes on the city, what to do there, and what makes it a great and/or unique place.I think an interesting theme for students to explore in the classroom would be "Songs about Minnesota." This could tie into just about any novel that deals with issues of identity and/or place (for example, I think this assignment would totally tie in to the frequently studied novel House on Mango Street).
First, you could have students find songs about Minnesota, you could help by providing a list, but encourage students to find their own examples. Here are a bunch:
"Uptown" by Prince
"Minneapolis" by that Dog
"Shhh" by Atmosphere
Just about any song by The Hold Steady
"Minnesota" by Converge
"10,000 Lakes" by Kid Dakota
"Minneapolis" by Lucinda Williams
"A Friend to the Minnesota Strangler" by Pinetop Seven
"Meet me in the Morning" by Bob Dylan
"Ninth and Hennepin" and "Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis" by Tom Waits.
"Duluth" by Mason Jennings
"Franklin Avenue" by Jeremy Messersmith
"Cold White Christmas" by Casiotone for the Painfully Alone
Pretty much every second Hold Steady song
"Highway 61" by the legendary Bob Dylan
The Minnesota Polka by the Gear Daddies
Hail Minnesota (our state song) by Truman Rickard
Students could then look at the lyrics of several of them, and consider the following:
What do these songs say about Minnesota?
What do these songs say about Minnesotans?
Why was this song written?
Pay attention to how specific the characters are in the lyrics. Describe the people in the song.
Are they about specific individuals, or are they about groups of people? Do you think these songs are supposed to be about ALL Minnesotans?
Do these seem like accurate portrayals of Minnesotans?
Are there stereotypes?
Do you like what this song has to say? Why or why not? What do you disagree with?
Does this song represent you and/or the people you know?
Next, you could have students draw a picture of the characters (or narrator) of the song. Remind students that the narrator is not necessarily the actual singer, but a created character.
Next, students could begin thinking about their very own "song about Minnesota." First, students could list some of the things that they would want to say about Minnesota and its people, neighborhoods, and culture(s)....(and maybe its weather). What makes this place unique? What makes Minnesotans different than Iowans, or Wisconsinites (be careful here, this could get out of hand!).
Finally, have students work on crafting the lyrics for their songs. What will the chorus be (what's a central idea you want to convey and repeat). You might also go over some of the literary terms like assonance, alliteration, rhythm etc.
Now, depending on the technology available in your classroom, you could have students use garage band to record their songs, or you could have them project their song lyrics. You might also just have them share their songs in small groups.
"Shhh" - Atmosphere
ReplyDeleteFavorite MN song EVER. Every summer, my tradition is to bump it loudly as soon as I am out in the middle of a lake with an icy cold brew in my hand.
LOVE IT.
The second I saw what your posting was about today, the first song that popped into my mind was indeed Atmosphere's "Say SHH." Great song. This is an interesting topic, and I think it would be interesting for students to explore. I feel like it's something that most students wouldn't have ever thought before, or wouldn't have realized that certain songs are even directly related to here, where we live. Another one to add to your list... Dylan's All Along the Watchtower... I cannot say this is 100% accurate, but I was told (by a usually relevant source on music, my roommate), that he wrote it while sitting by the watchtower down University Avenue in the prospect park neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteyou forgot Atmosphere's "Liquor Lyle's Cool July".... haha, just kidding. I'm not sure your students would (or should) be able to relate to that one. But for real "Minnesota" by the Push Stars AND all those Big Wu songs! :) Great assignment, Center. I think it helps to definitely personalize this "media" concept (which for me even seems a little distant and "Big Brother"-y), and really bring it close to home.
ReplyDeleteCenter, you WOULD do your assignment on the great state of Minnesota. ;) You've got plenty of songs to use in this assignment, what with all the suggestions people offered in their comments, along with your own. Even though this isn't a song, you could also throw in the commentary by lewis Black to delve a bit further in "What it means to live in MN." Just inform your students to excuse the profanity...it's all good. On a different note, I think that students could really relate to this assignment, which automatically captures their attention. I mean, it's not like you could do this same assignment with Nebraska and get the same response...am I right? Nice work though; I'd definitely use this in my classroom if I were staying in this fine state. Maybe, once I'm more familiar with Colorado, I can substitute the CO for MN, eh?
ReplyDelete