The readings attached present a complex view of Los Angeles music as characterized by varied harmonic visions of Los Angeles, exchange, and spatial collectiveness, and turbulence, clashes, and civil unrest. Using three readings and at two music examples, discuss these dynamics in a 5-6-page paper. How do you understand the period(s) of LA music history thus far? With music as your lens, was early LA a time of paradise and harmony, of trouble and clashes, of troubled paradise?
In this essay, please consider answering and thinking about these questions:
How has the music of Los Angeles acted as communication, in terms of identity, community and intercultural relations?
What is the connection between migration (of people and of sounds) and LA music?
What is the relationship between the government and its agents and music in LA’s history?
How have culture and industry interacted?
What is the connection between LA music, the writing of history, and memory?
How has LA’s history been written (by people at the time and more recently) in relation to music?
Here are the Music examples with backing sources that will explain their influence to LA.
Pachuco Boogie (Orquesta de Don Ramon)
Supporting explanation and argument for “Pachuco Boogie” will be found in the attachment:
Boogie Woogie Breakthrough – The Rhythm and Blues Era (Macias, PDF)
Cannibal & The Headhunters Land Of 1000 Dances
Supporting explanation and argument for “1000 Dances”
Please consider using Adorno and Frith’s argument as a base for popular music, while Kun will focus on the culture of Los Angeles.
