Music Television (Discussion)
Types of expression
Allan contends that one can group music videos according to types of expression -- separate from genres based on content. That is, genres such a rock, pop, rap, country and R&B are the most common way of grouping music videos, but cutting across those genres are certain expressive forms. Allan lists four of them:
- Performance - Groups 5 & 1
- Narrative - Groups 6 & 2
- Nonnarrative - Groups 7 & 3
- Graphic - Groups 8 & 4
Each group should be prepared to explain the characteristics of their "type of expression" to the class, and choose one video that exemplifies it. (The video must be available online: YouTube, mtv.com, Yahoo Music, etc.)
All groups
- List four ways that the Replacements' Left of the Dial breaks the conventions of the music video. Be as specific as possible and draw examples from the video.
- List the five principal antecedents of (or influences on) music television and explain the specific aspects they contributed to music TV.
- While discussing "The Sound of Video," Allan discusses the mix of music and nonmusical elements in music video.
- Aside from genres and types of expression, what generally characterizes the music presented in music videos?
- How can nonmusical elements be used?
Sample production
Each group should choose one well-known song and pretend they're video producers. Design three videos for that song that use the narrative, nonnarrative and graphic types of expression; but do not use the same concept that the real music video used. You may divide your group into sub-groups to work on these videos. And you may want to storyboard your video.
Be prepared to pitch your ideas to the class.
Bibliography
- Butler, Jeremy G. Television: Critical Methods and Applications. New York: Routledge, 2012.