What a great class, Joe! I would have loved this as a student. No wonder you get such great participation if you're teaching like this.
I've heard the Hendrix version many times but not the other two. Such different versions that tell very different stories about the country. Quite eye-opening.
Been there, done that myself in terms of being judgemental about artists and their music. But now that I'm reading and writing about them all the time for substack, I come across story after story of artists being forced by producers and labels to record their work against their own desires and intentions to make it commercial. If anyone survives in the music business and puts out a good song, kudos to them.
"In the Air Tonight" is an arresting tune, mysterious lyrics, sludgy pace, and a drum fill that I always listen for and wonder what it means!
Enjoyable article. The versions I did not know are intereso.
Unless mistaken, Marvin Gaye is not a fréquent presence here. Have you ever considered Marvin’s version of the anthem? It is up there with Hendrix’s. A national anthem 1) played with a beat box 2) funky 3) that you you can dance to 4) annd sexy! Top that!
Any special reason for not using it (aside from your respectable own taste)? Maybe next year? Or your students do not know who is Marvin Gaye?
What a great class, Joe! I would have loved this as a student. No wonder you get such great participation if you're teaching like this.
I've heard the Hendrix version many times but not the other two. Such different versions that tell very different stories about the country. Quite eye-opening.
Been there, done that myself in terms of being judgemental about artists and their music. But now that I'm reading and writing about them all the time for substack, I come across story after story of artists being forced by producers and labels to record their work against their own desires and intentions to make it commercial. If anyone survives in the music business and puts out a good song, kudos to them.
"In the Air Tonight" is an arresting tune, mysterious lyrics, sludgy pace, and a drum fill that I always listen for and wonder what it means!
It's a game of catch up, isn't it?
So much to explore, would take many lifetimes.
Great article. To me there are no guilty pleasures you either like a song or you don't.
Right on!
Enjoyable article. The versions I did not know are intereso.
Unless mistaken, Marvin Gaye is not a fréquent presence here. Have you ever considered Marvin’s version of the anthem? It is up there with Hendrix’s. A national anthem 1) played with a beat box 2) funky 3) that you you can dance to 4) annd sexy! Top that!
Any special reason for not using it (aside from your respectable own taste)? Maybe next year? Or your students do not know who is Marvin Gaye?
https://youtu.be/p2KYZ1BritY?si=6FCUMC8whjpCQNLY
Thanks, Antonio. I sure know MG's version. Maybe I'll substitute it in!