Daily Archives: January 26, 2014

Passion

From Kara’s Flowers to Maroon 5

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Whether you are a lover of the band Maroon 5 or simply a curious reader, thank you for taking the time to visit my site.  As this is the first installment in my Maroon 5 webblog, I find it appropriate to provide you with an introduction to the band.  This pop/rock group is personally my favorite band, and I hope that after reading my blog you too will gain an appreciation for their music.  Some of you, even avid listeners of Maroon 5, may not know that the band was originally created under the name of Kara’s Flowers in 1995 by singer Adam Levine, guitarist Jessie Carmichael, bass guitarist Mickey Madden, and drummer Ryan Dusick.  The group was your typical high school band, playing out of garages and basements in Los Angeles and Malibu, California until they were signed by Reprise Records.  Kara’s Flowers was heavily influenced both in music and fashion by bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and the Beatles, and, in 1997, they released their very first album titled The Fourth World.

Fara's Flowers

Unfortunately, though, due to poor response from listeners, Reprise chose to drop Kara’s Flowers.  The band came close to falling apart, but after Adam and Jessie left and returned from a semester at college in Long Island, the band underwent a similar transformation.  James Valentine, a talented guitarist joined the band, Jesse switched from playing guitar to keyboard, and Kara’s Flowers became Maroon 5.  The true meaning behind the band’s name is a secret, however, and only band members and, interestingly, Billy Joel know the meaning behind the words.  Maroon 5 has gone on to become perhaps one of the most popular bands of the 2000s.  Although members have been lost and gained along the way (Ryan Dusick was replaced by Matt Flynn after an injury and PJ Morton is currently standing in for Jessie Carmichael as he pursues suspended plans), the band has seen incredible success over the years.  They have won three Grammy Awards, two People’s Choice Awards, one World Music Award, and countless other honors and nominations.  Recently, beginning with Adam Levine’s recording of “Stereo Hearts” in 2011 with Gym Class Heroes, Maroon 5 has also seen a revitalization in their music style by choosing to work with other writers.  As this blog continues over the course of this semester, I will explore more about the band’s members, songs, and collaborations while trying to make the site as interactive as possible for readers.  Thank you again for reading my blog, and remember to check in once in a while for more fun and exciting facts about one of the greatest bands of our generation!  Also, be sure to check out “Soap Disco” by Kara’s Flowers.

Citations:

http://www.allmusic.com/artist/karas-flowers-mn0000855690/biography

(Summary of the band Kara’s Flowers)

http://www.maroon5.com/bio/

(Summary of the band Maroon 5 from the point of view of bass guitarist Mickey Madden)

http://www.aceshowbiz.com/celebrity/maroon_5/awards.html

(Summary of Maroon 5 awards and nominations)

Date of publication of “Stereo Hearts (feat. Adam Levine)” released by Gym Class Heroes taken from iTunes

Class Work

Ideas for Paper 1: Rhetorical Analysis of an Advertisement

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One idea for “Paper 1: Rhetorical Analysis of an Advertisement” would be to discuss the U.S. Army Reserve Commercial “Where Can…”  This commercial depicts everyday men and women leaving their careers to serve in similar positions in the U.S. Army Reserve.  This commercial uses ethos by showing people of stature in the community (a businesswoman and a doctor) taking the transformation into soldiers in uniform.  The characters go from being people you relate to and admire to people you respect.  It uses pathos by appealing to the American commonplace of patriotism.  Logos is also displayed, for the commercial implies that citizens, even students, do not have to put their lives on hold to serve their country.  You can still do what you love while making a difference at the same time.  The commercial also uses the rhetorical devices of posing questions to the audience and using the inspirational theme of the U.S. Army as background music.  I like this commercial in particular because it appeals to all citizens.  From doctors to students, men to women, we are all American and can better the United States.  The commercial also highlights the American ideology that the greatest honor of all is to serve your country.  Overall, I feel that this commercial provides the perfect example for a rhetorical analysis.

http://www.ispot.tv/ad/7kEn/us-army-where-can

Another idea of a commercial for which I could perform a rhetorical analysis would be the Geico “Hump Day Camel Commercial.”  This commercial shows ethos by again depicting everyday workers in business attire that the audience can relate to.  Pathos is perhaps the most obvious rhetorical device used, for, at the end of the commercial, the word “happy,” a word not usually connected to insurance, is literally stated.  Logos is shown through Geico’s use of their famous slogan that “15 minutes could save you 15% or more.”  Another rhetorical device displayed in the Camel commercial is that it appeals to the sense of humor of the audience, making the advertisement more memorable.  The commonplace in this commercial is that everyone, no matter what job you hold or your social class, needs insurance.  Lastly, the commercial plays on the ideology that buying insurance is boring by trying to convey a playful and even enjoyable mood.  The Geico “Hump Day Camel Commercial” provides yet another excellent example for a thorough rhetorical analysis.