All posts by Lindsey Rae Evans

Passion

Adam Levine Across Genres

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Though most of you reading this blog may know of Maroon 5’s collaborations with other artists for popular tunes like “Moves Like Jagger” and “Payphone,” much of Adam Levine’s solo work in other genres is hard to find.  The 2011 Gym Class Heroes’ hit “Stereo Hearts” wonderfully showed off Adam’s artistic ability, but this was yet another pop song [1].  As I have stated in previous posts, Adam Levine has been known to study various genres of music including R&B and even folk [2].  Through my years of searching for everything Maroon 5 I could find, I have discovered several songs featuring Adam Levine and his many talents that I think you readers might enjoy!

The first song I would like to discuss today is a more well-known hit called “Heard ‘Em Say.”  The song was actually released as a hip-hop/ rap song on Kanye West’s album Late Registration in 2005 [1].  The strange duo first met when Maroon 5 hired West to remix their hit single “This Love.”  Then, after Levine and West shared music demos on a plane ride to the MTV Europe Music Awards, they decided to combine music styles [3].  The song perfectly mixes West’s rap style with Adam’s soulful voice, featuring Adam singing the chorus of “Nothing Lasts Forever” from the Maroon 5 album It Won’t Be Soon Before Long in between phrases [1].  The track is great for anyone who loves pop or rap, and its smooth rhythm is great for relaxation.

The next song is perhaps the strangest artist combination of today’s selections.  “Gotten” is a song actually listed under the genre of rock, and it was released in 2010 by Slash, the famous guitarist of Guns N’ Roses [1,4].  The track is actually a mix of one of Slash’s previous songs from his solo album of the same year overlapped with Adam Levine’s vocals.  This is an extremely heartfelt piece that is calmer than one might think a rocker like Slash would create.  However, what makes this song truly great is that both the audio and video were made to raise awareness for homeless teens in Los Angeles, and the proceeds from the collaboration actually benefit the Los Angeles Youth Foundation.  Take a listen to the song, and if you are interested check out http://slashonline.com/gotten/ [4].

Last but not least is my favorite of today’s three song choices: the song “Heavy” off of Maroon 5’s stand-in keyboardist PJ Morton’s album New Orleans [1].  This song features both Adam Levine on vocals and extremely talented Maroon 5 guitarist James Valentine and is the perfect combination of funk and soul [5].  The incredibly catchy back beat that will get anyone dancing, and the contrast of Adam’s and PJ’s voices makes the track a paradise for your senses.  This wonderful R&B/ soul record brightens my day every time I hear it, and I hope it will do the same for you [1]!

Citations:

  1. Song dates,genres, and album names found in info section in iTunes
  2. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1457217/maroon-5-want-make-cry.jhtml
  3. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1511892/kanye-kids-run-amok-surreal-macys-new-clip.jhtml
  4. http://slashonline.com/gotten/
  5. http://www.examiner.com/article/maroon-5-s-pj-morton-releases-ep-featuring-adam-levine-and-james-valentine
Class Work

New Introduction Paragraph for Olympic Moms

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From the very beginning of the Olympic games to now, there have been many additions to the competition.  New sports have been added, more countries are represented, and the games are broadcast worldwide for all to see.  One thing that has never changed throughout this time, however, is a mother’s love.  Indeed, mothers are true heroes, constantly pouring out all that they can for the sake of their children. Their love is too marvelous to be fully expressed in words, and everyone has an inborn gratitude towards their own. This sentiment is exactly what Proctor and Gamble tapped into in their commercial for 2012 London Olympic Games. By drawing upon emotions associated with mothers as well as providing worldwide viewership, rhetorical situation and virtue, and style, P&G’s Olympics commercial “Thank You, Mom” tugs on the heartstrings of viewers, leaving them with a subconscious desire for the company’s products.

Class Work

Snow Day Questions

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1. After looking at the three sample papers, which introduction paragraph do you think identified the ad’s context and commonplaces the best? Explain why in a few sentences.

To me, the introduction of Eminem and Chrysler identified the ad’s context and commonplaces the best of the three essays.  Although Olympic Moms and He’s One of Us hinted at the rhetorical strategies used in the paper to support the thesis, the Chrysler analysis directly stated the four topics of the paper in a list.  Though listing the paper’s topics may seem somewhat too abrupt, I felt that the decision made the paper a very easy read for the audience.  There was no guessing as to the author’s thesis, allowing readers to know and understand from the very beginning what ideas the following paper would discuss.

2. Which paper’s organization did you like the best? What strategy did the writer use to develop different topics for the paragraphs? Explain in a few sentences.

I liked the organization of He’s One of Us the most of the three essays. I felt that this particular author made the best use of chronology.  For example, the paper started with a discussion of past techniques for political commercials.  This was not only an excellent way to give readers insight into the realm of political advertising, but it also lead beautifully into the new era of feel-good commercialism.  The author then proceeded to explain John Hickenlooper’s backstory and techniques used in the ad.  Finally, the paper ended with what was essentially the conclusion to the story as Hickenlooper was elected and went on to hold a successful political career.  Giving the paper its own timeline made the writing very easy to follow along.

3. Which paper captured your interest the most? Why do you think that is? Explain in few sentences.

The paper which captured my interest the most was Eminem and Chrysler.  Although I found Olympic Moms to be perhaps the most enjoyable read, I was very captivated by the analysis of the car advertisement.  The reason for this fascinated me as well, for the paper hinted at my own desire to read it.  For example, I have been an Eminem fan for quite some time, and when I saw the title Eminem and Chrysler I immediately connected with the material, seeing a personal interest in the subject matter.  The paper made many good points, but when it mentioned America’s fascination with celebrities, I began to reflect on my own motives for reading the paper.  I was drawn to the title simply because of a name, which I felt gave this paper the most credit for inspiring reflection.

4. Now, turn to your own paper draft. Write a sentence or two about the context(s) and commonplace ideas you are going to identify in the opening paragraph.

In my opening paragraph for my analysis of the United States’ Army Reserve “Where Can…” commercial, I would like to hint at the advertisement’s strategies for winning over the audience, its ability to connect with viewers, and the negative connotation of military actions to the public.  The commonplaces I would like to develop are the American sense of patriotism and the honor associated with serving one’s country.

5. Now, let’s craft a few thesis statements. Try this formula for your own paper topic:

“By/Through [using these specific tactics], [this ad] [analytical verb that answers does what?] [in order to do what?].”

By winning over the hearts and minds of the audience and wiping away the negative connotation often associated with military actions, the United States’ Army Reserve “Where Can…” commercial shows civilians that they can heroically serve their country without the sacrifice of their careers.

By playing to the American sense of pride in one’s country and honor for self-sacrifice, the United States’ Army Reserve “Where Can…” commercial captures both the hearts and minds of its audience.

Work in Progress

Outline for Paper 1

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Paper 1: Rhetorical Analysis of an Advertisement (United States Army Reserve “Where Can…” Commercial)

Outline

I.     Introduction

A.     A description of the commercial is given

B.     The rhetorical devices used are briefly described

C.     A famous or influential quote is given

II.     Logos

A.     Citizens can do what they love and serve at the same time

B.     Students can remain in the classroom

C.     The United States Army can teach life skills

III.     Ethos

A.     The commercial shows people of stature in the community

B.     The characters are relatable

C.     The narrator, Gary Sinese, holds influence

D.     The military uniform has symbolism

IV.     Pathos

A.     The commercial appeals to the American sense of patriotism

B.     Inspirational music is played in the background

C.     Graphic scenes of war are avoided

V.     Ideologies and Commonplaces

A.     The commercial appeals to all Americans

B.     The commercial tries to eliminate the negative connotation of a military force

C.     The greatest honor of all is to serve your country

IV.     Conclusion

A.     The thesis is restated

B.     This commercial is briefly compared to other types of persuasive ads

C.     The final implications of the commercial are discussed

Passion

Songs About Who?

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As Kara’s Flowers took on the new identity of Maroon 5, the band’s music saw a similar change.  During his time in New York, Adam Levine began studying different styles of music.  He took a great deal of inspiration from Stevie Wonder and brought a new understanding of hip-hop and R&B back to Los Angeles [1].  After a great deal of experimentation, the group finally decided to focus on pop as their primary genre [2].

Finally, the band’s hard work paid off, and Maroon 5 was signed to Octone Records in 2001 (the record company with which they have remained until today) [1,3].  In June of 2002, Maroon 5 released its first album, Songs About Jane [1].  Although it took some time for the album to gain popularity (about a year in fact), the record became a hit, eventually going triple platinum [4].

Songs About Jane

Of the five hit singles that came off of Maroon 5’s first album (“Harder to Breathe,” “This Love,” “She Will Be Loved,” “Sunday Morning,” and “Must Get Out”) [5], the most interesting story surrounds the song “This Love.”  Interestingly, the entirety of Songs About Jane was in fact written about Adam Levine’s ex-girlfriend Jane.  Adam has stated himself that each song from the album contains at least one lyric dedicated to this mystery woman.  The song “This Love,” however, has an even deeper meaning.  Adam wrote this heart-wrenching single the very day he and Jane broke up and she moved away [2].  The lyrics state:

The chaos that controlled my mind
Whispered goodbye and she got on a plane
Never to return again
But always in my heart

This love has taken its toll on me
She said Goodbye too many times before
And her heart is breaking in front of me
And I have no choice cause I won’t say goodbye anymore [6]

Hear it for yourself!

In an amazing feat of irony, “This Love” was actually the single, released a year after the album, which caused Maroon 5’s jump to fame [4].  What started as a release of emotion over a terrible event in Adam’s life turned into an incredible area of success for the band.  “This Love” was an instant hit, and, in 2005, the song won a Grammy for the Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal [7].  Keyboardist Jessie Carmichael even joked that “[the band needed] to get Adam back in a dysfunctional relationship pronto.” [2]  All jokes aside, though, it takes true emotion to write a hit album, and Maroon 5 could not have done any better with Songs About Jane.

Citations:

  1. http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/maroon_5/news_feature_040308/index.jhtml
  2. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1457217/maroon-5-want-make-cry.jhtml
  3. iTunes information on Overexposed (latest album)
  4. http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Music/Maroon5
  5. http://www.soundscapemagazine.com/maroon5songsaboutjaneanniversary/
  6. http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/maroon5/thislove.html
  7. http://www.grammy.com/artist/maroon-5

 

 

 

 

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.

Passion

Second Idea for Passion Blog

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Another idea for my Passion Blog for English 15 is a travel blog.  Though I have not been to many countries, I hope to one day travel the world seeing all of the wonderful sites and cultures.  Though this Passion Blog is clearly less personal than the Maroon 5 idea, I feel that it could be an excellent learning experience.  I could discuss various sites around the world from the ancient pyramids of Egypt to the volcanoes of Hawaii.  I could talk about the individual traditions and heritage of the indigenous people of the regions.  I could even discuss local cuisine, music, dancing, and legends to complete the learning experience and make readers feel like they themselves went on a journey to another world.  The blog could be quite interactive, for I could post pictures and videos to give readers a true feel for the world’s diverse ecosystems and people.  The travel blog could become my itinerary for the future.  I could make the site a type of virtual map discussing the places I have been to, such as Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and France, as well as the places I dream of seeing.  I would never run out of material to discuss, for the world is a wonderful place full of amazing places just waiting to be discovered.  Although this blog would require a great deal of research, I feel that it could be something which I would still use in later years even after I have graduated from Penn State.

Passion

First Idea for Passion Blog

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One idea for my Passion Blog for English 15 is to create a blog dedicated to the band Maroon 5.  This is by far my favorite band, and I feel that the possibilities for entries are endless.  For example, I could talk about the band’s origins and how it is that they got their start.  I could spend individual weeks on the band’s five members.  This could include several articles on Adam Levine, who has seen quite recent leaps in stardom with his appearance on The Voice, his new clothing line, and, of course, his election as 2013’s “Sexiest Man Alive” by People Magazine.  I could write entries about individual songs, discussing underlying meanings and stories behind lyrics and making recommendations for listeners of my personal favorites.  I could even discuss the benefits of seeing Maroon 5 live as compared to listening to recordings, for I have attended two of the band’s concerts.  These last two ideas would allow me to make the blog very interactive, for I could post Maroon 5 songs on the blog as well as live videos taken from the concerts to give readers a true understanding of the band’s genre and of the concert experience.  I feel like this would be an excellent blogging opportunity for me because I am so personally connected to the subject matter.  Writing about something that you love takes the “work” out of homework and even makes the experience enjoyable.  This is, after all, a “Passion” Blog, and I want to make sure that I can write about something unique that makes me happy while writing and keeps me alert and attentive to details.