A Familiar Childhood Group of Friends: Alvin and the Chipmunks

When one thinks back to their childhood, the thought of favorite toys and cartoon shows comes to mind. One of the most well known cartoon shows is Alvin and the Chipmunks, and it has become a childhood memory etched in the minds of people around the world.
Alvin and the Chipmunks was first introduced not as the cute cartoon that people are familiar with today, but as high pitched 'chipmunk' sounding voices in 1958.
It all began when Mr. Ross Bagdasarsian produced the record "Witch Doctor" in 1958. Mr. Bagdasarian sang the four voices of the characters known as David Seville, Theodore, Alvin, and Simon. Ross recorded exclusively for Liberty Records and named his characters after Liberty executives: Al Bennett(Alvin), Si Warnoker(Simon),and Ted Keep(Theodore). So who is the character of David Seville named after? Well the name of David Seville was actually used by Ross Bagdasarian as a stage name! It was not this subliminal reference to the Liberty executives that made this record popular, but instead, it was the unique high pitched voices of the three 'boys' Alvin, Theodore, and Simon that made the record an instant classic.
Ross created this groundbreaking and unique sound of the voices by first recording the voices sung slowly, and then speeding them up twice as fast. When Ross first created these three characters he had originally thought to make them rabbits or butterflies, but obviously this did not happen. So why did Mr. Bagdasarian decide to make Alvin, Theodore and Simon into chipmunks ? Well, the idea actually came from his three children, Ross jr., Carol, and Adam, who all agreed that the voices, in their opinions, sounded like chipmunks. And the three adorable chipmunks that we have come to know today debuted in the 1958 record "The Chipmunk Song". The album was a hit, and within just seven weeks of its release, it had sold more then four million copies!
Just a few weeks after "The Chipmunk Song" record debut the Chipmunks made their first television appearance, but they looked much different then they do today. They first appeared as puppets on CBS's Ed Sullivan Show; And, with the huge success of the Chipmunks on television and on records, CBS offered Ross and his Chipmunks an animated cartoon series. The creation, animation, and development of the Chipmunks took much time, causing numerous time delays on the Chipmunks debut. This time delay created a snag in the road for Ross and his Chipmunks because during this time imitators of the Chipmunks were attempting to gain fame. One example of a successful imitator of the Chipmunks was 'The Nutty Squirrels', whose animation-show- television debut was a full year before Ross Bagdasarian's Chipmunks. In 1959 the Nutty Squirrels had a Top 40 hit named'Uh-Oh', but this did not stop CBS or Ross from debuting the Chipmunks. On October 14, 1961, the 26 episode series The Alvin Show debuted on CBS's Wednesday night line up.

The series was named "The Alvin Show", and the three chipmunks were casted as 'orphaned brothers'. The series revolved around the antics of the mischief causing elder brother Alvin, the smart know it all Simon, and the cute, innocent, chubby brother Theodore. All three brothers were given a home by Dave Seville, a songwriter, and a father figure to the Chipmunks. Each episode Dave would belt out his signature "A-A-L-V-I-I-N-N-!!!!" whenever the boys were caught causing mischief, and each episode also included the adventures of the brotherly chipmunks, along with a sing-a-long segment.
Unfortuantly, people were not quite ready for the Chipmunks and Dave, and after the first season the series was cancelled due to a lack of a size able audience. After the Alvin Show lost its prime time position it became one of the first 'Saturday morning cartoons' that children look forward to all week long. First on CBS: 1962-1965 and then NBC brought back the Alvin Show on Saturday mornings on March 10, 1979 - September 1, 1979.

While the television career of the Chipmunks was in a continuous re-run loop for over 20 years, Bagdasarian was working on the Chipmunks next record. The Chipmunks Go to the Movies was released in 1969, but little did Ross Bagdasarian know that this would be his final record.In 1972 Ross Bagdasarian died from a heart attack and with the death of Mr. Bagdasarian NBC executives feared that the Chipmunks and their unique voices would be taken to the grave with Ross.

In 1980 Excelsior Records released the NEW album of songs by the Chipmunks named Chipmunk Punk! Now you may be thinking: "But you just said that Ross Bagdasarian died, how it this possible?!?" But the unique voices that were believed to be secluded to the voice of Ross Bagdasarian lived on in his son, Ross Bagdasarian Jr., who did the voices of the Chipmunks in their 1980 album.
With the continuing popularity of the Chipmunks for over 20 years of re-runs, and the popularity of the Chipmunk albums, NBC decided to give the Chipmunks a television special. On December 14, 1981, A Chipmunk Christmas premiered, and its success lead to talk among NBC executives of creating a new season for the Chipmunks.
In 1983 the new series of the Chipmunks debuted, but not as the Alvin Show, as the original series was named, but instead the new series was named Alvin and the Chipmunks. The new series of Alvin and the Chipmunks paralleled very closely with the original Alvin show, but the success rate of the 80's series was much higher. Instead of constant re-runs of the first seasons of Alvin and the Chipmunks, the new series had eight production series on NBC.

Alvin and the Chipmunks date back to 1958 and can still be found producing new material in the 21st century. In 2007 the Chipmunks appeared as 'real' chipmunks in the big screen movie, Alvin and the Chipmunks the Movie. In 2008, the Chipmunks released their most recent album Undeniable. In 2009, as a sequel to the 2007 Chipmunk movie, the Chipmunks appeared on the big screen in, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.
And what is this? A third film of the Chipmunks? That's right! You've heard it hear first by a Contemporary Citizen: 20th century Fox has announced that on December 16, 2011, Alvin and the Chipmunks 3D will premiere worldwide. For numerous generations Alvin, Theodore, and Simon have been symbolic childhood figures because they have been found in popular culture since the 1950s and are still found producing new material in the popular culture of the 21st century.

Madonna: The Woman

            Who is one of those artists that had their star journey back in the day until now?  Well Madonna is that gal.  She became famous during the 80’s as a female musician still continuing her career today.  Reinventing her style and personality has set her for life.

          

Madonna has been one of those artists that just never seem to go away.  She reinvents herself with the time, so that her style and music live on. She is a style icon due to the fact of change she creates.   She brought about sexual ideas in her music, videos, and photographs.  Her single, Like a Virgin supports this erotic idea.  As soon as she started becoming successful, she had 10 top ten hits one right after the other. 

            People in the modern age of music use her as inspiration and 

strongly admire her.  Artists such as Britney Spears have been majorly influenced and have created controversial issues.  One example would be their live kiss on MTV during the MTV music awards. 

            Being the amazing woman that she is, Madonna not only sang but also acted.  She starred in Evita earning nominations and a golden globe award for best actress.

            Madonna shows that it is more important to leave lasting impressions on people then just sing a song and be a performer. She brings about controversial issues and supports important topics at the time.  I admire her spunk, but also how she is an intelligent individual that knows who she is and what she stands for. 

Sites:

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/madonna-biography-madonna-in-the-80s.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_(entertainer)

Pictures:

http://www.catchmebc.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/55.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_(entertainer)

Earvin "Magic" Johnson

If you are a Lakers fans and you don't know this man in this picture. I think you probably not areal Lakers fans and have no idea about basketball. This man is called Earvin "Magic" Johnson, a retired American professional basketball player who played point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Few athletes are truly unique, changing the way their sport is played with their singular skills. Earvin "Magic" Johnson was one of them. Just how great a basketball player was Johnson? So great, perhaps, that many basketball fans may wish they had entered the world years earlier, so they could have seen Magic Johnson played in person instead of watching him only on the highlights.

Johnson accomplished almost everything a player could dream of during his 13-year NBA career, all of which was spent with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a member of five championship teams. He won the Most Valuable Player Award and the Finals MVP Award three times each. He was a 12-time All-Star and a nine-time member of the All-NBA First Team. Johnson was also honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996, and enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. He was rated the greatest point guard of all time by ESPN in 2007.

After a body check before the 1991-92 NBA season, Magic Johnson discovered that he had tested positive for HIV. Johnson made a public announcement that he would retire immediately. He said that his wife and his unborn child did not have HIV and that he would dedicate his life to battle this deadly disease. After announcing his infection in November 1991, Johnson created the Magic Johnson Foundation to help combat HIV, although he later diversified the foundation to include other charitable goals. In 1992, he joined the National Commission on AIDS, but left after eight months, saying that the commission was not doing enough to combat the disease. He was also the main speaker for the United Nations (UN) World AIDS Day Conference in 1999, and has served as a United Nations Messenger of Peace.

This is one of his AIDS prevention advertisement.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Johnson

http://www.nba.com/2008/news/12/01/magicworldaidsday/index.html

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Video

DJ Earworm (REMIX) ft. Jordan Roseman

PLEASE WATCH FIRST! 

How much do you honestly love music? Could you sit in a recording studio for hours on one sitting? But, most importantly can you take a song and make it your own? Taking the alternative version of a song and creating your very own remix. Many songs have remixes for numerous reasons. They are: used in clubs, to create surround sound effects, to enhance the meaning, to alter the artist’s purpose and/or genre. Similar to the new genre Synth pop, Dj’s were taking synthesizers and other instruments to create a complex version of the original song. 

One of my favorite Dj’s is Jordan Roseman (DJ Earworm). Since 2007 he has taken the top 25 Billboard hits and remixed them into one song. Although there are many artists that provide amazing remixes of songs, I believe that Roseman has the best creativity of any artist or DJ. He not only adds instruments but also makes sense of all the lyrics and creates an original song of his own. Roseman style consists of a compositional, songwriting approach. I love the beats; I love the top hits, and the artists. The evolution of music has now inspired musicians and artists the freedom to do whatever appeals to their ears. DJ earworm took what people voted the best songs on the top 25 Billboard charts and gave them a new experience, “United State of Pop.”

Roseman was raised in a family of musicians in eastern Iowa and Evanstons, Illinois. Majoring in music theory and computer science at the University of Illinois, Roseman began creating his mashups in 2003 using ACID. He used ACID, which is a professional Digital audio workstation (DAW) software program. DAW is an electronic system that is used primarily for recording, editing, and playing back digital audio. According to Wikipedia, “While most mashup artists must rely on bootleg samples and public releases to make mashups, Earworm has been contacted by prominent musicians to make mashups from their source material.” From 2007- present, Roseman will forever be giving his mashups to world. Roseman plans to release the next installment of “United State of Pop” in December, 2011. 

DJ Earworm REMIXES

• Kelly Clarkson - My Life Would Suck Without You
• Coldplay - In My Place

• The Fray - Heartless (Kanye West Cover)
• Black Eyed Peas - Boom Boom Pow
• The Police - Message in a Bottle
• 2Pac - Dear Mama
• Alan Parsons Project - Ammonia Avenue

80's Fashion

During the 80’s, fashion took off all around the world.  It became something totally different compared to the past. Brand names started becoming important, stating the status of people.  Whether it is someone’s wealth or social standing, clothes made the person.  Television shows and movies gave people the idea of how to look.  Flashdance could be one of the most recognizable.  Ripped sweatshirts and t-shirts were made popular, and worn by everyone.

Another influence of the 80’s on fashion was music.  Rap gave people the idea of these parachute pants.  Clothing that was ethnic but still modern for the time period became fashionable.  Ethnic prints, mixed with baggy pants became popular. 

The new romantic fashion movement occurred in Britain with eventually turned up in the United States. Punk rock became the influence.  Big teased hair, crazy clothing such as lace and neon colors demonstrates this era best for women. Also, women tended to wear skinny bottoms with loose fitting tops as apposed to the 70’s. One of the biggest trends were exercise clothing and spandex.

Men tended to do the same, wearing tight bottoms and loose tops.  They had lots of hair that was usually big also.  The three-piece suit became popular, along with bright colors, leather, and spandex.

Modern day is still influenced from the 80’s.  Bright colors have been re-occurring along with skinny pants, chunky belts and bows.  Brands are still very prevalent with social standing also.  This decade in fashion made a big impact when it comes to modern day, compared to others.  It really made a splash and truly started the fashion craze throughout the world.

Pictures:

http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/80s/sites/tampabay.com.blogs.80s/files/images/typepad-legacy-files/50317.6a00d83451b05569e201156f8220dc970c-250wi.jpg

http://cdn1.lookbook.nu/files/looks/small/1031439_Clipboard.jpg?1295152181

http://www.tripletsandus.com/80s/fashion-female.jpg

Sources:

http://www.tripletsandus.com/80s/fashion.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980s_in_fashion

Music is Life

            With music on the run, a new type of genre began to emerge in the 80’s. This type of genre came from the popular Punk Rock genre of the late 1970’s, but along came different characteristics. One difference is; artists in the 1970’s were retaliating against the government and instead were anti-corporation melodically and lyrically throughout their songs. This new genre with its poppy sounds of the synthesizers and the complex lyrics, this genre evolved into something bigger than imagined. This genre is known as Pop synth music. 

           Pop synth emerged from what is known as New Wave, which is a subgenre of Rock music. As most of you probably guessed, the synthesizer is the main instrument in Pop synth. But with synthesizers artists were capable of making music that would eventually replace disco in dance clubs in Europe. Here is a video of the top songs of Pop synth era. 

          Through out every blog I have posted, each one can be contributed to the evolution of where music has gone. Music is expression of: anger, depression, sadness, and happiness. But, where it came from, who started the beats, melodies, and lyrics; it comes from the generations and generations of creative people who join together to give all those feelings life and expression. Music will and forever is the link to creativity and emotions. But, how it changes over the years will be the question to all artists and musicians.

 

iSteve

I think every people in this world will know this guy right here. He is Steve Jobs, the co-founderand chief executive officer of Apple Computer, a leader in the field of personal computing which he co-founded in 1976. Steve Jobs also previously served as chief executive of Pixar Animation Studios and he became a member of the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company in 2006.

When Jobs was twenty one, he and a friend, Steve Wozniak, built a personal computer that they called the Apple. The Apple changed people's idea of what a computer should be. Thanks to the Apple, people's image of computers changed from being a gigantic and enormous mass of vacuum tubes only used by big business and the government to a small box used by ordinary people. No company has done more to democratize the computer and make it user-friendly than Apple Computer. Steve Jobs software design for the Macintosh introduced the windows interface and the mouse which set a new standard for graphical interface applications and interface interaction.

As Apple continued to expand, the company began looking for an experienced executive to help manage its expansion. In 1983, Steve Jobs lured John Sculley away from Pepsi-Cola to serve as Apple's CEO, asking, "Do you want to sell sugar water for the rest of your life, or do you want to come with me and change the world?"

After Steve Jobs hard work, the Apple has already become one of the largest companies and the most valuable technology company in the world. Steve Jobs himself also became the 43rd wealthiest American.

Source：http://www.allaboutstevejobs.com/bio/long/11.html

http://www.theapplemuseum.com/index.php?id=49#bio

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Jobs

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Glitter and Glam

Glam rock is a style of rock music that originated in England.  It ties together rock and pop to bring about a new type of sound.  David Bowie and Marc Bolan were the pioneers of this new era of music.  Unlike the “hippies” of the time glam rock was totally different.  It was in your face music but not like punk.  It wasn’t music you swayed to or tried to make peace with. 

Musicians that performed “glam rock” music wore outrageous costumes.  They were very shiny, and tight.  They definitely caught the eye with their outrageous colors, going against the ‘norms’ of clothing during the time period.  They had sparkles, sequins, and beads all over them, which helped term glam rock, “glitter rock.”

David Bowie was one of the leading glam rock artists in the 70’s.  He created an altar ego named Ziggy Stardust.  This character came alive after his song “Starman” came out.  He always challenged the morals and beliefs of people and popular culture during the 70’s through music. 

Another influential artist that can arguably be the reason for starting glam rock is Marc Bolan. He started a band called T. Rex. When he was going out for a concert, he put glitter on his cheeks one time, along with wearing feather boas and top hats. 

Today’s glam rock is more of a glam pop.  Artists such as Lady Gaga and Ke$ha are taking performances to the max.  They wear outrageous costumes and even incorporate glitter into their songs, proving history will influence the present day.

Bibliography:

http://www.musicstack.com/genre/glam+rock

http://www.doremi.co.uk/glam/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Bowie

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Bolan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glam_rock

Pictures:

http://www.absolute-motleycrue.com/graphics/picture_1.jpg

http://www.gibson.com/Files/aaFeaturesImages/David%20Bowie%20as%20Ziggy%20Stardust.jpg

http://www.fanpix.net/picture-gallery/marc-bolan-picture-13221203.htm

Name That Tune

Listen First!

Now, Answer these Questions:

** What do you think the song was about?

           

** Is there an analogy that the artist is conveying?

**Do you think the song would have a different meaning if there were more instruments?

Here are the facts: 

            Christina Perri describes a relationship between “Penguins”. She is making an analogy that people will meet their soul mates and mate for life just like penguins do. That fate would bring people together and all we need is time. “Love like this may come once” she is saying that when the time comes don’t second guess yourself, “it’s fate not luck”. Was your interpretation of the song the same?

            Lyrics are stories, messages, and connections, which are shared to everyone every time the song is played. The music played along with the lyrics creates a mood. The words may bring pain and sorrow or even rejoice. If you took the beat away would you feel different? Would the song have a totally different meaning to you? Would you have a different approach or mood? The artist’s job is to connect with you. To connect a side not even your closest friends or family know about. It's a journey that only the artist and yourself are on. Today I will be talking about the lyrics artists sing and how they have changed over the years. From creating a message, to just singing in your head to a tune you sing all day long. For all of us it's different, but the artist’s intention is the same. Get their story across and remain a top hit. In the end, lyrics are the pathway and link that only you and the artist share.

  

Without lyrics, the listener controls the mood or interpretation of the song. With lyrics the artists conveys a specific message to their listener. How do these songs change if the lyrics are known or unknown? Misunderstood lyrics deliver a completely different message. For example:

How many of these songs would you always get the lyrics wrong? And therefore change the meaning to the song.

Jimmy Eat Worlds – “ In The Middle”

What It Sounded Like – “It just takes some time, little bit of in the middle of the rhyme.”            

What They Really Said: – “It just takes some time, little girl you’re in the middle of the ride.”

Monkees – “I’m A Believer”

What It Sounded Like – “When I needed sunshine on my brain.”

What They Really Said – “When I needed sunshine I got rain.”

The American Basketball Association (1967-1976)

The American Basketball Association(ABA) was a possessional basketball league found in 1967. It was known for its red, white and blue basketball. The ABA existed for nine full seasons from 1967 to 1976,During that time, the ABA competed with the established National Basketball Association (the NBA) for players, fans, and the media attention. In June 1976, the two rival pro leagues finally made peace. Four of the strongest ABA teams, the New York Nets, Denver Nuggets,Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs joined the NBA and survived. The other remaining ABA teams such as the Kentucky Colonels, the Spirits of St. Louis, and the Virginia Squires disappeared with the ABA itself.

The ABA are more wide-open and have different kinds of rules, such as a 30-second shot clock (as opposed to the NBA's 24-second clock, though the ABA did switch to the 24 second shot clock for the 1975-76 season) and use of a three-point field goal arc. Also, the ABA used a colorful red, white and blue ball, instead of the NBA's traditional orange ball. The ABA also had several "regional" franchises, such as the Virginia Squires and Carolina Cougars,that played "home" games in several cities.

The freewheeling style of the ABA eventually caught on with many fans, but the lack of a national televison contract and financial losses lead the end of the ABA . In 1976, its last year of existence, the ABA pioneered the popular Slam Dunk Contest at its All-Star Game in Denver.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Basketball_Association

The Beginning of the 70s Brings a New Genre of Music: DISCO!

In the late 1960s/early 1970s a new genre of music was created, and that genre was Disco ! Many of us today are familiar with the dance music known as disco but when did it originate, and how did it become so popular? If you are interested in learning things about disco such as, the influences for disco's creation, or even why this genre of music is called disco, and more, then this blog post by a Contemporary Citizen is the perfect place for you.
The origins of disco music can be traced back to the inner city of New York in the late 1960s when it is believed to have premiered in the song, 'Only the Strong Survive', by Jerry Butler in 1969. But when this song first came out people did not think, 'o what a wonderful disco song!', because the name disco had not been tied to this new groundbreaking type of music just yet. This genre of music remained nameless until 1973.
The new genre of music gained its unforgettable name on September 13, 1973 in the Rolling Stones Magazine by author Vince Alleti. In the article "Discotheque Rock '72: Paaaaarty" Mr. Alleti referred to this new genre of music as "discotheque" and from that point on this new style of music would forever be called disco. The name disco refers to the combination of an array of instruments on top of a catchy dance beat.
The influences of disco music are believed to be funk, soul, and Latin American music, in combination with the unique atmosphere that many feel is a must while listening to disco music. Disco gained its popularity in large inner cities like New York, and Philadelphia due to the high number of dance clubs in combination with large amount of diverse people attending the clubs.
One of the first disco clubs was 'The Loft',(Left)a private, members only club opened in New York City, opened by DJ David Mancuso. When one thinks of disco an atmosphere of dancing, a mixture of light, and of course the 'disco ball' come to mind. And on this dark, flashing light filled dance floor people could dance without the fear of judgement, feeling equal, and this drew in crowds of people such as Gays, Lesbians, and African Americans.
The counterculture in the late 60s, early 70s, was growing large and clubs playing disco were seen by many people as a relief from the counterculture and a break from the popular music of the time. In New York city Gays, African Americans, Latinos, and Heterosexuals, would attend this disco dance clubs because it was a new style of music. Going to disco clubs gave people the chance to break away from the psychedelic dance music of the counterculture and the pop rock music that was played on the radio constantly. The new unique style of music along with new type of dancing atmosphere within clubs that were filled with diverse people is what made disco so popular in the 1970s.
One example of a popular disco artist of the 1970s is La Donna Adrian Gaines, but Gaines went by the stage name Donna Summers, and came to be known by yet another name: 'The Queen of Disco'. As proof to the popularity of Gaines and disco music, Gaines was the first artist in history to ever have three consecutive double albums reach number one on the US Billboard chart, and she would also go on to become a five time Grammy winner.
After watching this video the atmosphere at disco clubs can become a little more realistic with the presence of disco music, disco clothing, and a diverse group of people dancing and having fun in Donna Summer's video to her hit song, "This Time I Know Its For Real"
Disco became popular all around the world giving birth to dances such as, the 'cha-cha-cha', 'touch dancing', and 'the hustle. Disco gave birth to a new style of dressing, and influenced the lives of many people who grew up in this time. The unique atmosphere that was prevalent in disco clubs can still be found in dance clubs around the world today.




Bibliography:
Wikipedia.com
TheOriginof.com
http://www.jahsonic.com/VinceAletti.html
Disco Club Photos
Photo 1: 'Disco Fever'
Woman in Disco Jumpsuit
Male/Female Disco Jumpsuit Photograph
Japanese Night Club
Disco Dance Floor with Disco Ball