AMST 430.02
Songs of Protest, Songs of Praise
Roger Williams University
GHH 208, 
M, TH 2:00 -3:20
Spring Semester 2013
Michael R. H. Swanson, Ph. D.
Office:  GHH 215
Hours: T, TH 9:00 - 11:00
M, W, 1:00-2:00
mswanson@rwu.edu
(401) 254 3230
The Survey Results are in  (well some of them)

Fourteen members filled in the survey as of 10:30, January 31.  That's a sometwhat smaller response than I had hoped for..  Oh well, life goes on.
For Monday, February  4
For Thursday, February 7
Read, in Randall

#3.  Genesis:  In the Beginning there was Freehold pp. 29 - 40
Musical Artists, like all of us, perhaps, are products of our environment and upbringing, and here we learn a bit about Springsteen's early hears and influences.  Two thjings I'd like to have you do to prepare for this clss.  First, note any songs which are quoted, and, as we did last Tuesday, look to find the lyrics and also a YouTube video or videos of them.  Analyze the song for mood and well as message, and critique the way the film-maker caught (or didn't catch) springsteen's message.

Second,   Visit Freehold, New Jersey by clicking on the link..  No doubt the town has changed a lot since Springsteen's early days, but what can you tell about it from the map, statistics, and narrative.  How did the place shape Bruce Springsteen's songs?
Happy Birthday, Dear Brother..............
That's my Nephew, Lars, on the album cover. 
Click to reach my talented, opera singing  Bro's website.
Same song

Two performances

Many years apart.

Does the agee of the performers effect your relationship to the song?  Which do you like best, and why?

Click here for the lyrics.
Read, in Randall

#4.  Tramps like Us.  pp 41 - 59
#5.  Community in the E Stret Nation pp.61- 66
You'll note in these chapters that Randall has done a lot of prowling around in the numerous unofficial "fan sites" which are devoted to the music and career of Bruce Springsteen.  Take note of the quotations she uses to reinforce her views about the man and his influence.    Then,.  Go to one or more of these websites, register so you can see the whole thing (they're free) and do some prowling around yourself.  See if you can find one or two (maybe even three) interesting stories or anecdotes.and post them to your clog.   My share of the work is going to be to provide links for you.  Here they are:






One thing which happens when a musical group has an exceptionally long career is mortality.Danny Federici, keyboard artist passed away in 2008.  Yet the E-Street band goes on.  Read what The Boss had to say about his life-long friend.