Blog 8 !
This week, I chose to listen to "Hotel California" by the Eagles. I picked this song for this week because its on my dads playlist that he listens to every time he does yard work. It brings back lots of memories of having to pick up sticks and pull weeds in our yard Saturday mornings. I wanted to know more about the Eagles because I thought that how they were connected to The Beach Boys was really interesting. Looking at this song compared to "Good Vibrations" the sounds and the lyrics are super opposite of each other. I interpreted that they used California not only as a place, but a mythology that comes with it. The idea of what California is was built by the film and music industry. By using California, it has such powerful imagery that the story is not ambiguous. I looked up some of the themes that were used in creating this song and the album and some that I thought exemplified this idea are idealism realized and illusion versus reality. With The Beach Boys, they aided heavily to the creation of an idealized California. I think that their contrasting views of California is really interesting and how each band tells the story of "California."
Elley, "Hotel California" is truly an iconic song and definitely what I would call a "dad rock" song, so I love that it was one that you are able to connect to your dad and childhood memories! I love that you mentioned how California in the song is almost mythologized, which I certainly agree with. Even outside of the song, California has often been almost put on a pedestal and regarded as nearly mythic. Really great job, I loved that you looked into the history of the song and the Eagles' connection to the Beach Boys.
ReplyDeleteOne of my friends from high school was a huge fan of The Eagles, so I have him to thank for introducing me to them. "Hotel California" is particular will forever be a road trip song in my mind. I'm not sure why I make that connection (maybe because the song mentions driving), but it just seems like a perfect song to listen to on a long drive.
ReplyDeleteThis is cool that you could relate it to something from your childhood! I have a couple songs like that that my dad used to put on in the car or while working too. I like how you compared the song to another song. It was cool to hear the comparison between the interpretations of California. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteI also chose to listen to "Hotel California" this week! This song truly to its core is a classic rock piece that is associate closely with memories of my dad. I thought it was really interesting that you went into the depth of the lyricism in this song because I have always found it extremely fascinating. Great job on this blog, it was really interesting to read!
ReplyDeleteI really like how you pointed out the difference between the common view of California at this time versus the Eagles interpretation of California. I think the Eagles were very real and down to earth with this song. My favorite line that I think summed up their entire message was "You can check out anytime you'd like but you can never leave". I think it really helps the message resonate with the listener.
ReplyDeleteI really do like this song I think that you made a good choice. I also do like the way that you compared 2 songs together and talked about it in depth.
ReplyDelete