A Single Note by Omar Gonzalez https://padlet.com/ogonzalez1998/8zwvvwpxlgct My interpertation of a Single Note en-us 2017-10-21 18:56:40 UTC 2017-10-22 23:58:50 UTC hello@padlet.com Introduction: ogonzalez1998 https://padlet.com/ogonzalez1998/8zwvvwpxlgct/wish/199296790 In this Padlet I give my perspective on the idea of a "single note". And I discuss that same ideas that Ratliff mentions in this chapter through songs by The Strokes.

In this chapter Church Bell Tones, Ratliff discusses how single notes stand out in songs and pieces. These single notes seems to make you "aware what the sound is and [question] what it signifies". Repeated single notes are not repetition, since single notes take away the spell that repetition gives. Single notes are played until the listener realizes that the notes are not changing, thus "stubborn notes" take you out of the trance(spell) from a song.  Single notes are also not originated from laziness or a lack of composing abilities, rather its just " a man [musician] knowing what he wants". Ratliff uses the song "I Wanna Be Sedated" by The Ramones as an example of the use of a single note. In the song repetition  from the guitar, drums and singer are used to make the song catchy. Then out of no where the guitar solo begins and the same note is repeated 8 times and acts as a sort of "intermission" from the music. After the solo the music goes back to the way it was. On the first read of this chapter I couldn't wrap my head around the concept of the single note, but after listening to a couple of examples I can agree with Ratcliff that single notes take away the spell that repetition sets on a listener. I agree because 

 ]]> 2017-10-21 20:01:20 UTC https://padlet.com/ogonzalez1998/8zwvvwpxlgct/wish/199296790 The Strokes- Reptilia ogonzalez1998 https://padlet.com/ogonzalez1998/8zwvvwpxlgct/wish/199395793 In the song "Reptilia", The Strokes, who are notorious for single note usage, use the idea of "stubborn notes" to give the listener an "intersession" or break from the overwhelming building up and trance that the listener is in before the guitar solo. I feel like this song epitomizes Ratliff's ideas of single notes because the single notes from the guitar solo are unexpected and take the "spell" away from the listener. After the solo ends the song goes back to being the same, but as a listener you can hear how the single note resembles the song and compliments the harmonics. ]]> 2017-10-22 21:09:23 UTC https://padlet.com/ogonzalez1998/8zwvvwpxlgct/wish/199395793 The Strokes- New York City Cops ogonzalez1998 https://padlet.com/ogonzalez1998/8zwvvwpxlgct/wish/199397103 Again. I will include another song by The Strokes. Although this song is mainly composed of a series of "stubborn notes", the song is a good example of how Ratliff describes a listener's experience regarding single notes. Ratliff mentions that a repeated notes are the "home address of a melody". In this song you can hear the different ways The Strokes use the same notes to create different sounds to help them stand out. After listening to the song for a few seconds it allows you as a listener to isolate the sound and become comfortable with it. ]]> 2017-10-22 21:25:33 UTC https://padlet.com/ogonzalez1998/8zwvvwpxlgct/wish/199397103 "It's okay to stay home; it's okay to keep doing the thing you like, that you understand , that you do best" - Ben Ratliff ogonzalez1998 https://padlet.com/ogonzalez1998/8zwvvwpxlgct/wish/199398154 I wanted to include this quote because a repeated note is not a bad thing, and the idea is actually really brave and smart. A musician takes a chance by playing single notes because as the listener we expect something complex and evolving. However, the single note allows us to hear the note against other sounds, chords, and drums. This is a good thing because it makes it easier to dissect the song and isolate certain sounds. ]]> 2017-10-22 21:39:13 UTC https://padlet.com/ogonzalez1998/8zwvvwpxlgct/wish/199398154 "The difference between this [stubborn note] and true repetition is that repetition puts a spell on you. The stubborn note takes a spell off you" - Ben Ratliff ogonzalez1998 https://padlet.com/ogonzalez1998/8zwvvwpxlgct/wish/199399331 The quote summarizes the difference a "stubborn note" and true repetition. Repetition in a song makes you lost in the music and puts you in a trance or as Ratliff calls it a "spell". The stubborn note takes the spell off you because the notes are played until you realize that they are being repeated and are not going to change. ]]> 2017-10-22 21:52:41 UTC https://padlet.com/ogonzalez1998/8zwvvwpxlgct/wish/199399331 Too simple or too complex? ogonzalez1998 https://padlet.com/ogonzalez1998/8zwvvwpxlgct/wish/199400528 The stubborn note is not meant to disregard complex composition and techniques but to make a statement that " we don't necessarily have to keep changing for the benefit of a consensual idea" (Ratliff)]]> 2017-10-22 22:05:59 UTC https://padlet.com/ogonzalez1998/8zwvvwpxlgct/wish/199400528 Church Bell ogonzalez1998 https://padlet.com/ogonzalez1998/8zwvvwpxlgct/wish/199409844 To end this Padlet I would like to include this photos of a church bell. A church bell is an example Ratliff uses to describe a single note. At first the sound of the bell surprises you, but then the next time you are prepared. And after a while of hearing the same sound you start to question it's sound and what it means. The same is true with a single note in music. ]]> 2017-10-22 23:53:55 UTC https://padlet.com/ogonzalez1998/8zwvvwpxlgct/wish/199409844