Brothers

Bibliographic Information: Auerbach, D., & Carney, P.  (2010).  Brothers [Audio CD]. The Black Keys & Neil, M.  Alabama: Muscled Shoals Sound Studio 

Plot Summary: Brothers is heavily driven by themes of love, heartbreak, and finding the right person. Each track tells a different story that is accompanied by guitar rifts and a deep blues inspired singing voice.

Critical Evaluation: A recurring motif in this album is the presence of "the girl," or the unattainable object love. Many songs are centered around this image of this "girl' that either spurns, entrances, lifts up, or breaks down those that love her. This can be seen in songs like Everlasting Light, Next Girl, Howling for You, Tighten Up, and Never Gonna to Give You Up (to name a few).

This reoccurring motif of love as both a destructive and thrilling force is only further emphasized by the blues-rock infusions that are threaded throughout every track. Not only do the lyrics reflect the subject's complex feelings towards love and everything connected to it, but also the blues infused rhythms that drip a mixture of deep sadness and reflection. Overall, the topic of love, or "the girl," is a complex component of life that is carefully carved into many songs on the Brothers album.  

Tighten Up by The Black Keys

Reader’s Annotation: This album tells love stories that are framed by blues influences and rocking guitar rifts. 
 

Information About the Band: The Black Keys is made up of two members, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney (Amazon, 2012). Both grew up in Akron, Ohio and joined together in 2002 to release their debut album, The Big Come Up (Amazon, 2012). The Black Keys have recorded most of their albums in Alabama at the Muscle Shoals Studio (Amazon, 2012). Auerbach and Carney named their album Brothers to represent their solidarity through the good and bad times they have experienced together which have only made their duo stronger (Amazon, 2012).

Some other records by The Black Keys: Thickfreakness (2002),  Rubber Factory (2004), Chulahoma (2006), Attack and Release (2008), and El Camino (2011) (Amazon, 2012).

Genre: Alternative, Blues-Rock 

Curriculum Ties: Could be used in a section on music appreciation and history.

Booktalking Ideas:
1). What does this album show about the relationship between blues and rocks?
2). How's does blues handle the theme of love?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15+

Challenge Issues: Some mature themes such as sex and relationships. I would use the following items to defend this CD if it was challenged:

1) Refer to Library Bill of Rights, see items: I, II, and III (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill).
2) Refer to San Diego Public Library collection policy - (http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/about-the-library/freedom.shtml).  Original site: The American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read/View Statement (http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/statementspols/ftrstatement/freedomreadstatement).
3) Refer to California School Library Association (CSLA), Model School Library Standards - September 2010 (http://www.csla.net/index.php/publications/school-library-standards). PDF: (http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/librarystandards.pdf).

4) Refer t0 American Association for School, Librarians Standards for the 21st Century Learner (http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/AASL_Learning_Standards_2007.pdf)

5) Contact Office of Intellectual Freedom for any further support, 800-545-2433, ext. 4223 or oif@ala.org.

6) Refer to legitimate book reviews, such as: School Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, Horn Book and others; found on either Academic Search Premier, Follett's TITLEWAVE, or Amazon.com.

Why did you include this CD in the titles you selected?: I included this CD in my collection because it offers students a different style of music. This band is currently very popular with the teen scene due to its alternative rock feel and lyrics.

Reference Page:
 
amazon.com.  (2012).  The black keys.  Retrieved July 21, 2012 from http://www.amazon.com/The-Black-Keys/e/B000APP11I/ref=ac_dpt_sa_bio

The Black  Keys.  (2010).  The black keys cover art.  Retrieved July 21, 2012 http://theblackkeysfanlounge.com/2010/02/brothers-the-black-keys-new-album-out-may-18-2010/

The Fame

Bibliographic Information: Lady Gaga (Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta). The fame. Herbert, V. Santa Monica: Interscope Records

Plot Summary: N/A

Critical Evaluation: Lady Gaga's first release, The Fame, rushed onto the scene offering bouncy dance tunes that were only overshadowed by Gaga's often outrageous costumes and clothing. Lady Gaga's CD with titles like, "Papparazi," "The Fame," "Beautiful, Dirty, Rich,"and "Starstruck" all deal with the possibility of being consumed with fame and all the riches and attention that come with it. With very direct lines like "I can't help myself I'm addicted to a life of material" (The Fame), Gaga makes it very clear that she's here for fame and nothing less.
Along with fame, Gaga is very interested in matters of the heart; as well as having a good time. With tunes like "Just Dance" and "Starstruck," Gaga mixes a collection of images; intermingling her need for attention, love, and fame. All of Gaga's hits are heady and reminiscent of an age of decadence in which consequences do not exist.Through The Fame, Gaga creates an image of life as a stage and a party that is only waiting to begin.  

Lady Gaga's First Release, "Just Dance"

Reader’s Annotation: Lady Gaga's first release, The Fame, offers a Pandora's box of decadence, dance tunes, and glitz that is sure to speak to anyone with dreams of living a life of fame.

Information About the Artist: Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta on March 28, 1986, Lady Gaga rose to fame when she was discovered by Akon in 2007 (biography.com, 2012). Before being discovered, Lady Gaga participated in several acts throughout New York, working hard to hone her skill (biography.com, 2012). In 2005, she was briefly picked up by Def Jam Records only to be dropped a mere month later (biography.com, 2012). Refusing to be discouraged, Lady Gaga continued to work on her act starting her own burlesque show called "Lady Gaga and the Starlight Review" (biography.com, 2012). In 2007, she was hired by Interscope Records as a songwriter (biography.com, 2012). This turned out to be the fortuitous spot where she was discovered by Akon (biography.com, 2012).

Since The Fame in 2008, Lady Gaga has released:The Fame Monster in 2009, Born this Way in 2011, and Born this Way Remix in 2011 (billboard.com, 2012). Gaga only continues to become more unique as her pop hits continue to receive huge recognition.

Genre: Pop (amazon.com, 2012)

Curriculum Ties: Discussion on contemporary music.

Booktalking Ideas:
1). Why is Lady Gaga so preoccupied with fame in her first CD?
2). What kind of young woman does Lady Gaga portray?
3). What are her dreams and goals?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15 +

Challenge Issues: Suggestive song lyrics that include images of drugs, sex, and recklessness. I would use the following items to defend this CD if it was challenged:

1) Refer to Library Bill of Rights, see items: I, II, and III (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill).
2) Refer to San Diego Public Library collection policy - (http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/about-the-library/freedom.shtml).  Original site: The American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read/View Statement (http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/statementspols/ftrstatement/freedomreadstatement).
3) Refer to California School Library Association (CSLA), Model School Library Standards - September 2010 (http://www.csla.net/index.php/publications/school-library-standards). PDF: (http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/librarystandards.pdf).

4) Refer t0 American Association for School, Librarians Standards for the 21st Century Learner (http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/AASL_Learning_Standards_2007.pdf)

5) Contact Office of Intellectual Freedom for any further support, 800-545-2433, ext. 4223 or oif@ala.org.

6) Refer to legitimate book reviews, such as: School Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, Horn Book and others; found on either Academic Search Premier, Follett's TITLEWAVE, or Amazon.com.

Why did you include this CD in the titles you selected?: I chose this music selection due to its high energy tunes. Lady Gaga also represents to teens a beacon of fearless individuality. Teens can benefit from coming in contact with fearless and unapologetic role models that teach both self-acceptance and the acceptance of others.

Reference Page:

amazon.com.  (2012).  The fame.  Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/The-Fame-Lady-Gaga/dp/B001GM28HO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341883533&sr=8-1&keywords=the+fame

billboard.com.  (2012).  Lady Gaga: Albums. Retrieved July 8, 2012 from http://www.billboard.com/artist/lady-gaga/discography/albums/1003999#/artist/lady-gaga/discography/albums/1003999

biography.com  (2012).  Lady Gaga biography.  Retrieved July 8, 2012 from http://www.biography.com/people/lady-gaga-481598

The Best Damn Thing

Bibliographic Information:  Lavigne, A. (2007). The best damn thing [Audio CD]. Dr. Luke, Beckley, M., Cavallo, R., Lavigne, A. (exec.), Walker, B., Whibley, D., & Wolf, S. Los Angeles: RCA

Plot Summary: Lavigne's lyrics in her 2007 audio CD release, The Best Damn Thing, are jam packed with images of rebellion, relationship turmoil, and independence. Lavigne's favorite theme to explore in her songs is teen-related relationship themes of loss, cheating, and jealousy. These themes can be seen in almost every song on the CD, including: "Girlfriend," "I Can Do Better," "The Best Damn Thing," "One of Those Girls," "Innocence," "I Don't Have to Try," "When You're Gone," and "Hot." All these songs involve a headstrong, rebellious central figure that will not be satisfied with being second best to any love interest.

These sentiment can be seen with lines like, "All I ever wanted was for you to know/Everything I do I give my heart and soul/ I can hardly breathe I need to feel you here with me" (When You're Gone) or "I don't need you if you're going to be that way/ Cause with me it's all or nothing" (I Can Do Better) or "Hold me love me/ Don't ever go" (Hot). All these lyrics embody an immature sense of love that demands instant gratification and extreme acts of affection in order for it to be validated. These lyrics also mirror the majority of budding teenage relationships that are still being established. 

Avril Lavigne's First CD Release, "Girlfriend"

Critical Evaluation: N/A

Reader’s Annotation: These upbeat tunes are sure to attract those looking for catchy ways to express their feelings of individuality, independence, relationship turmoil, and rebellion.

Information About the Artist: Avril Ramona Lavigne, orginally born in  Belleville, Ontario Canada on September 27, 1984. (Koston, 2012). Lavigne grew up singing in church and taught herself to play the guitar as young teenager (biography.com). Lavigne was launched into stardom when her first CD Let Go, was released in 2002 at the age of 17 (biography.com, 2012). Let Go was then followed by Under my Skin (2004), The Best Damn Thing (2007), and Goodbye Lullaby (2011) (mtv.com, 2012).   Known for her punky, rebellious, and often moody lyrics, Lavigne quickly amassed a following of teen fans who enjoy her mix of punk-rock-pop hits. Lavigne is also known for her somewhat bitter punk pop style which focuses on relationship woes and rebellious acts of independence. Lavigne has also participated in the release of a fragrance and clothing line (biography.com, 2012). Lavigne continues to capture audiences as she develops from a young adult into an adult. 

Genre: Pop (amazon.com, 2012)

Curriculum Ties: Segment on contemporary music and lyrics. 

Booktalking Ideas:
1). What do Lavigne's lyric reflect about the contemporary teenage experience?
2). What roles do rebellion, love, and individuality play in a teenager's life (as deduced from Lavigne's song lyrics)?

Reading Level/Interest Age: 15+

Challenge Issues: Does include some strong language and some suggestive sexual themes. I would use the following items to defend this CD if it was challenged:

1) Refer to Library Bill of Rights, see items: I, II, and III (http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill).
2) Refer to San Diego Public Library collection policy - (http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/about-the-library/freedom.shtml).  Original site: The American Library Association (ALA) Freedom to Read/View Statement (http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/statementspols/ftrstatement/freedomreadstatement).
3) Refer to California School Library Association (CSLA), Model School Library Standards - September 2010 (http://www.csla.net/index.php/publications/school-library-standards). PDF: (http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/librarystandards.pdf).

4) Refer t0 American Association for School, Librarians Standards for the 21st Century Learner (http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/AASL_Learning_Standards_2007.pdf)

5) Contact Office of Intellectual Freedom for any further support, 800-545-2433, ext. 4223 or oif@ala.org.

6) Refer to legitimate book reviews, such as: School Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, Horn Book and others; found on either Academic Search Premier, Follett's TITLEWAVE, or Amazon.com.

Why did you include this CD in the titles you selected?: I included this CD in my collection because it represents the push of young adults to establish themselves as strong and independent members of society. Lavigne's lyrics contain themes of relationship uncertainty, rebellion, individuality that teens will be able to relate to.

Reference Page:

Amazon.com. (2012). The best damn thing: Product details. Retrieved July 8, 2012 from http://www.amazon.com/Best-Damn-Thing-Avril-Lavigne/dp/B000NA1OXY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341785717&sr=8-1&keywords=the+best+damn+thing

MTV.com. (2012). Avril Lavigne: Albums. Retrieved July 8, 2012 from http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lavigne_avril/albums.jhtml