Help me help my daughter do her homework

[Dr. Facebook Fever]

They read some book in Lit class that included spousal abuse and then a woman looking for a new love. Monday she needs a cd with a song about both that apply to the book.

Today she had a band competition 100 miles away that kept her busy, tomorrow she has musical practice for 6 hours followed by the end of year pom banquet... so basically she has no time. Naturally she's asking me for help and to burn a couple cd's for her tomorrow. Here's what I've suggested...

Spousal abuse songs
Nickleback- Never Again (too mean)
Martina McBride- Independence Day (more about child abuse)

Woman looking for a new love
Sara Evans- No Place That Far (Doesn't fit according to her)

So my job is to find songs to fit her assignment and burn cd's tomorrow (today). I'm likely going to miss most football due to this unless I get some input. Give me what you got.

Serious suggestions are really appreciated.

[Inmem58]

I could be way off, but shut up and listen. Your allergies my throw you fits.


Actually I'm not way off I just listened to it. This is your song, tell your daughter and you guys can thank me later. Great song

[KChiefer]

Originally Posted by NewChief

Usually with these "novel soundtracks" they also do an accompanying paper/essay that explains the thematic tie-ins to the book. I'm worried that she's going to be in trouble if you just burn all these songs onto a disc, and she has no idea what the songs say or anything. I mean, I doubt the teacher is going to think that your daughter knows who The Vandals are.

Yeah, I was wondering how close the narrative/feelings in the song should match the book. And I think it's unfair if it has to be only a woman finding new love song. It's a pretty universal feeling and can allow for more songs/connections to work with. This seems like a hard enough task that you'd have to get help(parents/internet lists) finding a song that really fits it best or you'd just pick a song that you know and attach it to the book very loosely.

Etta James - At Last

[NewChief]

Originally Posted by KChiefer

Yeah, I was wondering how close the narrative/feelings in the song should match the book. And I think it's unfair if it has to be only a woman finding new love song. It's a pretty universal feeling and can allow for more songs/connections to work with. This seems like a hard enough task that you'd have to get help(parents/internet lists) finding a song that really fits it best or you'd just pick a song that you know and attach it to the book very loosely.

Etta James - At Last

Usually it's more like that.

Even though "At Last" isn't about spousal abuse, a student might say, "I chose Etta James's 'At Last' because the protagonist thinks she's found true love when she first meets her husband. She thinks they're going to have a good life together. Unfortunately, she later finds out how wrong she is. This is ironic because the man she thought was going to save her actually becomes the one who kills her."

Or something along those lines. Every single song isn't supposed to tie in thematically with the book, they usually have the songs tie in with specific moments in the book or characters in the book.

Here's an example of the usual way this assignment looks:
http://edinanua.blogspot.com/2007/09...ssignment.html

Most movies today come with a soundtrack of songs and music heard in the film. These songs sometimes are incidental (i.e., not important) to the film, but other times they add meaning to the plot or highlight the emotional aspects of particular characters.

For this assignment, you must create a soundtrack for The Catcher in the Rye that represents theme, illustrates growth of character, and reflects the plot meaningfully. The soundtrack that you create should be appropriately and respectfully representative of the novel.

Here are specific criteria:

1. You must have a minimum of eight songs. You may choose any kind of music. You may want to think about having a “theme” to your music; that is, have all music be from one genre. (WWHLT? What would Holden listen to?)

2. At least three of these songs must be for specific characters. That is, find a song that best represents each character you choose. In essence, this should be the character’s “theme song.”

3. At least three songs must be meant for specific scenes of the novel. Focus on specific, meaningful scenes. Ask yourself: if this scene were made into a movie, what music would be played in it?

4. At least one song must represent a theme found in the novel overall.

5. Not all the music you choose must have lyrics. Instrumental selections are also appropriate.

6. For each song you choose, you must write a paragraph explaining your choice. Comment on the connection between the music and the novel. The song must fit the character/scene/theme well. For each song, use at least one quotation from the book as support for your choice. Also, you will probably want to quote specific lyrics in your discussion. Make sure you offer insightful reasons to justify your selections and connections.

7. You must either provide lyrics for each song or make a tape/CD with the music on it. You may wish to just present the lyrics that would be heard in the movie, or you may provide the entire lyrics since the full song would appear on your soundtrack.

8. Create the cover jacket for the CD soundtrack jewel case (front and back). The cover should include the name of the CD and at least one visual reference to the novel; the visual(s) should also connect to the characters/scenes/themes that you emphasize on the soundtrack. Other text that you may wish to include on the front or back: a list of the songs/performing artists, credits, recording company information, dedications, lyrics. Push your creativity here.

[KChiefer]

Originally Posted by NewChief

Usually it's more like that.

That's good for the student then, yeah. It's just all about they're ability to create and explain a connection.


More Jenny Lewis/Rilo Kiley

JENNY LEWIS 'Rise Up with Fists' from the infantry on Vimeo.

http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/vi...2107858561498/

I'd relate it as a song about her breaking free of the ugly people/things in her life. Anyways, Jenny Lewis could abuse me anytime!

[KChiefer]

Fiona Apple - Criminal from Michele Munoz on Vimeo.

http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/2068/

If you were making the book into a movie you could use this song as an irony during an abuse scene as if she's getting what she deserves when in reality, he's the criminal.

[Buzz_TinBalls]

I would tell her to write about how cool this song is and nobody is interested in those debbie downer songs

[patteeu]

I don't know if this fits. It seems to be related to relationship abuse, but since I like Goodbye Earl, maybe I'm on the wrong track. FWIW, I think she'd be better off with semi-popular songs than super obscure songs from ancient history or fringe genres, even if her tastes are too highfalutin to like them.

Florence + The Machine - Kiss With A Fist

[Dr. Facebook Fever]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their help here. She got an A today using "Accidentally In Love" By Counting Crows and "Man Down" by Rhianna. Everyone's help is appreciated.