Self-referential derivative art can be fun

Posted at 9:45 AM on August 23, 2011 by Euan Kerr
Filed under: Music

Sometimes there's a lot to be said for putting a box within a box within a box. Just ask the Muppets and OK Go.

if you don't get all the references, just enter OK Go in YouTube, and watch any Muppet Show. This video is from the new album "Muppets: The Green Album" where various artists cover songs from the Muppet archive.

So you think you know your composers?

Posted at 12:31 PM on August 23, 2011 by Euan Kerr
Filed under: Media, Music, Technology

A couple of weeks ago "Top Score" presenter Emily Reese presented MPR staff with a very compelling arguement on why many contemporary classical composers are now looking to video games as a source not only of income, but creative challenge.

Composing the the theme and incidental music for a major game allows a composer to explore and develop motifs while creating the atmosphere for an interactive experience. Reese led a lunchtime session for MPR staff to explore some of the new approaches being taken by composers and game creators, which gave many of us a new appreciation for the myriad creative aspects of the work.

This is the material Reese presents in every edition of the Top Score podcast.

To celebrate the upcoming second season of Top Score Reese has created a prize challenge for listeners to identify the composers behind seven musical selections. The winner gets a $60 giftcard to Gamestop.

You can find details here. Good luck!