COM 3270-100
AUDIO PRODUCTION
 

Homework Assignment 1

Download and save each of the following .mp3 files
either on your hard drive, CD-R, or any portable media device.

SONG 1

Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da v.1

Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da v.2

SONG 2

It Don't Come Easy v.1

It Don't Come Easy v.2

You must have some type of compatable media player
to read these files, such as IPod, Windows Media Player,
RealPlayer, WinAmp, FreeAmp, etc.  
Some DVD players are designed to read .mp3 files as well.

The purpose of this assignment is to begin the process of training your ears
to distinguish between different characteristics of sound and music recording.

The following questions will be answered for each song. Replay the files as often as you need. It is absolutely imperative that you listen to these files through a decent pair of stereo headphones. Why? Because you cannot discern between the subtle differences in the recordings without listening through headphones. Remember that record producers and musicians typically record and mix while monitoring the sound through stereo headphones, although some producers rely more on small studio monitors to balance sounds during the mixing process. A true stereo diagram or "picture" cannot be created or studied without headphones.

1. Does it sound like the same band in each version? What is most apparent that would help you decide?

2. Are the arrangements same/different in each version?  What are some possible similarities and differences? "Arrangements" is a term indicating what voices and instruments are being used in a song.

3. Are the structures of the songs themselves same/different in each version? ("Structure" meaning verse/chorus/bridge sequence)

4. List as many instruments as you can hear in each song. Are there any instruments heard in one version that aren't in the other?

5. List any reactions to each version, what about each do you prefer to the other? Include any comments or questions for the instructor here about the song.

Word process your answers and print them for submission on the due date listed on the syllabus.
Be sure to answer all questions for Song 1 first, then proceed to Song 2.