During my research of the Beatles and their relationship with McLuhan's ideas, I found that not only their actual musical methods, but the very phenomenon of the group themselves aligned with a great deal of McLuhan's observations throughout The Medium is the Massage. In the technical sense, the Beatles made use of the burgeoning "electronic age" which McLuhan discusses to create their sound which at the time was new and exciting. The presence of electric instruments to amplify sounds and new ways of recording music so as to include special effects gave the Beatles a presence which also leant to their ability to grow in fame and popularity through "allatonceness." By commanding a presence in print, radio, and on the still-growing medium of television, the Beatles were able to sweep the world into a communal sense of Beatlemania. At the same time, the fab four were able to launch themselves into the world as a unique phenomenon by being McLuhan's definition of "anti-social"- in other words, going very much against the grain of society to explore musical possibilities. Their song "A Day in the Life" is a sort of acknowledgement of the sense of "allatonceness" which comes from the presence of media and sound constantly in our daily lives, and exemplifies both how the Beatles used the electric age to their advantage musically, and how they went beyond the norm to break social boundaries.
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During my research of the Beatles and their relationship with McLuhan's ideas, I found that not only their actual musical methods, but t...
I agree, that the Beatles did go against the grain of society, which can be connected to McLuhan's idea of the "anti-social." I think that you have clear evidence that is constructed in a way that makes it easy for us to understand how the band can relate to ideas within our book.
ReplyDeleteLoved your presentation! It's so easy to forget how progressive the Beatles were in their presentation.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your presentation, it showcased your information well.
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