Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/rolling-stones
If you’re a music lover, particularly of rock ‘n’ roll, you’re likely familiar with the legendary status of The Rolling Stones. Their music not only shaped the genre but also defined an era. To delve deeper into their historical and musical journey, I recently took the Coursera course titled ‘The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974’.
This course is an exceptional survey of the Stones’ music from their inception in the early 1960s up to late 1974 when ‘It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll’ was released. It is structured into several engaging modules, each offering a unique perspective and insight into different phases of the band’s evolution.
The syllabus begins with ‘Introduction and Students of the Blues’, where learners explore the roots of the band and their early singles and albums between 1962-64. This foundational module sets the tone for understanding how the band emerged from its blues influences and began to craft their unique sound.
Next comes ‘The Year of Satisfaction’, focusing on the monumental year of 1965, when the band made significant inroads into the U.S. market with chart-topping singles. This module highlights how the tracks from that year echoed the societal changes and the youthful exuberance of the time.
As the course unfolds, we encounter ‘The Music Matures’, which captures the essence of the band’s growing complexity in 1966, featuring iconic singles and live performances that marked their rise to fame. The exploration into the psychedelia era with ‘Psychedelia and Beyond’ also fascinates, jogging memories of the cultural shifts occurring around 1967.
The course doesn’t shy away from the darker themes that crept into their music following the peace and love era. In modules like ‘Let It Bleed and Sticky Fingers’, we find reflections of societal angst and the band’s response to tumultuous times in 1968-69, featuring tracks that became synonymous with a changing world.
One of the highlights is ‘Exile on Main Street’, where the course showcases how The Rolling Stones defined 70s rock with two seminal albums during 1970-72. This period in music history saw the rise of many well-known tracks that have stood the test of time.
Finally, the course wraps up with ‘The End of an Era’, a look at the band’s continued relevance with the release of albums like ‘Goat’s Head Soup’ and ‘It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll’. This concluding module reflects on the maturity and evolution of their sound amidst changing musical landscapes.
Overall, ‘The Music of the Rolling Stones, 1962-1974’ is a comprehensive course that is rich in content and analysis, catering to both music enthusiasts and scholars. The thorough exploration of context, musicality, and the socio-political climate of the times makes this course an engaging experience.
I strongly recommend this course to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the legendary Rolling Stones or simply to explore one of the most transformative periods in music history. You won’t just learn about their songs, but also uncover the stories and influences that shaped them. Dive into this musical journey and let the rhythm of The Stones resonate in your heart!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/rolling-stones