Pixies - Monkey Gone to Heaven - 1989
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Pixies - Monkey Gone to Heaven - 1989
"Monkey Gone to Heaven" is a song by the American alternative rock band Pixies, featured on their 1989 album Doolittle. This track, a blend of surf rock, punk, and noise pop, showcases the Pixies' unique sound and became one of their most notable songs.
Background
The song was written by Black Francis, the band's frontman, and deals with environmental themes. The lyrics mention the destruction of the ocean and man's relationship with nature, reflecting the growing environmental concerns of the late 1980s.
Musical Style and Influence
The Pixies are known for their dynamic "loud-quiet-loud" style, which had a significant influence on the emerging grunge scene. "Monkey Gone to Heaven" exemplifies this style with its blend of abrasive guitar work and melodic choruses. The song's unique structure and lyrical content have been subjects of analysis in music circles.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Monkey Gone to Heaven" received critical acclaim and is often included in lists of the best songs of the 1980s. It contributed significantly to the rise of alternative rock and influenced many bands that followed.
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Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What year was "Monkey Gone to Heaven" released? (1989) (!1987) (!1991) (!1993)
Which album features "Monkey Gone to Heaven"? (Doolittle) (!Surfer Rosa) (!Bossanova) (!Trompe le Monde)
Who wrote "Monkey Gone to Heaven"? (Black Francis) (!Kim Deal) (!Joey Santiago) (!David Lovering)
What is a key theme of "Monkey Gone to Heaven"? (Environmental concerns) (!Love and relationships) (!Political unrest) (!Science and technology)
What unique style is "Monkey Gone to Heaven" known for? (Loud-quiet-loud) (!Progressive rock) (!Acoustic folk) (!Electronic synth-pop)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
In what year was the band Pixies formed? (1986) (!1982) (!1989) (!1991)
Who is the lead singer of Pixies? (Black Francis) (!Kim Deal) (!Joey Santiago) (!David Lovering)
Which genre best describes Pixies' music? (Alternative rock) (!Pop) (!Heavy metal) (!Jazz)
Which city is Pixies originally from? (Boston) (!New York) (!Los Angeles) (!Seattle)
What is another notable Pixies song from the same album? (Here Comes Your Man) (!Gigantic) (!Wave of Mutilation) (!Debaser)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What does "the creature in the sky" refer to in the lyrics? (God) (!An airplane) (!A bird) (!A satellite)
"If man is 5, then the devil is 6." What comes next in the lyrics? (And if the devil is 6, then God is 7) (!And if the devil is 6, then man is 7) (!And if the devil is 6, then the world ends at 7) (!And if the devil is 6, then heaven falls at 7)
What element of nature is prominently mentioned in the song? (The ocean) (!The forest) (!The mountains) (!The desert)
How many times is the phrase "Monkey gone to heaven" repeated in the chorus? (Three) (!Two) (!Four) (!Five)
What does the number "7" symbolize in the song? (Heaven or perfection) (!Luck) (!A week) (!A rainbow)
Memory
| Pixies Formation Year | 1986 |
| Album "Monkey Gone to Heaven" is on | Doolittle |
| Lead Singer of Pixies | Black Francis |
| Song's Main Theme | Environmental concerns |
| Pixies' Music Genre | Alternative rock |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Create a Playlist: Compile a playlist of songs similar in style to "Monkey Gone to Heaven."
- Write a Review: Write a short review of "Monkey Gone to Heaven," focusing on its musical elements.
Standard
- Environmental Lyrics Analysis: Analyze the environmental themes in "Monkey Gone to Heaven" and compare them to another environmentally-themed song.
- Band Biography: Research and write a brief biography of the Pixies, focusing on their formation and early years.
Difficult
- Musical Influence Essay: Write an essay on how the Pixies influenced the grunge and alternative rock scenes.
- Video Analysis: Create a video analyzing the musical structure of "Monkey Gone to Heaven" and its impact on the listener.
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Oral Exam
- Music Evolution: Discuss how the Pixies' style in "Monkey Gone to Heaven" reflects the musical trends of the late 1980s.
- Lyrics Interpretation: Interpret the symbolism behind the lyrics of "Monkey Gone to Heaven."
- Environmental Music: Explore how music can be used as a tool to raise awareness about environmental issues, using "Monkey Gone to Heaven" as an example.
- Band Dynamics: Analyze the role of each band member in creating the Pixies' unique sound in "Monkey Gone to Heaven."
- Comparative Analysis: Compare and contrast "Monkey Gone to Heaven" with another Pixies song in terms of theme and musical style.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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