Green Day as Bluegrass

My thoughts in general: Looking at the picture of the band Green Day above brings to mind the music, the image, and the attitude associated with the band. Green Day is a popular band, and its music has come to define and identify many people over the last decade or so that the band has been making music. Though their sound and image has changed some (especially with the album American Idiot), they are role models (at least in style and attitude) for many of my generation and the upcoming generation. Even on BYU campus, you see students walking around looking like Billie Joe Armstrong and the other members of the band (with the possible exception of guys not wearing eyeliner (also known as "guy-liner" in certain circles). They are icons of punk rock. However, in a new album called Green Day Blue Grass: Pickin' on Green Day - A Bluegrass Tribute, bluegrass music artists have released their own versions of Green Day songs:


I've listened to a few songs, and I've liked it so far. However, I like Green Day and bluegrass, so it's an interesting combination that works for me. The songs have been arranged in a bluegrass style which is quite enjoyable. Since the lyrics are more prominent in bluegrass (instead of becoming overpowered at times by the music), there seems to be more emphasis placed on the lyrics in this album, which makes for an interesting message.

My thoughts on application: Punk rock can often be perceived as "angry music" with music that accompanies this message. However, bluegrass is not usually angry, so combining this style with the Green Day, provides for an interesting discussion on the message/meaning of the music. This would be a good discussion in the classroom, especially because of the accessibility of the band Green Day to high school students. This could provide for an interesting discussion about media, its adoption and adaptation by other media, and how meaning changes (or doesn't change) based on the lyrics and the style of music that supports them. Music is a big part of our lives, so it is an important medium to discussion when considering media literacy. Are bluegrass covers of punk songs just fun or does it alter the message of the song? What is the connection between music, lyrics, and meaning?