21st Century Breakdown by Green Day (Music CD)

21st Century Breakdown. Artist: Green Day. ASIN: B001SAQVDQ. Label: Reprise Records. Release Date: May 15, 2009.

Description:

21st Century Breakdown is Green Day’s latest album and the first they’ve released in five years. It’s written in the rock opera style much like their previous album, American Idiot. It’s divided into three acts: “Heroes and Cons,” “Charlatans and Saints,” and “Horseshoes and Handgrenades.” When played from start to finish, the album tells the story of a young couple named Christian and Gloria who are dealing with life in America post-Bush’s presidency. They encounter a repressive government and manipulative social culture. The story isn’t a set narrative, but rather loosely connected. The songs touch on themes such as religion, disconnect, nihilism, idealism, and hope. Many of the songs also include references to Billie Joe Armstrong’s own life; the band has claimed that this is the most personal of the albums he’s written. The album includes four singles: "Know Your Enemy," "21 Guns," "East Jesus Nowhere," and "21st Century Breakdown."

Critical Evaluation:

21st Century Breakdown is the perfect complement to American Idiot. It continues the story that Green Day presented in the previous album, focusing on the problems with trying to survive in modern American society. As Green Day’s sound changes, their ability to touch on social and political issues also improves. More liberal-leaning, politically savvy teenagers will appreciate the substance in the lyrics, while those who are less interested in the message can enjoy the band’s experimentation with combining genres. Traditionally, Green Day had a more mainstream punk sound. In the last few years they’ve added more pop elements, but 21st Century Breakdown is also heavily influenced by classic rock. It has a very grandiose sound appropriate for the rock opera format. They’re bold in their style, choosing an almost bigger is better approach to sound, which really works with the counter-culture attitude in many of their songs. Armstrong has always been a clever lyricist, but his writing has matured. He’s no longer the angry kid of the band’s early days, but he still maintains his fearless ability to call out society for all its perceived wrongdoings. This attitude, coupled with their pop punk rock sound, makes this a great album for any teenager looking to loudly express their dissatisfaction.

Annotation:

Green Day's latest album is a politically charge rock opera in the style of their previous album.

Artist Information:

Green day was formed in 1986 by lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong and bassist Mike Dirnt when both were 14. The band was originally known as Sweet Children, but the name was change to Green Day in 1989 with the addition of drummer John Kiffmeyer. Kiffmeyer left the band in 1990 to attend college and was replaced by current drummer Tré Cool.

In 1989 they signed with independent label Lookout! who, in 1990, released their first full length album, 39/Smooth. They released one more album with Lookout! before signing with Reprise Records. They’ve released six studio albums with Reprise Records, as well as five live albums and two compilation albums.

Genre:

Pop Punk Rock

Curriculum Ties:

Political Science: Forms of Protest
Music

Booktalking Ideas:

N/A

Interest Age:

14 and older

Challenge Issues:

Profanity
References to violence
Anti-religion
Anti-government
Drug references

Challenge Defense Ideas:

• Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.
• If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.
• Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.
• Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.

Reasons for Selection:

Green Day's career has spanned more than 20 years, making it a band that can appeal to teenagers as well as their older relatives.

Speak Now by Taylor Swift (Music CD)

Speak Now. Artist: Taylor Swift. ASIN: B003WTE886. Label: Big Machine Records. Release Date: October 25, 2010.

Description:

Speak Now is Taylor Swift’s third album. It’s also her first album with songs written exclusively by her. This album features darker themes than her first two, particularly touching on loneliness and heartbreak. She uses her songs to call out those who have hurt her, including past boyfriends and critics of her singing. The album received quite a bit of press when it was revealed that the song “Dear John” was supposedly a reference to the relationship the young singer had with the much older John Mayer. Only one single has been released from the album so far. “Mine” is similar to singles from her earlier albums in that it focuses on the experiences of young love, but it is indicative of the more mature subject matter of this current album.

Critical Evaluation:

Taylor Swift has always been able to perfectly capture the feelings of innocent young love, from the initial attraction, through the first kiss, and ending with the inevitable heartbreak. With Speak Now she continues this theme, but she moves past the innocence into a darker place. She’s no longer the girl with teardrops falling on her guitar, but a young woman who has experienced genuine pain and who isn’t afraid to place the blame where it should fall, including squarely on her own shoulders at times. In keeping with her more mature presence, her lyrics also contain more mature subject matter, including references to sexual relationships that weren‘t present in her other albums. Her songs are full of regret and solitude. Though she still maintains that quality that has made her a favorite of younger audiences, with this album she is beginning her transformation into an adult artist. Musically, though, her style is similar to previous albums. Her singing voice isn’t the most impressive, but that’s never been where her talent truly lies, anyway. She’s a songwriter at heart and her singing is simply the vehicle to tell her story.

Annotation:

This third album from Taylor Swift features songs written about her personal experiences.

Artist Information:

Taylor swift was born December 13, 1989 in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. At the age of 11, she went to Nashville hoping to obtain a record deal but was rejected and returned to Pennsylvania. She received her first guitar at age 12 and began to write her own songs. She continued to visit Nashville where she worked with songwriters. Her family moved to Nashville when she was 14 and she became the youngest songwriter ever hired by Sony/ATV Tree. At age 15 she signed with Big Machine Records.

Her first single was released in 2006, followed by her self-titled debut album. Her album became one of only 3 this decade to spend more the 20 weeks at the number one position on the Top Country Albums chart. Her second album was release in 2008. It received the best online start for any country album and is the best digital selling country album ever. Her third album was release in 2010 and features songs completely written by her. She has also launched an acting career, appearing in the 2010 movie Valentine's Day.

Genre:

Pop Country

Curriculum Ties:

Music

Booktalking Ideas:

N/A

Interest Age:

12 and older

Challenge Issues:

None

Challenge Defense Ideas:

If a challenge were to occur:

• Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.
• If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.
• Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.
• Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.

Reasons for Selection:

Taylor Swift is a successful young artist with award-winning albums that are popular with audiences from tweens through adults.

B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray by B.o.B. (Music CD)

B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray. Artist: B.o.B. ASIN: B003BWQDZU. Label: Atlantic. Release Date: April 27, 2010.

Description:

B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray is the first studio album from rap/hip-hop artist B.o.B. Many of the songs feature other popular artists spanning several genres, such as Hayley Williams of Paramore, Rivers Cuomo of Weezer, Bruno Mars, Janelle Monáe, and Eminem. Part of the concept for this album is based on the idea of balancing the rap star with the “real” Bobby Ray, but it isn’t a narrative in any way. The critical reception for the album was mixed, but it did well commercially. After debuting at number one, it managed to become the third best selling hip hop album of 2010.

Critical Evaluation:

B.o.B is a hip hop artist reminiscent of musicians such as Andre 3000 and Big Boi from Outkast - a duo which seems to have had a great influence on his style. Rather than simply relying on his rapping skills, he also sings and plays many of the instruments featured on his album and he does so with great talent. His choice of artists to partner with is surprising, but it works. No one would have expected the coupling of a new hip hop up-and-comer with Weezer’s front man, but “Magic” is the catchy and fun track. Though primarily a hip hop album, he draws inspiration from multiple musical styles including pop rock, jazz, and even a more laid back acoustic guitar style. This creates a unique style that isn’t often heard in hip hop. This experimentation with style is to be expected from a rapper who previously sampled the Beatles’ "Eleanor Rigby," but it almost leaves the listener wishing for more experimentation. His lyrics are clever, including such lines as “If you asked me what’s on my mind you probably won’t believe it/Cause if life was one big pool I’d be in the deep end.” This is a promising debut from a talented artist.

Annotation:

This is the debut studio album from B.o.B, featuring singles such as "Nothin' On You," "Airplanes," "Don't Let Me Fall," and "Bet I."

Artist Information:

B.o.B was born Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr. on November 15, 1988. He spent his childhood in Decatur, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. He was a musical child, playing several instruments in grade school, including the trumpet. In high school, he and a friend formed a production duo called Klinic. When his partner went to college, he launched his solo career.

In 2006, he signed with manager T.J. Chapman, who secured a deal with Atlantic Records. He released his first single for Atlantic in 2007, followed by other very successful singles. His debut album, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray was released on April 27, 2010. He was nominated for 29 awards in 2010.

Genre:

Hip Hop

Curriculum Ties:

Music

Booktalking Ideas:

N/A

Interest Age:

14 and older

Challenge Issues:

Profanity
Drug references
Sexual Ccontent

Challenge Defense Ideas:

• Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.
• If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.
• Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.
• Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.

Reasons for Selection:

This is the already popular artist's debut album.

Literature Resource Center (Database)

Literature Resource Center (Database), Gale. Accessed through the San Diego Public Library.

Description:

The Literature Resource Center is a database that can be used to find articles over works of literature, authors, and other literary topics. These articles include book reviews, literary criticism, author biographies, diaries and correspondence, and full text selections of poems and short stories. Additionally, there are links to websites, pictures, and audio interviews.

The database provides several options for searches. In the basic search the user can search by person - by or about, name of work, keyword, or all text. There options for limiting results include searching only peer-reviewed sources, selecting the publication date range or century, and selecting the content type or the specific publication. There is also the option to search the whole database or specific resources. The advance search adds the options of searching by language, document type and intended audience. The person search allows the user to search by name or a combination of gender, ethnicity, nationality, place of birth, place of death, date of birth, date of death, century, genre, occupation, literary movement, and subject. The works search allows the user to name or any combination of type, author, publication year, century, original language, author gender, author nationality, author ethnicity, and full text.

Critical Evaluation:

The Literature Resource Center is a great resource for English teachers and students, as well as anyone with an interest in literature. The vast number of search options almost guarantees that users will be able to find the information for which they are searching. The author and works searches are particularly helpful, because they result in all resources associated with either, which is a much more extensive selection than might be found with the basic or even advanced search options. Despite the sheer number of search options, this is a simple database to use. Extensive knowledge of information databases is not needed, as a natural language search can suffice for most topics. If the user does run into trouble, the user guide offers instructions, tips, and a guided tour that are incredibly helpful.

Annotation:

This database provides articles about writers and literature.

Publishing Company Information:

Gale was first established in 1954 Frederick Gale Ruffner. In 1985 it was acquired by the Thomson Corporation and became part of their Learning Division. When the Thomson Corporation decided to sell its Learning Division in 2007, a private consortium purchased it and the name was changed to Cengage Learning. Gale is the primary reference section of Cengage Learning

Gale has more than 600 databases that are available online, as eBooks, in print, and in microform. Gale’s imprints include Macmillan Reference USA, the TAFT group, Greenhaven Press, and Thorndike Press, among others. In addition to providing services to libraries and schools, Gale allows its products to be licensed to other online information services such as Dow Jones, and Looksmart.

Genre:

N/A

Curriculum Ties:

Can be used to find sources for English classes.

Booktalking Ideas:

N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age:

All ages

Challenge Issues:

None

Challenge Defense Ideas:

If there were challenges:

• Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.
• If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.
• Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.
• Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.

Reasons for Selection:

Having been an English major and having a particular interest in literary criticism, I found this database to be full of fascinating articles.

Opposing Viewpoints in Context (Database)

Opposing Viewpoints in Context (Database), Gale. Accessed through the San Diego Public Library.

Description:

Opposing Viewpoints in Context contains articles, court cases, biographies, pro/con essays, and primary source documents all designed to show the many opinions associated with current political and social issues. It also includes podcasts, images, charts, graphs, and tables.

The basic search options include a keyword search of viewpoints, images, reference, news, magazines, academic journals, primary sources, statistics, audio, video, websites, or all of these. The advance search allows the user to select one of the typical database fields such as keyword, title, subject, author, ISSN, or publisher, as well as several others. The search can then be limited to full text, peer reviewed, publication date, document type, content type, content level, and lexile range. In addition to using the search fields, the user can also view a list of topics, with each issue including links to all the resources available for the topic, as well as a list of expert picks, a statistical map, and a brief explanation of the issue. The statistical map is also available as a separate option, where a topic can be chosen and narrowed according to the statistic. Finally, the database includes a list of curriculum standards for the United States and seven other countries.

Critical Evaluation:

Opposing Viewpoints in Context is an excellent resource for students and teachers. It includes the most up-to-date information about an extensive list of social and political issues, as well as historical information on each of the issues. The inclusion of so many viewpoints on a particular topic all in one place makes this database the place for users to learn almost everything need to know about the topic. Rather than having to search numerous databases with several keywords, the user can simply select a topic to find hundreds or often thousands of resources that can then be narrowed to fit the user's specific needs. This ease of use makes it the perfect resource for high school students who are just beginning to learn how to conduct research.

Annotation:

This database provides articles with opposing viewpoints on a wide range of topics from politics to science to culture.

Company Information:

Gale was first established in 1954 Frederick Gale Ruffner. In 1985 it was aquired by the Thomson Corporation and became part of their Learning Division. When the Thomson Corporation decided to sell its Learning Division in 2007, a private consortium purchased it and the name was changed to Cengage Learning. Gale is the primary reference section of Cengage Learning

Gale has more than 600 databases that are available online, as eBooks, in print, and in microform. Gale’s imprints include Macmillan Reference USA, the TAFT group, Greenhaven Press, and Thorndike Press, among others. In addition to providing servies to libraries and schools, Gale allows its products to be licensed to other online information services such as Dow Jones, and Looksmart.

Genre:

N/A

Curriculum Ties:

Can be used to find sources for classes on:

History
Current Events
Debate
Science
Health
Psychology

Booktalking Ideas:

N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age:

All ages

Challenge Issues:

None

Challenge Defense Ideas:

If there were challenges:

• Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.
• If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.
• Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.
• Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.

Reasons for Selection:

This is an great resource for projects that require the user to form an opinion on a topic or to present opposing opinions on the topic.

Pop Culture Universe (Database)

pop Culture Universe (Database), ABC-CLIO. Accessed through the San Diego Public Library.

Description:

Pop Culture Universe is a database for those interested in American pop culture from the 1900s through the present time. It includes news articles, primary sources, statistical tables, timelines, videos, images, and commentary. There are four options for searches. The decades option lists all the decades from 1900 through the present with an introduction and lists of suggestion topics under it. The analyze option lists four decades with topics that greatly impacted American culture, such as “1950s: Cold War and Conformity.” The advanced search option allows for a more typical search. The user can enter keywords and then limit the search by checking particular criteria. The search can be limited by category - which includes seven main categories and multiple subcategories - decades, and subjects. There is also the option for a basic keyword search without limitations.

One of the more unique features of the database is that of the analyze option. When the user selects the topic, rather than simply receiving a list of sources, an entire lesson is presented. It begins with a key question pertaining to the topic followed by a brief example. The user can then select the “Need to Know” option which lists sources specific to that question. After that, the user can explore the “Dilemma” option that presents several perspectives on the question. After reading the perspectives, a list of questions to investigate is offered. Finally, a bibliography of more resources is given.

Critical Evaluation:

Pop Culture Universe is a unique resource. Rather than just the typical search database, it’s a fully functional learning tool. The analyze option provides a lesson plan in itself, as well as a way to guide those users who aren’t very sophisticated in their research habits. By grouping the sources together according to specific topics, the user can learn to understand how to determine sources that are appropriate for topics. The addition of the research question gives the user a one stop learning area for the topics included. The decade option can also streamline searches according to a specific time period that is being studied. For users who are slightly more advanced with their searching or who would like to learn about a topic spanning multiple decades and source types, the keyword search option is a good choice that retrieves documents in the manner of a more traditional database. Pop Culture Universe might not be the best choice for the more serious of researchers, as it does seem to be geared towards a younger audience doing classroom research, but it would be an excellent resource for a high school classroom setting.

Annotation:

Pop Culture Universe is a database of articles and sources on pop culture from the 1900s through modern times.

Company Information:

ABC-CLIO publishes reference products for the Social Sciences and History. It was first founded in 1955 as the American Bibliographic Company. In 1961, CLIO press was created as a subsidiary. The two were incorporated into ABC-CLIO in 1969. In 1971, the company expanded to Europe.

ABC-CLIO has eight History databases which have received more than 50 awards, including the Distinguished Achievement Award and the CODiE Award. Pop Culture Universe was distinguished by the ALA as the most outstanding and significant reference work of 2008 and given the Dartmouth Medal.

Genre:

N/A

Curriculum Ties:

Can be used to find sources for classes on:

History
Current Events
Film
Pop Culture
Advertising
Music

Booktalking Ideas:

N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age:

All ages

Challenge Issues:

None

Challenge Defense Ideas:

If there were challenges:

• Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.
• If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.
• Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.
• Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.

Reasons for Selection:

This is a great premise for a database. It could be helpful for teachers looking for ways to make research more interesting to the students.

Fiction Connection (Database)

FictionConnection (Database), Bowkers. Accessed through the San Diego Public Library.

Description:

FictionConnection is a database that individuals can use to discover books that have similar qualities to those they already like. When using the search field, the user can enter a title, author, or ISBN or choose to search by all three fields. After the correct book or author has been found, the database provides a list of similar titles. There is also a list of characteristics, such genre, topic, location, and so on, that the user can check to narrow the results.

If the user isn’t sure of an exact title or author by which to search, the database also offers lists of keywords under the headings of topic, genre, setting, character, location, and timeframe. After clicking on the keyword, the user is given a list of books as well as a graph that shows other keywords associated with the original keyword. Each new item that is clicked changes the results slightly. After identifying a title he or she would like to read, the user is able to click the "search my library's catalog" button to find a listing of the item at the local library.

Critical Evaluation:

FictionConnection is a great resource for readers. For those readers like me who often finish a book with a desire to read something along the same vein, this can provide a list of several books to satisfy that desire. Additionally, the keyword list and the related subjects graph offer a way for users to discover new titles they might not otherwise have encountered. The ability to find a wide range of titles or narrow it down to a list with very specific characteristics can satisfy the needs of any type of user. The inclusion of the “search my library’s catalog” button makes the transition between choosing a book and finding its availability in the local library an easy one.

This database is very simple to use. Though it is fairly self-explanatory, there is a help menu with step by step instructions. The instructions include pictures, examples and clear explanations of how to use the database.

Annotation:

This is a database for finding books similar to those you already like.

Company Information:

Bowkers is a company that provides products and resources to publishers, book sellers, and libraries. It began in 1872 with the creation of Publisher’s Weekly. In the 140 years since then, Bowkers has acquired or launched numerous services to benefit those working in the publishing industry and related fields.

Bowkers's products include not only FictionConnection, but Non-FictionConnection, Ulrich’s Serials Analysis System, BooksInPrint.com, Pubnet, and many more. Most of its products and services do require a login, but they can be accessed through a library or business that has purchased a subscription.

Genre:

N/A

Curriculum Ties:

For use in any course where a student would need to find a fiction book to read.

Booktalking Ideas:

N/A

Reading Level/Interest Age:

All ages

Challenge Issues:

None

Challenge Defense Ideas:

If there were challenges:

• Require the challenger to fill out a written challenge form with clear reasons stated and examples given.
• If not already familiar with the content, become familiar.
• Refer the challenger to the library's collection policy.
• Refer the challenger to reputable reviews of the books, as well as reviews by those in the book's target audience.

Reasons for Selection:

I have been searching for a resource like this for some time, but I was never aware it existed until I began this project.