Week 12 Forum - Scratch Tutorials, Windowlicker

We watched some special features from the "Scratch" documentary. Many of the segments were amusing in some ways, however there were interesting parts. The tutorial on how to rock a party was quite enlightening because I've always wondered what the DJ is actually supposed to do at a party other than play some records. There is obviously much skill in tempo matching, especially in realtime. It was quite a show of skill to watch the DJ keep two records in time that are both getting faster at different rates.

My other favourite part of the session was the Windowlicker video clip which I hadn't seen before. I love the way that although I assume the video tries to parody other videos that try to sell music with sex, it includes all the same glossy production techniques. It's great to see to two guys fail miserably and embarass themselves while picking up chicks. Also fantastic is the use of the exaggerated limousine shot which corresponds to a glitchy effect that is in the style of Aphex Twin but also sounds like a crash with skidding. And everyone loves to see a happy man dance. Many of the events work well with the music and increase the satirical effect.

Reference: Steven Whittington. "Week 12 Music Technology Forum - Scratch Special Features and Video Clips". Lecture presented at the Electronic Music Unit, University of Adelaide, 5  June 2008.