Thorton, 1996

"Exploring the Meaning of the Mainstream" discusses the various definitions of "mainstream" and its meaning to cultural youth groups that wish to dissociate from it. Some believe mainstream to be a term that describes a dominant culture, while others tend to think it describes a mass culture. In order to organize youth cultures, clubbers often use preferences in music, dance styles, and fashion among others as markers for who is one of "us" and who is one of "them." Because of the multiple ways to determine what constitutes mainstream, ethnomusicologists use a variety of terms, such as independent vs. commercial or masculine vs. feminine, to describe what mainstream is and is not.

Discussion Question: How does "alternative" (not mainstream) music retain its identity now that current technology provides many opportunities for wide-scale popularity?

McClary, 1994

In "Same as it Ever Was," McClary discusses how music has had a reputation for being an enabler of seemingly inappropriate and unacceptable behavior, whether it be sensual, emasculate, or rebellious. Nevertheless, music has had a major impact not only on the body, but on culture as well. Wilson Pickett's "In the Midnight Hour" is a song that exemplifies the effect of music on our culture in rhythmic and physical ways. It marked a liberation not only for African-American styles, but for the perception of music as well.

Discussion Question: Are there any current songs that you believe have the same effect "In the Midnight Hour" had when it was released? If there are, what are they and why? If there aren't, why do you think that is?