Critiquing the Voyager Golden Record

[The Vorpal Tribble]

As some of you may or may not know on the spacecraft Voyager 1 a 'golden record' was left with recordings and the like that had greetings in many different languages, sounds of Earth, recorded brainwaves, morse code, etc.

Included in this was a sample of music from cultures spanning the globe. As I listened to these, most of the songs for the first time, I found myself contemplating how the heck some of these made their way on, while others I sat listening enraptured.

Can learn more about this golden record here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contents_of_the_Voyager_Golden_Record).

Here is my opinion on this representation of our world's music in a nutshell:

Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F. First Movement (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olLi5RtE_6M)
- Well known, cheerful and upbeat.

Puspawarna (Kinds of Flowers) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxeJc857Qwo)
- Never heard any music quite like this. Very pretty and whimsical.

Tchenhoukoumen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FmUAk0hTaI)
- Dang but that has a beat! Gets kinda repetitive after awhile though.

Morning Star/Devil Bird (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew6JKb4k7hE)
- Didgeridoos are an acquired taste, but I like'em and these weren't bad. Vocals were a little rough. Didn't do anything for me.

El Cascabel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkKxN9QJ2wI)
- Can't help but be catchy. EVERYBODY DANCE!

Johnny B. Goode (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FboXO1FtbvE)
- Oh HELL yes!

Men's House Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_a3gIA0sRA)
- ...the crap is this? That seriously grates on my nerves and makes my temples throb. Doesn't even sound well played. Sorry New Guinians, but surely you had something better to offer?

Tsuru No Sugomori (Crane's Nest) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzhVAnOO45Q)
- This sounds like it was a bit distorted, but beneath that I liked it. At times relaxing, others a bit creepy, but interesting all the way through.

Gavotte en Rondeaux (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrDxGY4lYHc)
- Typical Bach. A little stuffy, but otherwise neutral on this particular piece.

Queen of the Night (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z694TLir3qg)
- Opera tends to be hit or miss for me, and this one was missing until she started hitting the high notes and then I fell a little in love with her.

Tchakrulo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV85zrndvdY)
- I love dramatic choir music. Have heard better than this, but have no complaints and enjoyed it thoroughly.

El Cóndor Pasa (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRAXUFN_3qc)
- Again, quality of recording is lacking, but in general not enamored of this one. One of my favorite musicians is a peruvian panpiper and he easily buries these folks. They aren't bad, just not coming across as great here.

Melancholy Blues (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgcC_-R1Qnk)
- Ok, music is classic for the time, but I'm glad and amused that the version they provided is when ole Louis kept his mouth closed. This is like the worst song I've ever heard of his sung, but instrumentals are spot on. Surprised they didn't instead use It's A Wonderful World. Talks about earth and everything and kinda fits the whole concept behind the record.

Ugam (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVRdEvdovgk)
- Azerbaijan bagpipes? THEY HAVE BAGPIPES?! Where did this come from? It's beautiful, and I can't believe it comes from any kind of bagpipe. Not that I don't like your standard scottish bagpipe, but man, this was a surprise. Actually kind of surprised we didn't have Amazing Grace on bagpipes somewhere in here, that's almost a staple.

Rite of Spring (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WX3hFFyIdE)
- I've always found this just a bit creepy, but very expressive and brings images to one's mind.

The Well Tempered Clavier (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSDCnKN3Sq4)
- Ok, first thing, Bach, can we please stop hogging Voyager recording time here? We love you, really, but no one else gets more than one song, and you have three or four songs on here. They didn't even put your best stuff. This one is yawn inducing.

Beethoven Fifth Symphony (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8Hbjl90pD4)
- GO BEETHOVEN! This is one they friggin' had to include. Pure epic.

Izlel je Delyo Hajdutin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng62EsjTK9U)
- That woman has some lungs... wow. Very haunting and heartfelt.

Night Chant (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAZLQgvAhCs)
- I can definitely see it as a night chant. Sounds kind of like a banshee even. Very different, and very navajo. I love native american music, and I think they could have found a much better one than this, but meh, whatever, wasn't horrible.

Fairie Round (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oQJ7GkpxOg)
- So very medieval sounding. Friendly yet also seeming to have a hint of an edge to it. Was ok.

Peruvian Wedding Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcwPMeqS97Y)
- Song and singer sounds very sweet.

Liu Shui (Flowing Streams) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lReQHyOYgU)
- Starts off rough, but gets better, and has some good parts, but could totally take or leave it. 4:30 is my favorite part, can see the stream hitting rough rocks as it goes.

Jaat Kahan Ho (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek7NKH5mTgs)
- Quintessential Indian right here alright. Always something I've enjoyed and this one doesn't disappoint.

Dark Was the Night (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8AuYmID4wc)
- Feeling and eerie and just a bit weird. I like the blues to a degree, but this one only gains a raised eyebrow and a shrug from me.

Cavatina from the String Quartet No. 13 in B flat, Opus 130 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=go-yfV8qpSw)
- Perfect song to end my critique with and fall asleep to. Very relaxing.

Results
Johnny B. Goode and Beethoven's 5th tie for first place, with Kinds of Flowers right behind them.

Men's House Song goes on the bottom. Gah...



Now I gotta ask, with America sending in 3-4 songs, and England a couple, those are the best? Johnny, sure, great song, but the other two?

Where's Elvis? I mean, c'mon! No Beetles either? Hey Jude belongs on there!


What do you think of them? And if a new record was made what would you suspect would be added from the music that's come out in the 30 years since it was sent out?

[Sneak]

I thought all of that stuff sounded pretty cool. And Azerbaijan bagpipes are way better than regular bagpipes. :smalltongue:

I agree that the criteria they used seems a bit vague and/or questionable, but whatchagonnado?

[thegurullamen]

They put Stravinsky's Rite of Spring on there? I don't know why, but hearing that is about as jarring as if they'd put a 1992 Upper Deck copy of Yogi Berra's baseball card on board as well.

[magellan]

It should be obvious why, if aliens ever find our music, they will not need Elvis ;)

[Icewalker]

But wouldn't it be good to let them know that we had him too? I need to listen to these later! Important pieces.

[The Vorpal Tribble]

Accidentally found out that Ugam and Tchakrulo played together sound freaking awesome.

[kamikasei]

Now I gotta ask, with America sending in 3-4 songs, and England a couple, those are the best? Johnny, sure, great song, but the other two?[/spoiler]
I would assume the goal wasn't to include the best of Earth's music, but a wide sample representing as much of the spectrum as possible. An analysis of how they tried to decide that would be interesting to read.

I'd guess that's the reason for Bach's overrepresentation too - highly mathematical music is a good way to show aliens "hey look, we tried a bunch of weird stuff that might actually make sense to you!".
[QUOTE=The Vorpal Tribble;10063617]Where's Elvis? I mean, c'mon! No Beetles either? Hey Jude belongs on there!

Blame EMI, apparently (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contents_of_the_Voyager_Golden_Record#cite_ref-Sagan.2C_Carl_1978_3-0). "Sagan had originally asked for permission to include "Here Comes the Sun" from the Beatles' album Abbey Road. While the Beatles favoured it, EMI opposed it and the song was not included."

[Eldan]

On bagpipes, since you were so surprised: pretty much all of Europe and a good part of central Asia has them, traditionally. Balkanese or Turkish bagpipes sound pretty strange as well.

Also, never heard Queen of the Night before? I'm pretty sure that Opera's running once every two months or so on TV over here.

Also, Argh on the Well Tempered Piano. I played the piano for years, and I just hate that piece.

[The Vorpal Tribble]

I'd guess that's the reason for Bach's overrepresentation too - highly mathematical music is a good way to show aliens "hey look, we tried a bunch of weird stuff that might actually make sense to you!".
Instrumental music, and classical in particular, tend to all be mathematical. Is Bach's supposed to somehow be even more mathematical than normal? I've never heard of such.

If they were going for wide variety then they should have included his Toccata and Fugue in D minor for organ. All of his songs provided seem to use the same instruments. Organ is at least different.


On bagpipes, since you were so surprised: pretty much all of Europe and a good part of central Asia has them, traditionally. Balkanese or Turkish bagpipes sound pretty strange as well.
Just never hear or see them mentioned or played anywhere is all and I've studied a lot of music.


Also, never heard Queen of the Night before? I'm pretty sure that Opera's running once every two months or so on TV over here.
Heard a few seconds of it, but no one ever seems to play more than that. Her high notes for example I recall from Charles' record in a M*A*S*H episode, and think a commercial had another few seconds. That's about it.

[Fri]

Instrumental music, and classical in particular, tend to all be mathematical. Is Bach's supposed to somehow be even more mathematical than normal? I've never heard of such. .

Yes. Bach used things like fibonacci numbers or some other mathematical approach like that, and I heard that his pieces can be analyzed mathematically.

[Eldan]

Yup. Basically, it's been shown that the quotient of two frequencies determines whether or not humans think they sound good together. So you can actually calculate good sounding music. Bach did that.

[kamikasei]

Of course all music and especially classical music is amenable to mathematical treatment, but Bach in particular has a reputation as making music based around math. I'm not sure how deserved it is though, I'm not knowledgeable about music and my own impression of the matter is heavily skewed by having read Gödel, Escher, Bach.

[Gorgondantess]

First of all: friggin' travesty they put on Beethoven's 5th. Granted, it's a phenomenal piece, and one of the best pieces of music ever made, but the 9th is his best by far. It just gets better as the numbers increase.:smallcool:
Then again, I'm looking at the respective works as a whole, not just excerpts, so I suppose if you're just going to give less than 10 minutes of Beethoven, it's either that, Moonlight Sonata, or this. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAOTCtW9v0M)
When it comes to classical music, I would've scrapped at least one of the Bachs and put in Pachelbel's Canon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcJuZIUeBME) or one of the Beethoven pieces I mentioned. Awesome choice for Mozart, though- those high notes make me melt.:smallsmile:
Also: Bohemian Rhapsody was released a full 2 years before this thing went up, I believe. Why is it not on there?:smallannoyed::smalltongue:

[The Vorpal Tribble]

First of all: friggin' travesty they put on Beethoven's 5th. Granted, it's a phenomenal piece, and one of the best pieces of music ever made, but the 9th is his best by far. It just gets better as the numbers increase.:smallcool:
Meh, both are good, but I can listen to the 5th all the way through and stay intererested. The 9th lulls dully in places.


Then again, I'm looking at the respective works as a whole, not just excerpts, so I suppose if you're just going to give less than 10 minutes of Beethoven, it's either that, Moonlight Sonata, or this. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAOTCtW9v0M)
Moonlight Sonata, definitely.


Also: Bohemian Rhapsody was released a full 2 years before this thing went up, I believe. Why is it not on there?:smallannoyed::smalltongue:
Cuz they had at least some modicum of standards :smallwink:

[chiasaur11]

I think they put so much Bach because it was actually composed by aliens attempting to calculate the music of the spheres.

Shows we know about their meddling. Time Lords. Think they know everything.

[Closet_Skeleton]

Bagpipes may actually have originated in the middle east and been brought to Britain by the Romans Crusaders according to something I heard my Dad. But I might be getting confused with Tartan, which isn't very Scottish at all.

edited.

[AshDesert]

Where's Elvis? I mean, c'mon! No Beetles either? Hey Jude belongs on there!


What do you think of them? And if a new record was made what would you suspect would be added from the music that's come out in the 30 years since it was sent out?

Carl Sagan wanted to include Here Comes the Sun, and The Beatles liked the idea, but EMI said no. Stupid record labels:smallannoyed:.

Jazz is underrepresented on the record, especially big band/swing. Sing Sing Sing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2S1I_ien6A) would be my choice in that category. In the 33 years since the Voyager's launch, we've had two new genres take hold in pop culture. There needs to be some representation of metal/hard rock (I'd say something by Zeppelin, probably Black Dog or Communication Breakdown) and rap (I'm completely clueless when it comes to the world of hip-hop). In addition, I think that Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and Elvis Presley are three of the most influential musicians in the last 60 years, and need to be included in some form or another (I'd pick Like A Rolling Stone, The Wind Cries Mary, and Hound Dog, respectively).

[Kislath]

No! No rap in space! No good could come from that. The Aliens would either flee our sector in disgust, or worse, we'd be soon up to our ears in space gangstas and their fly-by disintegrations.

[AshDesert]

No! No rap in space! No good could come from that. The Aliens would either flee our sector in disgust, or worse, we'd be soon up to our ears in space gangstas and their fly-by disintegrations.

Two things:

1) There is actually good rap out there. Just because a significant portion of a genre is crap doesn't mean that all of it is. Hell, most of rock is crap.

2) The point of the Voyager golden record is to show a cross-section of all kinds of music from the planet Earth. Rap has been one of the biggest forces in music for the last 25 years. It would only make sense to include at least one example of it.

[Ravens_cry]

Two things:

1) There is actually good rap out there. Just because a significant portion of a genre is crap doesn't mean that all of it is. Hell, most of rock is crap.

2) The point of the Voyager golden record is to show a cross-section of all kinds of music from the planet Earth. Rap has been one of the biggest forces in music for the last 25 years. It would only make sense to include at least one example of it.

Considering that Voyager 1 & 2 were launched almost a decade before that 25 year period you mention, it seems a bit silly to complain about it.

[AshDesert]

Considering that Voyager 1 & 2 were launched almost a decade before that 25 year period you mention, it seems a bit silly to complain about it.

I was responding to someone responding to me responding to the original question, which was asking what you would add to the record in the 33 years since Voyager 1 was sent out.

Also, I just noticed that there was no Middle Eastern or Hebrew music on the record. The classic would be Hava Nagila, but that's actually a Ukrainian folk song in disguise.

[Ravens_cry]

I was responding to someone responding to me responding to the original question, which was asking what you would add to the record in the 33 years since Voyager 1 was sent out.

OK then.:smallsmile:


Also, I just noticed that there was no Middle Eastern or Hebrew music on the record. The classic would be Hava Nagila, but that's actually a Ukrainian folk song in disguise.
Now that, that is surprising.:smallannoyed:

[Jallorn]

I imagine part of the effort was to provide a broad example of human music. Thus, although we have many great masterpieces, they had to pick only a few from several categories.

[ShneekeyTheLost]

El Condor Pasa is probably one of the worst songs Simon and Garfunkle had.

Better choices would have been The Sound of Silence (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvsX03LOMhI), The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMDjIbfKcXE), or The Boxer's Song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdKjEHfHINQ). While Mrs. Robinson put them on the charts, it's a bit... erm... well, I can't help but remember the context of the movie it was written for.

Instead of Faerie Reel, they could have done Dans En Dro (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUiczxKjN8w).

I'd have also liked to have had either Let It Be or Hey Jude on there somewhere. What music collection of the era doesn't have at least one offering from the Fab Four?

[AshDesert]

El Condor Pasa is probably one of the worst songs Simon and Garfunkle had.

:smallconfused: El Condor Pasa is a traditional Peruvian folk song. What does that have to do with Simon & Garfunkel?


I'd have also liked to have had either Let It Be or Hey Jude on there somewhere. What music collection of the era doesn't have at least one offering from the Fab Four?

Hey Jude is their most overplayed song, they have so many better songs than it by a long shot. The reason they're not on is record company problems, or else Here Comes the Sun would've been on the record (a better song in my opinion).

[chiasaur11]

Hey Jude is their most overplayed song, they have so many better songs than it by a long shot. The reason they're not on is record company problems, or else Here Comes the Sun would've been on the record (a better song in my opinion).

Elanor Rigby, baby. All about the Rigby.

Okay, or Revolution #9, if the message we want is "Hey aliens: We hate you."

[Ozymandias]

I like Hey Jude a lot right up until I realize that the refrain is going to just keep going on. Na-na-na-nanana? Nah.

It's sort of funny that nowadays we really wouldn't have to do anything like this - on the mass of a single phonograph record I don't know how many millions of songs we could get.

[Jimorian]

I like Hey Jude a lot right up until I realize that the refrain is going to just keep going on. Na-na-na-nanana? Nah.

While obviously not on this record, the song that does this for me is Foreigner's "I Want To Know What Love Is." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loWXMtjUZWM) The opening has me looking forward to one of the best songs ever, then the endless chorus reminds me that oh right, it isn't. :smallyuk:


It's sort of funny that nowadays we really wouldn't have to do anything like this - on the mass of a single phonograph record I don't know how many millions of songs we could get.

The issue there is how do we make sure they can install and run the codec? An analog record and stylus with pictogram instructions is something that has much greater odds of being understood and used almost immediately by any intelligent species that finds it.

[Ravens_cry]

The issue there is how do we make sure they can install and run the codec? An analog record and stylus with pictogram instructions is something that has much greater odds of being understood and used almost immediately by any intelligent species that finds it.
I hope someone finds it someday, the ultimate time capsule. Even if the record becomes unreadable, even if micrometeorites make the probes a scattered assembly of bits and pieces, it's composition will likely tell them that there was other minds out there who decided to shout out into the endless void in a primal scream of triumph for all we are, all we have been, and all we hope to be.

[ShneekeyTheLost]

While obviously not on this record, the song that does this for me is Foreigner's "I Want To Know What Love Is." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loWXMtjUZWM) The opening has me looking forward to one of the best songs ever, then the endless chorus reminds me that oh right, it isn't. :smallyuk:



The issue there is how do we make sure they can install and run the codec? An analog record and stylus with pictogram instructions is something that has much greater odds of being understood and used almost immediately by any intelligent species that finds it.

I think he's talking about loading everything into an mp3 player. Just hit the play button, it's fairly user-friendly.

[Jallorn]

I think he's talking about loading everything into an mp3 player. Just hit the play button, it's fairly user-friendly.

Assuming it still has power. And isn't damaged.

[Ravens_cry]

Assuming it still has power. And isn't damaged.
And doesn't flash memory slowly, but far too fast by the length of this voyage, lose the information contained within? Also, the play button is hardly obvious. I mean, why does sideways triangle mean play anyway? Why does two rectangles stood up side by side but separated mean pause? These things are not obvious. They are pretty easy to remember but they are not intuitive to humans, let alone to some alien species.
This thing had to be fairly simple to operate, contain a substantial amount of information, yet be able to potentially remain in working condition for millennia. Quite an achievement in and of itself.