I will be reviewing the mashup, "The Grey Video".

1. What is this mashup trying to communicate? Is it technical experiment, social or political commentary, a comedic parody, or an abstract work of media art?
This mashup's original goal was to promote Dangermouses album entitled, "The Grey Album". This video features Jay-Z and the Beatles; an artist and a group holding different genres of music. All this was uniquely blended together to compile one heck of a creative mashup. Personally, I believe it is an abstract work of media art and a technical experiment. Dangermouse made it look like Jay-Z actually had some sort of duet with The Beatles. They've also altered the performance of the Beatles by adding humorous effects (but nonetheless entertaining) to the artists such as presenting Ringo Starr as an MC and having Lennon breakdance.

2. Did its creator follow or break copyright laws in its production?
Although Dangermouse did a good job with the video, I do think he broke a few copyright laws. I don't think both footages of Jay-Z and the Beatles' concert were supposed to be taken just like that especially when his intention is to promote something of his own.

3. Do you think that mashup like this requires copyright permission? Why or why not. 
I think a mashup like this requires copyright permission because all content inside the video is not entirely made by Dangermouse. Take note that he is taking something original and arranging it to his liking. The original content is not owned by him. The songs by both artists are copyright and he should ask permission from them before he takes it or else it will seem like he is claiming all the work in the video as his own.

Initial Reaction: I'll admit, the first time I finished watching the video, I wasn't amazed. My initial reaction of this video was that it was plain, simple.. nothing too special, to be honest. In this video you probably won't see a lot of content that will capture your attention aside from the fact that her routine is repeated throughout the video (but that makes sense hence the title). But that was the first time around, and the first time I had watched this video I only concentrated on the content of the video. It will take a really good listen to actually like this video and appreciate the simplicity it carries. Take time to concentrate on the lyrics and I can assure that you may find yourself slightly feeling the emotional pain, some joy, or maybe everything she tries to display in this video and her song.

Analysis and Interpretation: This music video is a reflection of what may be her everyday life, and the events are repeated constantly throughout the video. The song is first introduced to us in a melancholic manner, and the video corresponds to that by displaying her blank expression and simple routine in the beginning. The song fluctuates into something more upbeat and as that happens, she is enthusiastically roaming through the crowd singing the chorus happily. It then ends as it started, gloomy and somewhat spiritless, with her continuing her daily routine. The song is a description of the pain she is feeling. The reason why she becomes so happy in the middle of the song is that she believes she's strong enough to overcome it, she's confident, and that whatever she is fighting for is worth all the hurt she goes through. Hence the title, "I'd do it all again", she would do all of this again, despite the heartache she feels for the situation. I know that this song is about relationship problems, and I do believe she's sending out a positive message about it, particularly about how love overcomes all negative emotions.

Consideration of Cultural Context: Before I saw the video, I already knew some background info about the artist. I know that she had lost her husband. I assume that this video was written for him and their relationship; maybe even before his death. I found out that she wrote this song while being in an argument with him. So, that right there is the reason she wrote this song. There is a line in her song that really hits hard, "Someone to love is bigger than your prides worth", and I believe that is one of the biggest messages she is trying to send out to us. It's throwing away your selfish desires, realizing how important the person you love is, and making yourself appreciate the life you have with them. She knows that the life she chose with him is the life she wants, and therefore she's not going to wish herself out of it just because of one, gigantic argument.


Expression of Aesthetic Judgment: I feel like her mood in this video relates to some states of her relationship with her husband. It's rocky. Sad, then going into something more promising and happy, and then sad again. The quiet scenery and her loneliness in this video is perfect because if there was any more excitement put into this video it wouldn't perfectly match with how passionate and emotional her lyrics are. I love this artist a lot and I have a lot of respect for her because she's always on spot with her lyrics. Instead of you receiving the typical, "I GET MONEY. I'M THA BADDEST AROUND." type of vibe in most songs in which society thinks is ideal nowadays, you receive something soothing and more meaningful; something you could relate to.

Ongoing Reflection: I really love this song because of how calm and truthful it is! Even if you haven't went through the experience of actually having a boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife and had arguments, you could easily relate this to friendships and family. Life is a shared experience and you can't enjoy it alone, so you might as well find some good company to enjoy it with. With that being said, the various experiences we share with them will not always be the most pleasant and enjoyable. However, the people in your life who make it worth living, the ones who love and support you will always be worth the hardships and faults you encounter with them. The love they give you overcomes all the negative feelings you occasionally share in the relationship. I know that's corny and cliche, but it's true, and the artist displays it well.