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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "Harmonica Frank -1951," what song does Marcus say "set the stage for rock 'n' roll"?
(a) "Howling Tomcat."
(b) "Rockin' Chair Daddy."
(c) "Up on Cripple Creek."
(d) "Mixed-Up Confusion."

2. Who wrote: "You run without moving from a terror in which you cannot believe"?
(a) F. Scott Fitzgerald.
(b) William Faulkner.
(c) Greil Marcus.
(d) Robert Johnson.

3. What is the subject of Robert Johnson's song "Stones in My Passway"?
(a) The end of the world as we know it.
(b) A man seeking salvation.
(c) A man who wants power over other souls.
(d) A woman the speaker misses.

4. Who said "If I could find a white man who had the Negro sound and the Negro feel . . . I could make a billion dollars"?
(a) Harmonica Frank.
(b) Greil Marcus.
(c) Sam Phillips.
(d) Carl Perkins.

5. What song does Marcus claim to be "the most menacing piece of rock 'n' roll ever made"?
(a) "How Many More Years."
(b) "Who Do You Love."
(c) "Bo Diddley."
(d) "Stones in My Passway."

6. What was the original name of the Band in the early sixties?
(a) Robbie and the Rockers.
(b) The Bush Beaters.
(c) The Beatles.
(d) The Hawks.

7. According to Marcus in "The Band," what is the storyteller in the second album?
(a) Settler.
(b) Farmer.
(c) Jokester.
(d) Murderer.

8. What song of Elvis Presley's is mentioned as having the "young hold on freedom" and a "touch of fear" reminiscent to Robert Johnson's?
(a) "Peace in the Valley."
(b) "Blue Suede Shoes."
(c) "Hound Dog."
(d) "God's Song."

9. Who sang "Fool about mah money/don't try to save"?
(a) Elvis Presley.
(b) Sam Phillips.
(c) Harmonica Frank.
(d) Little Richard.

10. What betrayal does the song "Tears of Rage" convey?
(a) A man betrayed by his best friend.
(b) America betrayed by those who refuse it.
(c) A husband betrayed by his wife.
(d) Americans betrayed by the promise for success.

11. Who wrote "Whispering Pines"?
(a) Robbie Robertson.
(b) Robert Levon.
(c) Richard Manuel.
(d) Elvis Presley.

12. What is the "old American idea" that the worried man is stuck in according to Marcus?
(a) The past as the present.
(b) Tradition before change.
(c) An innocent world.
(d) A joint-stock world.

13. In "The Band," what does Marcus say the Band felt was a mistake?
(a) The politics were quieting down because of the loss of great political leaders.
(b) Young Americans thought rock 'n' roll was on its way out.
(c) Young Americans felt like exiles in America.
(d) Country music was the most popular music.

14. According to Marcus in "Robert Johnson -1938," what gives music "mythical authority"?
(a) When the songs attract fans.
(b) When the singer uses a deeper tenor.
(c) When the music tells a story.
(d) When the music reflects life.

15. How did Robert Johnson die?
(a) Suicide.
(b) Murdered.
(c) Old age.
(d) Drug overdose.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Marcus compare Phillips to in the beginning of "Harmonica Frank - 1951"?

2. What does Marcus claim in "The Band" is not community?

3. What magazine had an article "measuring Richard Manuel for a straight-jacket" (62)?

4. The Prologue states that Marcus wants to discuss rock 'n' roll in what context?

5. From what feeling does Robert Johnson pull his images?

(see the answer keys)

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