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Slipknot

Date: Nov 17 2008

Themes: Alternative

Grammar: Present Perfect Tense

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Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

Slipknot is an American heavy metal band that’s best known for the horror masks the musicians wear on stage. Critics of the band say the masks are just a gimmick, used to shock people and try to sell more records. But the band members insist that the masks are an important part of their music. When they put the masks on, they feel more connected to the dark, animal spirit of their songs.

Even if you think Slipknot’s masks are a silly gimmick, you might still be a fan of their music. Especially now that they’ve updated their sound on their album All Hope Is Gone. Listen to what Jason and Mason think about it.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Jason

Mason

Jason: The whole Midwest has really strange taste in music, in a lot of ways. You know, like, the whole rap rock thing is still kind of alive and well.

Mason: Yeah like Uncle Kracker.

Jason: Yeah! And ICP. And I’ve always sort of roped Slipknot in with that crowd.

Mason: You know, I’ve never actually listened to them, because I keep thinking that they’re wrestlers.

Jason: They do have the masks. They used to have like dreads] and sort of scary clown masks, which is totally ‘90s, you know? But now they’ve got like these more timeless horror masks. Chainsaw Massacre, Hellraiser kind of stuff.

Mason: What’s their music even like?

Jason: It’s changing a little, too. It’s got that metal chugging thing. And now they’re doing a little more melodic singing. Like they were doing all that new metal, growl-rap.

Mason: Like Korn?

Jason: Yeah, like Korn.

Mason: Like ten years ago?

Jason: But now they’re kind of sounding like five years ago. You know, like Avenge Sevenfold.

Mason: So Slipknot is really only like seven years behind the times.

Jason: Exactly, which is what’s amazing to me. Is that they…I thought that they were permanently, terminally behind the times, but they are progressing…Just at an interval behind the rest of us.

Grammar Point

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Discussion

In the US, the kind of music people like often depends on where they live. People who live in the South, for instance, tend to like country music better than people who live in the northern part of the country. Slipknot is from Des Moines, a city in the middle of the US, where rap-metal is most popular.
Mason has heard of the band Slipknot but he’s never listened to their music. He only knows that the band members all wear scary masks and weird costumes. Jason explains that the members of Slipknot have recently updated their masks. Their music has become more current, too, but it’s still outdated. It’s just slightly less outdated than it used to be.

Do you like rap rock and heavy metal? Do you agree that this type of music is behind the times, or would you say it’s timeless? Is this kind of music popular in your country?

Comments

1 through 20 of 32
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kpl

Taiwan

so unique , there's seldome chance to have a mask on in our live , cool grooming .

david25m

Peru

hi…whats jazzsinger do you like??

david25m

Peru

slipknot is like one when wanna destroy own room,,,this feeling…each band with each music make us feel diferent feelings. my fvrt S'Song is spit it out…...!!!

i luv opera too…0.o!!!

harmonyS

Italy

and i guess they're frightening..

harmonyS

Italy

actually i prefer jazz slow musica…

_ _ naty _ _

Bolivia

helo slipknot is the best metal music i love it how is their music

and i live their mask it's interesting

Alberto Nambk

Brazil

Incredible vocals, incredible palm mute.

I do wat I want!!!

Germany

slipknot is a really good band, i love it!!!!!

miffoo

Slovakia

I never listened this band

guobingyou

China

I've never listened to such music

jinning

China

i have never actually listened to them.

jinning

China

maybe most boys like it, i would have a try .

metal21

Nicaragua

ALTHOUGH SLIPKNOT IS NOT ONE OF MY FAVORITE METAL BANDS I ENJOY LISTENING TO PSYCHOSOCIAL ALL DAY LONG, IT'S A GREAT SONG, I LOVE IT.. MY FAVORITE BANDS ARE: AFTER FOREVER, EPICA, NIGHTWISH, WITHIN TEMPTATION, KAMELOT. IF SOMEBODY IN THIS WEBSIDE LIKES THESE GROUPS PLEASE SEND ME A MESSAGE.

Greendiego

Colombia

Slipknot have an only style but don´t play my favorite kind of music, for me style is one of the most important things that new bands should be have, because actually new bands are so plastic that sucks!!

I like Greenday and I consider they to be a great punk rock band

stefan1

Austria

I don't really like Slipknot but I wouldn't say that the music is bullshit!

jj kaulitz

Germany

i prefer punk rock!!yeahhh

aliena

China

It's just from this lesson, I knew this Band. I dont like heavy metal music. They make me having a headache. I don't like their masks either. It's scary!! But anyway, they might feel really comfortable with them when they play their music, and easily release sth they don't want to do face to face in front of their audience. And you guys said it was nice, I would like to search it and have a try.

Marcelolic

Brazil

I prefer heavy metal,heavy rock,hard rock,gothic metal and some others ;)

Marcelolic

Brazil

Slipknot is not the kind of band that I like…I hear heavy metal,because I like a lot! rap rock only some bands like Red Hot Chilli Pepers,Limp Biskit,Linkin Park it are in high!...bands of rock 70's,80' and 90's I know almost all it…So that's it,in the truth,I know a little of Slipknot,the first time that I heard I found very heavy and loud

Christoph07

Germany

Hm – Slipknot music tasty good…As I was younger I listen much of this kind of music. Today I like more electronic music. With masks or without masks – it doesnt matter. Its looking funny and when they feel lucky – its ok. They are funny like GWAR. Ahm – no, GWAR is a little bit more funny.