1 What's That Playing on the Radio? The

WHAT’S THAT PLAYING ON THE RADIO? THE SERIOUS SONGS OF GRAND THEFT AUTO V Andrew S. Powell, Ph.D. GameSoundCon 2020 SUMMARY OF PRE-SELECTED RADIO EVENTS IN MISSIONS OF GRAND THEFT AUTO V DESCRIPTIONS HIGHLIGHTED IN GREEN ARE RELATED TO FRANKLIN. DESCRIPTIONS HIGHLIGHTED IN BLUE ARE RELATED TO MICHAEL. DESCRIPTIONS HIGHLIGHTED IN ORANGE ARE RELATED TO TREVOR. CELLS WITH MULTIPLE COLORS CONTAIN NARRATIVE READINGS FOR MORE THAN ONE CHARACTER. GRAND THEFT AUTO V MISSION MUSIC DESCRIPTION NARRATIVE RELATIONSHIP? For race with Lamar back to Simeon’s dealership: Franklin (and Lamar) in life of crime through gang “Appetite for Destruction,” N.W.A. (West Coast association, seemingly illegal or improper repossession Franklin and Lamar Classics); in enhanced version, “Bad News,” Action work with Simeon Yetarian Bronson & Danny Brown (Radio Los Santos) If Franklin takes motorcycle before the gang member Diss track paralleling conflict with rival gang (Vagos) and Repossession drives away: “What Would U Do,” Dogg Pound (West shootout which transpires; reinforcement of gang life and Coast Classics) activity which dominates Franklin’s current situation D expresses awareness of kidnappers, minimalization of change of lifestyle; Franklin’s fear of never making After putting D in back of van: “Still D.R.E.,” Dr. Dre Chop something of life beyond hood/gang life; parallels to and Snoop Dogg (West Coast Classics) worlds of GTA V and GTA: San Andreas and seemingly minimal change over time “I Don’t Care Anymore” as literal statement to family and world for deteriorating relationships and life); “All Opening cutscene on Michael’s phone: “I Don’t Care the Things She Said” mocking Michael as he wallows in Anymore,” Phil Collins (Los Santos Rock Radio); Father/Son self-pity over loss of boat, ironically leaves Jimmy in care during drive to Los Santos Customs: “All the Things of new acquaintance (unknown criminal), but also She Said,” Simple Minds (Lost Santos Rock Radio) conveys since of optimism at fresh start and freedom (parallel to Michael’s entry into witness protection) 1 Jimmy changes radio in car to West Coast Classics, Tracey’s dancing to “Work” is literal connection to Michael can change and indicate it is driver’s choice; meaning of song (sex/promiscuity); interaction between Daddy’s Little Girl Tracey dancing on yacht to “Work,” Kelly Rowland Michael and Jimmy with radio shows physical disconnect (Non Stop Pop FM) between characters and object Casing the Jewel Store Michael’s car radio tuned to Los Santos Rock Radio N/A—environmental/background The Jewel Store Job Car radio tuned to Radio Mirror Park N/A—environmental/background 1. Trevor’s goal to overtake Sandy Shores drug and weapons trade; Trevor’s desire to escape Sandy Shores After choosing Ortega’s fate: “I Ain’t Living Long Like and reconnect with Michael Mr. Philips This,” Waylong Jennings (Rebel Radio) 2. Trevor’s considerable risk in pursuing his goals that could lead to his demise Trevor’s Bodhi at beginning of mission tuned to N/A—environmental/background Trevor Philips Industries Soulwax FM 1. Triads and O’Neil’s committing foolish mistake by cutting Trevor out of methamphetamine deal (comment Radio in vehicle may be tuned to Los Santos Rock to radio) Radio, “What a Fool Believes,” The Doobie Crystal Maze Brothers—Trevor says music is “All f***ing wrong” 2. Trevor as “literal fool,” fails to see business offer was and changes station to Channel X never legitimate opportunity, fails to see Brad is dead, fails to see Michael/Los Santos is psychologically triggering 1. Paralleling of scene (filmic) with suggestive dancing and Lazlo (implication of sexual favors for audition/role Tracey’s audition for Fame or Shame: “Give it to Me Fame or Shame in show) Baby,” Rick James (Space 103.2) 2. Trevor’s compulsion for money, drugs; overwhelming desire to complete “the big score” Reflection of dramatic change of radio in commentary on Once Michael clears wanted level: “Radio Ga Ga,” individual and grand narrative with respect to both Dead Man Walking Queen (Los Santos Rock Radio individuals (all three protagonists) as well as intersection of characters Replaced lyrics with dialogue depict failure and downfall (“You gave it all up, you had nothing left/You should Michael’s psychedelic trip: “Shine a Light (Flight Did Somebody Say Yoga? have kept some for yourself (. .) Now you can’t keep Facilities Remix),” C90s (Radio Mirror Park) this up night after night/You need to find someone to be”) 2 1. Need to placate Martin Madrazo after abduction of his wife Patricia (“power of words” and rhetoric to calm When Trevor enters his Bodhi outside of his trailer: situation) Minor Turbulence “Lexicon Devil,” The Germs (Channel X) 2. Trevor assuming powerful “leader” status, corruptive influence over Michael and situation, seeks personal gain 1. Michael and Trevor, both originally from Midwest, Race between Michael and Trevor back to Liquor Ace: fulfilling “dream life” on West Coast Paleto Score Setup “Night Moves,” Bob Seger (Los Santos Rock Radio) 2. Trevor encountered old friends in Michael, escaped “old life” of Sandy Shores, no desire to return to past 1. Direct scenic commentary on Trevor and Patricia After cut to scene when Trevor is returning Patricia ending relationship, Trevor’s heartbroken state Monkey Business Madrazo: “If You Leave Me Now,” Chicago (Los Santos Rock Radio) 2. Trevor’s long-term issues of abandonment Hook references unsuccessful efforts to make money and After Franklin eliminates all police cars: “Work,” Kelly professional progress while working for Devin Weston Pack Man Rowland (Non Stop Pop FM) (metaphorical rather than literal, using Rowland’s older description of song meaning before revealing truth) Moment of reflection for characters—inability to After Michael and Franklin escape the Triads: “Smiling determine friend from foe (status of Trevor), questioning Fresh Meat Faces Sometimes,” The Undisputed Truth (The of relationships between protagonists and antagonists; Lowdown 91.1) “grand narrative” peripetia Metaphorical reference to plan to invade FIB building After Michael takes Molina’s ID and overalls: “tonight;” cultural/filmic coding to 1980s/90s crime and Cleaning Out the Bureau “Tonight,” Kleeer (Space 103.2) action genres on which Michael’s character is heavily influenced If taking the roof approach, and using Karim Denz as Mission objective of deleting information mirroring The Bureau Raid driver while inexperienced: “Skeletons,” Stevie Wonder “skeletons” of song—lies, corruption, deceit of Steve (Space 103.2) Haines Conflict between Franklin and Lamar paralleling inner conflict in Franklin between old life (in Lamar) of gang After rescuing Lamar and drive back to Los Santos: lifestyle, new life (in Franklin) in higher style of crime and Lamar Down “You Know How We Do It,” Ice Cube (West Coast success; Franklin only finding success through “better” Classics) opportunities and has not truly escaped his gang associations/past 3 Song playing during limo drive with Michael and Reflection of Jimmy’s desire to assume “hood lifestyle” Meltdown Jimmy: “Hood Gone Love It,” Jay Rock ft. Kendrick and appropriation of culture—emphasis on cinematic Lamar (Radio Los Santos) approach through camera techniques, lack driver control Drive to Michael’s house in Subtle approach: Near-direct parallel of lyric and scene—Michael, “Hollywood Nights,” Bob Seger (Los Santos Rock originally from Midwest, has lived dream in Vinewood The Big Score Radio); Radio station in red tailgater driven by Franklin Hills, seen old friends, lost control, left wondering if he in Obvious approach set to Radio Los Santos can go back to his old life ever again 1. Franklin, Michael become more distant in friendship, Music following Trevor’s death setting up credit scroll: must take time to repair relationship (if it ever does Something Sensible “Don’t Come Close,” Yeasayer (Radio Mirror Park) return to normal) 2. Trevor’s presence only brings hurt, death, destruction Music following Michael’s death setting up credit Franklin left in metaphorical “sleepwalking” state The Time’s Come scroll: “Sleepwalking,” The Chain Gang (Radio Mirror following Michael’s death—numb, miserable, in disarray Park) 1. “Dog”—not in in-game radio 2a. “My War”—Trevor’s emotional instability, desire to act in violent manner (trio’s “war” on personal enemies)—“I have a prediction; it lives in my brain/It’s with me everyday; it drives me insane/I feel it in my heart, I’d wanna kill some/I feel it in my heart, the end Trevor waiting for Michael: “Dog,” Waves; Trevor on will come” (NOTE: Trevor only member who requires drive to kill Steve Haines: “My War,” Black Flag gun in mission) (Channel X); After Trevor kidnaps Devin Weston and The Third Way steals his car: “I Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You,” Alan 2b. Directly to Haines, indirectly to Michael—“You say Parsons Project (Los Santos Rock Radio); end credits that you’re my friend/But you’re one of them/You don’t scroll: “The Setup,” Favored Nations (Radio Mirror wanna see me live” Park) 3. “I Don’t Want to Be Like You”—Trevor, Trevor Philips Industries has no desire to be like Devin Weston, no desire to change lifestyle despite sudden influx of wealth 4. “The Setup”—all those killed by the protagonists reached their success through betrayal, efforts to survive were in attempting to turn Franklin into a traitor 4 .

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