Frank Zappa: The Negative Dialectics of Poodle Play
by Ben Watson
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Description
"He has either been condemned as a cynical purveyor of "smut" and scatalogical humor aimed below the lowest common denominator, or championed as the twentieth century's most eclectic composer - definitions that are both inaccurate when isolated. In Frank Zappa: The Negative Dialectics of Poodle Play, Ben Watson explains that these characteristics are not mutually exclusive; it is misguided to suppress either aspect of Zappa's genius. His socially transgressive shocks - designed to show up show more the repressions of contemporary culture - are central to his art, "--Jacket. "Watson brings serious critical attention to the musician, dissecting Zappa within his context, and analyzing him alongside such artists as John Cage and Pierre Boulez. Zappa's ideas are interpreted as an extension of a Western radical tradition that encompassed the Marquis de Sade, the Surrealists, and beyond, from musique concrete to doowop, Theodor Adorno to Suzy Creamcheese, Plato to Punky Meadows, the Situationists to the PMRC. Zappa's politics, as well as his wit and relentless attempts to break standard forms, are integral to his music."--Jacket. show lessTags
Recommendations
Member Reviews
This hefty tome is a complete exegesis of Zappa's discography and career. A fascinating and microscopic look at one of America's greatest composers.
Zappa is one of my fave musos - got loads of book on and by him - this is one of the best
Zappa is one of my fave musos - got loads of book on and by him - this is one of the best
Had a tough time with this one. Comparing Zappa songs to pieces of art. Waaay over my head. Giving it a three to be fair since this pretty "did not apply" to me.
Interessante, maar nogal moeilijke biografie, door de verwijzingen naar T.W. Adorno.
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Author Information
28+ Works 472 Members
Ben Watson is a writer, editor, food and farm activist, and the author of several books, including Acts of God: The Old Farmer's Almanac Unpredictable Guide to Weather and Natural Disasters and Taylor's Guide to Heirloom Vegetables. He is also coauthor of Passport to Gardening and The Slow Food Guide to New York City. Watson lives in New Hampshire.
Classifications
- Genres
- Music, Nonfiction, Biography & Memoir, General Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 782.42166092 — Arts & recreation Music Vocal Music, Singing Secular forms of vocal music Songs General principles and musical forms Traditions of secular songs {genres} Rock songs modified standard subdivisions History, geographic treatment, biography Biography
- LCC
- ML410 .Z285 .W38 — Music Literature on music Literature on music History and criticism Biography
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 147
- Popularity
- 221,979
- Reviews
- 6
- Rating
- (3.71)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 4
- ASINs
- 2
