The Recording Angel: Music, Records and Culture from Aristotle to Zappahttps://www.amazon.com/Recording-Angel-Records-Culture-Aristotle/dp/03000990454.0 out of 5
4.0 out of 5
Hot take
The Recording Angel: Music, Records and Culture from Aristotle to Zappa is both a deep philosophical dive and a geeky celebration of recorded music's impact on culture. Evan Eisenberg's book stands out by probing not just the history of recording technology, but the psychology and philosophy of how music transforms once it's captured and replayed. The text is densely analytical, brimming with bright insights on how records shape listening experiences and alter our relationship to music as both commodity and ritual. However, its loosely organized structure and sometimes obscure references make it a challenging read, and a number of printing errors detract from the polish. Still, for those willing to dig in, it’s a fascinating and thought-provoking work on the meaning of music in a recorded age.
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Pros
In-depth exploration of music and recording culture
Unique blend of philosophy, psychology, and music history
Packed with insightful, original observations
Engages thoughtfully with the impact of technology on music
Appeals to both music enthusiasts and scholars
Cons
Dense and sometimes difficult to follow
Loose organization can hinder readability
Obscure references may alienate casual readers
Noticeable printing errors in some editions
Key Features
Philosophical analysis of recorded music
Exploration of the psychological effects of listening
Critical perspective on music as commodity
Cultural history from Aristotle to Zappa
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