no, i am not reading cds. this is a book in the 33 1/3 series that each take on an important album. ok computer, regarded as the best of its era, is tackled by the head of the music department at oxford brooks university. boingboing told me about the series and it sounded too good to pass up.
dr. griffiths point is that ok computer represents a special collection of songs - one that he terms a cd album. he first introduces the concept through some philosophical and esoteric explanation of critical defintions and explorations of underlying arguments. this part is pure gold, especially for a somewhat music geek like myself. it would be even better for a more informed music geek. he then continues to a detailed song by song breakdown of the album, explaining how each fits into the wider concept of the album and how they work together to create a cd album.
a great book, well researched and explained, with an interesting thesis. my only complaint is that i wish i knew the album better. as i was reading i tried to play the music in my head, with little luck. i really should have been playing the album while reading the album breakdown. there are lots of great albums to choose from, so maybe next time . . . .
