The Importance of Creative Listening Musical Production

Not directly related to my Zappa work, but I have just submitted an abstract for a book chapter on the importance of listening when engaging in musical creativity. The info is copied below, and at some point it would be interesting to apply what I have learned to the listening practices of Zappa and his [...]

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Frank Zappa, Sex and Popular Music

Here is the 3000 word presentation I gave in Germany two weeks ago regarding Zappa, Sex and Popular Music. I have actually documented a lot more than this – but this version was what was discussed on the day. As always – comments always welcome.
“Make a Sex Noise Here”: Frank Zappa, Sex and Popular Music
Paul [...]

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Zappa’s Relationship With Sex

As some of you may already know, I am off to Germany again in three weeks to present a paper on Zappa’s relationship with sex. Details of the conference can be found here, but really this is just to inform you that when I get the first draft written – I will upload it here. [...]

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Rare James Taylor Quartet recording from 1989

I came across this rare JTQ track on You Tube this week which was recorded as part of a BBC session in either 1988 or 1989 (I can’t remember). Four of the tracks from those sessions were released as part of the’ BBC Sessions’ album, but this one and several others disappeared. I originally did [...]

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Muxtape rises from ashes as a MySpace-like site for bands

The new, made-over Muxtape has launched after a nearly year-long battle against the RIAA. The Muxtape that we once knew and loved is gone, and has been replaced with a legit place for artists and bands to showcase their own work to the world.
read more | digg story

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YouTube Sued For Copyright Infringement

A Los Angeles video news service sued YouTube Inc. on Friday in federal court for allowing its users to upload copyrighted video footage onto the popular Web site.
read more | digg story

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The Problem with Extending Copyright on Music

Several studies have shown that an extension of copyright on sound recordings is a bad idea. It will lead to less competition and higher prices while only the record labels benefit from it. Next Tuesday, the Open Rights Group will be hosting a round-table event to discuss performance copyright extension in the EU.
read more | [...]

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End of year review

As I am so new to the business of   blogging, I thought it would make sense to make the final entry of the year a review of the 2008 year regarding my various activities. These are not in any specific order, but just as they arrive in my head through the Xmas haziness. Anyway – [...]

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General introductory thoughts

The transition from full time musician to full time academic is a path that many music lecturers have undertaken. Where as 15 years ago I would have considered myself to be a musician – academic, these days I am firmly an academic – musician. However I do feel that past professional experience can give you [...]

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