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John Oswald - 69 Plunderphonics 96 Listening Report

Plunderphonics is known for its use of digital sampling and manipulation techniques, which allow artists to create new compositions from existing recordings. This was pioneered by composer John Oswald who uses different samples to create his own songs. Similar to mashups, a technique that combines two similar songs, Oswald used sounds that did not originate in songs. This is recognizable in the first sounds of his album 69 Plunderphonics 96, in which he uses a sound that is very similar to the startup sounds of apple computers. I think he altered the sound to change its pitch and gradually changes the synchronization of the different notes within the chord. This gets replaced by a voice that could have originated from a TV show or advertisement. The song really starts with a voice screaming, “Power”, the instruments start playing and the word “Power” gets accompanied by different phrases rhythmically. The percussions lead the rhythm of this song.  A speech that could have originated from a TV prayer session arises. This passionate but heavenly speech gets accompanied by rock and roll style music- drums and e-guitars. Maybe a juxtaposition to the prayer speech or underlining the fact that the person talks very passionately and that this fits more to rock and roll than to a holy mass. The next song starts with percussions that sound like an engine starting. At first, the rhythm is kind of random but normalizes and The-Beetles-like singing gets introduced. Then, a “normal” singing part disrupts the slightly chaotic rhythm, but this gets cut off almost immediately by an undefinable pattern, a mixture of drums, voices, and sound effects. A scream introduces a more traditional part with sounds that could have originated from an organ. The singing voices seem to be a compilation of famous 60s/70s bands and singers. I think I recognized The Beetles, Queens, Michael Jackson, and Elvis Presley. An interesting way to experience music and a great example of how to use already-established pieces of art and create something new and original. With the help of lyrics, Oswald was capable to give new meaning to the songs and create compelling and well-composed songs.


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