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John Oswald - Plexure

 

Author: Julia Ranft

B.A. American Studies (HF), English Studies (NF)

Email: s0173273@stud.uni-frankfurt.de

Matrikelnummer: 7485864

The Future of (American) Music

Prof. Dr. Bernd Herzogenrath

Listening Report 10

John Oswald - Plexure

            "Plexure" is a unique piece of experimental music created by Canadian composer and sound artist John Oswald. Released in 1993, the song is a collage of various sound samples that were collected from a wide range of sources, including popular music, radio broadcasts, spoken word recordings, and even animal sounds. Oswald's intention was to create a dense and complex tapestry of sounds that would challenge the listener's expectations and understanding of what music can be.

            The song opens with a disorienting series of electronic blips and beeps, which soon give way to a jarring mashup of voices, instruments, and sound effects. The different elements of the collage are layered on top of each other, sometimes fading in and out of focus, sometimes overlapping in a chaotic and unpredictable way. The effect is both exhilarating and overwhelming, like being bombarded with information from all directions at once.

            One of the most striking features of "Plexure" is the way Oswald juxtaposes different sounds and genres against each other. For example, at one point in the song, he seamlessly blends together snippets of classical music, jazz, hip-hop, and rock. The result is a kind of sonic collage that reflects the dizzying diversity of musical styles and influences that have shaped our culture.

            At the same time, Oswald's use of sampling and remixing also raises important questions about the nature of creativity and originality in the age of digital technology. By taking pre-existing sound recordings and re-contextualizing them in new and unexpected ways, Oswald challenges traditional notions of authorship and ownership in music. In many ways, "Plexure" can be seen as a kind of sonic manifesto for the postmodern era, in which cultural products are constantly being recycled and repurposed in new and innovative ways.

            Of course, "Plexure" is not for everyone. Its dense and chaotic soundscapes can be difficult to penetrate, and some listeners may find the lack of traditional musical structure and melody off-putting. However, for those who are willing to engage with the song on its own terms, "Plexure" offers a unique and thought-provoking listening experience that challenges us to think differently about the nature of music, creativity, and culture.

            In conclusion, "Plexure" is a remarkable piece of experimental music that pushes the boundaries of what we traditionally think of as music. By creating a dense and complex collage of sound samples, John Oswald challenges our expectations and understanding of what music can be, while also raising important questions about creativity, authorship, and ownership in the digital age. Whether you love it or hate it, "Plexure" is a work of art that demands our attention and respect.

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