Sound & Silence

I couldn't resist re posting this fantastic image which was recently posted by Paul of Unmann-Wittering at the Found Objects blog.  The image comes from a book entitled "Sound & Silence" by John Paynter and Peter Aston, which was recently discussed over at the sublime resource which is Toys & Techniques.  The book was originally published as a companion textbook for a 1970 Cambridge University Press recording which was primarily used to encourage creative music and drama in the classroom in the early seventies.  Many years ago, I found two copies of this gem in a school which was closing down, but rather sadly, I never managed to unearth a copy of its accompanying book.  If anyone feels like sending me a copy.....

David Cain

Sinister and odd.  These are the two words that spring to mind upon first hearing "Seasons" by David Cain.  The record was conceived in 1969, as part of the BBC schools programming for radio and later issued on lp with the intention  of providing teachers with a valuable resource for drama workshops.  Every time I listen to this record, the strange combination of poetry and disjointed folktronics sends a shiver down my spine.  In parts, the music is intensely melancholic, bleak, darkly disjointed and very much at odds with the twisted surreal poetry of Ronald Duncan and Derek Bowskill.  What the early stage, school children thought of it, is anyone's guess.  Personally, I love this record and listen to it on a regular basis, which must make me, erm, an oddball of sorts.  You decide.

For a more indepth discussion on this obscure and elusive recording, please head over to our comrades at 'Unmann-Wittering'.

Radiophonic Month

Radiophonic Workshop.  The very name suggests a deep, dark, subter-ranean concrete bunker, built during the cold war era, populated by scientists conducting experiments designed to harness the power of sound in the service of mankind. This month, three blogs across the globe, team up,with the sole purpose of delving into this sound world.   'Toys And Techniques' and 'Unmann Wittering' are two of my favourite blogs and I'm delighted to announce this partnership.  I hope you enjoy our endeavours.

A Sound Awareness Gets Blogged

I was delighted this morning to find that Acejet170 had mentioned A Sound Awareness in his blog.  I've read this blog avidily for years.  It's a great little blog on all things typographic and well worth a few minutes of your time.  I was also rather thrilled that my favourite blog, Unmann-Wittering, had given A Sound Awareness a somewhat positive and unexpected review, which can be read here in full. Helsinki indeed!