Towers Open Fire

A recent post by Toys & Techniques of Dream Machine photographs [instructions in how to make your own can be found here] made me remember this short film by Antony Balch entitled "Towers Open Fire" featuring writers, William S. Burroughs and Brion Gysin.

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.