Ben Watson & BOB on Zappa
An intellectual deep dive into the factors that influenced Frank Zappa’s work and how his work has shaped music and culture. Featuring McLuhan Scholar / Zappa researcher Bob Dobbs and music writer Ben Watson.
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Frank Zappa & the Astral Plane
Did Frank Zappa consult mediums? What does a medium say about Zappa’s music, life and the Big Note. Is it possible to speak to Zappa beyond the grave? Bob Dobbs, Ben Watson and special guest iON “the Non-Physical” debate the…
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How to appreciate Frank Zappa
In their final episode, Bob and Ben explore Frank Zappa’s influence on appreciating 20th-century classical music and challenging mainstream norms. The speakers admire Zappa’s ability to disrupt the status quo and express concern about modern fans possibly missing the deeper…
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Frank Zappa: LIVE vs Memorex
Bob and Ben explore Frank Zappa’s awareness and understanding of the dynamics between live performances and recorded music. While Zappa is not the sole focus of the entire conversation, he serves as a key reference point in the broader discussion…
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Zappa’s Sonic Revolution: Delinquent principles that redefined music
Dive into an exploration of Zappa’s unparalleled genius, as Bob & Ben tough on his ability to seamlessly blend music, politics, and art. From challenging celebrity culture to pioneering new soundscapes in the face of evolving musical eras, Zappa’s legacy…
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The Global Strike
Bob and Ben explore the idea that we are living in the midst of a “global strike” that is happening everywhere, with people constantly entering and exiting it. This “global strike” suggests the collective action and unification of diverse groups…
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Finnegans Wake: Literary Rosetta Stone of Marxism’s Missteps
Bob and Ben wrestle with the assertion that “Finnegans Wake” by James Joyce provides insight into the flaws of Marxism. It posits that the Soviet Union’s betrayal of Marxism began with its opposition to modernism and its critique of Joyce,…
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The Art of Annoyance: Deliberate Disruption in Art & Communication
Bob and Ben discuss how the idea that “annoying” can be a valuable and essential quality in art and communication. The speakers suggest that being genuinely annoying can lead to engagement, challenge conventions, and provoke thought, contrasting this with formulaic…
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Beyond ricorso: are we in a new Golden Age?
Bob and Ben explore whether we have transcended Vico’s cyclical “ricorso” stage of cultural evolution, suggesting we’re in a new phase, likening it to a new Golden Age. They also discuss the role of art in society, and the value…
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Zappa & Bowie: two approaches to art and industry
Frank Zappa and David Bowie, both iconic figures in the music world, had distinctly different artistic motives and approaches to their work. Zappa was highlighted for his openness about his intentions and his challenges to traditional music categorization. His work…