What Music Should be on the Soundtrack of the Revolution?

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Joanna Demers’ essay “The Necks and Marx's Economy of Time” asks what kind of music helps us to imagine a break with capitalist logic. Her answer is simple: Minimalism.

Demers’ is chair of Musicology at the USC Thornton School of Music and the author of the books Drone and Apocalypse and Anatomy of Thought Fiction. In this video essay, she explores Marxism’s commitment to the future, the teleology at work in our linear orientation, and the promise of timelessness.

Books to Read

Drone and Apocalypse by Joanna Demers

Anatomy of Thought Fiction

Music and clips featured

William Basinki’s Watter Music II

Shostakovich’s Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk - Suite - Orchestre de Paris/Rostropovich (2006)

The East is Red

160 - Interactive Light & Sound Installation

Lawrence Welk Muskrat Ramble

Negativland’s The ABCs of Anarchism

8bit version of Fly Like an Eagle by the Steve Miller Band

Satie - Socrate - III(a) - Mort De Socrate

8bit version of Pink Floyd’s Time

Sonny and Cher’s I Got You Babe (only slowed down)

The Necks Drive By

The Necks Aether

The Necks Body

Steve Reich Drumming (Portland Percussion Group)

Movie Clips Used

The Clock by Christian Marclay

The Future: Batteries Included by Nick Masterson

Nostalgia 1971 by Hollis Frampton

Sliding Doors

The Dante Quartet by Stan Brakhage

Mothlight by Stan Brakhage

Window Water Baby Moving by Stan Brakhage

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