SKU: 19991219849

Words and Music Into the Future: A Songwriting Treatise and Manifesto

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Description

Words and Music Into the Future: A Songwriting Treatise and ManifestoLiterary criticism, songwriting analysis, and cultural commentary, Words and Music Into the Future is an uncompromising examination of the current state of popular songs and songwriting in the English speaking world. Devoid of hero worship and celebrity gossip, using mostly well known songs from recent decades as examples, Michael Koppy presents a compelling case that we listeners have been force fed a steady diet of industrial illiteracy, and that

Literary criticism, songwriting analysis, and cultural commentary, Words and Music Into the Future is an uncompromising examination of the current state of popular songs and songwriting in the English-speaking world. Devoid of hero worship and celebrity gossip, using mostly well-known songs from recent decades as examples, Michael Koppy presents a compelling case that we listeners have been force-fed a steady diet of industrial illiteracy, and that the timer has come for songwriting and song criticism to riser to greater heights.

Whether you agree or disagree with the challenging, even heretical ideas presented in Words and Music Into the Future, it will forever change how you think about and hear popular music.

Sample chapters:

1. No, Don, the Levee Wasn't Dry--And No One Was Drinking Whiskey and Rye

2. There Goes The Robert E. Lee?

3. To What End?

4. A Personal Remembrance

5. A Later Kick in the Pants

6. Don't Shoot, Dammit I'm Just the Messenger

7. Politics? Religion? How About SONGS? ?

8. Ground Rule Number One

9. I'm Your Fan You're My Hero

10. Herds of Wildebeests Stampeding Across the Veldt

11. Why Peeing Your Pants Beats the Hell Out Of Nostalgia

12. Madonna, Kanye, Coldplay, Bieber, U2, One Direction--Effluvia, Ephemera, Etcetera, Etcetera

13. See You at the Grammys --A Note on Industrial Smarm Festivals

14. Ethics? In Popular Music...? ?

15. Dunno Much 'Bout Art, But I Know What I Like

16. Ever Notice the Worst Writing in an Insightful Pop Music Review--Even a Rave--Usually Shows Up When the Critic Quotes the Band's Lyrics?

17. Those Pesky, Over-Idealized Nineteen-Sixties

18. So Where Are We?

19. "Yeah, But You Really Hafta See 'Em Live "

20. Over the Top? Ya Think?

21. Yes, We Too Are All So Very Sorry You Weren't Born on a Mississippi Cotton Plantation

22. Art School Confidential

23. Dance? Okay, Fine. Dance Now Go Away.

24. It's All Greek--French, Swahili, Latin, Klingon--To Me.

25. Country Music is "Three Chords and the Truth" Computerized Drums, a Catering Truck, and a Smirk

26. Country's Brainier Half-Sibling: Americana

27. Tradition and Illusions of Same

28. The Disarmingly Enabling Inscience of Rap and Hip-Hop

29. Come to the Cabaret, Old Chum

30. Under a Stack of Marshall Amplifiers

31. Ethics? In SONGWRITING ITSELF...? ?

32. The Twentieth Century Ended Two Decades Ago

33. The Insolvency of 'Po-Mo'

34. Song Lyrics vs. Poems

35. "But It's Poetry "--Refuge for the Inarticulate

36. Sincerity Ain't Depth

37. The Kids Are Alright

38. La-Da-Da / Sha-La-Ti-Da

39. Is 'The Folk Process' an Expired Merchanism?

40. Lessons from Browne's "These Days" and Kristofferson's "Bobby McGee"

41. How About That Some Country Music Is...

42. Get Me Rewrite

43. Bob Dylan: Bad Writer, Bad Influence

44. Shallowness, Thy Name is Bob

45. Dying is Easy, Comedy is Hard

46. If Ya Wanna Send a Message...

47. McCartney's Song Writing Lesson

48. Steve Sondheim Desperately Wishes He Were Right

49. Didn't I Just Hear That Song in a Commercial for Paper Towels? Insurance? Gum?

50. Should We Use A Number 37-A?

51. On Brightly Wrapped Packages

52. On Gilded Frames

53. Making Sausages

54. Making Music

55. Sure 'Authenticity' is Great--But It Doesn't Guarantee Good Work

56. Form Follows Function

57. Words Seek Music. Object: Matrimony.

58. Rules Were Made to be Broken. However--

59. Swan Song



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Good Track Records
Published: 08/07/2019
ISBN: 9780996640022
Pages: 358
Weight: 1.16lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.80d

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 06/24/2019
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SKU: 19991219849

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Heatherrrrr
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Super soft! Love this!
Color: 03 - Beige, Size: Throw (50" X 60")
This GentleSoft Luxury Faux Fur Throw Blanket is a cozy and stylish addition to any living space. The faux fur texture feels incredibly soft and plush, giving it a luxurious feel that’s perfect for curling up on the couch, adding extra warmth to a bed, or simply elevating room décor. The beige color is neutral and elegant, blending easily with a variety of home styles. Despite its fluffy, shaggy appearance, it feels lightweight while still providing excellent warmth and comfort. The 50x60-inch size is ideal for personal use while relaxing, reading, or watching TV. It also makes a thoughtful gift thanks to its soft feel and attractive presentation. Overall, this blanket offers a great mix of comfort, warmth, and decorative appeal at a very nice value. My suggestion is to not dry it.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2026
B
Back To The Basics
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
So Good I Need Even More!!
Color: 03 - Beige, Size: Throw (50" X 60")
This is one of the softest most luxurious blankets I have ever found!! Absolutely beyond compare. Lovely and comfy, it’s beyond a steal of a deal. It doesn’t fall apart or tear, and it holds form after wash instead of shrinking. I need more!!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2026
R
RB
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 2
Not highest quality
Color: 01 - White, Size: Throw (50" X 60")
Very fuzzy indeed but the material and feel is on the cheaper side unfortunately
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Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2026
S
Spot
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 4
Soft, well made
Color: 02 - Pink, Size: Throw (50" X 60")
Bedsure GentleSoft Luxury Faux Fur Pink Throw Blanket for Couch, Soft Fuzzy Fluffy Shaggy Gifts Blanket for Women Mothers Day, Warm Cozy Plush Fleece Throw for Room Decor, 50x60 Inches Our household never seems to have enough blankets or throws, so I decided to try this one for one of my kiddos. Our family is strongly ASD, so I was hoping this would be a winner. The outer shell has a faux fur that looks glittery. It is soft, but also has a weird coating that went hope goes away with washing. The inner side is very soft. It's comfortable to use, and for us, did not trigger any sensory issues. It's got a decent weight for a throw, but isn't obnoxious about it. This throw is enough to keep warm without overheating. At the current price of $39.99, it seems like a good deal. I did remove 1 star for the weird coating, but will update as appropriate.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2026
F
Frank
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Quality Faux Fur Throw
Color: 03 - Beige, Size: Throw (50" X 60"), Color: 03 - Beige, Size: Throw (50" X 60")
This blanket is nice and soft. It's an off-white color with one side being faux fur and the other being smooth. It is packaged tight but once unfolded it fluffs out nicely. I have another blanket made by this company and those blankets wash well, although I haven't had this one in the wash just yet. I tend to let the other faux fur blankets I have air dry and that usually works fine. I would caution against high heat on these. Ideally if you follow the cleaning instructions you should be fine though. The cost is on par with most box stores, decent value for what it is. It isn't super heavy and makes a nice throw for various scenarios. It does have a false leather patch on the front side which I am not a huge fan of. That sort of takes away from the authentic fur feel, but it isn't a huge drawback. I show that in one of my photos. Feels nice and cozy and would make a nice book nook blanket or chair covering. No chemical smells or anything like that. Overall very pleased with the product and I definitely recommend this brand from this and prior purchases.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2026

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