Book Review Summary: Incredibly Strange Music, Vol. One

Introduction

Incredibly Strange Music, Vol. One is a book that delves into the world of obscure and forgotten music recordings. Written by V. Vale, a Japanese-American writer and publisher, this book explores the philosophical underpinnings of music and the cultural significance of record covers. With a focus on genres such as easy listening, exotica, and celebrity music, Incredibly Strange Music, Vol. One offers readers a unique perspective on music history and a chance to discover hidden gems from the past.

About V. Vale

V. Vale is a renowned writer and publisher known for his work in the counterculture and underground music scene. He is best known for founding the punk fanzine "Search and Destroy" in 1977 and publishing RE/Search, a tabloid-format zine that explores various counterculture topics. Vale's contributions to RE/Search have made him a regular contributor to books on music and cultural studies.

Analysis of Views

1. Introducing New Music Genres: Many readers praise Incredibly Strange Music, Vol. One for introducing them to new music genres such as exotica and easy listening. The book provides an in-depth exploration of these genres, highlighting criminally overlooked compositions and artists from the past.
2. Playlists and Spotify: Readers enjoy building playlists while reading the book, as it allows them to discover new music and share their finds with others. The book's focus on wacky and peculiar sounds resonates with those who appreciate offbeat music.
3. Collecting Strange Music: Some readers appreciate the book's focus on people who collect strange music rather than just the music itself. They find it interesting to learn about the history of record acquisition before the internet made everything readily accessible online.
4. Junk with Value: While acknowledging that some of the music included in the book is junk, readers appreciate how it teaches them about musical pop culture and opens up new worlds. The book serves as a jumping-off point for exploring the bargain bin of music history.
5. Interviews and Insights: Incredibly Strange Music, Vol. One features interviews with musicians and peripheral figures who share their favorite records. While some readers find these interviews entertaining, they also express frustration with the lack of in-depth information about the music itself.
6. Nostalgia and Eartha Kitt: Some readers enjoy revisiting the book for nostalgic purposes, particularly when they come across interviews with Eartha Kitt, who adds a touch of glamour to the collection.
7. Obscure Records and Information: While some readers find the book informative about obscure records, they also note that some of the information provided is limited and tends to focus on album titles rather than detailed descriptions of the music itself.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Exploration of Forgotten Music Genres: Incredibly Strange Music, Vol. One offers readers an opportunity to explore lesser-known music genres, providing a unique perspective on musical history.
2. Playlists and Spotify Integration: The book encourages readers to build playlists while reading, making it a fun and interactive experience for music enthusiasts.
3. Collecting Strange Music: For those interested in collecting strange music, this book serves as a valuable resource and offers insights into the history of record acquisition before the internet era.
4. Interviews and Insights: While some readers find the interviews with musicians somewhat sketchy, others appreciate the unique insights they provide into the world of music and pop culture.
5. Nostalgic Value: For those who enjoy revisiting old favorites or discovering new music from past eras, Incredibly Strange Music, Vol. One offers nostalgic value and a chance to relive memories associated with certain artists or genres.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Limited Information on Music: Some readers find that the book focuses too much on album titles rather than providing detailed descriptions of the music itself, which can be frustrating for those seeking in-depth information about specific recordings.
2. Sketchy Interviews: While some readers find the interviews with musicians entertaining, others express frustration with the limited information provided about the music itself in these interviews. They feel that more detailed descriptions would enhance their overall experience with the book.

Conclusion

Incredibly Strange Music, Vol. One by V. Vale is a unique exploration of obscure and forgotten music genres from the past. With its focus on record covers as a lost art form and interviews with musicians and peripheral figures, this book offers readers a chance to discover new worlds of musical pop culture. While some readers appreciate its playlists on Spotify and nostalgic value, others find it lacking in detailed information about specific recordings. Overall, Incredibly Strange Music, Vol. One serves as a valuable resource for those interested in exploring lesser-known music genres and delving into the philosophical underpinnings of musical pop culture.