This volume focusses on a rarely discussed method of meaning production, namely via the absence, rather than presence, of signifiers. It does so from an interdisciplinary, transmedial perspective, which covers systematic, media-comparative and historical aspects, and reveals various forms and functions of missing signifiers across arts and media. The meaningful silences, blanks, lacunae, pauses, etc., treated by the ten contributors are taken from language and literature, film, comics, opera and instrumental music, architecture, and the visual arts. Contributors are: Nassim Balestrini, Walter Bernhart, Olga Fischer, Saskia Jaszoltowski, Henry Keazor, Peter Revers, Klaus Rieser, Daniel Stein, Anselm Wagner, Werner Wolf

An anthology of essays on the new syncretic, or 'fusion', styles of music of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific region, who have adopted forms of popular music as an expression of their cultural identity. Its strength lies in the layering up of a sense of community of inquiry, and the fostering of an intertextual head of steam, grounded in a set of empirical, rather than theoretical, concerns. It considers the interrelation between music, popular culture, politics and (national) identity, but also looks at the business aspect of producing and distributing music in the Pacific region.

A collection of true stories, gossip and details of 500 of the singles that failed to dent the Top 10, but which are still worthy of inclusion in a volume such as this. This book demonstrates just how much a melting pot of talent, creativity and energy the decade really was. It s not just in the groove, but between the grooves that you'll find the magic. Nuggets of information and connections between the artists, producers and songwriters offer a unique insight into the careers and development of key (and not so key) performers. The idea behind this book is simple to gather together a fantastic selection of 60s pop releases that are not nearly as well-known as they deserve to be. Packed full of beautiful glossy pictures of each and every disc featured, it is a colourful and quirky guide to records that you may never have heard of, but you will certainly want to listen to when you've finished.

Drown out petty complaints with Tiny Violin! This kit includes everything you need to quell those crocodile tears:Plays music: plays a sad tune when the strings button is pressed downViolin replica: Includes a 3 4/5" replica of a real violin with mini bow and chinrestDisplay stand: An elegant vinyl stand included to store and display your violinIllustrated mini book: Includes a 32-page mini book about the origins of "tiniest violin" Perfect gift: humorous gag gift or stocking stuffer

This book is a brief, factual, historical walk through very interesting time in history. A walk through war and peace as well as sadness and happiness.The international walk of a fabulous female, occasionally in the spotlight-too often in the shadows, until now. A phenomenal singer; pianist, lyricist, composer; storyteller; glamourous entertainer, woman of the world, friend, and last, but certainly not least, my Mum (aka Ruth Allen). I am so proud of Mum and what she stands for. She has weathered every storm thrown her way and come out singing and swinging each time as she amazingly tackles a healthy 84 years young this year. I remain in awe of her beautiful smile and hopeful, youthful look, and outlook, throughout a life that's been anything but a walk in the park.

Based on the world's first university course on Taylor Swift, award-winning literary critic and Harvard Professor Stephanie Burt offers an insightful examination of Swift and her phenomenal career.

Arguably the biggest star in the world, Taylor Swift's meteoric rise to fame has marked her out as a phenomenon of the music industry. Literary critic Stephanie Burt offers the first serious study of Swift that pays close attention to her talent as a songwriter, from her teen country debut to her most recent record-breaking achievement as the highest-grossing touring artist in the world.

Drawing from musical and cultural criticism, poetry, economic theory, American history, as well as personal experience, Burt offers a critical appreciation of Swift that delves into her life, her celebrity and her artistry. She explores how Swift's music and public persona are highly intentional and reward scrutiny, how her career illuminates structures of privilege in America, and ultimately, what makes her body of work so important across styles, eras and generations.

On Taylor Swift is a literary deep-dive into Swift as a music icon, revealing the extraordinary impact of her career and how her songs - and music in general - can change lives.

An Introduction to Scholarship in Music introduces students to methods and materials of musical scholarship as they are practiced in the United States today. The text exposes readers to diverse research methodologies in music, laying a foundation for their understanding of historical, philosophical, ethnomusicological, qualitative, descriptive, experimental, and behavior research modes of inquiry. Opening chapters examine the use of the library and other sources to gain bibliographical control and evaluate sources; major questions and techniques of philosophical inquiry; and traditional techniques of discovering, editing, compiling, documenting, and annotating the music, composers, performers, and musical artifacts of the past. Additional chapters discuss current methods of ethnomusicology and qualitative research in music education; techniques for the systematic observation of musical events and behavior; and basic statistical concepts to help students better understand quantitative research reports. The closing chapter analyzes the process of isolating cause and effect relationships in music and presents applications of statistical and behavioral designs. Designed to familiarize students with various modes of inquiry and research, An Introduction to Scholarship in Music is an exemplary resource for graduate-level courses and programs in music.

From early accounts of dance customs in medieval Ireland to the present, Helen Brennan offers an authoritative look at the evolution of Irish dance. Every type of dance from social to traditional to clergy is included. Brennan takes care to explain the different styles and traditions that evolved from different parts of Ireland; which results in some lively discussions as people reminisce over old favorites. She also discusses how dance evolved to become such an important part of Ireland's culture and history. An appendix is offered to help explain the various steps involved in each style of dance including the Munster or Southern style, Single Shuffle, Double Shuffle, Treble Shuffle, the Heel Plant, the Cut, the Rock or Puzzle, the Drum, the Sean Nos Dance Style of Connemara, and the Northern Style.

The book is user-friendly and extremely handy as a reference tool. In addition, it makes for enjoyable and highly informative reading.