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The Song of the Machine

From Disco to DJs to Techno, a Graphic Novel of Electronic Music
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( 120 ratings, 18 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Song of the Machine is a richly detailed graphic novel tracing the history of electronic music from 1970s disco to 1990s rave culture. It introduces iconic figures such as David Mancuso, Larry Levan, and Frankie Knuckles, set against legendary venues like Studio 54 in New York and the Hacienda in Manchester. Presented with evolving art styles matching the musical eras, the novel pulses with anecdotes, drugs, and unforgettable parties, revealing the inspirations and fates of those who revolutionised music.
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Format: Hardback
$4999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This graphic novel will appeal to readers interested in music history, particularly electronic and dance music, fans of graphic novels with a bold visual style, and those curious about cultural movements from the 1970s to the 1990s.

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An epic graphic novel treatment of the history of dance music - from its birth in the Bronx to Disco to House to Techno and beyond - told in a driving, pulsating graphic novel format with illustrations that evolve alongside the music they describe.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Originally published in 2000 by Editions Allia in France, The Song of the Machine is a richly detailed graphic novel based on the history of electronic music. From the disco of the 1970s to the rave culture of the 1990s, The Song of the Machine introduces readers to the stars and forgotten heroes of the genre: David Mancuso, the founder of "The Loft" in New York; Larry Levan, resident DJ at the Paradise Garage, the prototype of the modern dance club; Frankie Knuckles, the "Godfather of House Music"; and many more.

Set in Studio 54 in New York, the Palace in Paris, the Hacienda in Manchester, and other legendary dance venues around the world, The Song of the Machine is told through an exciting graphic novel style that evolves with the era of music it describes, from a black-and-white style reminiscent of Robert Crumb to full colour with stripped-down lines.

Pulsing through the roof with anecdotes, drugs, and unforgettable parties, The Song of the Machine recounts all the influences, inspirations, and fates of the people who created a revolutionary kind of music.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

"Le Chant was a fundamental book and remains a cornerstone of any self-respecting musical library." – Trax
"Le Chant de la machine is one of these unclassifiable books, a dazzling meteor." – GQ
"For its visual boldness, its spirit and its historiographical relevance, Le Chant de la machine reads as a classic." – LibΓ©ration

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780316526173

Publisher: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers Inc

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 14 November 2019

Country: United States

Imprint: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers Inc

Illustration: 300 black-and-white and full-color comics

Contributors:

  • Foreword by Daft Punk

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 184.0mm

Height: 254.0mm

Weight: 860g

Pages: 240

About the Author

David Blot was born in 1970. He's a radio host on Radio Nova. During the 1990's, he cofounded the internationally renowned "Respect" parties, the birthplace of French House. He lives in France.

Mathias Cousin was born in 1972. After studying graphic art at Penninghen school in Paris, he worked with newspapers and magazines. The Song of the Machine is his only comic book. He died in 2002.

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