The Sound Files guys are back, and this week they've ventured out of the studio: Preston catches up with Doug Burr during his recent performance at the Modern, while Ryan checks in with Steve Knopper, author of the music industry dirge 'Appetite for Self-Destruction' Completing the eclectic episode: A discussion of Lily Allen's latest, 'It's Not Me, It's You.'
Segment One: Doug Burr
To lend the sessions that would result in 'The Shawl' an air of mystical energy, Denton-based singer/songwriter Doug Burr and producer Britton Beisenherz set up shop in Texas Hall, a building dating to the 1860s and assembled by an English stonemason on the former campus of Trinity University. Rolling the dice paid off -- 'The Shawl' was one of 2008’s finest albums, local or otherwise.
Preston interviews Burr at his Valentine's Day performance of The Shawl at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Segment Two: 'Appetite for Self-Destruction'
In his excellent new book, 'Appetite for Self-Destruction' (Free Press, $26), Rolling Stone writer Steve Knopper argues that the record industry saw many of these problems coming and deliberately ignored them. The current state of the industry, says Knopper, is a case study in corporate hubris.
Ryan talks with author Steve Knopper.
Segment Three: Lily Allen
With the arrival of Lily Allen’s sophomore album, It’s Not Me, It’s You, she pulls off a startling transformation: blossoming into a peerless artist, shedding the weight of blog hype and stepping confidently into the spotlight. Simply put, there’s a tart, world-weary edge to You elevating it far, far above her debut, 2006’s Alright, Still.
After reacting with indifference to Allen's first, Ryan and Preston are shocked to find themselves newly converted fans.
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