SKU: 19991219849

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

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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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E. A. Baptist
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 4
Makes a difference but maybe only to caffeine addled coffee snobs
Color: Black
I won't say that everyone urgently needs one of these. This is helped me up my game. Perhaps not absolutely necessary, but it noticeably reduces canalization and improves extraction. And it appears to have improved not only my espresso, but my pour-overs and my Mokapot (especially the Mokapot!). It's a little fiddley to assemble - there's sets of springs and needles - but once you get it all locked down, its very tight. There's a set of spares - I can't imagine needing them. The tool kinda sits in the weighted base, but it appears to stay put in my cabinet.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2026
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David J.
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent espresso tool
Color: Black
Very nicely made and works as intended. Also comes with extra needles. Highly recommend.
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JP Richardson
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
WDT Tool: The Needle in My Espresso Haystack
Color: Black, Color: Black
I kind of went down a deep dive researching these WDT (Weiss Distribution Technique) tools, and I have to say, this one hits the sweet spot! The needle size is just right, and the shape is spot on for what I need. Plus, it’s a nice perk that you can remove and replace the needles. I’ve tried using needles and bobby pins in the past, but they were too thick and just ended up creating their own channels—talk about a brewing disaster! Now, here’s the twist: even though it comes with seven needles installed (and more replacements), I find it a bit overkill. With all those needles, it just traps the grinds in the center, pushing stuff around like it’s playing a game of “don’t let the coffee escape.” So, I stick with just three needles in a triangle formation for optimal distribution. Pro tip: don’t forget to adjust the depth as you use it to ensure you’re getting the best coverage of your coffee grounds! The build quality is actually pretty impressive. It feels like well-constructed metal components that could survive a small espresso war. Plus, it's more affordable than some of those fancy options out there—because who needs a second mortgage for great coffee? It looks quite nice on my counter, and the little stand is a handy extra touch. Overall, if you’re looking to up your espresso game and avoid the chaos of uneven distribution, this WDT tool is worth considering. Just remember: less is sometimes more when it comes to needles!
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Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2024
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Victoria Hawkins
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Love this thing!!!
Color: Black, Color: Black
Hey, coffee lovers! ☕️ I recently got my hands on the WDT Espresso Distribution Tool Espresso Stirrer Tools for Barista, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer! 🙌 I'm absolutely thrilled with this amazing tool and can't recommend it enough to fellow coffee enthusiasts and professional baristas alike. First things first, the build quality of this espresso stirrer is top-notch! 💪 The aluminum alloy handle not only adds durability but also gives it a sleek and professional look, especially in the matte black finish. Holding this tool feels great, and the ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip even during those long brewing sessions. The 0.35mm 7 needles are perfectly spaced, allowing for precise and consistent distribution of coffee grounds in the portafilter. This means a more even extraction and an enhanced flavor profile in every sip. And guess what? You get 7 extra replaceable needles as a bonus! 🎉 This ensures the longevity of the tool and easy replacement when needed. But wait, there's more! The included stand is a fantastic addition to this package. 🎁 It not only serves as a convenient storage solution but also adds a touch of elegance to my coffee setup. No more rolling around and cluttered workspace. Everything stays in place, thanks to the stand! Using the WDT Espresso Distribution Tool is a breeze! ⚡️ The precisely engineered needles and ergonomic design make it effortless to distribute the coffee grounds evenly. Whether you're a pro barista or a home brewing enthusiast, this tool will take your espresso game to new heights. Trust me on this one! In conclusion, the WDT Espresso Distribution Tool Espresso Stirrer is an absolute must-have for any coffee lover out there. 💯 Its top-notch build quality, precision, and thoughtful design will bring joy to your coffee routine. So, don't wait any longer! Treat yourself and elevate your espresso-making experience with this amazing tool. Cheers! 🥳☕️
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Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2023
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I recently purchased the Nessus WDT Espresso distribution tool and I am thoroughly impressed with its performance. Assembling it was a breeze, and it came with extra needles which is always a plus. The tool is easy to clean, which is important to me because I like to keep my equipment in top condition. The price was very fair compared to other similar products on the market, making it an even better value for money. One thing that really stood out to me was the brush that collects the coffee grounds. It's incredibly easy to clean, which makes maintenance a breeze. I've had my share of espresso machines in the past, and I can tell you that this one is a keeper. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality distribution tool at an affordable price
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