madoko's review
3.0
David has many things to say and its endearing to read, the enthusiasm reads through.
But sadly theres too much endearing, too many artists to display that it all comes as a bit of a mess. youre using more of your time trying to cram a dozen different artist names + their works into their heads if you dont know them rather than focusing on the point of the book, that also finds itself completely lost in Davids eagerness to talk about the many artists. (which all contributed really interesting work might I add).
overall an interesting project that gets dragged down by being unfocused and seemingly without a bigger point that ties it all together.
all in all, read it for the cavalcade of artists and fun tidbits from interviews and interesting ways of recording, because sadly if there ever was a point to be discovered and talked about, it got completely lost in the process
But sadly theres too much endearing, too many artists to display that it all comes as a bit of a mess. youre using more of your time trying to cram a dozen different artist names + their works into their heads if you dont know them rather than focusing on the point of the book, that also finds itself completely lost in Davids eagerness to talk about the many artists. (which all contributed really interesting work might I add).
overall an interesting project that gets dragged down by being unfocused and seemingly without a bigger point that ties it all together.
all in all, read it for the cavalcade of artists and fun tidbits from interviews and interesting ways of recording, because sadly if there ever was a point to be discovered and talked about, it got completely lost in the process
joerichards90's review
5.0
'Haunted Weather' serves as something between a travel diary, rich with descriptive examples of fascinating and unique performances, compositions, interviews, observations and memories, and a meditation on the relationships between sound, silence, performer and audience.
A heady subject reach, full of wonder, analysis and reflection, Toop's delivery is nonetheless relatable and involving. It's hard to finish a chapter without stopping to research the composition or performer as they are described. It is relentlessly interesting.
As an introduction to David Toop, it has been a deeply impressionable one. His thoughtful and incredibly aware listening abilities are eye-opening, and his breadth of knowledge and cultural awareness is inspiring. Recommended.
A heady subject reach, full of wonder, analysis and reflection, Toop's delivery is nonetheless relatable and involving. It's hard to finish a chapter without stopping to research the composition or performer as they are described. It is relentlessly interesting.
As an introduction to David Toop, it has been a deeply impressionable one. His thoughtful and incredibly aware listening abilities are eye-opening, and his breadth of knowledge and cultural awareness is inspiring. Recommended.
skttrbrn's review
5.0
Perhaps one of the best books on music I've read, Haunted Weather offers insight into the diverse worlds of digital music, found sounds, soundscapes and improvisation. Toop discusses the way these are interpreted by the mind and body in a sophisticated though not convoluted manner.
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