Peoples & Things Jeremy Braddock on "Firesign: The Electromagnetic History of Everything as Told on Nine Comedy Albums"
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Apr 7, 2025 Jeremy Braddock, an Associate Professor at Cornell and author of "Firesign: The Electromagnetic History of Everything as Told on Nine Comedy Albums," dives deep into the impact of Firesign Theatre. He discusses their innovative use of media, the evolution of radio drama, and how humor reflects societal values. Braddock connects the dots between media technologies and identity, emphasizing how the surrealistic comedy group challenged norms and enriched cultural narratives. Explore his insights into sound, creativity, and the enduring legacy of this unique art form!
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Accidental Discovery
- Lee Vinsel stumbled upon Jeremy Braddock's book on Firesign Theater after a publicist sent it by mistake.
- He found the book fascinating, sparking an unexpected exploration of media studies.
Media Studies and Society
- Media studies is a vast field, and some areas focus on interpreting media texts through literary theory.
- Vinsel believes analyzing media texts isn't the best approach for understanding how society, especially technology's impact, truly works.
Firesign's Popularity and Obscurity
- Firesign Theater, popular during their Columbia Records contract (1967-1975), heavily utilized LP albums.
- They've since been largely forgotten, raising questions about the nature of their legacy.