John Cage’s seminal Song Books reimagined on new double vinyl release

Reinhold Friedl and Rashad Becker record all 92 pieces.

John Cage published Song Books in three volumes in 1970, as a collection of open works that took a vast number of radical forms, from compositions and graphic scores to musical instruments, Fluxus-inspired actions and, of course, songs.

Entering the studio, Reinhold Friedl and Rashad Becker – the go-to engineer at Berlin’s famous Dubplates and Mastering – recorded interpretations of every single piece in the right order. With Becker manning the live electronics and feedback cabinet, they created a series that is equal parts ancient field recording and surreal, post-industrial nightmare.

Described as “an early hymn to sonic freedom” the work sees the pair extract sound from a vast array of instruments, whether old and special microphones, toys, wooden games, metal objects, complex objects, contemporary electronic devices and even garbage.

The Complete Song Books is released on Karl Records on 16th November on double vinyl. Pre-order your copy here.