Robert Ashley, RIP (3/3/2014).

“Sparse with regard to words, infectiously rhythmic, propelled by [Robert] Gordon’s boppy beat, and neither text- nor plot- driven, Music Word Fire is the closest thing Ashley has ever produced to a pop record. I have often used this piece to introduce newcomers and skeptics to his music, with excellent results. As of this writing, though, the work ha sregrettably not yet been reissued on compact disc.” (pg. 76 from Robert Ashley, by Kyle Gann)

Music Word Fire And I Would Do It Again (Coo-Coo) is an excellent 1981 LP of outtakes/variations on the music from the third installment of Ashley’s TV Opera; Perfect Lives (Private Parts), which is currently available for viewing in-full, along with plenty more, over at UbuWeb.

This recent Mixcloud stream of Galaxy My Dear’s Robert Ashley radio tribute on XRAY.fm is also highly recommended.