Open Call 2015: The Complete List of Albums Proposed for the 33 1/3 Series

71 Thoughts to “Open Call 2015: The Complete List of Albums Proposed for the 33 1/3 Series”

1. rwswanson

   November 3, 2015 at 8:17 pm

   Fugazi
   “in on the kill taker” their last lp with Ted Nicely, their first in the post “nevermind-era”, first to debut on billboard.
   “red medicine” first record to redefine their sound, using the room as an instrument, and their response to the punk wave of the mid-90s.
   “the argument” their final LP which seemed to predict a new American frontier of NSA, drones, foreign wars and the how they’re (seeming) relationship with the nation’s Capitol has become a hallowed diatribe.

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2. Corey Washington

   September 28, 2015 at 10:05 pm

   Shortlist will be out Tuesday

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3. jason

   September 21, 2015 at 6:19 pm

   Any updates on the shortlist?

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4. jamesrovira

   September 18, 2015 at 12:25 pm

   Many thanks in particular for the stats on gender. I think it’s important to know that not enough female authors are stepping up to write and not enough female artists are being covered. I know you have a massive amount of material to cover with 605 proposals — could be 10K-15K words of reading to do at least. Good luck, and thank you for your work with this series.

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   1. Gregg

      January 28, 2016 at 4:35 pm

      Here’s a female artist for you, she was a huge star, and she seems to be near completely forgotten: how about Pat Benatar’s Crimes Of Passion?

      Reply
5. Precision Ragdoll

   August 30, 2015 at 1:03 pm

   Does anyone know who submitted “Skinny Puppy – The Process”?

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6. HexNash

   August 28, 2015 at 2:40 pm

   I’d love to read a book about Pere Ubu’s The Modern Dance. That album blows me away.

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7. V.F.T.

   August 25, 2015 at 1:48 pm

   Damn! I just found out about this “open proposal submission” after reading about the upcoming release in the series: ‘The Black Album’ ( Metallica ). Some interesting picks for sure. I was SHOCKED and THRILLED to see someone put in their proposal for Black Sabbath’s ‘Dehumanizer’ ( 1992 ). Arguably the “lost” Sabbath classic, and one that DESERVES to be reassessed and revisited by a new generation of hard rock fans. In my opinion, it was the FINAL “five-star” album of their career. A near masterpiece without question. I sincerely hope this one makes the final cut for publishing. A cult classic for sure.

   I guess the other surprise would be Kiss’ much-maligned 1981 album ( Music From ) ‘The Elder’. Not to mention that it received two proposals! While it may have been a misstep for the band, it definitely has it’s share of shining moments. Truth be told, I prefer this album over most of the Kiss albums from 1983’s ‘Lick It Up’ onward. I give it the same rating as 1984’s ‘Animalize’: three out of five stars. Good luck to everyone who sent in their proposals!

   Unfortunately, it looks as though I’ll have to wait a while to submit my idea. In the meantime, I’ll keep working on it. Love the 33 1/3 series! Keep up the good work.

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8. Andybalts

   August 19, 2015 at 5:22 pm

   Moondance! Such a rich experience, one that never tires a discerning ear. Many rewards, lyrical and musical. Please!?

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9. roninscribe

   August 19, 2015 at 4:34 pm

   Hi Ally-Jane –
   I’m a little late in following up here, but wanted to let you know: I just noticed that one item in my proposal is out of sequence. In building the pdf from multiple inserts, I inadvertently placed #7 (on 33 1/3 and other music writing) at the end of the document.
   Anyway, I figure you’ll catch it, so hopefully no harm done. Thanks again for taking the time to read my proposal (Thin Lizzy/Vagabonds).

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10. Daniel

    August 15, 2015 at 9:29 am

    There are a lot of good hip hop proposals on that list… Madvillian, Raekwon, Dr. Octagon, Ghostface, Gang Starr, Company Flow… I’d read them all.

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11. Suzy

    August 5, 2015 at 1:32 am

    I enjoyed Susan Fast’s book on Michael Jackson’s Dangerous a lot. A great but often overlooked album. So I am excited to see two other MJ titles on the list: HIStory and Off The Wall. Both would be a good choice IMO. HIStory and Off The Wall are two very different albums from very different periods of Jackson’s career and life experiences but they are both exciting in their own way. I hope at least one of those titles will get selected.

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12. Mr Bungle

    August 4, 2015 at 4:31 am

    anyone get the feeling that a faith no more forum linked this post?

    Reply
    1. clankymusicmachine

       August 5, 2015 at 3:45 am

       Agreed, and almost all the FNM posts start the same way! – “I would love to see/read…”
       I’d prefer to read about albums that have a large cult following, provided the books are well written:
       10,000 Maniacs In My Tribe
       Bon Iver For Emma, Forever Ago
       Chuck Prophet Temple Beautiful
       Grant Lee Buffalo Mighty Joe Moon
       John Hiatt Bring The Family
       Ryan Adams Gold

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13. You Can Call Me Al

    August 4, 2015 at 1:41 am

    In case anyone is curious, the list breaks down at approximately 1% pre-1950s, 1% 1950s, 8% 1960s, 18.5% 1970s, 18.5% 1980s, 30% 1990s, 13% 2000s, 8% 2010s. I know that only adds up to 98% but that’s why I say approximate . . . some albums were harder to classify (like the JAMES BOND collection, for example.)

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14. Jim Martin

    August 3, 2015 at 4:33 pm

    I hate this album, but book about this is very interesting idea. Angel Dust

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15. Laurie Hulme

    August 3, 2015 at 1:47 am

    Can’t believe there’s still no smog/bill Callahan. He’s the greatest since Neil Young…

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16. Ana V.

    August 2, 2015 at 6:32 pm

    I would really love to read about Faith No More’s Angel Dust!

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17. Laurie Hulme

    August 2, 2015 at 4:24 pm

    Fantastic list…

    You’ve got to do Husker Du’s Zen Arcade – 3 reasons why:
    1) Its a masterpiece
    2) there are 33 1/3 about the 2 other great US underground guitar records from 1984 – The Replacements – let it be (a terrible read) and Minutemen’s – Double Nickels On The Dime (brilliant book.)
    3) There is very little written about this band, there is so much to write about this album- its a concept album, its 24 songs recorded in 4 days fueled by a bittersweet rivalry between 2 members.

    I also would love to read a book about Vitalogy – such an interesting album – the sound of one of the biggest bands in the world distancing themselves from the mainstream.

    The world doesn’t need another book about guns n roses… Boring …

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    1. Walrus

       August 5, 2015 at 6:44 pm

       Actually, there is a lot of reliable, reputable material available on Husker Du. Our Band Could Be Your Life, American Hardcore, Bob Mould’s autobiography, and a so-so 300ish page biography on Husker Du itself.

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       1. Laurie Hulme

          August 11, 2015 at 5:22 am

          Yeah you’re right. I was getting too excited. Never read his autobiography as lots of people told me it was terrible. Willing to give it a chance now. Thanks

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18. Marlene O'Neill

    August 2, 2015 at 2:45 pm

    Faith No More Angel Dust and Queens of the Stone Age Songs for the Deaf. These are two soul penetrating change the course of your life nce heard records. To know more about the making of the’s records and what the members went through to bring them to fruition is a story that myself and any other fans of the band, or music in general, want to know. Need to know.

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    1. Marlene O'Neill

       August 2, 2015 at 2:47 pm

       Sorry, these are two soul penetrating, change the course of your life once heard records*

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19. Tom Paine

    August 1, 2015 at 10:49 pm

    Great list. Here’s my wishlist: Bob Mould, Eels, Genesis, Mercury Rev, Sparklehorse, Rush, Swervedriver, T. Rex, Teenage Fanclub, Lemonheads, Modern Lovers, Mountain Goats, White Stripes, Zombies and Tin Machine. I just wish Sparklehorse had been Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot.

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20. Turdintha Punchbowl

    August 1, 2015 at 8:38 pm

    Please, please do a book on Faith No More’s Angel Dust. That may be my favorite album of all time and was the influence for an entire genre of music!

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21. wiliam

    July 31, 2015 at 11:48 pm

    WOW!!! 605!!!
    That’s amazing! I’m going to have to make a wishlist now but off course this is not reading any of the proposals, you couldn’t post the successful proposals here to give us an even better idea what you are looking for? I’m going to read your book about how to write about music very soon but I don’t think I would be the only one who would like to read them.
    Anyway below is my own very long wishlist of proposals that I hope you give contracts to the writers and then get published into books, fingers-crossed. They’re just my fave albums but also I do think they would make great and wicked books to read.
    Did I ever tell you how much love your books? And now really can’t wait to see what you do pick out but here’s my wishlist, would you like to know this? Or not?

    Angelo Badalamenti-Twin Peaks
    Arcade Fire-Funeral
    Augie March-Sunset Studies
    Björk-Homogenic
    Bob Dylan-Slow Train Coming
    Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy-Sings Greatest Palace Music
    Cat Power-The Greatest
    Deerhunter-Halcyon Digest
    Discharge-Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing
    Dr. Octagon-Dr. Octagonecologyst
    Einstürzende Neubauten-Kollaps
    Faith No More-Angel Dust
    Fela Kuti-Expensive Shit
    Frank Sinatra-In the Wee Small Hours
    Joanna Newsom-Ys
    Kate Bush-Hounds of Love
    Lana del Rey-Born to Die
    Leonard Cohen-Death of a Ladies’ Man
    Lou Reed & Metallica-Lulu
    Madonna -Erotica
    Maria Callas-Lyric and Coloratura Arias
    Morphine-Cure for Pain
    Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds-Murder Ballads
    Nina Simone-Nina Simone and Piano
    Ol’ Dirty Bastard-Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version
    Pere Ubu-The Modern Dance
    Robert Johnson-King of the Delta Blues Singers
    Sun Kil Moon-Benji
    The Breeders-Last Splash
    The Fall-Hex Enduction Hour
    The Saints-Eternally Yours
    The Triffids -Born Sandy Devotional
    Tom Waits-Bone Machine
    Tori Amos-Boys For Pele
    Various Artists-Anthology of American Folk Music
    Various Artists-Nuggets

    One more quick question because you got so much this time around will you now offer a few more deals for books or will just be the same number as you previously mentioned? And now just make your job harder to pick out the ones for the book deals? Maybe it also means you are getting even more popular with writers so then the book series is just going to keep getting better and better.

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22. shotofcompassion

    July 31, 2015 at 4:19 pm

    This is a thrilling list. The Muppets? Jack Kerouac? The Shaggs? William Basinkski’s Disintegration Loops? (TWICE?!) I’d love to see a book on The Verve’s Urban Hymns or The Pogues’ If I Should Fall From Grace…, but I’m very attracted to the more outside-the-box proposals. Most of all, I’m just jazzed by the fact that there are so many proposals. I know how hard I worked on mine, so I have a lot of respect for everyone else who submitted. This list represents A LOT of work.

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23. Warren

    July 31, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    Surprised that no one proposed a book on Modest Mouse. Any of their turn-of-the-milennium albums (The Lonesome Crowded West, The Moon and Antarctica, Good News for People Who Love Bad News) would make amazing reads

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24. Sarah

    July 31, 2015 at 6:24 am

    Love the Temple Beautiful album, not enough is written about artists like Chuck Prophet – their stories are often more interesting than the more well known artists. I really hope this one make it onto the list!

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    1. Neil P

       August 1, 2015 at 9:56 am

       I agree, I’d love to see an in-depth look at ‘Temple Beautiful’. Chuck Prophet is a massively under-rated artist and this album in particular is a modern-day classic that deserves wider recognition.

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25. Damian butt

    July 31, 2015 at 5:59 am

    I would love to see the Faith No More angel dust album book get produced. This one album that is an absolute masterpiece for its genre and generation. An insiders look into this work of brilliance would be eye opening to say the least.

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26. Chris torres

    July 31, 2015 at 12:32 am

    I would love to see Faith No More’s Angel Dust featured. It’s an iconic album in an interesting time, musically speaking.

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27. Bryn

    July 30, 2015 at 9:26 pm

    Of the 605 proposals received, roughly how many will be selected? Is it the same each year? Cheers

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28. Wendy Lickers-Lapierre

    July 30, 2015 at 7:54 pm

    I’d love to see a new Faith No More book!

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29. Metallic KO

    July 30, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    Gris Gris is a great choice and one I would have considered had I had any good leads to people involved. I have to assume when there is a pile-up of proposals that sort of reads like a popular vote for an album, so I have to guess we’re likely to get a Tori one and probably a new pass at Pinkerton. Interesting that there are no Iggy & the Stooges Raw Power or Fun House proposals – although those were proposed a few times in the past obviously to no avail. I pitched Appetite the first time they did open proposals and they ended up with Weisbard’s Use Your Illusion (which honestly wasn’t one of my favorites), so will be interesting to see what happens now. Amen on Faith No More. I’m surprised no Jane’s Addiction pitches – seems like that 90s lane is opening up on these. I kind of think it’s too soon for Arcade Fire – the fuller context will reveal itself downstream I think. Anyway, will be interesting to see what happens!!!!

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30. Coconut Stokes

    July 30, 2015 at 5:05 pm

    So good! I proposed one of the Dr. John Gris-Gris books and love that someone else did as well! I actually contemplated Weird Al’s In 3D which someone did! I’m looking forward to the Alanis Morissette-Jagged Little Pill ’cause ya’ll know it’s gonna happen! Best of luck to everyone! What a terrific selection! xox

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31. JBo

    July 30, 2015 at 1:58 pm

    What happened to The Heart of the Congos? I thought that was proposed…?

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32. David

    July 30, 2015 at 1:54 pm

    Oneohtrix, Whew!!

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    1. David

       July 30, 2015 at 2:41 pm

       by whew i mean yay!

       Reply
33. David

    July 30, 2015 at 1:54 pm

    http://www.factmag.com/2015/07/29/33-13-book-proposals/

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34. Jim Murphy

    July 30, 2015 at 9:37 am

    The transparency is very cool; builds interest / engagement in the 33 1/3 brand. I have my fingers crossed for my submission but now I find myself rooting for a few other submissions. Ally-Jane and team have a nifty gig; happy reading!

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35. Jim Murphy

    July 30, 2015 at 9:33 am

    Transparency on the selection process is cool – raises visibility / interest in the brand. While I have my fingers crossed on my submission now I find myself rooting for a few other candidates on the list. Ally-Jane and team have a really cool gig; happy reading!

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36. Heidi

    July 30, 2015 at 9:02 am

    FNM Angel Dust. Must make that happen.

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37. uncledavelewis

    July 30, 2015 at 8:38 am

    I thought that the deadline wasn’t until 7/31. Today is 7/30. Are you closing it early?

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    1. 333sound

       July 30, 2015 at 1:07 pm

       Sorry…7/27 was the deadline.

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38. Michael Drewett

    July 30, 2015 at 8:32 am

    How awful to be confronted with such a narrow list of commercial western options. You wouldn’t’ think popular music was made outside the Anglo western world would you?

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    1. tina ine

       July 30, 2015 at 8:48 pm

       The orient have their own publishers and book series, in their own languages.

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       1. Walrus

          August 1, 2015 at 2:57 am

          Casual racism! Fun!

          Reply
39. Keith Kahn-Harris

    July 30, 2015 at 6:13 am

    I see that Metallica’s ‘St Anger’ is on here. I actually wrote a proposal for St Anger but didn’t send it in the end as I posted a comment on a previous post asking if it was too soon for another Metallica book – and you said it was. Maybe I should have submitted after all?

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40. The Editor

    July 30, 2015 at 6:13 am

    Reblogged this on FAITH NO MORE 2.0.

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41. Jim Brown

    July 30, 2015 at 5:47 am

    I’m sure many of these album have had much written about them in the past but I would love to read about Faith No More ‘Angel Dust’. Their best album and voted the most influential album of all time by Kerrang. It has had very little written about it’s production. And at time when the band have triumphantly returned to the forefront of the music scene it would be perfect timing.

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42. Write on Music

    July 30, 2015 at 5:45 am

    Nobody proposed an Elton John album? That’s surprising.

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43. stateofbass

    July 30, 2015 at 5:21 am

    Yay, Motorbass’ Pansoul… the most important of all of the French Touch records. Wish I’d pitched that one… 🙂

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    1. brynstar

       July 30, 2015 at 9:28 pm

       Would love to read that one! One of the defining albums of the French house explosion of the late 90s.

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44. Syd Mulholland

    July 30, 2015 at 2:13 am

    Somebody picked Diamanda Galas?! Nice!

    Reply
45. Chris Chapin

    July 29, 2015 at 7:41 pm

    Melvins – Houdini!!! Yes, how in the world hasn’t there been a Melvins 33 1/3 yet? I’d buy two copies of that one. Great record.

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46. Peyton Thomas

    July 29, 2015 at 7:38 pm

    Hi! This list looks wonderful – so, so many books I’d love to read!

    I just have a quick question. I submitted a proposal on Pinkerton using my preferred/chosen name, Peyton. I mentioned in the e-mail attached to my proposal that I identify as non-binary transgender (so, neither male nor female), and that some of my older work was published using my birth/legal name. This was just to clear up any potential confusion about discrepancies in my bylines.

    Now, I’m assuming I was counted in the gender stats as my birth gender, or just not counted in the stats for ease of presentation – understandable, since I was probably the sole non-binary applicant, counting for 0.16% of the submissions. But the album I proposed, Pinkerton, was proposed several times, and I just wanted to make absolutely sure that my proposal had been received and counted.

    Thank you! Hope you enjoy reading all the proposals!

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    1. 333sound

       July 30, 2015 at 10:16 am

       We’ve got yours, thanks!

       Reply
47. Miley Cyrus, Daft Punk and Oneohtrix Point Never included in new 33 1/3 book proposals | ReadMusicNews.com

    July 29, 2015 at 7:37 pm

    […] That may have culminated this year with the release of a book analyzing Koji Kondo’s soundtrack to Super Mario Bros. (which we premiered an excerpt of), but some of these choices are pretty surprising on their own. Take a look at some that jumped out to us below and read the entire list here. […]

    Reply
48. bradbirzer

    July 29, 2015 at 7:31 pm

    Reblogged this on Progarchy: Pointing toward Proghalla.

    Reply
49. Jeffrey

    July 29, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    Does this list include the proposals from the under-22 set? (Also, is that call still open?)

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    1. 333sound

       July 30, 2015 at 10:15 am

       IT does NOT include the under 22 open call which is still open through May 2016.

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50. Will Hogarth

    July 29, 2015 at 6:17 pm

    It’s ‘Modern Life is Rubbish’ by Blur, not ‘Life is Rubbish’. (Though both statements may be true).

    Reply
51. Miley Cyrus, Daft Punk, OPN, Burial get 33 1/3 book proposals

    July 29, 2015 at 6:07 pm

    […] That may have culminated this year with the release of a book analyzing Koji Kondo’s soundtrack to Super Mario Bros. (which we premiered an excerpt of), but some of these choices are pretty surprising on their own. Take a look at some that jumped out to us below and read the entire list here. […]

    Reply
52. David Koral

    July 29, 2015 at 5:26 pm

    I’ve been telling this to a few people, but I would like to tell you as well: I really, REALLY wanted to submit a proposal, but for the first six months of 2015, I was deluged with freelance work (in addition to my day job); bills, taxes, insurance premiums, you get the idea. And it was during this time that one of the main musicians who contributed to the album I would have proposed died. So when I finally met my last deadline on July 15, I just didn’t have the focus to start putting together all the required materials. I feel rotten about this. I’m glad, however, that neither of the two albums I had in mind appeared on the list. I’m looking forward to the next open call.

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    1. Matt R. Lohr

       July 29, 2015 at 6:03 pm

       I hope you can do it next time, and I hope you pitch something great!

       Reply
53. Ray

    July 29, 2015 at 5:01 pm

    Indeed a great list! So much variety. I’d read about Computer World by Kraftwerk, and any book about Stereolab!

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54. Raven Woods

    July 29, 2015 at 4:56 pm

    I have a question. I am a bit confused by the listing of Michael Jackson’s HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1. I submitted a proposal on HIStory but my proposal was not limited to just Book I. Can you verify for me if this is indeed my proposal? I submitted it well before the deadline so it should be there unless it has been disqualified for some reason. My name is Raven Woods. Thank you.

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    1. 333sound

       July 29, 2015 at 5:04 pm

       Sorry about that. It’s yours, proposal received.

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       1. Raven Woods

          July 29, 2015 at 6:42 pm

          Thank you very much for the clarification. I am looking forward to being part of this year’s competition. It looks like I am in some great company!

          Reply
55. essentialjunk

    July 29, 2015 at 4:37 pm

    Great list. Best of luck to all the writers.

    Reply