| Sumario: | The article reviews "Format Friction: Perspectives on the Shellac Disc" by Gavin Williams, which examines the historical and cultural significance of 78-rpm shellac discs through a material-specific lens. Williams argues that understanding the shellac disc as a global format allows for a broader contextual appreciation of its role in music history, particularly in relation to colonial practices and listener experiences in various countries, including India, Singapore, and the United States. The book highlights the complexities of the shellac industry, including its production challenges and the social dynamics of music consumption, ultimately encouraging a re-evaluation of early sound recordings and their impact on listening practices.
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