technology and cultural industry

This is a good background read for anyone considering the way that technology impacts human society and cultural development. It explores the way that sound recording may or may not have influenced the development of live performance music. Though the term isn't used, reflexivity is a big issue. I'm hoping shortly to do some work on embodiedness and technology in worship and this article will be one of the reference points along with a book on worship which reminded me very much of the article in that it deals with certain technological developments and relates them to worship and theology.

The New Yorker: The Critics: A Critic At Large