We’re up to the eighth episode in our survey of the relationships between sound and narrative with Ulysses on The CerebralMix. This show present the first two of the three parts of the Sirens episode from the novel.
In the Odyssey the Sirens section was about navigating through waters where the enchanting voices of the mythical creatures lured many ships to be dashed upon the rocks, killing the sailors on board. Odysseus had himself strapped to a mast so he could listen to the Siren’s song, without being able to change course and cause the ship to be ruined. The remaining crew members plug their ears so they cannot her the song and fall into temptation.
In Ulysses, Sirens is an examination of the tensions and attractions between mean and women. From the teasing and taunting of the barmaids in the Ormond bar and restaurant, to the prostitute Bloom had an encounter with in the past. To the meeting between Molly and Boylan that happens off-stage in this section of the novel.
The majority of the action takes place in the Ormond bar, with several people singing opera and nationalistic songs, which serve as another representation of the Siren’s song from the Odyssey.
Also of note: there is a subtle shift in the narrative of this section. A possible foreshadowing of the forthcoming change in the story, where the narrative itself becomes and important aspect of the story.
Readings
In the past I’ve actually included the text of the poems or stories as part of the show notes. In the case of Ulysses that would be a bit on the incredibly heavy side. Instead I have produced a guide: CerebralMix Ulysses Series that provides the references that I am using, along with a show guide to the whole broadcast of this series.
Listen Hear
Playlist
00:00:00
SndChaser
CerebralMix Ulysses Episode 8: Intro
00:00:20
Jihel
Essence Of Stones
00:07:11
Professor Kliq
Wire & Flashing Lights
00:10:48
Cosmic Replicant
Lost Signal
00:18:16
Lost Soul Refuge
Return To Dust
00:24:16
All Objects Lost
In My Mind
00:30:13
N-box
Lost Dreams (original mix)
00:37:00
The Gunshy
Lost & Tossed
00:39:26
K-not
Fury At The Disco
00:43:34
SndChaser
CerebralMix Ulysses Episode 8: Sirens, Pt 1
01:18:16
Jonathan Mann
The Cat Says The Lid Stays Closed
01:20:50
THE COCONUT MONKEYROCKET with The Cow Goes Moo
Aunt Fish
01:23:45
MIT Concert Choir
Swaz hie gat umbe – Chume, chum, geselle min
01:26:16
Joe Frawley
Lost frescoes
01:29:56
Daniel Estrem
Suite 1 in G Major, Menuet 1 and 2
01:33:01
Soft Note
Lost Paradise (original)
01:36:13
The Fucked Up Beat
Conveyor Belt of Lost Hopes/ Galaxy of Shoppables
01:39:39
James Kibbie
BWV616 Mit Fried und Freud ich fahr dahin
01:41:24
The Plastic Jazz Orchestra
Bye Bye Altai
01:45:57
SndChaser
CerebralMix Ulysses Episode 8: Sirens, Pt 2
02:25:46
Cheese N Pot-C
Go Bye Bye
02:30:06
Mastermind XS
The lost smile
02:36:18
20lb Sounds
Jimmy Carter
02:39:20
One Tasty Morsel
5 ‘o’ Clock Shadow
02:48:36
Voland (??????)
Pipes (?????)
02:51:42
brokenkites
Lost Time
02:54:41
SndChaser
CerebralMix Ulysses Episode 8: Outro
Supporters
This week saw another contribution from Sir SaltyHash of 4.499LTC for the continued development of the show.