More Songs the Radio Won’t Play - Poems

Stan Rogal

Summary

Lyrical poetry inspired by popular songs, Rogal sweeps the reader through the journey of creation.
		 
In More Songs the Radio Won’t Play, Stan Rogal takes formerly “popular” tunes (from various genres) and transforms them. Self-referentiality; mashups of the erudite and profane; allusions to other arts and sciences; the insertion and bending of biographical and historical facts; problematic snippets of philosophy and literary theory, quotes, and bastardizations; deploying non- or a-political language to challenge notions of how a poem should work; sampling; and off-kilter humour work together to update Rogal’s playlist for a present-day audience.
		 
While his poems unavoidably serve to comment on the world today, Rogal resists a central message. The true emphasis of this collection is on the process of creation. It’s not the destination but the journey that is of significance. Not mere cover versions, not exactly parodies (though parodic), these poems are redactions, mutations, Frankenstein’s monsters … they resemble the original — somewhat — yet are also grossly different.

Available since: 03/25/2025.

Print length: 120 pages.

Poetry & Theatre

Other books that might interest you

mahogany

Eric Lewis

mahogany takes its name from the dark wood prized for its durability, workability, and elegant look, and from the Diana Ross movie, whose theme song asks if what lies ahead is what you really want. This book is the third in a trilogy, and like the first two books it is steeped in pop music. Each poem here takes its title from a line of a Diana Ross and The Supremes song, as well as songs from Diana Ross' solo career. Short lines flow down the page like postmodern psalms, connecting dailyness to timelessness, merging the historical and the beloved through reverence for family, music, and the life we actually live. mahogany is a lament for the passing of time and unimaginable loss, and at the same time it models the daily search for joy, and the deep shine that can arise from the darkest times.[sample poem]i'm like a woman who once knew splendor*sometimes i feel like the pink pantherall naked and pinklost in the morass ofdo the best you can todayand nigga heal thy selfour end of winterspirits breaklike old tibetan snowi rememberyou was conflictedand i found myself alonehere on my ancient hurtthe disquieting humof living historydear god, pleaseput my head above my heartwe can only be togetherif the stories are toldplain facesame instrumentjust a couple of coke bottlesfull of gasolinelike god and rainis a waste of timemy mother used to clean housesas a childsome days i can barelyget out of bedin my mindshe's like diana rossscrubbing the white lady's stairsin lady sings the bluesexcept prettierand with green eyesi've just been livingoff of cough dropsand water and angerjust sitting in the whole foodsparking lot eating pineapplei am literallythe definition of "hot mess"pain changes everythingsomebody comeand pick upmy limp bodyoff the groundi am dyinga slow ohio deathwe miss you starmanit's our first sunrise of the burn* "dark side of the world"erica lewis

Show book

Mexican Dinosaur

C.L. Martinez

Mexican Dinosaur is a poetic offering from C.L. "Rooster" Martinez and Write About Now Publishing. The collection of poems is a metamodernist take on the changing economic demographics of his San Antonio barrio, the confusion and desire to flourish within a hyphenated American identity, and the force of gravity that the push and pull of culture from both sides of a Mexican/American ethnicity has. In 2020, C.L published two previous works-A Saint for Lost Things (Alabrava Press) and As it is in Heaven (Kissing Dynamite Press), and received the San Antonio Individual Artists Project Grant in 2021.

Show book

More American

Sharon Hashimoto

Poetry. Asian & Asian American Studies. Winner of the 2021 Off the Grid Poetry Prize. In MORE AMERICAN, poet Sharon Hashimoto reconstructs a collective memory, conjuring the voices of grandparents, children, soldiers, and "those left to tell." In moving detail, these poems convey the realities of assimilation, service, and internment as experienced by Japanese Americans during, and in the decades following, the Second World War. In this stunning second collection, Hashimoto reckons with the limitations of language, and by extension, notions of citizenship. She deftly sounds the dissonances in the language of loyalty and allegiance.

Show book

The Quizziology Of The British...

Gilbert Abbott A'Beckett

Discover the Wit and Wonder of British Drama from the height of the Victorian era!
Step into the captivating world of British theatre with The Quizziology of the British Drama, a delightful and witty exploration of the plays, playwrights, and performances that have shaped the stage. Penned by the brilliant satirist and dramatist Gilbert Abbott A'Beckett, this charming book explores the stage passions through extended verse, a motley crew of stage characters that no good play is without, and a series of one-act 'deleted' plays in the style of famous playwrights of the time.
A'Beckett, a master of humor and keen observer of the theatrical arts, takes you on a journey through the triumphs and foibles of British drama. From Shakespearean classics to the farces and melodramas of the 19th century, The Quizziology of the British Drama offers a unique blend of exposition, critique, and playful commentary. Whether you're a seasoned theatregoer or a curious newcomer, this book promises to spark your curiosity and leave you laughing at the quirks of the dramatic world.
Perfect for book clubs, drama students, or writers, The Quizziology of the British Drama is full of sharp wit and clever observations. With its engaging style and timeless appeal, this book is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the magic of the stage.
Don’t miss your chance to own this gem of theatrical literature. Add The Quizziology of the British Drama to your collection today and uncover the fascinating, funny, and unforgettable world of British theatre!

Show book

Mustafa

Naylah Ahmed

A vivid and compelling thriller about belief and retribution.
Mustafa is in prison for the death of a teenage boy during an exorcism. Racked with guilt at the loss of an innocent life and isolated in a world where his beliefs are constantly challenged, he's trying to avoid trouble. But when prisoners who taunt him suffer mysterious injuries and prison officers start behaving strangely, Mustafa realises the spirit he tried to banish is still with him, and he must confront it once again.
Naylah Ahmed's play Mustafa was first performed at Soho Theatre, London, in 2012 in a co-production by Kali Theatre and Birmingham Rep.

Show book

The Sacred Nine Wisdom Of The...

Justin Wesenberg

The Sacred Nine is a channeled poetry book about unlocking the ancient wisdom that lies within. 
This poetry book is for soul seekers who are ready to unravel the mystery, and discover who they are. 
Unlock the wisdom 
Of the Sacred Nine 
And come to find 
Your light divine 
Radiant and impenetrable 
Holy and pure 
Discovering this 
Will make you strong and sure 
This wisdom has been shared 
For countless generations 
Here to bring peace 
And healing to our nations 
So that we can live 
Aligned and true 
Let love come forth 
In all that you do 
Now is the time 
To create your reality 
As you come to exist 
In your full totality 
This channeled poetry book was inspired by the Sacred Nine, and their divine wisdom and guidance. 
If you’re stepping into the divine mystery, ready to discover more of who you are, allow The Sacred Nine Wisdom Of The Ancients to guide you back to yourself!

Show book