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Bradley Morgan

@bradleymorgan.bsky.social
2.7K followers 338 following 1.3K posts

Author of “Frank Zappa’s America” (LSU Press, ‘25); “U2: Until the End of the World” (Gemini, ‘25); & “U2’s The Joshua Tree: Planting Roots in Mythic America” (Backbeat, ‘21). Interviewer for the New Books Network. Music film fest director for CHIRP Radio

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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 10h
Im my mind, it’s never not been around.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 10h
Never have seen that Bowie comp before!
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 10h
I’d like to see more John Waters’ pencil mustaches out there.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 10h
Same for my Zappa book. But I addressed the fans in a supplemental piece for my publisher’s Substack. lsupress.substack.com/p/frankly-sp...
lsupress.substack.com
Frankly Speaking: Who gets to speak for Frank Zappa?
A blog post by Bradley Morgan, author of "Frank Zappa's America"
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Right there with you.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Your book is great & people see that. Any major artist these days has a small part of their fanbase where they project so much of themselves onto the artist, & that’s how misinformation & mythologizing spread. So kudos to you for standing up for your work because you’re the one who made it happen.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Finished reading “The Nobel Lecture” by Bob Dylan. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Dylan being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, this lecture reflects on the moments and works that shaped the foundation of his songwriting, wondering just what his place any of it has in the literary lexicon.
“Bob Dylan: the Nobel Lecture”
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Finished reading “After the Flood” by Robert Polito. Setting the tone by beginning with “No, not *that* Bob Dylan,” Polito’s book presents an examination of the songwriter’s late-career renaissance over the last three decades as well as a deconstruction of the artist’s mythic legacy and creative arc
A book called "After the flood: Inside bob dylan's memory palace" by Robert Polito.  Other text reads: "Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award in Biography."  Text is pink and orange. Cover features black and white photo of Bob Dylan, featuring only the top half of his body while the rest is obscured by a piano.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
This was a fun listen during my lunch walk. Great work!
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Oof. Heartbreaking.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
Can we let that become the “jumped the shark” of music?
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
Exactly why I love seeing Dylan.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
@nostalgiakinky.bsky.social I mention you in this and Gerry wants to interview you.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Had a great time returning as a guest on @laughtears.bsky.social's great podcast discussing the intersection of art and philosophy, exploring the need for grace and empathy. Our conversation covers Marshall McLuhan, Rebecca Solnit, and Frank Zappa. Check it out here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdPQ...
youtube.com
InnerViews#860 Part Two Bradley Morgan
YouTube video by I'm Probably Wrong About Everything
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Amazing! Great work!
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Congrats from Chicago! Proud of you!
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Would love to host you for a screening of the Zappa doc sometime on behalf of @chirpradio.org’s music film festival! Also, I’d be happy to send you a copy of my book on Frank, “Frank Zappa’s America” which examines his political legacy and relevancy.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Congrats, Mark!
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
My previous interviews with other authors if you’re interested in hearing a deep dive into their books. I’m booked through the rest of the year but I should be booking winter and spring guests in the coming weeks. newbooksnetwork.com/hosts/profil...
newbooksnetwork.com
New Books Network - New Books Network
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Hey, fellow authors! I like saying nice things about books by smart people, so please consider me if you’re looking for peer reviews or blurbs of forthcoming titles. Also, I interview authors a lot over at @newbooksnetwork.bsky.social so pitch your recently published book there.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Was asked to do my first ever book peer review, and I’m very much enjoying being on this side of the process. I love seeing someone else’s brilliant ideas developing into something meaningful. I would like to do more of this.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Sorry to hear that! I hope things get easier soon!
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
That’s why I followed.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
I did have a little rat tail in the 90s 🤣. But in college I had a friend who grew a padawan braid, which I think would be great if more people did!
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
I wish it worked both ways. They didn’t quite get “The Venture Brothers!” 🤣
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Had no idea what to expect, so I was just caught off guard by their wholesomeness. My bros are 20 years younger than me (one just graduated high school), and they showed it to me so it’s also nice to have a show about brothers to share with them. Plus those silent reaction shots are the best.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
This show is lowkey so good.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Wishing you the best and that everything gets better soon!
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Great work, Wayne!
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
I think all the changes just stem from a lack of confidence on their part. Even now, I’m optimistic about the new album because it sounds like they’ve moved on from chasing radio.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Zappa was a registered Democrat who advocated for those candidates. When approached by libertarian party to campaign on their behalf, he declined because he didn’t agree with their platform. I know he labeled himself as a “practical conservative” in his bio but they are labels that get projected on
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
I only knew the hits growing up, but really developed an appreciation of him after reading Erin Osmon’s latest book on heartland rock.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
My nine books over the last decade that stayed with me, non-fiction and fiction.
1. "Just Kids" by Patti Smith
2. "The Naked Civil Servant" by Quentin Crisp
3. "Role Models" by John Waters
4. "America (The Book): A Citizen's guide to Democracy Inaction" by Jon Stewart
5. "The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple" by Jeff Guinn
6. "The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11" by Lawrence Wright
7. "Bury My Hart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West" by Dee Brown
8. "Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland" by Patrick Radden Keefe
9. "The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War" by Jeff Sharlett1. "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
2. "The Sellout" by Paul Beatty
3. "Salughterhouse Five" by Kurt Vonnegut
4. "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck
5. "My Favorite Thing is Monsters" by Emil Ferris
6. "Wise Blood" by Flannery O'Connor
7. "The Memory Police" by Yoko Ogawa
8. "Kafka on the Shore" by Haruki Murakami
9. "The MANIAC" by Benjamin Labatut
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
I arrived on here like U2 on everyone’s iPhones. 😎 😜
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
I was feeling a bit down after seeing something about me on here yesterday, but I can’t live my life being a miserable bastard like those critics.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Life is great. I’ve got a love, a cat, caring friends, creative outlets, and the fall weather in Chicago has been amazing. These are the important things to keep in mind. Things could always be better, sure, but I’m happy (even if a bit restless lately).
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
As for that first big change after “War,” it seems like they needed it for their own sakes.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
For me I wasn’t even born when “The Joshua Tree” came out & I only really became aware of them during “All That You Can’t Leave Behind” so results may vary. I’ve got my preferred periods but for the book I gave equal measure to every album. As part of my effort to demythologize artists.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
It’s very hard to make something and put it out there for people to experience. And it’s easier for them to criticize than to understand the how and why someone spends their time making something.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
I always love catching up on your reviews. Keep up the great work!
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
My other article was for @ihavethatonvinyl.com’s wonderful newsletter and celebrated U2’s golden anniversary by profiling fifty of their songs, ten from each decade they’ve been around, as well as their influence on me as a fan. ihavethatonvinyl.com/essays/like-...
ihavethatonvinyl.com
Like a Song I Have to Sing: 50 Years of U2 in 50 Songs and One Fan’s Musical Journey
For five decades, U2 has endured not just as a rock and roll band, but as a singular force that has shaped and defined popular culture through their unique and evolving styles, creating a musical blue...
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Also, if you want to check out supplemental articles I did for U2’s 50th. This one for @chirpradio.org is about touring the @woodyguthriecenter.bsky.social and finding out the role my book played in them getting an award for their political advocacy through music. chirpradio.org/blog/this-fa...
Poster holding book in front of orange mural at the woody Guthrie center
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Celebrating the one year anniversary of the publishing of my latest book, “U2: Until the End of the World,” which chronicles 50 years of U2! Writing the book was a journey to rediscovering joy, and it was such a privilege to have had the opportunity to share that story. And new album next month!
Two copies of the book “u2: until
The end of the world” by Bradley Morgan. Each book has a different font.
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Reposted by Bradley Morgan
Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
For those interested in checking out the book, "Frank Zappa's America" is out now via @lsupress.bsky.social! "An all-too-relevant deep dive, this book will slake the thirst of Zappa fans, historians, and progressives alike." - Julie Klausner, creator of "Difficult People"
"Frank Zappa's America" by Bradley Morgan.  Whie text over image of Zappa tintd blue holding an America flag against a solid pink background
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
I really appreciate that. Thank you.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Thank you!
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Finished reading @albertmonteys.bsky.social’s graphic novel adaptation of “A Confederacy of Dunces” by John Kennedy Toole. Monteys expertly captures the chaos and nuance of this timeless picaresque novel, accomplishing the near impossible with this incredibly detailed and faithful adaptation.
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
It’s so good!
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Reposted by Bradley Morgan
Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Rest in piss, Jim Bakker! In my book “Frank Zappa’s America,” I have a chapter that examines the effect televangelists had on national politics by he 1988 election, centered on the album “Broadway the Hard Way.” This is one of the tracks that lambasts the Bakkers. Check it: youtu.be/3renLopLxqw?...
youtu.be
Jesus Thinks You're A Jerk
YouTube video by Frank Zappa - Topic
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Bradley Morgan @bradleymorgan.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
How I arrived on Bluesky 🤷😎😜
Something you didn’t ask for
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