Sign in

Christopher Silver

@christophersilver.bsky.social
1.3K followers 261 following 113 posts

Historian, author of Recording History: Jews, Muslims, and Music across Twentieth-Century North Africa (SUP, 2022), collector of records, associate professor of Jewish history and culture at McGill University, curator of gharamophone.com

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Christopher Silver
Stanford University Press @stanfordpress.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Happy pub day to Everything is Everything! In the tradition of The Old, Weird America and Deliver Me from Nowhere, Steven E. Jones explores US pop culture through the work of record producer Tom Wilson, and the artists with whom he collaborated in the miraculous year 1966 ow.ly/zZzh50ZSsig
Book cover of Everything Is Everything: Tom Wilson and Pop Music in 1966 by Steven E. Jones
064
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The graduate portal for McGill's Department of Jewish Studies is now open! MA and PhD applications are due January 6, 2027. Apply here: www.mcgill.ca/gradappli......; and here: www.mcgill.ca/jewishstudie.... Questions? Contact: graduate.jwst@mcgill.ca.
mcgill.ca
001
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
👑👑👑
031
Reposted by Christopher Silver
P. Djéli Clark | The Disgruntled Haradrim @pdjeliclark.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Icon.
socanews.com
Calypso legend Mighty Sparrow dies aged 91 - Soca News
Calypso legend Mighty Sparrow has died aged 91. The Calypso King of the World leaves behind a legacy that shaped Caribbean music and culture.
313948
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Finally finished Hanan Hammad’s wonderful treatment of Layla Murad. I can’t recommend enough.
030
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Finally doing the physical cut and paste thing for a forthcoming article on Algerian Jewish musician Salim Halali. Can’t recommend this method enough.
170
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Heading to Nantes and then Marseille. Haven’t been back in years and very much looking forward to it!
040
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Our department is looking to hire someone to teach our history of Jewish philosophy course. If you know of anyone in Montreal or willing to relocate here, please let me know. Happy to answer any questions. mcgill.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/McGill_Caree...
mcgill.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com
Course Lecturer Jewish Studies 261: History of Jewish Philosophy and Thought
Please refer to the How to Apply for a Job (for External Candidates) job aid for instructions on how to apply. If you are an active McGill employee (ie: currently in an active contract or position at ...
011
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Heading to Munich for a few days. Recommendations for used book stores, record stores, or restaurants?
010
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
My dept is looking to hire a Yiddishist to teach 4 Yiddish language & literature classes in 2026-2027 (& hopefully beyond). Application deadline: June 12. Great opportunity in the best city. I'm available to answer any questions. Please spread the word. mcgill.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/McGill...
mcgill.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com
Course Lecturer Jewish Studies 281 (Introductory Yiddish 1)
Please refer to the How to Apply for a Job (for External Candidates) job aid for instructions on how to apply. If you are an active McGill employee (ie: currently in an active contract or position at ...
048
Reposted by Christopher Silver
Josh Shepperd @joshshepperd.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Our Library of Congress RPTF caucus, the HBCU Radio Preservation Project, featured by The Guardian today!
theguardian.com
How the HBCU radio preservation project keeps Black archives safe
The effort preserves decades of student broadcasting as campuses pivot to podcasts and social media formats
118567
Reposted by Christopher Silver
Aadam Jacobs Collection Project @ajc-project.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
@apnews.com sent a writer to speak with Aadam Jacobs and some of the volunteers working to preserve the collection of recordings and get it online to share. apnews.com/article/aada...
apnews.com
Volunteers turn a fan's recordings of 10,000 concerts into an online treasure trove
In 1989, an up-and-coming rock band from Washington called Nirvana played in Chicago for the first time at a club called Dreamerz.
1101
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
Nice little cassette haul from DC.
010
Reposted by Christopher Silver
The Public Domain Review @publicdomainrev.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
#OnThisDay in 1878, Thomas Edison filed a patent for the phonograph. Here's what's thought to be the oldest surviving recording of his voice, made in 1888, in which he describes an imagined trip “around the world on the phonograph” — publicdomainreview.org/collection/a... #otd
03612
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Used bookstore and record store recommendations for Washington DC?
201
Reposted by Christopher Silver
Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Are you writing a book on the Middle East or the Global South? If so, let me know! I just joined Lynne Rienner Publishers as a consulting editor and am eager to bring engaging, innovative, and impactful scholarship to readers around the world.
197
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Honoured to have contributed to this radio documentary by Noujoud Rejbi for France Culture: "Habiba Msika, une artiste libre aux multiples talents."
radiofrance.fr
Habiba Msika, une artiste libre aux multiples talents
Chanteuse et tragédienne de talent, Habiba Msika était aussi une femme engagée aux côtés des indépendantistes arabes. Libre, tant dans son art que dans ses convictions, les performances de la première...
043
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Slowly starting to make my way back to Bluesky after some time.
020
Reposted by Christopher Silver
Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
An exciting opportunity to submit an essay on cultural production to a leading Middle East Studies publication! www.merip.org/2026/02/call...
merip.org
Call for Pitches—Visual Art & Cultural Production in the Middle East and North Africa
MERIP is seeking pitches for our Summer 2026 issue exploring visual art and cultural production in the Middle East and North Africa. We invite submissions that center artistic practices and cultural h...
001
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
An excellent, upcoming event with Raphael Cormack at Harvard (Feb. 18). cjs.fas.harvard.edu/calendar_eve...
cjs.fas.harvard.edu
Raphael Cormack | “How Jewish was James Sanua?”
Raphael Cormack | “How Jewish was James Sanua?” Sanua was one of the most famous Arab Jews of the modern era: The pioneer of theArabic theatre in Egypt and the satirical Arabic press, and ...
000
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
One of my department's many upcoming events in Montreal. The Levites Annual Lecture 2025: “Amateur Films and Sephardi Joy: A Global Spin” with Sarah Abrevaya Stein (UCLA). Sep. 15 / 5:30 pm / McGill University. Details and RSVP here: www.mcgill.ca/arts/channel...
020
Reposted by Christopher Silver
Dan Carkner @alte.klezmor.im · 11/06/2025
Call for Proposals "KlezKanada and the Institute for Canadian Jewish Studies at Concordia University are convening a Yiddish Dance Conference in Montreal from August 27-29, 2025. The event will include panels, discussion sessions, practice-based workshops, and evening community events."
klezkanada.org
2025 Yiddish Dance Conference - KlezKanada
KlezKanada // Concordia University – Montreal, Canada KlezKanada and the Institute for Canadian Jewish Studies at Concordia University are convening a Yiddish Dance Conference in Montreal from August ...
001
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Sending this around one last time. If you know of any Yiddishists...we're hiring!
042
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
Tomorrow in-person in Newcastle and online for everyone. "North African History at 78 Rotations Per Minute."
thenewbridgeproject.com
North African History at 78 Rotations Per Minute - The NewBridge Project
Tickets The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking "Get Tickets" will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities. Nort...
031
Reposted by Christopher Silver
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
Some good news for Yiddishists. My department is in the process of rebuilding our Yiddish program at McGill and looking for a course lecturer to teach 2-2 in 2025-2026. Our students are wonderful. If you have any questions at all, please reach out to me. mcgill.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/McGill_Caree...
mcgill.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com
Located in one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGillians are proud to be part of a community that is both global and local, inspired by challenge and committed to shaping a better future. McGill received a Platinum STARS rating in sustainability, is among Canada’s greenest employers, and is a top Montreal Employer. Grandescunt Aucta Labore. By work, all things increase and grow. Find a sense of purpose. Develop your future. Join us today.
01710
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
Some good news for Yiddishists. My department is in the process of rebuilding our Yiddish program at McGill and looking for a course lecturer to teach 2-2 in 2025-2026. Our students are wonderful. If you have any questions at all, please reach out to me. mcgill.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/McGill_Caree...
mcgill.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com
Located in one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGillians are proud to be part of a community that is both global and local, inspired by challenge and committed to shaping a better future. McGill received a Platinum STARS rating in sustainability, is among Canada’s greenest employers, and is a top Montreal Employer. Grandescunt Aucta Labore. By work, all things increase and grow. Find a sense of purpose. Develop your future. Join us today.
01710
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Doing my first listening session in a while as part of the Resounding Diasporic Sonic Worlds exhibit in Newcastle. In-person and online. Please spread the word. Also, let me know if you have any requests!
thenewbridgeproject.com
North African History at 78 Rotations Per Minute - The NewBridge Project
Tickets The numbers below include tickets for this event already in your cart. Clicking "Get Tickets" will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities. Nort...
010
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
The Baidaphon label getting some much deserved attention in Der Spiegel. www.spiegel.de/geschichte/b...
spiegel.de
(S+) Baidaphon: Wie die Schallplatten mit der Gazelle das Berlin der Zwanzigerjahre eroberten
In der Weimarer Republik pulsiert das Leben in Berlin. Die Stadt wird zum Magnet für die arabischsprachige Diaspora. Mittendrin: Michel Baida aus dem Libanon, der mit seinem Indie-Label große Erfolge ...
061
Reposted by Christopher Silver
Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
A book I very much cannot wait to read and teach. Out with @harvardpress.bsky.social this December! www.hup.harvard.edu/books/978067...
Iran Amplified: 100 Years of Music and Society

Edited by Nahid Siamdoust and H.E. Chehabi
072
Reposted by Christopher Silver
Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
NYC friends, this talks tomorrow sounds tremendous!
052
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
Tomorrow in NYC.
050
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
What a day in Rabat. Honored to have shared the stage with the indefatigable Khalid Ben Srhir and other scholars who engaged deeply with my work (which is itself indebted to their work). A privilege to talk about books these days––including ones which deal with musical pasts and possible futures.
080
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
Rabat and Casa this week. Please send recommendations :)
020
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
Want to put this out there again (given everything). If anyone is interested in pursuing an MA or PhD at the intersection of Jewish and Middle Eastern/North African Studies in Montreal (at McGill), please be in touch. We’re building something special here.
0179
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
Honored to be giving this talk––"Sounds, Silences, and Echoes: Listening for World War II and the Holocaust from North Africa"––at FIT in NYC on April 22. Please feel free to share.
076
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
Heading to Casablanca and Rabat in a few weeks and it’s been a minute since I was last there. Looking for recs of any and all kinds (archives, bookstores, restaurants, cafes). Please feel free to send my way.
010
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
The privilege of a lifetime. Next month, I will travel to Morocco to present the Arabic translation of "Recording History: Jews, Muslims, and Music across Twentieth-Century North Africa" at the Rabat International Book Fair.
0111
Reposted by Christopher Silver
Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
Exciting news! Hanan Hammad’s exploration of Layla Murad with @stanfordpress.bsky.social will soon appear in Arabic with al-Kotob Khan.
051
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
Looking forward to presenting "An Ethereal Trail: Toward a Musical Biography of Salim Halali" at the Ottoman Auralities seminar series tomorrow (18 Feb). More details in link: ottomanauralities.com/seminar-seri...
031
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Any recommendations for books or articles on reel to reel recording?
000
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
On the turntable tonight. The Girl on a Motorcycle—released on the Tetragrammaton label. RIP, Marianne.
020
Reposted by Christopher Silver
Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
To see this story finally out in the world in Arabic, and to have readers who experienced Egypt’s cassette culture first-hand engage with it, is truly something else. These photos and exchanges mean so much to me.
علي حسين
14h • 0
صباح الكتب
لم تتبن جميع الشخصيات العامة المصرية وجهة نظر سوداء وبيضاء عندما يتعلق الأمر بنجم الكاسيت احمد عدوية . كان نجيب محفوظ من بين أولئك الذين تبنوا موقفا فارقا بقدر .
في بعض الأحيان أنتقد الحائز على جائزة نوبل أغاني عدوية بسبب " تفاهتها" و " فظاظتها " وهما صفتان ، ، كما زعم ، أدتا إلى جعل أغانيه " أبعد ما تكون عن الأناقة" ، ولكن في لحظات أخرى يقر الأديب ب" صوته القوي المشحون بالشجن". كذلك لم يكن عبد الوهاب يكره عدوية ، لكنه أصر على أن موسيقاه ستفقد صداها .
آندرو سايمون " إعلام الجماهير .. ثقافة الكاسيت في مصر "
آندرو سايمون
إعلام الجماهير
ثقافة الكاسيت في مصر
الرجماء بدر الرفاعي
دار الشروق
041
Reposted by Christopher Silver
Morgan Corriou @morgancorriou.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Ce documentaire de l’ORTF, « Paris arabe et ses cinémas », pourra peut-être t’intéresser : m.youtube.com/watch?v=r0vT.... (trigger warning : c’est daté…)
m.youtube.com
1969 : Les gens de Barbès | Archive INA
YouTube video by INA Paris Vintage
111
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Friend from Paris just gifted me these VHS tapes of Egyptian films released for the French market. There’s a history of distribution and audience to be written here.
131
Reposted by Christopher Silver
Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
With a new term underway, our Sound Studies book club is back! In two weeks, we’ll be meeting to discuss a work I was asked to select: @christophersilver.bsky.social’s “Recording History: Jews, Muslims, and Music Across Twentieth-Century North Africa.”
Recording History
Christopher Silver
JEWS, MUSLIMS, AND MUSIC ACROSS TWENTIETH-CENTURY NORTH AFRICA
171
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 04/01/2025
Looking forward to giving a talk at the University of Groningen next week. Would love record store recommendations for either Groningen or Amsterdam.
162
Reposted by Christopher Silver
Gramophoney Baloney on KPOO @gramophoneybaloney.bsky.social · 02/01/2025
Marseillaise - Algerian Band - 1925 the zourna version! www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4Ry...
youtube.com
Marseillaise Algerian Band 1925
YouTube video by Michael Gunrem
121
Christopher Silver @christophersilver.bsky.social · 03/01/2025
First new record acquisition of 2025. Maalma Yamina, the most important female artist of turn of the 20th c. Algiers, with a 1908 recording on the Gramophone label.
060
Reposted by Christopher Silver
Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
Here you go for @christophersilver.bsky.social’s book!: www.combinedacademic.co.uk/978150363168...
combinedacademic.co.uk
Recording History- Combined Academic
A new history of twentieth-century North Africa, that gives voice to the musicians who defined an era and the vibrant recording industry that carried their p...
011
Reposted by Christopher Silver
Andrew Simon @simongandrew.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
A graduate seminar in the making on cultural politics in the Middle East.
1131