the buff who fell to earthOmg, thank you to whoever here that recommended David Toop's "Ocean of Sound" (subtitle: "Ambient sound and radical listening in the age of communication") to me. Just started, and it's exactly what I want to read!
Apparently 3 companion compilation CDs were also put out to listen along, they look great, might need to find copies...
https://www.discogs.com/release/322126-Various-Ocean-Of-Sound
https://www.discogs.com/release/325973-Various-Crooning-On-Venus-Ocean-Of-Sound-2
https://www.discogs.com/release/221944-Various-Ocean-Of-Sound-Volume-3-Booming-On-Pluto-Electro-For-Droids