This series delves into the realms of rock and popular music from a culturalist perspective. Each book examines how music emerges within its specific time and responds to surrounding societal forces. It explores the interplay between artists, genres, and their eras, drawing on fields like cultural studies, sociology, and music history. The series offers engaging studies for students and general readers alike, aiming for a deeper understanding of music's connection to the times.
In The British Invasion, Simon Philo illustrates how this remarkable event in cultural history disrupted and even reversed pop culture's default flow of influence, goods, and ideas-orchestrating a dramatic turn-around in the commercial fortunes of British pop in North America that turned the... číst celé
In The Clash: The Only Band That Matters, respected music critic Sean Egan examines The Clash's career and art through the prism of the uniquely interesting and fractious UK politics of the Seventies and Eighties, without which they simply would not have existed. Tackling subjects such as The Clash's self-conscious tussles with their record label, the accusations of sell-out that dogged their footsteps, their rivalry with the similarly leaning but less purist Jam, the paradoxical quality of their achieving multi-platinum success and even whether their denunciations of Thatcherism were proven wrong, Egan has come up with new insights into a much discussed group.
The book delves into the history and music of Bon Jovi, tracing the band's evolution from its beginnings to the present. It highlights the group's musical impact and social significance, illustrating how Bon Jovi resonates with listeners across generations. The narrative emphasizes the band's role as both a reflection and a response to cultural needs, showcasing their enduring relevance in the music industry.
The exploration of Dylan's evolving artistry highlights his transition from socially conscious songs to more intimate themes. Brown offers a critical analysis of Dylan's influential albums and tours, examining how his music reflects and interacts with American culture throughout his career. This engaging narrative provides a comprehensive look at the various personas Dylan adopted, framing his work within the broader context of societal changes.
In Ska: The Rhythm of Liberation, Heather Augustyn examines how ska music first emerged in Jamaica as a fusion of popular, traditional, and even classical musical forms. As a genre, it was a connection to Africa, a means of expression and protest, and a respite from the struggles of colonization and grinding poverty. Ska would later travel with West Indian immigrants to the United Kingdom, where British youth embraced the music, blending it with punk and pop and working its origins as a music of protest and escape into their present lives. The fervor of the music matched the energy of the streets as racism, poverty, and violence ran rampant. But ska called for brotherhood and unity.