12 books about rock music that should find their place on your bookshelves

As a seasoned rock enthusiast who’s spent countless hours immersed in the genre’s rich tapestry, I find myself deeply drawn to the works of these critically acclaimed authors. Each one brings their unique perspective and personal experiences to the table, creating an engaging narrative that resonates with me.

In the past, finding books about rock music was like searching for a needle in a haystack, but nowadays it seems there’s one on every corner. Many of these books are out-of-print and offer an account of the rise (and sometimes fall) of current stars, written by fellow enthusiasts for fellow fans.

Frequently, works focus on particular genres, collections of albums, and assorted topics, and the abundance of choices can sometimes be overwhelming. However, it appears that fewer and fewer books are being produced which offer a comprehensive and/or analytical examination of significant rock movements that have emerged over the decades.

As a gamer, I find myself often yearning for the good old days when rock music criticism was more about thoughtful analysis instead of just praising or dismissing certain genres or artists. These days, it feels like genuine critique has taken a backseat, replaced with either blind adoration or outright rejection.

12 great books about rock music

One possible explanation could be that some influential critics such as Lester Bangs and Ian McDonald are no longer with us, or perhaps it’s because many individuals have moved away from reading in-depth printed books about music that surpass daily reviews and artist bios.

As a music enthusiast, I’ve often found myself yearning for in-depth, analytical books about rock music. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of such literature out there! Many authors and critics have fearlessly delved into the intricacies of rock, offering both critical insights and heartfelt praise. These gems can be discovered in traditional print form, digital editions, or even as audiobooks. Here are some must-reads that I’ve found particularly enlightening:

Greil Marcus – The History of Rock In Ten Songs

Greil Marcus is widely recognized as one of the foremost and insightful rock critics, with his work on Bob Dylan’s music being particularly noteworthy. His writing style is both incisive and expressive, consistently striking the perfect balance in his analysis. Interestingly, this book comes to life in an audiobook version, as it is skillfully read by Henry Rollins, a renowned punk rock musician, lyricist, and poet.

In simpler terms, Rollins himself refers to Marcus as a poet, likely due to his exceptional writing abilities. Using Marcus’ own words, Rollins explains how songs like “Crying, Waiting, Hoping” by Buddy Holly, “Sweet Home Chicago” by Robert Johnson, and “Money Changes Everything” sung by Cyndi Lauper not only transformed music but also impacted lives significantly. In essence, both Marcus and Rollins are seen as weaving enchantment through rock music.

Ian McDonald – Revolution In The Head

Ian McDonald, a renowned author from the past, is frequently referred to as one of the gifted poets among British rock critics. During its prime, he was a significant influence at the influential British weekly magazine New Musical Express. In this piece, McDonald doesn’t simply retell The Beatles’ history; rather, he delves deeply into an insightful analysis of every song The Beatles ever recorded, using both style and creativity.

Lester Bangs – Psychotic Reaction and Carburetor Dung

During his time, he closely interacted with another renowned figure in the realm of rock music, Lester Bangs. This collaboration led him to pen a collection of books on rock music, all of which were worth investing time into. His significant impact on the history of rock criticism is evident through his distinctive writing style and vivid imagination, which numerous other writers have tried to emulate but rarely managed to replicate.

This book compiles essays written by Greil Marcus, who was Bangs’s first editor at Rolling Stone back in 1969. He is presented as a unique and influential voice in the realm of rock music criticism.

Charles Shaar Murray – Shots From The Hip

In simpler terms, Murray is one of the well-known critics from the 70s New Musical Express era who’s known for his critical approach to rock music. He has several books about rock under his name, and this particular book is particularly notable. Many people view him as a writer who focused more on criticism than praise and played a significant role in documenting the history of rock music.

Jessica Hopper – The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock Critic: Revised and Expanded Edition

The title is a content giveaway from this fiercely feminist and revered contemporary rock critic. Throughout her career, spanning more than two decades, Jessica Hopper, as pioneering music critic, has examined women recording and producing music, in all genres, through an intersectional feminist lens.

This compilation additionally features character sketches and appraisals of several popular and unpopular female musicians active in the music scene currently, ranging from Fiona Apple and Kacey Musgraves to Miley Cyrus and Lana Del Rey.

Barney Hoskins – Waiting For The Sun

Hoskins might be known as one of the most detail-oriented rock historians, not afraid to share his thoughts and add personal annotations to the annals of rock music. His writing is straightforward and easy for anyone to grasp, making it engaging for readers (and listeners).

In this piece, he delves into the vibrant music scene of Los Angeles, highlighting some prominent figures such as Jim Morrison, Gram Parsons, Frank Zappa, and many more.

Legs McNeil & Gillian McCain – Please Kill Me

Discussing where punk rock originated, this analysis aims to shed light on the ongoing debate. The authors lean towards the United States as the birthplace, highlighting pioneers like Lou Reed and Iggy Pop, but also crucial early acts of the punk movement such as Ramones, Patti Smith, and others during its rise.

Michael Azzerad – Our Band Can Be Your Life

Azzerad delves into various influential punk bands, yet his focus extends beyond just those groups. He explores in depth the evolution of the underground U.S. rock scene and its impact on what’s now referred to as indie rock. Notably, he examines significant 1980s acts such as Black Flag, Sonic Youth, Butthole Surfers, Mudhoney, Fugazi, and others in this broader context.

David Hepworth – 1971: Never A Dull Moment

If you haven’t watched, or even if you’ve only missed out on the outstanding Apple TV+ documentary series titled “1971: The Year Music Shaped History“, then this book is indispensable, given that it was the very foundation for the creation of the series.

In essence, Hepworth argues that 1971 was a pinnacle year for rock music. He substantiates this claim not just by highlighting significant artists, tunes, or occurrences of the time, but also by delving into broader cultural and political contexts that strengthen his argument.

Mick Farren – Give The Anarchist A Cigarette

Mick Farren, who was both a renowned rock critic and a musician in his own right during the NME’s heyday, had an intimate understanding of the wild and extravagant side of rock music. Moreover, he could delve deeper into the 60s/70s UK counterculture scene beyond just its rock music aspect.

Bob Stanley – Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

Known as another talented musician from the renowned electro-pop group St. Etienne, he has since transitioned into writing and curating music, leaving an impressive collection of compilation albums in his wake.

Sal Maida, Michel Cohen & Friends – The White Label Promo Preservation Society Vols. 1 & 2

As an enthusiast, I’m thrilled to be associated with Hozac Records, a vibrant Chicago-based label that not only produces records but also books. Their mission, to unearth and showcase overlooked yet exceptional albums, resonates deeply with me. In this project, the diverse group of authors brings their unique perspectives and tastes to the table, making each volume a fascinating read and listen. This very aspect is what makes these volumes so effective in bringing these hidden gems to light.

2024-09-28 13:00