Rock Music
Culture, Aesthetics and Sociology

A stimulating and penetrating study of rock music, from rock 'n' roll to the present day.

Peter Wicke (Author), Rachel Fogg (Translated by)

9780521399142, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 25 May 1990

244 pages
22.4 x 13.8 x 1.6 cm, 0.355 kg

"...intelligent and intelligently written, interesting and accessible without oversimplifying rock's very real mysteries and complexities. It is a remarkable and unique achievement." John Shepard, Queen's Quarterly

Rock music - powerful, sensual, loud and full of energy. It has changed the face of modern music. But what is its fascination for, and its significance in contemporary society and what cultural values does it reflect? Peter Wicke addresses these issues in a stimulating and penetrating study of rock music tracing the genesis and influence of this diverse strand of popular music. Beginning with the advent of rock 'n' roll, Wicke chronicles the development through Elvis Presley and the Beatles to the current music industry, its performers, and the impact of the music video. The book will appeal to readers with an interest in music history, popular culture, and media studies.

Preface
1. 'Roll over Beethoven': new experiences in art
2. 'Rock Around the Clock': emergence
3. 'Love Me Do': the aesthetics of sensuousness
4. 'My Generation': rock music and subcultures
5. 'Revolution': the ideology of rock
6. 'We're Only in It for the Money': the rock business
7. 'Anarchy in the UK': the punk rebellion
8. 'Wild Boys': the aesthetic of the synthetic
9. Postscript: 'The Times They are A-Changing'
Notes
Bibliography
Discography
Index of people and groups
General index.

Subject Areas: Rock & Pop music [AVGP]