The People's Music: Selected Journalism

(Paperback)

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Description

The very best pieces from the UK's finest rock journalist. His first book since the acclaimed Revolution in the Head In his first book since the acclaimed Revolution in the Head, Ian MacDonald takes us on a journey through the music of the sixties and seventies. Starting with one of the most important assessments of Bob Dylan to appear in print for many years, these essays range from the psychedelia of the Beatles and the rebellion of the Rolling Stones to the political activism of John Lennon, the 'dark doings' of David Bowie and the spiritual quest of Nick Drake. In the central essay of this collection, 'The People's Music', MacDonald argues that the emergence of the Beatles in the early sixties changed the world of music for ever, as the power in the industry shifted to the audience. Combining a close reading of the music with a detailed understanding of the times, this collection confirms Ian MacDonald's reputation as one of Britain's most important music journalists. Enlightening and entertaining, The People's Music is music writing as its best.

Reviews

A triumph - compelling, seductive, delightful * Nick Hornby *
An unprecedented critical feat... The most powerful and enlightening work on British pop since Jon Savage's England's Dreaming * Time Out *
No book has ever taken us closer to the actual music of The Beatles... A brilliant piece of work -- Tony Parsons
The most sustainedly brilliant piece of pop criticism and scholarship for years. Essential * Q Magazine *

Author Bio

Ian MacDonald was born in 1948. A writer with many interests, he was Assistant Editor of the New Musical Express during 1972-5. He has also worked as a songwriter and record producer, and is the author of The New Shostakovich, The People's Music and The Beatles at No. 1.He died in 2003.