Understanding Rock: Essays in Musical Analysis Book

In the last twenty years, scholars have become increasingly interested in rock music, and this is evinced by the ever burgeoning literature devoted to rock music, the musicians who make it, and the fans who enjoy it. But of the many works published in rock music, few attempt to subject the music itself to close and sophisticated analytical scrutiny. Understanding Rock brings together essays by seven of musicology and music theory's best young scholars, and each essay explores the often complex musical structure of rock. Chapters in this collection are devoted to the music of The Beach Boys, The Grateful Dead, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, Yes, Paul Simon, and k.d. lang. Each essay is richly illustrated with musical examples, and in some cases, with extended transcriptions. Taken together, these essays present a formidable example of just how compelling rock scholarship can be. They demonstrate how rock music both addresses current concerns in musical analysis, while in some cases casting old issues in a new light. These essays also suggest how the analysis of rock music prompts the consideration of new issues in music and musical analysis and scholarship.Read More