New Music Books Dive Deep into Rock History: From Rik Emmett’s Guitar Tales to the shangri-Las’ Untold Story
Table of Contents
- 1. New Music Books Dive Deep into Rock History: From Rik Emmett’s Guitar Tales to the shangri-Las’ Untold Story
- 2. A Literary Feast for Music Lovers
- 3. Ten Telecaster Tales: Liner Notes for a Guitar and Its Music by rik Emmett
- 4. Lollapalooza: The Uncensored Story of Choice Rock’s Wildest Festival by Richard bienstock & Tom Beaujour
- 5. Dressed In Black: The Shangri-Las & Their Recorded legacy by Lisa MacKinney
- 6. based on the interview, what specific aspects of Rik Emmett’s approach to music-making are explored in “Ten Telecaster Tales”?
- 7. New Music Books: Exploring the Depths of Rock History and Music’s Cultural Impact
- 8. interview with Dr. Evelyn Reed
Explore the untold stories behind iconic musicians, festivals, and the cultural movements they ignited.
A Literary Feast for Music Lovers
For U.S. readers eager to delve into the heart of rock and roll, a fresh wave of books promises to deliver. From the intricate artistry of guitar legends to the raw energy of groundbreaking music festivals and the untold stories of influential bands, these narratives offer a rich tapestry of musical history.
Ten Telecaster Tales: Liner Notes for a Guitar and Its Music by rik Emmett
Rik Emmett, known for his virtuoso guitar work, presents a unique concept with Ten Telecaster Tales. This isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s an immersive experience that blends music and literature.Emmett himself describes it as:
ten Telecaster Tales remakes the idea of the ‘concept album.’ It is indeed music that arrives inside a book…the moast complete attempt at liner notes in the history of electric instrumental fingerstyle guitar albums.
Emmett’s approach offers a deep dive into his creative process, exploring the inspiration, ideology, and even spirituality behind his music. He recounts dreaming of and commissioning a custom Telecaster-style guitar, than composing music specifically for it. This intimate and detailed exploration is a treat for guitar aficionados and anyone interested in the artistic journey. for U.S. readers familiar with guitar heroes like Eric Clapton or Jimi Hendrix, Emmett’s dedication to his instrument and craft will resonate deeply.
This book builds upon Emmett’s previous memoir, Lay It On The Line, further solidifying his legacy as a multifaceted artist. It combines musical composition, guitar playing, and prose, offering a holistic view of his artistic evolution.Emmett’s work serves as a real-world exmaple of how musicians can expand their storytelling beyond customary albums,engaging fans on a deeper,more personal level.This approach mirrors trends seen in the broader entertainment industry, where artists are increasingly using multiple platforms to connect with their audiences.
Lollapalooza: The Uncensored Story of Choice Rock’s Wildest Festival by Richard bienstock & Tom Beaujour
Richard Bienstock and Tom Beaujour’s Lollapalooza dives headfirst into the chaotic and transformative history of the iconic music festival. Through hundreds of interviews, the authors chronicle Lollapalooza’s pioneering run from 1991 to 1997, capturing the rise of alternative rock and its profound impact on the music industry and American culture. Bienstock and Beaujour state that the book is a:
no-holds-barred history of the iconic music festival.
The book features original interviews with music icons like Perry Farrell, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Nine Inch Nails, and many more. Lollapalooza, conceived by Farrell as a farewell tour for Jane’s Addiction, quickly evolved into a cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion, film, television, literature, and even politics. Its annual Chicago festival attracts an estimated 400,000 attendees. For U.S. readers who remember the ’90s,this book offers a nostalgic trip back to a time when alternative rock was at its peak.
Lollapalooza’s influence extends beyond music. It helped to mainstream alternative culture, paving the way for other festivals like Coachella and Bonnaroo. the festival’s focus on diversity and inclusion also set a precedent for future events, reflecting a broader shift in American society towards greater acceptance and understanding. Today,Lollapalooza stands as a testament to the power of music to unite people and drive social change,issues that continue to resonate in American society.
The book highlights not only the successes of Lollapalooza but also the challenges and controversies it faced. From clashes with local authorities to debates over corporate sponsorship, the festival’s history reflects the complex relationship between art, commerce, and social activism. These challenges are not unique to Lollapalooza; they are common to many large-scale cultural events in the U.S.
Dressed In Black: The Shangri-Las & Their Recorded legacy by Lisa MacKinney
Lisa MacKinney’s Dressed In Black offers the first comprehensive history of The Shangri-Las, one of the most notable girl groups of the 1960s. MacKinney uses compelling evidence to create:
radically rewrites the accepted narrative of the band.
Sisters Mary and betty Weiss, along with twins Mary Ann and Marguerite Ganser, formed the band in 1963 and quickly rose to fame with hits like “leader Of The Pack” and “Remember (Walking In The Sand).” Though, their career was cut short due to circumstances beyond their control, including dealings with Mafia-linked record executives. For U.S. readers, The Shangri-Las represent a pivotal moment in American pop music, and their story reflects the challenges faced by female artists in a male-dominated industry.
beyond the music, “Dressed in Black” delves into the personal lives of the band members, exploring the impact of fame, heartbreak, and tragedy. It sheds light on the darker side of the music industry, where artists can be exploited and manipulated. This aspect of the book speaks to ongoing conversations in the U.S. about artist rights, fair compensation, and the need for greater transparency in the entertainment industry.
based on the interview, what specific aspects of Rik Emmett’s approach to music-making are explored in “Ten Telecaster Tales”?
New Music Books: Exploring the Depths of Rock History and Music’s Cultural Impact
Archyde News recently had the prospect to speak with renowned music historian, Dr. Evelyn Reed, about the captivating new wave of music books hitting the shelves. We discussed everything from guitar legends to the stories behind iconic festivals and influential bands.
interview with Dr. Evelyn Reed
Archyde: Dr. Reed, thank you for joining us. We’re excited to discuss thes new books, starting with “Ten Telecaster Tales” by Rik Emmett. Can you tell us more about what makes this book unique?
Dr. Reed: Certainly! “Ten Telecaster Tales” isn’t just a biography or a collection of songs with liner notes. It’s a complete immersion into Rik Emmett’s creative process. He explains how he commissioned a custom Telecaster and then wrote music specifically for it, combining instrumental compositions with a very personal narrative. It is a great example for musicians expanding their storytelling beyond the customary album.
Archyde: That sounds fascinating. Moving on to festivals, “Lollapalooza: The Uncensored Story of Choice Rock’s Wildest Festival” is creating buzz. What’s the key takeaway from this book?
Dr. Reed: This book does an excellent job, documenting Lollapalooza’s early years, from its inception by Perry Farrell through its impact on music and culture. It delves into the interviews with music icons and really captures the spirit of the alternative rock era. It also explores how Lollapalooza helped to mainstream alternative culture, which is still resonating in the United States.
Archyde: The final book, “Dressed In Black: The Shangri-Las & Their Recorded Legacy,” promises a revisionist history of the band. What new perspectives does this book bring?
dr. Reed: “Dressed In Black” offers a long-overdue in-depth look at The Shangri-Las,one of the most iconic girl groups of the 1960s. The book promises to rewrite the band’s history, exploring the challenges they faced, including the darker side of the industry. It is a timely story about artists and fair compensation.
Archyde: All three books seem to highlight vital shifts in the music industry and in culture. Do you think these books are a reflection of a growing interest in music history?
Dr. Reed: Absolutely. There’s a clear desire to understand not just the music itself, but the context, the people, and the forces at play.The popularity of festivals also highlights people’s desire to connect through experiences.
Archyde: These books have also generated conversations about music’s power to connect people. With all the social and political issues in the United States, how do you think music contributes to society?
Dr. Reed: Music has always been a powerful voice. It can unite people and drive social change, as demonstrated during and after Lollapalooza’s creation. It can also bring about conversations around artists’ rights, a critical topic in the United States. Music reminds us about the connections we share, making us feel less alone in a challenging world.
Archyde: A final question for you,Dr. Reed: If you could choose one song to represent the themes discussed in these books, which would it be and why?
Dr. Reed: Given that these books explore both the technical craft and the cultural impact, I would choose “Leader of the Pack” by The Shangri-Las.It encapsulates the challenges faced by female artists in a male-dominated industry, the excitement and tragedy of rock and roll, and the enduring power of music in telling stories for generations.
Archyde: Dr. Reed,thank you for this insightful conversation!
