Description
Book SynopsisTells the story of how music and youth culture have changed along with the economic, political, and cultural transformations of American society. This book traces the histories of punk, hardcore, heavy metal, glam, thrash, alternative rock, grunge, and riot grrrl music, and relates them to wider social changes that have taken place.
Trade Review"Moore successfully positions the culture of white working-class and middle-class youths alongside that of working-class African Americans within the political economy of deindustrialization." -- Eileen Luhr * Southern California Quarterly *
"In his book Sells Like Teen Spirit: Music Youth Culture and Social Crisis, Ryan Moore brilliantly situates the histories of several musical styles within the political, economic, and social changes that lead to the development of an assortment of rock subgenres. Moore's engaging book is for scholars of youth culture, pop culture, and any who are interested in music history." -- Douglas N. Evans * Journal of Youth and Adolescence *
"Sells Like Teen Spirit combines a fascinating ethnography of San Diegos punk subculture with a profound rumination on the exhaustion of social movements and the emptiness of consumer culture in our society. Moore helps us see how large changes in economics and social relations manifest themselves in seemingly small sites and practices in our everyday lives." -- George Lipsitz,author of Footsteps in the Dark: The Hidden Histories of Popular Music
"With endearing authenticity and proper reverence, Moore skillfully articulates the brutal social truths that compel young people to create meaning and subculture out of chaos and anomie. Somewhere, Walter Benjamin and the Ramones are slamming through another brilliant set shouting, & Hey ho, lets go!!" -- Donna Gaines,author of A Misfits Manifesto: The Sociological Memoir of a Rock & Roll Heart
"Moores strength is his obvious admiration for the bands and genres he highlights. He is a first-class music journalist and historian and when he delves into a particular subculture like the econo ethos of the Minutemen, the Dickies use of snortcore or Minor Threats creation of straightedge, the reader is richly rewarded." * PopMatters.com *
"Moore’s deeply personal take on the historical significance of heavy metal is also a refreshing addition to the independent music canon." * CampusProgress.org *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments 1 Anarchy in the USA 2 Reagan Youth 3 Hell Awaits 4 Young, Gifted, and Slack 5 Retro Punks and Pin-Up Girls 6 The Work of Rock in the Age of Digital Reproduction Notes Bibliography Index About the Author
