Description
Book SynopsisFrom the author of 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.
Trade ReviewA 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 *
