Mystery Train: Images of America in Rock 'n' Roll Music by Greil Marcus
Griel Marcus is one of the most amazing American critics,
and the fact that he writes primarily about rock music and its significance in
American culture makes him unique. I have read a few other books by him, but
this was one of his first major works. It’s much more than just music
criticism, examining elements of America’s history, legacy, and culture through
the lens of music and how musicians (and entertainers) use music as a way to
express these ideas and further shape American culture. Marcus not only
examines music, but also looks to literature to make his case. I really enjoyed
the organization of this book, looking at “Ancestors” like Robert Johnson
(whose music and legacy I know) and Harmonica Frank (who I did not know) and
“Inheritors”, including Bob Dylan, the Band, Sly Stone, and Elvis. I was also
surprised to see Randy Newman in this category, but the book was originally
written in the mid 70s. These are dense chapters that explore the significance
of each artist and their work, as well as how they borrowed from or “inherited”
the work of previous generations, and what these artists mean to the future of
American music and culture. The fact that Marcus can link such varied artists
and examine common underlying themes in American music and culture is
incredible work. Maybe not a work for everyone, but if you are interested in
the history of American music and seeing its shifts and turns, then this is a
great book to explore. Furthermore, I think that the chapters could also work
as standalone pieces that explore varied elements in American culture and
music.
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