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Rock ’n’ Roll Plays Itself

A Screen History
By John Scanlan
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Rock ’n’ Roll Plays Itself by John Scanlan delves into the unique relationship between music and image, exploring how rock 'n' roll not only defines popular culture but also reflects and shapes societal changes. The author examines the interplay of identity, sound, and visual aesthetics in the evolution of rock music, offering an insightful analysis into its cultural significance. Through this lens, the book portrays rock 'n' roll as a powerful medium that has continuously reinvented itself and influenced generations.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by the profound relationship between music and culture, particularly in how rock 'n' roll has influenced and been represented in various forms of media. It offers an insightful and engaging exploration of the symbiosis between the music world and broader cultural narratives, making it a compelling read for those interested in the intersections of music history and cultural studies.

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A history of rock music's relationship with the moving image over seven decades.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

When rock 'n' roll burst into life in the 1950s, the shockwaves echoed around the world, amplified by images of untamed youth projected on cinema screens. But for the performers themselves, showbusiness remained in control, contriving a series of cash-in movies to exploit the new musical fad.

In this riveting cultural history, John Scanlan explores rock's relationship with the moving image over seven decades in cinema, television, music videos, advertising, and YouTube. Along the way, he shows how rock was exploited, how it inspired film pioneers, and, not least, the transformations it caused over more than half a century.

From Elvis Presley to David Bowie, and from Scorpio Rising to the films of Scorsese and DIY documentarists like Don Letts, this is a unique retelling of the story of rock—from birth to old age—through its onscreen life.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Rock 'n' Roll Plays Itself by John Scanlan explores the intricate connections between rock music, musicians, and cinema, spanning from the early days with films like 'Rock Around The Clock' and Elvis Presley to modern platforms like MTV and YouTube. The book is noted for its extensive information on these cultural intersections and culminates with unique insights into Metallica's documentary and The Osbournes, offering a fascinating examination of how rock culture influenced and was portrayed in film.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781789145724

Publisher: Reaktion Books

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 16 May 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Reaktion Books

Illustration: 74 illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 138.0mm

Height: 216.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 256

Collections

Arts & Culture John Scanlan Non-Fiction

About the Author

John Scanlan is a cultural historian and the author of several books for Reaktion including Easy Riders, Rolling Stones: On the Road in America, from Delta Blues to '70s Rock (2015) and Sex Pistols: Poison in the Machine (2016).

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