Appetite for Definition: An A-Z Guide to Rock Genres

by Ian King

Overview

Part reference book, part history, and part road map to the connectivity of popular music, this book is a must for all rock ‘n’ roll fans as it brings together a compilation of over two hundred genres of rock music—an entertaining, enlightening, knotty family tree of America’s favorite musical genre.

In the six decades since rock ’n’ roll stole America’s soul, the single genre has produced over two hundred sub-genres. The days of being able to walk in to a Tower Records and seek out recommendations from an aloof, all-knowing staffer has been relegated to a long-lost Generation X paradise preserved in John Hughes films. From iTunes to Spotify, listeners now regularly turn to algorithms instead of human advice to develop relationships with the music they love.

The essential companion for any rock lover’s collection—be it on vinyl or Spotify playlists—Appetite for Definition breaks down algorithms into their human stories and interconnected histories.  It provides and pulls up recommendations from a deeper well of consideration and gives you the tools to do the same. Operating on a macro level it surveys the myriad microlevel movements into an accessible map that readers can use to navigate the vast, craggy terrain of rock music and take their rock knowledge—whether casual or obsessive—to the next level.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062688897
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	11/06/2018
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	528
File size:	939 KB

About the Author

Ian King is a music writer and publishing professional who has contributed to Nylon, Slice magazine, Stereogum, The Line of Best Fit, PopMatters,KEXP, and Vol. 1 Brooklyn, as well as other music media. He lives in Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and their son.  

Editorial Reviews

11/15/2018

Fans of rock music who engage in long conversations about the relative merits of bands may find this slim volume from rock journalist King the resource they didn't know they needed. Each of the genre entries begins with a brief description of the origins and history of the music type. Short lists such as "pioneer tracks," "other key players," and "crossover tracks" provide eager readers with a music finding aid, listing key tracks in each genre, the names of other important rock acts, and relevant songs from other music styles. VERDICT Recommended to all interested in the history of rock music, those looking for new music recommendations, and anyone who wants to improve their rock and roll vocabulary.—Todd Spires, Bradley Univ. Lib., Peoria, IL

Library Journal

10/29/2018
Music writer King debuts with a thoroughly researched and entertainingly written guide to the more than 200 subgenres of rock music. In short but sharp entries, King shows his appreciation for rock’s “messy confluence of events,” including the way British Invasion rockers such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones were influenced by motown, how glam rock influenced punk rock, and how the blues was the basis for of heavy metal. King excels in his ability to parse the differences between newer genres such as shoegaze in the early 1990s (“heavy amounts of delay and reverb to achieve a lazy, dream-like quality”), slowcore in the late 1990s (“distorted and lead-footed... hardcore with a heavy foot on the brakes”), and chillwave in the late 2000s (“ethereal, mellow”). King also offers suggestions in each entry for “Pioneer” tracks so readers can compile their own playlists. Whether setting apart progressive rock (Genesis, Pink Floyd, Rush) from progressive metal (Dream Theater, Gojira, Opeth) or negotiating the subtle distinctions among folk rock, folk punk, folk metal, and freak folk, King brings an informative voice that will enlighten all fans of rock music in its many permutations. This encyclopedia of rock is sure to spark many heated conversations. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly

King brings an informative voice that will enlighten all fans of rock music in its many permutations. This encyclopedia of rock is sure to spark many heated conversations.” — Publishers Weekly

“Recommended to all interested in the history of rock music, those looking for new music recommendations, and anyone who wants to improve their rock and roll vocabulary.” — Library Journal

“Works as casual reading, a handy reference tool, inspiration for listeners stuck in a musical rut, and a welcome addition to library music collections.” — Booklist

From the Publisher

Works as casual reading, a handy reference tool, inspiration for listeners stuck in a musical rut, and a welcome addition to library music collections.

Booklist

Works as casual reading, a handy reference tool, inspiration for listeners stuck in a musical rut, and a welcome addition to library music collections.

Booklist