Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Story of Modern Pop
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Modern pop began in 1952 when the first British chart was published and the first 7" singles were released. It ended (perhaps) in 1995 when Robson and Jerome reached the top of the charts with the first number one not to be available on vinyl since 1953. The internet age ushered in the death rites of over 40 years of pop. A Complete History Pop describes the journey that leads from 'Rock Around the Clock' to 'Crazy in Love'. Raw, thrilling, surprising and sometimes downright dangerous, the Pop moment almost always clocks in under 3:30 and is initially, immediately recognised by a teenage listener. Billy Fury. Chuck Berry. Sonny and Cher. The Troggs. Glen Campbell. Bee Gees. Roxy Music. Chic. Slade. Sex Pistols. Adam and the Ants. Pet Shop Boys. New Order. Madonna. Bob Stanley's A Complete History of Pop documents the rich soundtrack of the last six decades as it has been heard on radios and jukeboxes across the land. There have been many books on pop but very few, if any, have attempted to bring the whole story to life from rock n roll to house and techno in all its various sub-permutations. Audacious and addictive, A Complete History of Pop is a one-stop pop shop for the music lover everywhere.
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Bob Stanley knows his stuff. One third of St. Etienne, music writer, label boss and, probably above all else, a pop music obsessive, this book is quite obviously a labour of love. It's also one of the best books on music I have ever read.
Taking as his starting point the publication of the first British chart in 1952, Stanley traces pop music's development via Rock ‘n' Roll, Elvis, The Beatles, right up through Hip Hop, House and modern R&B. He pretty much covers all the bases, hopping back and forth across the Atlantic as the epicentre of pop switches between London, New York, LA and back again. He tracks the peaks and troughs, the explosions of creativity, the attempts of the music business to catch up and control each trend and profiles the major players with a succinctness that is admirable. For instance he manages to nail the essence of the Beatles in one chapter.
Yes he gives short shrift to some and eulogises others and you won't agree with everything he writes, but mostly he's incisive, witty and enthusiastic. This is a great read, it's not dry and academic, it's a fan's love letter to pop music. Stanley knows that pop music is ephemeral, it's here today and gone tomorrow, but it has also been the soundtrack to our lives for the past 60 odd years. And that's no small thing. Be it Marvin Gaye, Green Day or Stereolab, those of us that love pop music will have been moved, amused, shocked or even bored by it at one time or another. Stanley knows that and Yeah Yeah Yeah celebrates that fact.
Highly recommended.