The History of Rock 'n' Roll in Ten Songs

Like any subjective listing, I wonder what the hell made him use certain songs (but a couple of the artists make sense--Buddy Holly & the Beatles.. Once I read it I found that the song isn't necessarily of lasting importance. I was prompted to make my own list of 10 which included none of his. In the Still of the Night came closest to making it. Lie all lists, it's made to be spat upon.Still its very much a fun read and highly recommended.I bought a 2nd copy for my son as a gift and placed my list, with explanation, in the book. I have no other copy or else I'd throw it out for the sake of argument.I made a CD out of the songs he used and it basically good listening except for "Guitar Drag" by Christian Marclay.

Greil Marcus still impresses with his patented ability to make connections across American history and link seeminlgly disparate musical narratives. Nowhere is this better displayed than the chapter on the book's most unlikely rocker -- performance artist Christian Marclay. (Why didn't he end there instead of the short chapter on the inessential Amy Winehouse?) Elsewhere, he mostly revisits themes and stories that will be familiar to readers of his Real Life Top Ten columns and earlier books. His showy, metaphor-jammed descriptions of the music occasionally hit home ("A Day in the Life") but often read rather tiresomely. And where is one of those great Marcus discographies, giving readers more info. about the music in the book? (I suppose it's all on Youtube, but why would I rather have the discography?)If you love Marcus's earlier writing and need more, this is worth a read. If you are new, you need to start with the latest edition of Mystery Train, and Invisible Republic, which remain his two best books.

This is a must read for anyone who craves more information about the early influences of rock and roll, or simply put, one who loves music trivia. The author takes us through Rock and Roll history without skipping a beat, providing a perspective that most fans would appreciate. I thoroughly enjoyed this unique book, and do not hesitate to recommend it.

I am a retired librarian and avid reader. This book is possibly the worst book I have ever attempted to read. I deeply regret purchasing it. It is too bad even to be boring. It is simply unreadable. The parts I did manage to read caused me to wonder if Marcus decided to see how bad a book he could write and still get it published. I am a tolerant and patient reader and am always interested in new styles and points of view. Having read good writing by Marcus in the past, at first I thought that, if I kept at it, I would get to the good part. Wrong. If there is a good part (I seriously doubt there is), the crap through which I would have to slog to get to it makes the whole endeavor useless.Do not buy this book. If you must give it a try, borrow it from a library or a friend.

What is it with Greil Marcus? He has the most interesting things to say and the most insufferable way of saying them. This book is filled with wonderful insights and refreshing looks at songs and their influences. Now, if only Mr. Marcus could be sent back to Junior High School and whipped with rattan reeds until he learned to write.

Didn't like it as well as his other books...I understand the premise, but it was a tough read. Best chapters were on Joy Division (sent me immediately to YouTube searching for the Ian Curtis biopic clips he mentioned) & on Etta James (the discussion of pseudo-soul singing via exaggerated range, quiver & other assorted affectations in this chapter was great).

Greil Marcus really brings it together with this book. It's a fun read and if you listen to the songs he describes, it's even better. Marcus has a way with words when describing music, it's everything you ever thought of a song, but couldn't put into words. Rock N Roll nerds/Vinyl collectors/ Music junkies/ and plain old part time pop music listeners alike will not be disappointed!

Fantastic, idiosyncratic essay on rock, taking ten songs and exploring their histories in the context of popular music, but it's really a way for Marcus to write about other important songs and artists. For many writers, it would come off as unfocused and rambling, but in his hands you're happy to be along for the ride.

Excellent book. Beautifully and clear written.

I thought this couldn't be done but Greil Marcus has nailed it. Meticulous, surprising and inspirational. Long live rock and roll!

Great read and introduced me to a bunch of songs I didn't know and now love.

A simple but brilliant concept: Explore what rock 'n' roll music is and can be through digging into ten songs in no particular order. The connections become so clear and powerful along the way. Checking out the songs on YouTube as you read about them makes it all the more enjoyable. Bang a gong! Get it on!