What does the term ‘pop music’ mean to you? Does it have connotations of youth, rebellion and the generation gap? Do the words; ‘dangerous’, ‘innovative’ or ‘exciting’ spring readily to mind? Or does the term align itself more with ‘soundtrack’, ‘uniformity’ or, dare I say it, ‘boredom’?
The answer probably lies with your age. If you are at the more youthful end of the demographic (let’s be generous and say, ooh, under thirty) pop music may be perceived as part of the establishment. Whilst it might be produced by young people – and even that contention is a bit shaky with the Rolling Stones still in circulation – it is used by the grown-up commercial world to further its own interests, almost without mercy.
Popular music has become embedded into almost every aspect of everyday life; so much so that we hardly notice it is there. It adds the soundtrack to every film we see at the cinema and every programme we watch on television and even the adverts and continuity between programmes. It plays in shops and restaurants, airports and sports stadiums. It seems that there is no business or public place that does not use popular music as a background to its own endeavours. In short: there is no escape and it has become inextricably linked to the adult world.
But it wasn’t always like this.
For me in particular and the Baby Boomers/Generation Xers in general, music means much, much more. For those of us bitten by the pop music bug it means youth, invention, discovery and for some, rebellion and these words are etched into our souls.
This book seeks to show why this is so and why an interest in pop music remains throughout life. Using my own life as an example, ‘Memoirs’ examines the roots of infatuation and subsequently the importance, the beauty and let’s face it, the sheer silliness and embarrassment of being a pop music fan whilst trying to be a grown-up.
It looks at a plethora of bands and artists from the last 50 years or so and seeks to root out why these people mean so much to us, the listeners - and if I don't mention your own favourite, I apologise in advance. But do give it a read - you may recognise yourself. Scary.
Finally, if you are a student of English literature, you’ll be gratified to know that The Watford Observer called it ‘Never less than readable...commendably left-field...written in an engaging, self-deprecating style that readers of (Nick) Hornby and (Giles) Smith will find familiar'…honest!
Author's Note - This book is now available via print-on-demand so although Amazon will show 'temporarily out of stock' if you click to buy, a copy it will be printed to order.
Finally, if you are a student of English literature, you’ll be gratified to know that The Watford Observer called it ‘Never less than readable...commendably left-field...written in an engaging, self-deprecating style that readers of (Nick) Hornby and (Giles) Smith will find familiar'…honest!
Author's Note - This book is now available via print-on-demand so although Amazon will show 'temporarily out of stock' if you click to buy, a copy it will be printed to order.
