Music enthusiasts have a treat in store with 10 new books arriving next week, covering topics from legendary clubs and artist memoirs to K-pop phenomena and jazz photography. These releases span rock history, hip-hop theory, and club culture, offering fresh insights into the industry's past and present.
Overview of Releases
Next week marks the arrival of a diverse collection of music-related books, each delving into unique aspects of the industry's evolution. From intimate club stories to global fanbases, these titles provide behind-the-scenes looks at musicians, scenes, and innovations.
Rock and Club Histories
'Positively Fourth and Mercer' by Allan Pepper and Billy Altman recounts the 30-year legacy of New York's The Bottom Line club, highlighting its role in hosting icons and emerging talents in an intimate setting. Similarly, 'Giant Steps' by Derek Shulman traces his path from leading prog-rock band Gentle Giant to executive roles signing acts like Bon Jovi and AC/DC.
Indie and Pop Narratives
Josh Bloom's 'The Apples In Stereo' explores the band's foundational role in the Elephant 6 collective through interviews with key members, emphasizing their pop-rock contributions. Carolyn McHugh's 'Stray Kids' chronicles the K-pop group's rise from a survival show to global stardom, noting their record-breaking album '5-Star' and innovative self-production by 3RACHA.
Visual and Cultural Deep Dives
'Waits / Corbijn,' reissued with an introduction by Jim Jarmusch, features decades of photography capturing Tom Waits' artistic journey alongside his own creative works. 'Lisette Model: The Jazz Pictures,' edited with texts by Audrey Sands and Loren Schoenberg, revives 1950s images of jazz legends like Louis Armstrong amid political challenges faced by the photographer.
Modern Influences and Scenes
Alister Newstead's entry in the 33⅓ series analyzes Tame Impala's 'Currents,' detailing Kevin Parker's shift to pop and its impact on streaming-era music. 'Berghain Nights' by Liam Cagney examines Berlin's techno culture, from historic clubs to its economic and personal significance. 'Grassroots Music In The Upper Cumberland' by William Lynwood Montell surveys traditional sounds across Tennessee and Kentucky counties, profiling local artists. Finally, A D Carson's 'Being Dope' blends mixtape-style essays with hip-hop theory, challenging perceptions of the genre through personal and historical lenses.
These books collectively illuminate music's enduring stories and transformations.