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The People's Songs: The Story Of Modern Britain In 50 Records (2013)

by Stuart Maconie(Favorite Author)

3.74 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

009193379X (ISBN13: 9780091933791)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Ebury Press

review 1: Stuart Maconie’s history of post-war popular music written to accompany the 2013 BBC radio series of the same name, is an enjoyable read, though ultimately vaguely unsatisfying. The book (and radio series upon which its based) takes fifty significant songs of the post-war era as starting points to explore different aspects of British music, culture and social history, from “Move It” and the early days of British rock’n’roll, through “Shipbuilding” exploring Thatcherism and the Falklands War, to “One Day Like This” and the burgeoning British music festival scene.As always in his work as a writer and broadcaster, Stuart Maconie deals with the subject matter in a deft, knowledgeable and entertaining fashion, mixing elements of social history with the backgro... moreund behind the songs and artists. Whilst purists might quibble about some of the songs selected, the format actually works extremely well in providing a very readable overview of British popular music and the society that created it. Maconie also illustrates each song with some fascinating anecdotes and well-chosen quotes - particularly apposite is music journalist Mark Ellen’s accurate but affectionate definition of the Goth.Where it falls down is the sheer scope of the book renders some chapters rushed and occasionally superficial in their treatment of each song and topic, with often only occupying a handful of pages, borne out by the most successful chapters being the longer ones. These shortcomings are almost certainly due to the book being based on Maconie’s narration from the radio series, which only makes up a third or so of each programme, the remaining being a series of interviews with members of the listening public about their memories of the times and music, and most importantly, the songs themselves. The necessary omission of these last from the book renders Maconie’s narration slightly insubstantial, something which it doesn’t suffer from in its original context. Whilst this book is certainly diverting enough as an overview, I’d strongly recommend anyone with an interest in the subject matter to seek out the BBC radio series of the same name online.
review 2: A frenzied pace and several decades of music and social history in Britain, from the kaleidoscopic prism of Stuart Maconie. This book will of necessity spark disagreement between all music anoraks everywhere; but the touchpoints chosen were well-thought and slightly personal, which add to the character and flavor of the book. A complete modern musical history it isn't, but that was never it's intent. The majority of youth cults & culture, movements and politics, upheavals and economic change, are reflected in this collection of 50 tracks which shaped a modern Britain. Not bad for the one book. Maconie's tone is always enjoyable...slightly cheeky, his delight in obviously favorite topics covered, infectious.A thoroughly enjoyable read at a break-neck pace. Highly recommended. less

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