Rock: The Primary Text : Developing a Musicology of Rock

The author believes that within rock criticism and commentary there is insufficient attention given to the “primary text” – the sounds themselves. He argues for the development of a musicology particular to rock and sets out the primary elements of such a musicology against a background of the beat and rhythm and blues styles of the early 1960s, and considers “progressive rock” and subsequent styles. He also explores the fundamental issue of rock as a medium for self-expression, and the relationship of this to musical style. The text traces the changing musical styles of rock, discusses the use and mediation of the music, and lays the foundations for a rock aesthetics.