Popular Music
Topics, Trends & Trajectories
- Tara Brabazon - Flinders University, Australia
Sociology of Music
The book is organized in accessible sections which cover the main themes of research and teaching. It examines:
• The key approaches to understanding popular music
• The main settings of exchange and consumption
• The role of technology in the production of popular music
• The main genres of popular music
• The key debates of the present day
Barbazon writes with verve and penetration. Her approach starts with how most people actually consume music today and transfers this onto the plain of study.
The organization of the material enables teachers and students to shuffle from one topic to the next. Yet the book provides an unparalleled network to the core library of concepts and issues in the field. As such, it is the perfect study guide for undergraduates located in this exciting and expanding field.
An incredibly wide-ranging critical account of popular music. The book is an essential resource for all staff and students in the field
Prof John Storey
Centre for Research in Media and Cultural Studies, University of Sunderland
One of the most thoughtful, inspirational and engaging popular music texts of recent years. It deserves to be well-thumbed by popular music students, academics and researchers alike. Insightful at every corner, the text covers a kaleidoscopic range of subjects - from country music to copyright, Madchester to Myspace - and delivers a wonderfully clear, authoritative and lively invitation to think and write about music. As pedagogically enriching as it is analytically sophisticated, the text not only describes current digital music cultures, but also suggests fruitful movements beyond current orthodoxies of popular music studies. A serious intervention that just so happens to be a clear and accessible textbook
Nick Prior
Senior Lecturer, Sociology, University of Edinburgh
Great book but covers only a little of what we look at.
Covers a wide range of relevant topics and gives in depth insights to popular music.
good book to aid those on course for reading material for extra reading and information
Interesting and detailed book which informs the reader about the historical factors of the music industry. It is easy to read and informative.
A refreshing and original approach to studying the music industries
This is an enjoyable read that covers a wide range of topics and genres around popular music. I've used this for Level 4 which seemed most appropriate, though Level 6 students did find the debates section useful and engaging in seminar discussions.
Very good to be used as an introduction of popular music and media
Well-written and engaging book. Insightful and covering a wide range of subjects that makes it essential for music industry/popular music students. A must-read, in my opinion.
Provides students with useful tasters
