Simon Reynolds’ “Rip It Up and Start Again” is a fascinating and comprehensive exploration of the post-punk music movement that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The book chronicles the musical and cultural shifts that occurred during this time, as a new generation of artists rejected the excesses of the 1970s and sought to create something new and meaningful.
Reynolds provides a detailed analysis of the music, lyrics, and attitudes of bands like Joy Division, Public Image Ltd, Gang of Four, and many others, showing how they embraced experimentation, dissonance, and social commentary to create a sound that was both innovative and challenging. He also examines the broader cultural context of the era, exploring the political and social issues that influenced the music and the artists who made it.
Throughout the book, Reynolds writes with a passion and enthusiasm for the music and the people who created it, and his insights are both informative and thought-provoking. Whether you’re a fan of post-punk or simply interested in the cultural history of the era, “Rip It Up and Start Again” is an essential read that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the music and the artists who made it.
Goss Phong –
Simon Reynolds’ “Rip It Up and Start Again” is a fascinating and comprehensive exploration of the post-punk music movement that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The book chronicles the musical and cultural shifts that occurred during this time, as a new generation of artists rejected the excesses of the 1970s and sought to create something new and meaningful.
Reynolds provides a detailed analysis of the music, lyrics, and attitudes of bands like Joy Division, Public Image Ltd, Gang of Four, and many others, showing how they embraced experimentation, dissonance, and social commentary to create a sound that was both innovative and challenging. He also examines the broader cultural context of the era, exploring the political and social issues that influenced the music and the artists who made it.
Throughout the book, Reynolds writes with a passion and enthusiasm for the music and the people who created it, and his insights are both informative and thought-provoking. Whether you’re a fan of post-punk or simply interested in the cultural history of the era, “Rip It Up and Start Again” is an essential read that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the music and the artists who made it.