What to Read to Really Understand Music
These memoirs, primers, and histories make up a captivating syllabus that will help explain what you hear.
TL;DR
- The article suggests seven books to deepen the understanding and appreciation of music.
- Kelefa Sanneh's 'Major Labels' explores the history of seven popular music genres.
- Questlove's 'Mo' Meta Blues' offers a personal and broad perspective on hip-hop history.
- Deborah Paredez's 'American Diva' reframes the concept of the 'diva' in music.
- Ann Patchett's novel 'Bel Canto' illustrates music's power to connect people during a crisis.
- David Byrne's 'How Music Works' provides insights into the music industry and creative process.
- Daniel J. Levitin's 'I Heard There Was a Secret Chord' examines music's medicinal and neurological benefits.
- Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain's 'Please Kill Me' offers an uncensored oral history of punk music.