33 Revolutions Per Minute

Dorian has produced a very well researched and well written book covering the history of protest songs from Billie Holiday and Woody Gutherie in the US, through disco (yes, not what I would have thought of as a hotbed of the protest song), rap, punk (including the wonderful Crass) and much more.The sections that cover my personal music tastes (such as the chapter that looks at The Clash, particularly comparing them to the Sex Pistols) are of more immediate interest in some ways but the whole concept is very well conceived and conveyed in writing which, to my mind, stands above much of what I've read in non-fiction recently.I didn't give it five stars only because there are times where it is perhaps a little too much like a history text book with very detailed dates on who did what on which day which demonstrates a thorough approach to research and a knowledge and understanding of the subject matter (which is partly what you're paying for) but can impact on the readability.Overall, however, it's a great social history. There is a common thread through all the artists featured, despite the huge disparity in musical styles, which pulls the whole thing together into what is a great read for anyone with an interest in music.

A very insightful book. Well researched. You get to 'see' the thoughts, ideas and circumstances that generated some of the most incredible songs ever written.

Lots of surprises

as expected - superb piece of work

As one or two other reviewers have said the songs here are a structure on which to hang a history of protest songs in the modern era where pop & politics became mixed. At times the songs themselves are almost incidental to the story Lynskey wants to tell around them. So if you are looking for detailed writing about the songs mentioned you may well be disappointed.It is well researched and pretty well written though, perhaps a little academic and lacking in passion. But like all good music books it will send you out to listen to the music discussed which is perhaps the greatest pleasure of all.