The coolest facts about the music we make, listen to and love.This illustrated book explores how music and the ways we experience it has transformed over the years and the science behind all of it. It starts with the basics — how does sound work? and what, exactly, is music? — then follows the progression of music-recording technology, from the phonograph to streaming. It covers how everyday items like headphones were created, and includes a look at the science of how we experience...

Alan Cross is the preeminent chronicler of popular music.Here he provides a history of The Smiths, the definitive British indie band of the 1980s.This look at the band -- "Those Charming Men" -- is adapted from the audiobook of the same name.

Alan Cross is the preeminent chronicler of popular music.Here he provides a history of Joe Strummer, Mick Jones, and The Clash.This look at the band -- "The Only Band That Matters" -- is adapted from the audiobook of the same name.

Alan Cross is the preeminent chronicler of popular music.Here he provides a history of David Bowie's career from his start as Davy Jones through the end of the millennium.This look at Bowie -- "Shape-shifter, Actor, Artist, Gay Icon" -- is adapted from the audiobook of the same name.

Alan Cross is the preeminent chronicler of popular music.Here he provides a history of New Order and what happened after the death of Ian Curtis.This look at the group -- "A Band of Substance" -- is adapted from the audiobook of the same name.

Alan Cross is the preeminent chronicler of popular music.Here he provides a short history of Pearl Jam from their founding through the year 2000.This look at the "anti-stars from Seattle" is adapted from the audiobook of the same name.

Alan Cross is the preeminent chronicler of popular music.Here he provides a history of musician and producer Brian Eno's decades-long career.This look at Eno's influence -- "Musician, Producer; Artist, Philosopher; Oblique Strategies" -- is adapted from the audiobook of the same name.

Alan Cross is the preeminent chronicler of popular music.Here he looks at Green Day from their founding through 2006.This ebook is adapted from the audiobook.

Alan Cross is the preeminent chronicler of popular music.Here he provides a history of Michael Stipe and R.E.M.This look at the band -- "Radio Free Athens" -- is adapted from the audiobook of the same name.

Alan Cross is the preeminent chronicler of popular music.Here he provides a short history of The Beastie Boys from the group's founding through Hello Nasty.This revised and updated look at the group -- "Three MCs and One DJ" -- is adapted from the audiobook of the same name.

Alan Cross is the preeminent chronicler of popular music.Here he provides a history of electronic pioneers Depeche Mode.This look at the group -- "Music for the Masses--and Then Some" -- is adapted from the audiobook of the same name.

Alan Cross is the preeminent chronicler of popular music.Here he provides a history of U2.This look at the band -- "Four Hearts Beat as One" -- is adapted from the audiobook of the same name.