This collection brings new voices and new perspectives to the study of popular—and particularly rock—music. Focusing on a variety of artists and music forms, Rock Over the Edge asks what happens to rock criticism when rock is no longer a coherent concept. To work toward an answer, contributors investigate previously neglected genres and styles, such as “lo fi,” alternative country, and “rock en español,” while offering a fresh look at such familiar figures as Elvis Presley, the Be...

Music videos are available on more channels, in more formats, and in more countries than ever before. While MTV—the network that introduced music video to most viewers—is moving away from music video programming, other media developments signal the longevity and dynamism of the form. Among these are the proliferation of niche-based cable and satellite channels, the globalization of music video production and programming, and the availability of videos not just on television but also via ce...

Grunge, also known as the 'Seattle sound', is the sludgy fusion of punk rock and heavy metal that emerged from the Pacific Northwest in the early part of the 1980s. But it was the unexpected, seemingly overnight success of Nirvana's single 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' in the fall of 1991, that made grunge a household word and launched an American music movement on par with punk and hip-hop.Twenty years later, Mark Yarm captures that era in the words of those at the forefront of the m...

The complete, uncensored history of the award-winning The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, as told by its correspondents, writers, and host.For almost seventeen years, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart brilliantly redefined the borders between television comedy, political satire, and opinionated news coverage. It launched the careers of some of today's most significant comedians, highlighted the hypocrisies of the powerful, and garnered 23 Emmys. Now th...

More than any other band, Pearl Jam embodies the alternative style that dominates rock today. From their early days as fame-ducking grunge pioneers, through their headline-making battle with Ticketmaster, to their current status as self-assured survivors, Five Against One brings to life Pearl Jam's tumultuous ascent to superstardom in rich detail. A compelling portrait of the band's elusive leader Eddie Vedder and family photos never seen ...

Alan Cross is the preeminent chronicler of popular music.Here he provides a history of punk-rock revolutionaries The Sex Pistols.This look at the band -- "Delivering Anarchy to the UK" -- is adapted from the audiobook of the same name.

Alan Cross is the preeminent chronicler of popular music.Here he provides a history of Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails.This look at NIN -- "Anger is an (Industrial) Energy" -- is adapted from the audiobook of the same name.

Games of Thrones has quickly established itself as one of TV's most exciting shows - combining political intrigue and family dysfunction against an epic fantasy backdrop. HBO's lavish adaptation of George R.R. Martin's series of fantasy novels features a stellar cast, including Aidan Gillen, Peter Dinklage and Lena Headey, and chronicles the violent struggles between the kingdom's noble families as they attempt to control the Iron Throne. Hailed by critics and dubbed Sopranos meets The Lor...

Alan Cross is the preeminent chronicler of popular music.Here he provides a history of Jack White and The White Stripes.This look at the band "with just two people, and not a bass player in sight" is adapted from the audiobook.

SECRETS OF THE WALL REVEALED! Imagine dusting off a beloved album, comfortable as an old pair of jeans, and one day discovering that it goes much deeper down the rabbit hole than you ever envisioned. The thematic intention of every note…The nuance behind every veiled reference…Until you finally recognize that hidden deep inside is a distinctly powerful message you never knew was there. It's like discovering buried treasure within the walls of your own backyard.

The best jokes, gags and scenes from a true British comedy classic.‘Do you reckon I’m in love with Mrs. Batty, or is it just sex?’ CompoCompo: I thought you'd be open.Sid: Well that's a natural assumption if you ignore the drawn blinds and the forty foot sign that says closed.Set and filmed in and around Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, Last of the Summer Wine follows the adventures of three quirky pensioners and their equally unusual neighbours. A true British cla...

Alan Cross is the preeminent chronicler of popular music.Here he provides a short history of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana.This look at "the vital link in '90s rock" is adapted from the audiobook of the same name.