FROM the demure dance halls of the 1950s, to the dingy pub gigs of the 70s and larger arena concerts of the 90s, rock journalist Lucy Desoto leaves no stone unturned in her comprehensive look at Australia's contemporary music history.
Australia Rocks; Remembering the Music of the 1950s to 1990s, takes a detailed look at the groups and artists who have helped shape the nation's musical and cultural identity.
The book looks at Aussie music's pioneers, from the nation's first big name of music, "The Wild One" Johnny O'Keefe to 60s groups like the Easybeats, 70s pub rock icons Cold Chisel and groups such as Men at Work, Midnight Oil and INXS, who helped well and truly put Australia on the atlas of world rock.
The book also takes a look at fascinating historical periods and events including the swinging sixties and offers insights into the ways these eras and events shaped the popular sounds of the day.
Rock musician Desoto has performed with some of the country's leading musicians and demonstrates a fantastic understanding of and passion for the sounds, attitudes and influences which helped shape their respective generations.
The engaging and highly readable text is accompanied by a number of great colour photos, which immediately transport the reader back to the dance halls and smokey pubs where Australia's rock 'n' roll legacy was forged.
- Australia Rocks - Remembering the Music of the 1950s to 1990s, published by Exisle, $49.99 exislepublishing.com.au.
