"American Hair Metal" by Steven Blush is a comprehensive exploration of the hair metal genre, a cultural phenomenon that took over the music industry and popular culture in the 1980s. Blush delves into the history, fashion, and excesses of this glam rock subgenre, and highlights its impact on the music industry and society as a whole.
Blush begins by tracing the origins of hair metal back to the glam rock and heavy metal scenes of the 1970s, providing a detailed account of how seminal bands like Van Halen, Motley Crue, and Poison emerged and became stars. He also discusses the role of MTV and how the music videos of these hair metal bands played a vital part in their success.
What sets "American Hair Metal" apart is Blush's ability to capture the broader cultural context in which this genre thrived. He explores the excessive partying and drug-fueled lifestyle that defined many of these bands, as well as the increasing commercialization and corporate influence on the music industry at the time. Blush also examines the gender dynamics and objectification of women that were prevalent within the hair metal culture.
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The book also delves into the decline and backlash against hair metal in the early 1990s, as grunge and alternative rock emerged and gained popularity. Blush explores the reasons behind this shift in popular taste and how it ultimately led to the downfall of many hair metal bands. However, he also acknowledges the enduring legacy and continued popularity of some hair metal bands, despite the genre's decline.
In conclusion, "American Hair Metal" offers a fascinating and well-researched account of this iconic era in music history. Blush's passion for the subject shines through in his writing, making this book a must-read for fans of hair metal and anyone interested in the cultural impact of music.
What are readers saying?
American Hair Metal by Steven Blush explores the world of hair metal, a popular genre of heavy metal music that emerged in the 1980s and early 1990s. The book has garnered mixed reviews, with readers offering differing opinions on its content and overall quality.
Some reviewers commend Steven Blush for his meticulous research and extensive knowledge about the hair metal scene. They appreciate the book's thorough examination of the bands, their music, and the genre's cultural impact. These readers find American Hair Metal to be an informative and captivating read that transports them back to the heyday of hair metal.
However, others express disappointment with the book, asserting that it lacks depth and fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of the genre. They argue that the author's focus on certain bands neglects others, resulting in an unbalanced perspective. These critics consider the book to be superficial and believe it does not offer much beyond basic information about hair metal.
Some reviewers also take issue with the writing style employed in American Hair Metal. They find it disjointed and poorly organized, making it challenging to follow the narrative flow. The book's tendency to jump around without a clear structure diminishes the overall reading experience, according to these readers.
In terms of focus, some reviewers are dissatisfied with American Hair Metal's emphasis on the male-dominated aspects of the genre. They feel that the contributions and experiences of female musicians and fans are largely overlooked, leading to a narrow representation of the hair metal scene.
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