Recorded Music in American Life: The Phonograph and Popular Memory, 1890-1945 : Book Review

"Recorded Music in American Life: The Phonograph and Popular Memory, 1890-1945" by William Howland Kenney offers a compelling and thorough analysis of how recorded music influenced American culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Kenney explores the emergence of the phonograph as a revolutionary technology and its profound impact on music consumption, entertainment, and cultural memory.

With meticulous research, Kenney takes readers on a historical journey, starting with the early days of the phonograph and its introduction as a commercial product. He examines how the phonograph transformed the music industry, from Edison's cylinder recordings to the rise of flat discs and major record labels. The author also delves into the social, cultural, and economic implications of these developments.

One of the strengths of Kenney's work is his exploration of the broader societal impact of recorded music. He delves into how the phonograph shaped and reflected American identity, popular taste, and the experience of both individual and collective memory. Kenney argues that recorded music not only influenced musical styles and genres but also played a role in shaping cultural movements and social attitudes during this transformative period in American history.

Kenney's writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex concepts and historical events easy to understand. The book is well-structured, with a clear and logical progression of ideas. The author also incorporates a diverse range of primary sources, such as advertisements, consumer testimonials, and recordings, to provide a rich and nuanced account of the subject.

Overall, "Recorded Music in American Life" is a fascinating exploration of the impact of recorded music on American society and culture. Kenney's meticulous research, insightful analysis, and engaging writing style make this book a must-read for anyone interested in music history, media studies, or the social impact of technology.

What are readers saying?

"Recorded Music in American Life" by William Howland Kenney has received a variety of reviews. Some readers have commended the book for its comprehensive examination of the history and influence of recorded music in American society. They appreciate the author's thorough research and his ability to explain complex ideas clearly and engagingly. According to these readers, Kenney effectively analyzes the technological advancements and cultural changes that have shaped the music industry, making it a valuable read for both music enthusiasts and historians.

However, other reviewers have found the book to be excessively academic and dense, which may pose a challenge for those without prior knowledge of the subject. They feel that the author heavily relies on technical jargon and assumes readers have a certain level of familiarity with musicology, potentially alienating some individuals. Several critics also mention that the book could have been better structured, as it occasionally becomes difficult to follow the author's line of thought.

Another point of contention raised by reviewers is the book's focus solely on America. Some readers had hoped for a more global perspective on the subject, feeling that the exclusion of international developments in recorded music limits the book's scope and overlooks significant contributions from other countries.

On a positive note, many readers appreciate the author's inclusion of personal anecdotes and stories from individuals involved in the music industry. These personal accounts add a human touch to the book and help bring the historical events to life.

Overall, "Recorded Music in American Life" has received a mixture of positive and negative reviews. While some readers praise its comprehensive research and engaging writing style, others feel it is too dense and narrowly focused. Ultimately, it may be a worthwhile read for those interested in delving into the history of recorded music in the United States, but it may not be suitable for casual readers seeking a lighter exploration of the topic.

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