Title: Radio Stations and Record Stores: More Distinctive Rock Hits From the Coffman Collection
Author: Larry Coffman
Publisher: Olympus Story House
ISBN: 9781735328539
Pages: 365
Genre: Research Reference Books / Music / Non-Fiction
Reviewer: Anthony Avina
Pacific Book Review
If there were ever one genre of music that has had more of an impact on the modern world than any other, few would be hard pressed to disagree with the fact that it is the rock and roll genre and all its sub-genres that have had the most influence over the world of music. While plenty of other genres came before rock and roll to influence those early days, the many ways that rock music impacted the generations that they would follow and the direction so many would take as a result have become cultural icons and key moments in the history of the world itself.
The grand and powerful nature of this history is the focus of author Larry Coffman’s book, Radio Stations and Record Stores: More Distinctive Rock Hits From the Coffman Collection. The book focuses on the generations of different artists, genres, and songs which have become part of the social conversation around rock and roll and what it means to the music industry. Each chapter explores the history of the artists behind the songs, the inspiration behind the songs, and their influence on the genre of rock they represent and the period of time they were brought to life.
Engaging and fascinating, this book does a remarkable job of compelling the reader to delve further and further into the rock and roll genre. The reader instantly will have a sense of nostalgia and history when delving into this book, not only for the songs they catalogue but the memories that they inspire in us all when we listen to these songs and artists. The social commentary these songs and genres had on the world was written about with ease, and the conversational style of writing the author deployed to this book allowed the reader to feel more connected to the material.
For fans of rock and roll, especially those that enjoy reference style guidebooks and non-fiction books on music, this is the perfect read. The passion and heart for this genre of music and these songs is felt in every chapter, from the age of surf music and country rock to car songs and songs about memories and looking back on time, such as Yesterday by the Beatles. The detail and amount of research the author poured into this book showcases the long history and the dedication to the genre the author brought to each and every chapter, and the ways it inspired countless generations of people throughout the world as well.
This sequel by author Larry Coffman’s acclaimed collection offers more rare gems, and stories behind the tracks that defined generations. A must-have mixtape of music nostalgia, this book takes you back to a time when the DJ was king and the local record shop was sacred ground.
