Synopses & Reviews
Music has always been a source of controversy, from "Puff the Magic Dragon" to "Cop Killer," Elvis to Eminem, Dylan to the Dixie Chicks, and Madonna to Marilyn Manson. In this extensively researched ode to scandal, historian and musician Peter Blecha recounts the travails of the musicians and songs that have dared to push the hot-button topics that polite society has deemed unacceptable. Filled with several centuries' worth of raunchy sex ditties, morbid murder ballads, blasphemous satanic songs, paeans to intoxicating substances, and outrageous political antics, this unique compendium uncovers the stories of censors' efforts to squelch these acts of expression. It examines the various societal forces -- such as repressive governments, busybody community organizations, and self-appointed moral guardians -- that have worked to limit how artists are allowed to express themselves, and makes clearer what censorship means for all.
Synopsis
TABOO TUNES A HISTORY OF BANNED BANDS & CENSORED SONGS
Synopsis
In this extensively researched ode to scandal, Peter Blecha recounts the travails of musicians who have dared to air inch.unacceptable inch. topics. Filled with several centuries' worth of raunchy sex ditties, morbid murder ballads, satanic songs, paeans to intoxication and radical political anthems, this book lays the censors' stories bare, and casts a much-needed spotlight on civil liberties and artistic freedom in our post-9/11 world. Highlights the work of hundreds of controversial musicians, including: The Beatles, Ray Charles, the Dixie Chicks, Dylan, Eminem, Billie Holiday, Nirvana, Elvis, Public Enemy, Sex Pistols, Springsteen, Zappa and others. inch.Blecha tells a story of how free we aren't. It's a story every music fan needs to know. inch. - Dave Marsh