We All Want to Change the World: Rock and Politics from Elvis to Eminem

Rating:
Summary: An astutely researched history and a seminal study
Review: We All Want To Change The World is an original look by author and journalist Tom Waldman at the unique interplay between rock-n-roll music and American politics over the past 50 years, ranging from rock's involvement in the Vietnam antiwar movement, to modern day rock utilized as a electorial tool by politicians. An astutely researched history and a seminal study, Waldman draws from his experiences as a press secretary in service to California Congresswoman Howard Berman from 1992 to 1999, as well as his own independent and original research. We All Want To Change The World is unusual and very highly recommended reading for non-specialist general readers with an interest in learning about the social (and political!) history of rock music in American history and culture.

Rating:
Summary: No mention of key bands
Review: You can not have a book about rock and Politics without including the political bands of the late '70's and early '80's.
Especially of note were the Gang of Four, probably the most political band of its time. Another band that also is not mentioned are The Dead Kennedy's, a band with radical politics and lyrics. These are just two of many bands that had solid political insights and used them to produce some of the most political music ever heard. It's quite a shame really, if the author had retitled his book to be be "Mainstream Rock and Politics" then maybe he could act as if these other musicians never existed.