MusicQuake: The Most Disruptive Moments in Music

by Robert Dimery

Discover music that dared to be different, risked reputations and put careers in jeopardy – causing fascination and intrigue in some and rejection and scorn in others. This is what happens when people take tradition and rip it up.

MusicQuake tells the stories of 50 pivotal albums and performances that shook the world of modern music – chronicling the fascinating tales of their creation, reception and legacy. Tracing enigmatic composers, risqué performers and radical songwriters – this books introduces the history of 20th century music in a new light. 

From George Gershwin and John Cage to Os Mutantes and Fela Kuti; from Patti Smith and The Slits to Public Enemy and Missy Elliott – by discussing each entry within the context of its creation, the book will give readers true insight into why each moment was so pivotal and tell the stories surrounding the most exciting music ever produced. Some were shocking, others confusing, beautiful and surreal; some were scorned on release, others were chart toppers; and yet more inspired entire movements and generations of new musicians.

These cutting-edge works, which celebrate novelty, technology and innovation, help define what music is today – acting as prime examples of how powerful songs can be.

This book is from the Culture Quake series, which looks into iconic moments of culture which truly created paradigm shifts in their respective fields. Also available are ArtQuake, FilmQuake and  FashionQuake.

Genres: Music, History

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2022

Reviews

[David Ellcock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but limited exploration of 50 moments in 20th / 21st century music that apparently “disrupted” music. Looking at 50 events in 200 highly illustrated pages inevitably means that Dimery can only ever skim the surface of those events. I shall listen to some of the albums highlighted in the book - Fela Kuti’s Gentleman is playing as I type this - so it could be said that, at the very least, the book has done its job in that regard.

One complaint: the typeface used for bold titles throughout the book is truly, off-puttingly dreadful.

[Larry Norton]

I've been reading a copy of this, seduced a little, by the scope. Great to dip into, until glaring errors pop up. Some are minor typos, but the section on free jazz is - so far - the worst.
It provides a short feature on renowned innovator Ornette Coleman, with a captioned photograph of... apparently, Coleman.
Trouble is, the shot is plainly of the pioneering - Eric Dolphy...! A musical genius, who doesn't even get a mention. The portrait is full of clues- how did this get through?
If it gets another edition, please correct this, somehow.

[mes patrio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gustó aprender sobre esto porque soy muy fan de la música, en especial del pop, entonces aprender cosas nuevas de eso siempre es bueno. Me gustó que mencionara y pusiera énfasis en el impacto del pop en todo el mundo y sus áreas (economía, cultura, etc) son las cosas que hacen al pop una belleza de género que nunca va a morir.

[Jonny Brick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Covers every possible intersectionality, with some surprising and smart entries (Aphex Twin, Serge Gainsbourg, J Dilla) among the usual suspects. A great primer.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sounded more interesting than it actually turned out to be.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Film Quake & Art Quake earlier this year. I've enjoyed this series.

[zelote · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an exciting and informative book. Besides, I was expecting a list of the songs. Give this one a chance.

[Yuri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish the book had a built in music player where you could listen to all the songs it mentions while you read.

[Kerry Pickens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a music history book that includes timelines of current events and cultural events which is how history should be taught.