Rebels and Underdogs

February 15, 2018

London. New York. L.A. Akron? The history of rock and roll is as much about the places it came from as the creators of the music itself. Local cultures play a role in the shaping of a style, a sound, and an attitude unlike anywhere else. The seemingly unassuming state of Ohio is one of those places, and not merely because the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Music writer and Dayton native Pirnia (The Beer Cheese Book) digs for the meaning of Ohio rock here. Her book is organized around the music scenes of several major Ohio cities. Rather than cataloging minutiae about every band and performer, as books of this ilk tend to do, Pirnia focuses on local scenemakers in each Ohio city she covers. In this way, readers get a singular perspective from those who are intimately familiar with their respective locales. While the big names are mentioned (Chrissie Hynde, Devo, the Black Keys, among others), lesser-known acts also receive due credit. VERDICT Rock readers from Ohio and beyond will enjoy this quick and informative read.--Brett Rohlwing, Milwaukee P.L.

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