Glam Rock

October 15, 2018
Rowman & Littlefield adds to its eclectic Tempo Music Series a deep dive into the glam-rock scene of the late 1960s and its influence on present-day performers. Music academic Philo takes on David Bowie, Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music, and Marc Bolan of T. Rex in an entertaining yet scholarly approach. peeling back the curtain on what motivated each performer to glam it up in their very popular music, personae, and performances. Among many insights, Philo makes a key point that Bolan strived for top hits that seemed contrary to the arching album concepts that Bowie constructed, yet both exalted in a similar embrace of outlandish fashion to provoke as well as entertain. The bending of gender roles and sexual orientation is carefully explored, especially in light of the easing of strict laws against homosexuality in the UK in 1967. An immense glam-rock time line is included, listing major global events alongside recording history to provide historical context. Philo's well-researched study is a shining primer of the glam side of rock and roll.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)