Totally Wired: The Rise and Fall of the Music Press

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This book charts the coming of age of music publications that covered contemporary bands and trends from the 1950s to the 2000s. It offers a history of the journalists who navigated the evolving landscape of rock, R&B, pop, and punk. The author chronicles the rise of influential music magazines in New York, Los Angeles, and London, transforming them into essential reading for popular culture enthusiasts. The narrative captures the ascent of these publications alongside rock and roll's explosion into postwar youth culture. It details the evolution of magazines from their Tin Pan Alley origins to notable titles like Creem, Blender, and Crawdaddy!, culminating in the establishment of Rolling Stone, NME, and others, including dedicated monthlies like Q and Mojo. Illustrated with iconic magazine artwork and archival photography, the book highlights the contributions of writers such as Charles Shaar Murray and Greil Marcus, who documented the excesses of legendary bands while influencing their success. Additionally, it addresses the sexism and racism faced by women and marginalized individuals in the music industry, whether as musicians or journalists. This incisive and entertaining exploration is ideal for those interested in popular culture, magazines, and underground cultural history.