Quick Take

Iggy Pop once said of women: "However close they come I'll always pull the rug from under them. That's where my music is made." For so long, rock 'n' roll has been fueled by this fear and loathing of the feminine. The first book to look at rock rebellion through the lens of gender, The Sex Revolts captures the paradox at rock's dark heart--the music is often most thrilling when it is most misogynist and macho. And, looking at music made by female artists, it asks: must it always be this way?Provocative and passionately argued, the book walks the edgy line between a rock fan's excitement and a critic's awareness of the music's murky undercurrents. Here are the angry young men like the Stones and Sex Pistols, cutting free from home and mother; here are the warriors and crusaders, The Clash, Public Enemy, and U2 taking refuge in a brotherhood-in-arms; and here are the would-be supermen, with their man-machine fantasies and delusions of grandeur, from Led Zeppelin and Jim Morrison to Nick Cave and gangsta rap. The authors unravel the mystical, back-to-the-womb longings of the psychedelic tradition, from Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, and Van Morrison to Brian Eno, My Bloody Valentine, and ambient techno. Alongside the story of male rock, The Sex Revolts traces the secret history of female rebellion in rock: the masquerade and mystique of Kate Bush, Siouxie, and Grace Jones, the demystifiers of femininity, like the Slits and Riot Grrl, tomboy rockers like L7 and P. J. Harvey, and confessional artists like Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, and Courtney Love.A heady blend of music criticism, cultural studies, and gender theory by two of rock's keenest observers, The Sex Revolts is set to become the key text in the women-in-rock debate.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Sex Revolts: Gender, Rebellion, and Rock 'n' Roll

Introduction

"Sex Revolts: Gender, Rebellion, and Rock 'n' Roll" by Simon Reynolds and Joy Press is a groundbreaking book that explores the complex relationship between gender, rebellion, and rock music. Drawing on a wide range of musical genres, from punk to ambient techno, the authors unravel the paradox at rock's dark heart, examining how misogyny and machismo have often fueled the music's thrill. The book delves into the history of female rebellion in rock, exploring the contributions of female artists and challenging the notion that rock music must always be dominated by men. With its provocative arguments and engaging style, "The Sex Revolts" is set to become a key text in the women-in-rock debate.

About Simon Reynolds

Simon Reynolds is a highly respected music journalist and author, known for his insightful and polarizing writing. With a broad range of knowledge and a fluid writing style, Reynolds has crafted well-regarded works such as "Rip it Up and Start Again" and "Generation Ecstasy." In "The Sex Revolts," Reynolds collaborates with Joy Press to offer a compelling blend of music criticism, cultural studies, and gender theory. His ability to explore complex ideas while maintaining a captivating narrative makes Reynolds an influential voice in the world of music journalism.

Analysis of Views

Dense and Engaging: Readers appreciate the book's depth and complexity, as it delves into various aspects of rock music and gender. Some find it challenging to read due to its density, but they acknowledge that it offers valuable insights that they will revisit in the future.
Focus on Men and Women: The book offers a comprehensive exploration of male and female artists in rock music. Readers appreciate the authors' efforts to uncover the contributions of female artists and challenge the male-dominated narrative. However, some find certain sections overly analytical or lacking in depth.
Psychoanalytic Approach: The application of psychoanalytic theories to rock music is a contentious aspect of the book. While some readers find it thought-provoking and illuminating, others feel that it detracts from the overall flow of the narrative. They wish that the authors had focused more on the music itself rather than delving into psychoanalysis.
Gendered Tropes: The book sheds light on the gendered tropes present in rock music, from misogyny to masculinity. Readers appreciate the authors' ability to identify these themes and provide a feminist perspective on these issues. However, some feel that the authors' conclusions lack groundbreaking revelations or fail to make a significant impact.
Intriguing Insights: The book offers intriguing insights into the role of gender in rock music, challenging readers' preconceptions about their favorite artists. Readers find it thought-provoking and engaging, particularly when discussing themes such as rebellion, masculinity, and femininity.

Reasons for Recommendation

Provocative and Engaging: Readers recommend "The Sex Revolts" for its provocative arguments and engaging writing style. They appreciate Reynolds' ability to explore complex ideas while maintaining a captivating narrative. The book offers valuable insights into the relationship between gender and rock music, making it a must-read for fans and critics alike.
Feminist Perspective: The book's focus on female artists and its feminist perspective make it stand out from other works on rock music. Readers appreciate the authors' efforts to challenge traditional narratives and provide a more inclusive perspective on rock history.
Intriguing Analysis: The book's analysis of various pop music forms and gender representation in them is seen as particularly insightful by readers. They find it illuminating to see how gender is played upon in different genres and appreciate Reynolds' ability to unravel these complex themes.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Overanalysis: Some readers feel that certain sections of the book are overly analytical or lacking in depth. They wish that the authors had focused more on the music itself rather than delving into psychoanalysis or exploring less relevant topics such as cultural appropriation or racism.
Lack of Groundbreaking Revelations: While readers appreciate the authors' efforts to challenge traditional narratives, they feel that certain conclusions lack groundbreaking revelations or fail to make a significant impact. They wish that the book had offered more revelatory insights or challenged conventional wisdom in more profound ways.

Conclusion

"Sex Revolts: Gender, Rebellion, and Rock 'n' Roll" by Simon Reynolds and Joy Press is a thought-provoking book that challenges readers to reevaluate their understanding of rock music and gender dynamics. Through its exploration of male and female artists in rock history, the book sheds light on the complex relationship between rebellion, masculinity, and femininity. While some readers find it dense and overly analytical at times, others appreciate its provocative arguments and engaging writing style. Overall, "The Sex Revolts" offers valuable insights into the women-in-rock debate and is set to become a key text in this field.