Quick Take

'Andrew tells us things about the songs that we might not know and things about the songs that no one should ever know. He does it with intelligence and humour, not to mention an acid wit.' - Jimmy BarnesWhich band is Australia's premier act for drunk men to hug to? Which dance floor smash owes its existence to an elderly Canadian stand-up team? How does housing affordability threaten Australian rock? Which surprising artist is technically Australia's arguably-more-successful Beatles? Which of our alternative national anthems were written by Americans? What ultra-Australian song cut 'Vegemite' from its lyrics for being too on the nose? And most importantly, what's with all the bagpipes?Andrew P Street-writer, critic and obsessive Australian music weirdo-tries to answer these and many, many, many other questions you never thought to waste time asking in this history of Australia in 50 songs (or so). Deeply cheeky, unashamedly nostalgic and endlessly enthusiastic, this is a dive into our national playlist from the birth of rock'n'roll to the reign of Australian hip hop and just about everything in between. 'Andrew P Street book is a pithy, funny and accurate look at 50 famous Australian songs and quite frankly any lover of Aussie music would be sorely amiss if he did not take a good squiz at this book with Street's interesting and often irreverent stories of how each of these songs came to be.' - Steve Kilbey, The Church'Andrew P Street is a ridiculously infectious writer. His tone can be sharp and impertinent and he can be quirky but in the end he is authentic, original and writes his astute observations with beautiful clarity.' - Lindy Morrison, the Go-Betweens'Humour, candour and big heartedness in music writing? Blow me down. You've always been a good 'un Street. Walk on.' - Tim Rogers, You Am I

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Long and Winding Way to the Top: Fifty (or so) Songs That Made Australia

Introduction

"The Long and Winding Way to the Top: Fifty (or so) Songs That Made Australia" is a captivating book by Andrew P. Street, a writer, critic, and music obsessive. In this book, Street explores the history of Australian popular music through 50 songs that have left an indelible mark on the nation. From the birth of rock'n'roll to the reign of Australian hip hop, Street takes readers on a journey through the last 60-odd years of entertainment in Australia. With his arch and authoritative writing style, Street delves into the stories behind each song, offering insights into the cultural and political contexts that shaped them. This article will provide an overview of the book, analyze common opinions, and summarize the reasons why readers recommend it.

About Andrew P. Street

Andrew P. Street, the author of "The Long and Winding Way to the Top," is a well-known writer, critic, and music enthusiast. With a background in journalism, Street has filed daily columns for Fairfax Media and published books about Australia's political leaders. His writing style is engaging and accessible, combining humor, candor, and a big heartedness that resonates with readers. Street's ability to blend his consuming interests in music and politics makes him the perfect author to tackle the challenging task of selecting 50 songs that shaped Australia's music landscape.

Analysis of Views

Challenging but Entertaining: Readers appreciate the challenging task that Andrew P. Street undertakes in selecting 50 songs that represent Australia's music history. While narrowing down such a vast list is difficult, Street manages to create an entertaining and educational guide that covers the last 60-odd years of entertainment in Australia.
Informative and Accessible: The book is praised for its accessibility to both casual and hardcore music fans alike. Street's writing style is informative without feeling overly academic or lecturing. Readers appreciate his ability to convey complex information in a concise and engaging manner.
Humor and Authenticity: Andrew P. Street's writing style is characterized by humor, candor, and authenticity. Readers enjoy his sharp wit and ability to write with beautiful clarity. His writing style makes the book enjoyable and relatable, even for those who may not be familiar with all the songs mentioned.
Political Commentary: Street's familiarity with Australian politics adds depth to his analysis of the songs and their cultural significance. He frequently incorporates political commentary into his chapters, providing readers with a well-rounded understanding of the historical context surrounding each song.
Inclusion of Unknown Songs: While some readers may have expected more well-known songs to be included in the list, they appreciate Street's decision to include lesser-known tracks that still played a significant role in shaping Australia's music landscape. This inclusion adds variety and depth to the book.

Reasons for Recommendation

Comprehensive Overview: "The Long and Winding Way to the Top" provides a comprehensive overview of Australian music history through 50 carefully selected songs. It covers a wide range of genres and showcases the diversity of Australian music, making it an essential read for anyone interested in Australian culture and music.
Engaging Writing Style: Andrew P. Street's writing style is praised for its accessibility, humor, and authenticity. His ability to convey complex information in an engaging manner makes the book enjoyable for both casual and hardcore music fans alike.
Insightful Analysis: The book offers insightful analysis of each song's creation, as well as its cultural and political significance. Street's ability to provide context for each song adds depth to readers' understanding of Australia's music history.
Political Commentary: The inclusion of political commentary adds another layer to the book, providing readers with a broader understanding of the historical context surrounding each song. This makes it an even more valuable resource for those interested in Australian politics and culture.
Educational Value: Andrew P. Street approaches his task with an educator's mindset, taking on the role of an educator who imparts knowledge about Australian music history in an engaging manner. This approach makes the book both informative and enjoyable for readers who are looking to learn more about Australia's musical heritage.

Conclusion

"The Long and Winding Way to the Top: Fifty (or so) Songs That Made Australia" by Andrew P. Street is a captivating book that explores Australia's music history through 50 carefully selected songs. With his engaging writing style, informative analysis, and humorous insights, Street takes readers on a journey through the last 60-odd years of entertainment in Australia. Despite the challenges of narrowing down such a vast list, he manages to create an entertaining and educational guide that covers a wide range of genres and showcases the diversity of Australian music. Readers appreciate his accessibility, humor, authenticity, and political commentary, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in Australian culture and music history. Overall, "The Long and Winding Way to the Top" is highly recommended for both casual and hardcore music fans alike who are looking for an engaging and informative exploration of Australia's musical heritage.