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| Author: David A. Carson
Publisher: University of Michigan Press/Regional
Category: Book
List Price: $17.95
Buy New: $11.65
You Save: $6.30 (35%)
New (14) Used (4) from $11.65
Avg. Customer Rating:  12 reviews
Sales Rank: 264037
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 416
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.4
Dimensions (in): 9 x 6.1 x 1.3
ISBN: 0472031902
Dewey Decimal Number: 781
EAN: 9780472031900
ASIN: 0472031902
Publication Date: June 19, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand New, Perfect Condition, Please allow 4-14 business days for delivery. 100% Money Back Guarantee, Over 1,000,000 customers served.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Perhaps the best "History of Detroit Rock" yet written March 6, 2006
Royal Oak, Michigan native David Carson writes what could be the most concise history of early Detroit Rock and Roll yet written. The first few chapters cover the post World War 2 era of swing and be-bop jazz. Then, Carson moves on to the meat of the book. Namely, the development of gritty garage rock and Motown soul during the 1950's and 1960's. Yes, this is a very dry and technical history of the subject. There is no artsy, esoteric poetry or colorful, artistic expressionism in this book. Yes, this is the "Walter Cronkite" history of the subject. A damn fine history lesson indeed. And that's exactly what I wanted. Those of you that prefer the poetry, colorful artistry and esoteric expressionism of Detroit Rock can easily find that at a museum or club on Saturday night.
Detroit Rock City... November 14, 2005
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Grit, Noise, and Revolution: The birth of Detroit rock `n' roll is an exhaustive survey of Detroit Rock History. In his latest book, Royal Oak native David A. Carson does an excellent job outlining the evolution of Detroit music history. This book is a labor of love, as undoubtedly many hours were spent researching, digging, and interviewing. Carson starts out his story in the early 1940's, before Rock or R & B were even on the map. He accomplishes this by discussing Detroit's thriving blues scene, the electrified sounds of John Lee Hooker, and the city's vibrant Black Bottom District. This was refreshing to read about, as it is an oft neglected chapter of Detroit's rich cultural heritage.
From here, Carson delves into the 1950's; exploring early Detroit groups such as the Diablos and the effects that pioneer DJ's such as Mikey Shorr and "Frantic" Ernie Durham had on the evolution of early Rock and R & B in the Motor City. Fittingly, Motown is discussed next in great depth. The story of Motown Records and Barry Gordy will definitely be familiar to most. However, in this book, Carson points out many interesting early anecdotes and facts I was previously unaware of. Carson realizes the profound effect that Motown had on the music world and makes this abundantly evident. Without Motown's shinning contributions due to stellar productions, driving work ethic, and accepting nothing less than perfection, modern music would not have evolved as it did. Mr. Gordy ran Motown like a fine tuned machine inundating all involved with a strong sense of drive and precision, instilling fierce competition amongst his robot-like team of studio musicians and songwriters. This of course was responsible for a steady stream of musical gold. The importance of early indie record labels like Motown cannot be overstated, and is stressed throughout this book.
In the mid-60's, music and culture began to evolve. The times were a changin', and the crux of this book (thankfully) is devoted to exploring this, detailing the hard rock explosion that took place during the mid to late 1960's. Detroit was an integral part of this explosion, and Carson seems intimately familiar with this. The nucleus of this rock explosion was the Grande Ballroom and the MC5. Carson does a wonderful job covering this. In fact, this is the most in depth information about the topic I have read anywhere. The book is worth reading for this reason alone, whether you are a Detroit music fanatic, or merely a curious novice.
Another thing Carson does that works well, is focus on the culture surrounding the music. Actually it is impossible to do justice to the discussion of one without the other. The cultural contributions of publications like the `Fifth Estate' and `Creem' are exposed. The White Panther Party, John Sinclair, the Detroit Artists Workshop, and the counter culture's main artery (the Cass Corridor) are also expounded upon. The focus of this book is of course music, and Carson never veers too far off track. A great deal of time is spent discussing the wonderful Detroit hard rock scene of the late-60's. All of the usual suspects are covered: The MC5, The Stooges, Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, Bob Seger, Mitch Ryder, and Grand Funk Railroad along with lesser known bands like Frost and Frijid Pink. I would've like to read more about Iggy & the Stooges, as I think their importance in the influencing of punk rock was not given enough space by Carson.
This book ends in 1970, which is quit fitting because the Rock literally died around here during that time. There are various reasons for this, which are explored diligently within these pages. This book also goes into the importance of truly great freeform radio stations (yes they actually used to exist), like WABX, and how they influenced the growth of the culture. These radio stations in conjunction with publications like `Creem' helped to shape and permanently alter the musical landscape- not just in Detroit, but nationwide as well.
Grit, Noise, and Revolution: The birth of Detroit rock `n' roll, by David A. Carson is an indispensable guide for lovers of Detroit Rock and music history in general. There are many great things about this book. The early history of Detroit blues and how this turned into R & B and Rock was especially fascinating to me as I was previously not privy to this information. In addition, the heavy presence of the MC5 and John Sinclair throughout the book provided a nice undercurrent. It was kind of sad however to read about the death of Detroit Rock. It was a truly unique and wonderful time, a time in which I wish I could've been part of. Fortunately, Detroit Rock City has recovered and is stronger than ever. Someone needs to write a follow up to this book, documenting the resurgence of rock in the city (maybe I will).
 a review by someone who was there. October 13, 2005
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
What a trip down memory lane. John Sinclair, Plum street, Jeep Holland, Russ Gibb and the Grande. It was a great time to be a musician or music lover. David Carson's book is as close as it gets to being there.
Bass player and founding member of Wilson Mower Pursuit
Complete October 10, 2005
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
A fantastic book all around that once and for all details Detroit's legendary rock history. The MC5, The Stooges, The Frost, Alice Cooper, The Rationals, Frijid Pink,SRC, The Up,Commander Cody, Mitch Ryder, Bob Seeger, Savage Grace, John Lee Hooker, Goose Lake Festival, Grande Ballroom, The Eastown..etc. etc....it's all here in an unforgetable read that you can't put down. Get it now.
Detroit Rocks! July 23, 2005
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The book Grit Noise and Revolution was recently brought to my attention. I rushed out to get a copy and was absolutely thrilled that someone had finally put together the pieces of Michigan's rock history into a compelling narrative. Carson obviously put a mind blowing amount of research into this satisfying read that was difficult to put down. This book is the first of its kind on a subject that countless people have been wanting to read about. As for those who might be unfamiliar with Detroit's important rock scene; they will soon find themselves happily engrossed and quite knowledgeable. Facts such as chart positions and release dates are woven into the story seamlessly. Carson has captured a place in time with frightening skill and eased through it as if we were living the `60s all over again.
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