Ben L. Connor - Böcker

Pearl Jam are the last men standing from great alternative rock explosion of the Nineties. They introduced themselves with one of the biggest-selling and most iconic albums of the decade, and their follow-up albums broke sales records worldwide. To date they have sold over 30 million albums worldwide, as many as iconic such artists as The Doors, Tom Petty, and Rush. Just as those artists did, Pearl Jam built an intense cult following who feel personally connected to the band. They tour constantly and are renowned for the quality of their live shows. While maintaining a huge network of fans, they have also collaborated with rock legends and helped boost the profiles of new artists. They fight for social justice causes even when that costs them in other areas. And through it all they keep releasing amazing music. Yet for many they remain an artefact of the Nineties, the epitome of the angsty Gen X stereotype. By going through their entire discography track-by-track, covering their origins in the Seattle scene, their musical development, and how the pop culture context has changed around them, this book will argue that Pearl Jam are not only one the greatest bands of their generation, but one of the greatest bands of all time.

The White Stripes were one of the breakout bands of the early 2000s 'rock revival'. They produced some of the most indelible songs of the 21st Century and reintroduced a sense of mystery and panache to the staid indie rock scene of the era. But that was only the beginning for singer-guitarist Jack White. From his humble origins in the fabled Detroit garage rock scene, via The White Stripes and his other bands, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, to his ongoing solo career, Jack White has forged an extensive and eclectic body of work. Now, as the head of his own record label, he has achieved what most musicians dream of: the freedom to follow his idiosyncratic muse where it takes him, regardless of the whims of the record industry or popular taste. His music takes in all styles, from psychedelic power pop, to gothic swamp rock, to futuristic synth-funk, but he remains connected to the traditions of American roots music. He is always eager to cite his influences, and his collaborations and production work are an important part of his musical development. This is the first book that takes in the entire scope of Jack White's career: his bands, his solo work, and his work with other artists. By going through his discography track-by-track, this book will argue that Jack White is one of the great artists of the modern age. Perhaps, in fact, the last great rock star.