Voicing the Popular: On the Subjects of Popular Music

Voicing the Popularbrings together aspects of political economy, cultural history, and musical interpretation to examine the rise of popular music over the past 50 years. A unifying theme is that of "voice," by which Middleton means the sphere of vocality through which popular songs are delivered, as well as a broader, metaphorical sense of "voice" as a vehicle through which subjects articulate, understand, and represent identities and personae. Tackling large themes in the field--including gender, race authenticity, and repetition as a means of structuring popular song--Middleton hopes to bring new clarity to the study of popular music, while also questioning basic assumptions. Voicing the Popularbrings a fresh, new perspective to the field of popular music studies. Written by a world-renowned authority, it will stand as both a summation and a challenge to all interested in pursuing this growing discipline.

Richard Middleton is Emeritus Professor of Music at the University of Newcastle