The Who and Philosophy (The Philosophy of Popular Culture) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1498514472 ISBN 13: 9781498514477

Publisher: Lexington Books (UK), 2016

Synopsis

The Who were one of the most memorable and influential of the 1960s British Invasion bands—memorable because of their loudness and because they destroyed instruments during performances, and influential because of their success in crafting “Power Pop” singles like “My Generation” and “I Can See for Miles,” long-playing albums Live at Leeds and Who’s Next, and the “rock operas” Tommy and Quadrophenia. The themes that principal songwriter Pete Townshend imparted into The Who’s music drew upon the group’s mostly working-class London upbringings and early Mod audiences: frustration, angst, irony, and a youthful inclination to lash out. Like some of his rock and roll contemporaries, Townshend was also affected by religious ideas coming from India and the existential dread he felt about the possibility of nuclear war. During a career that spanned three decades, The Who gave their fans and rock critics a lot to think about. The remarkable depth and breadth of The Who’s music and their story as one of the most exciting and provocative rock bands over the last half-century are the subjects of the philosophical explorations in this collection.

About this title

About the Authors

Robert McParland is Professor of English and the Humanities at Felician University, USA. He is a singer-songwriter who holds degrees in arts administration, literary studies, and cultural history. His books include Beyond Gatsby: How Fitzgerald, Hemingway and Other Writers of the 1920s Shaped American Literature (2015), Citizen Steinbeck (2016), and Rock Music Imagination (2019), all published by Bloomsbury.

Casey Rentmeester is the director of general education and associate professor of philosophy at Bellin College in Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA. He is author of the book Heidegger and the Environment. Jeff R. Warren is professor of music and humanities at Quest University Canada. He is author of the book, Music and Ethical Responsibility and several peer-reviewed articles. His creative work includes sound recording, sound installations, and performance on double bass.

Peter Smith is emeritus professor at the University of Sunderland.

Edition details

• Publisher: Lexington Books (UK)
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1498514472
• ISBN 13: 9781498514477
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256
• Editor: Rocco J. Gennaro, Casey Harison