Do You Believe in the Power of Rock & Roll?

In this book, journalist Robb (Punk Rock: An Oral History) compiles numerous articles he’s written and interviews he’s conducted about the ever-changing alternative music scene for various publications. He also shares how he got his start covering music during the beginning of the 1970s punk scene, but the book primarily focuses on the 1980s through the early 2020s. There are pieces about U.S. bands Nirvana and Sonic Youth and producer/musician Steve Albini. The core of the book, however, concentrates on the UK alternative scene, where Robb interviewed the Stone Roses, James, the Cure, the Manic Street Preachers, the Clash’s Mick Jones, Poly Styrene, Noel Gallagher, and others. His multiple interviews with Nirvana and the Manic Street Preachers span across their careers and give depth to the artists and Robb’s work. The interviews with alternative music influencers such as Lemmy, Tony Wilson, and Linder Sterling also add to the strength of this collection. This enlightening book doesn’t have to be read front to back; readers interested in a particular band, decade, or scene can also search and find it easily in this work.