Electric Eden: Unearthing Britain's Visionary Music

Electric Eden: Unearthing Britain s Visionary Music is a seminal book on British music and cultural heritage, that spans the visionary classical and folk tradition from the nineteenth-century to the present day. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read and is likely to remain the best-written overview for a long time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 672 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2019
Publisher: Faber & Faber

Rob Young's Electric Eden: Unearthing Britain's Visionary Music is a groundbreaking work that delves into the rich tapestry of British music and cultural heritage, spanning a remarkable century of visionary classical and folk traditions. This seminal book is a must-read for music enthusiasts and cultural historians alike, offering a captivating and comprehensive exploration of the country's musical landscape.

Written with passion and expertise, Electric Eden takes readers on a journey through the evolution of British folk music, from its nineteenth-century roots to the present day. Author Rob Young weaves together a rich narrative that encompasses the diverse influences and styles that have shaped this musical tradition, from the visionary classical compositions of composers like Vaughan Williams and Warlock to the pastoral folk revival of MacColl and Lloyd.

What sets Electric Eden apart is its ability to capture the essence of folk music's enduring spirit and its capacity to transcend time and generations. Young explores how the idea of folk has been handed down and transformed by successive generations of song collectors, composers, Marxist revivalists, folk-rockers, psychedelic voyagers, free festival-goers, experimental pop stars, and electronic innovators. Through his meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Young presents a nuanced and multifaceted account of the evolution of folk music in Britain.

One of the book's most remarkable features is its wide-ranging scope, which encompasses a vast array of musical styles and genres. From the pastoral classicism of Vaughan Williams and Warlock to the industrial folk revival of MacColl and Lloyd, from the folk-rock of Fairport Convention, Sandy Denny, Nick Drake, Shirley Collins, John Martyn, and Pentangle to the bucolic psychedelia of The Incredible String Band, The Beatles, and Pink Floyd, from the acid folk of Comus, Forest, Mr. Fox, and Trees to the Wicker Man-inspired folk-rock of The Strawbs, Electric Eden offers a comprehensive survey of more than a century of music-making in the British Isles.

What makes Electric Eden an exceptional read is Young's ability to bring the music to life and evoke powerful emotions in the reader. Through his vivid descriptions and evocative anecdotes, Young transports the reader to the heart of the British folk scene, allowing them to experience the music's power and beauty firsthand. Whether it's the haunting melodies of traditional ballads or the psychedelic experimentation of bands like Pink Floyd, Young's writing brings the music to life and allows the reader to fully appreciate its significance in British cultural history.

In addition to its musical content, Electric Eden offers valuable insights into the social and cultural contexts that have shaped British folk music. Young explores the role of folk music in shaping national identity, the influence of political movements on the genre, and the ways in which folk music has been used as a tool for social and political activism. Through his analysis of the historical and cultural contexts in which folk music has flourished, Young provides a deeper understanding of the genre's rich tapestry and its enduring relevance in contemporary society.

Overall, Rob Young's Electric Eden: Unearthing Britain's Visionary Music is a masterpiece that deserves to be celebrated and cherished by music enthusiasts and cultural historians alike. This groundbreaking work offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of British folk music's rich history, capturing the essence of its enduring spirit and its capacity to transcend time and generations. Whether you're a seasoned music lover or a newcomer to the world of folk music, Electric Eden is a must-read that will leave you inspired, informed, and captivated.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 205 x 146 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571349654
Edition number: Main - Faber Greatest Hits