Exploring the Spiritual in Popular Music
Beatified Beats
Georgina Gregory editor Mike Dines editor
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published:25th Feb '21
£95.00
Available to order, but very limited on stock - if we have issues obtaining a copy, we will let you know.
Explores through case studies the ways in which popular music intersects with traditional and alternative religions and how it informs and is informed by spiritual practices.
This book highlights how the diverse nature of spiritual practices are experienced and manifest through the medium of popular music. At first glance, chapters on Krishnacore, the Rave Church phenomenon and post-punk repertoire of Psychic TV may appear to have little in common; however, this book draws attention to some of the similarities of the nuances of spiritual expression that underpin the lived experience of popular music. As an interdisciplinary volume, the extensive introduction unpacks and clarifies terminology relating to the study of religion and popular music. The cross-disciplinary approach of the book makes it accessible and appealing to scholars of religious studies, cultural studies, popular music studies and theology. Unlike existing collections dealing with popular music and religion that focus on a specific genre, this innovative book offers a range of music and case studies, with chapters written by international contributors.
Exploring the Spiritual in Popular Music is a stimulating volume for those interested in how these two vital areas of human life interact. * Modern Believing *
Whether expressed by the artist or felt in the heart of the beholder, the often ineffable qualities of the spiritual and divine (perhaps even satanic), are materialized in the studies assembled here. As all good books of this kind do, the scope of engaging scholarship prompts further reflection and action. In so doing, it will provide an important touchstone for any of us who continue to have faith in the power of popular music. * Paul Long, Professor of Creative and Cultural Industries, Communications and Media Studies, Monash University, Australia *
Popular music in its ever-evolving forms continues as a space for religious experience, or a gateway to it. With appropriate reverence for music once called anathema, this book takes scholarly interest in the intersection of self, sound and soul. Familiar pathways benefit from fresh perspectives and illumination falls on new trails. * Scott Calhoun, Professor of English, Cedarville University, USA, Director of The U2 Conference, and Editor of U2 and the Religious Impulse: Take Me Higher (Bloomsbury 2018) *
This is a valuable collection of research into the relationships between popular music and various spiritualities. Well written and covering a great deal, it will be a key source to anyone working in this field. * Rupert Till, Professor of Music, University of Huddersfield, UK *
ISBN: 9781350086920
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 544g
264 pages