Appetite for Self-Destruction: The Spectacular Crash of the Record Industry in the Digital Age

by Steve Knopper
Appetite for Self-Destruction: The Spectacular Crash of the Record Industry in the Digital Age cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Nonfiction
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  • ID: 9609
  • Added: 2026-01-01
  • Updated: 2026-01-01
  • ISBN: 9781593762698
  • Publisher: Catapult
  • Published: 2009-12-15
  • Reviews: 3

Appetite for Self-Destruction offers an unprecedented look at the recording industry's transformation over the past three decades. Author Steve Knopper provides a detailed account of the industry's highs and lows, from the invention of the compact disc to the digital revolution that brought it to its knees. With exclusive interviews and insider knowledge, Knopper takes readers behind the scenes of major events and decisions that defined the music business. The book explores the glamorous success of the CD era and the subsequent collapse due to file sharing, offering a comprehensive history of the industry's evolution. Knopper's access to key figures, including Warner Music chairman Edgar Bronfman Jr. and Napster creator Shawn Fanning, provides unique insights into the corporate strategies, technological advancements, and cultural shifts that shaped the music world.

Reviews
MusicRow · 2009-11-02
critical 3.50

The book is an indictment of the recording industry's failure to embrace the digital era. It provides a detailed and critical account of the industry's struggles with technological change.

The review in MusicRow highlights the book's critical perspective on the recording industry's failure to embrace the digital era. It notes that the book provides a detailed and critical account of the industry's struggles with technological change, making it a compelling read for those interested in the music business. The review appreciates the book's thorough reporting and its engaging narrative style, which brings the industry's challenges to life.

Quick quotes

    This book is an indictment of the recording industry when it comes to embracing the Digital Era.

    But Knopper doesn't just go on a tirade—like many critics have done in the past.

    Knopper's book is a compelling read for those interested in the music business.

Los Angeles Times · Margaret Wappler · 2009-01-22
critical 3.50

The book offers a thoughtful and detailed report on the record industry's slow march into financial ruin. It provides a critical perspective on the industry's resistance to technological advancements.

Margaret Wappler's review in the Los Angeles Times highlights the book's thoughtful reporting on the record industry's slow and painful march into financial ruin. She notes that the book provides a critical perspective on the industry's resistance to technological advancements, making it a valuable read for those interested in the music business. Wappler appreciates the book's detailed account of the industry's struggles, which she finds both informative and engaging.

Quick quotes

    Knopper, a Rolling Stone music business writer, thoughtfully reports on the record racket's slow, painful march into financial ruin.

    The book is an indictment of the recording industry when it comes to embracing the Digital Era.

    Knopper's book is a valuable read for those interested in the music business.

The New York Times · Janet Maslin · 2009-01-06
critical 3.50

The book provides a detailed account of the music industry's struggles with digital transformation, highlighting its resistance to change. It offers a critical look at the industry's self-destructive tendencies.

Janet Maslin's review in The New York Times delves into the music industry's tumultuous journey through the digital age. She notes that the book is a stark accounting of the mistakes made by major record labels, particularly their failure to adapt to technological changes. Maslin appreciates the thorough reporting and the engaging narrative style, which brings the industry's struggles to life. She also highlights the book's critical perspective on the industry's self-destructive tendencies, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the future of music.

Quick quotes

    Steve Knopper writes in “Appetite for Self-Destruction,” his stark accounting of the mistakes major record labels have made since the end of the LP era.

    The book is a stark accounting of the mistakes major record labels have made since the end of the LP era.

    Knopper's book is a compelling read for anyone interested in the future of music.

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