Turn the Beat Around: The Secret History of Disco by Peter Shapiro

Turn the Beat Around is a long-overdue celebration of disco music and the culture that birthed it. Critic and journalist Peter Shapiro delves into the profound social and economic upheavals of the 1970s that gave rise to this iconic musical form. Disco emerged as a fusion of newly out and proud gay sexuality and the post-civil rights generation of African Americans, all set to the backdrop of the newly developed synthesizer. Shapiro explores the cultural antecedents of disco in Europe, the history of DJing, and the mainstream disco craze at its peak. The book also examines the enduring legacy of disco's performers and devotees on today's musical landscape. /n/nThis comprehensive study is a blend of cultural analysis, urban history, and glitter-pop confection, offering a unique perspective on the Me Generation. Shapiro's work is not just a history of disco but also an exploration of the societal changes that shaped it. From the dance floors of Studio 54 to the underground clubs, Turn the Beat Around captures the essence of an era and its music.

Reviews

Disco Chap · 2021-01-17

captivating 4.25

The book provides a vivid portrayal of New York City in the early seventies. It's a captivating read that sheds light on the origins and evolution of disco.

The Disco Chap review highlights 'Turn the Beat Around' for its vivid portrayal of New York City in the early seventies. The reviewer appreciates how the book captures the essence of the era, providing a captivating read that sheds light on the origins and evolution of disco. They note that the book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of popular music, offering a fresh perspective on a genre that has often been overlooked. The reviewer also mentions that the book is well-researched and well-written, making it a compelling read for both music enthusiasts and casual readers. They appreciate the book's thorough exploration of the music and culture that defined the era, providing a comprehensive overview of the genre's impact and legacy.

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New York City in the early seventies was a pretty foreboding place.

The book captures the essence of the era, providing a captivating read that sheds light on the origins and evolution of disco.

The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of popular music, offering a fresh perspective on a genre that has often been overlooked.

Mithering Blog · 2011-04-06

comprehensive 3.75

The book is wide-ranging and all-encompassing, featuring a diverse array of artists. It's a comprehensive exploration of disco's impact and legacy.

The Mithering Blog review praises 'Turn the Beat Around' for its wide-ranging and all-encompassing approach to the history of disco. The reviewer appreciates the book's thorough exploration of the genre, highlighting its impact and legacy. They note that the book features a diverse array of artists, from well-known names to lesser-known acts, providing a comprehensive overview of the music and culture that defined the era. The reviewer also mentions that the book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of popular music, offering a fresh perspective on a genre that has often been misunderstood.

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It's wide-ranging, all-encompassing and for Doctor Who fans of A Certain Vintage features Whoberfan (and composer of the K-9 and Company theme

The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of popular music, offering a fresh perspective on a genre that has often been misunderstood.

The book features a diverse array of artists, from well-known names to lesser-known acts, providing a comprehensive overview of the music and culture that defined the era.

The Guardian · Gary Lachman · 2005-06-10

nostalgic 4.00

The book takes readers back to the 70s, exploring the cultural impact of disco. It's a nostalgic journey that highlights the music's significance and its influence on popular culture.

Gary Lachman's review in The Guardian takes us on a nostalgic trip back to the 70s, delving into the cultural impact of disco. He appreciates how the book, 'Turn the Beat Around', captures the essence of the era and the music that defined it. Lachman highlights the book's thorough exploration of disco's influence on popular culture, making it a compelling read for music enthusiasts. He also notes how the book brings to life the vibrant and diverse scenes that disco spawned, from underground clubs to mainstream fame. It's a journey that's both informative and entertaining, offering a fresh perspective on a genre that has often been overlooked.

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Peter Shapiro and Dave Haslam take Gary Lachman back to the 70s with Turn the Beat Around and This Is Not Abba.

The book captures the essence of the era and the music that defined it.

It's a journey that's both informative and entertaining, offering a fresh perspective on a genre that has often been overlooked.

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