Awopbopaloobop Alopbamboom: The Golden Age of Rock

Written in 1968 and revised in 1972, Awopbopaloobop Alopbamboom was the first book to celebrate the language and the primal essence of rock 'n' roll. But it was much more than that. It was a cogent history of an unruly era, from the rise of Bill Haley to the death of Jimi Hendrix. And while telling outrageous tales, vividly describing the music, and cutting through the hype, Nik Cohn would engender a new literary form: rock criticism. In his book's wake, rock criticism has turned into a veritable industry, and the world of music has never been the same. Now this seminal history of rock 'n' roll's evolution is available once more -- as riotous a spree as any in rock writing.

Customer Reviews:

Great insight from a young R&R critic

By Ron Ulrici - August 27, 2002

I just read a recent review of this book which was very negative. The critic didn't like the young Nik Cohn's opinions. Well, I am 60 years old and was there at the dawn of rock 'n roll and loved this book. I was pleasantly surprised that a 22 year old Brit back in 1968 could have captured the essence of the fifties music scene and also described in detail what happened soon thereafter. In fact, I agreed with most of his very descriptive analyses and even when I didn't, I understood his point of view. His knowledge on the topic and style of writing was superb.

Brilliant

By No Damn Credit Card "NDCC" - August 11, 2006

Not everything you need to know about rock 'n' roll, but the best nonintellectual critique of the period ever, and all the better for it. Cohn has the manic energy of period reflected in his writing. Clapton was indeed God. Hell, I was there!

Wonderful book

By W. D. Sanders "Customcars" - January 15, 2013

If you like old Rock 'n Roll like I do, then you will enjoy this book. It gives you more than you'll ever want to know about the golden age of rock 'n roll and a whole new insight into Little Richard.