The Music of Counterculture Cinema: A Critical Study of 1960s and 1970s Soundtracks

The book "Sonic Cinema: Soundtracks of the Counterculture Era" is a groundbreaking exploration of the intersection of music and film during the 1960s and early 1970s.

Written by two esteemed scholars, this book delves into the complex and multifaceted musical side of the counterculture movement, revealing a rich tapestry of sounds that defined an era.

From the utopian optimism of Monterey Pop to the disillusionment of Gimme Shelter, the book examines how music was used to define collective and individual identities based on race, class, gender, and generation. Through in-depth analysis and interviews with working film composers, including Oscar winners Howard Shore and Alexander Desplat, "Sonic Cinema" offers a comprehensive and engaging look at the role of music in shaping the counterculture narrative on film.

With vivid descriptions of the scores and how they make the authors feel, this book is sure to inspire readers to revisit or discover these iconic soundtracks for themselves.

Whether you're a fan of classic rock, folk, or psychedelic music, "Sonic Cinema" is an essential read for anyone interested in the cultural history of the 1960s and early 1970s.