Reviews (3)

Rah!Rah!Rah!
As a longtime fan of Peril's -- from her absolutely excellent 'zine "Mystery Date" to her monthly "Museum of Femorabilia" column in BUST Magazine to her first book "Pink Think" -- I could not wait to get my hands on her latest book, "College Girls."In fact, I pre-ordered it on Amazon when I had first heard about it.And it did not disappoint.Full of facts, history, and yes -- a "we've come a long way, baby" feeling, but written in an engaging, accessible way that kept me going from the first page to the last, never feeling I was mired down in sermonizing.Peril's wit and superior knowledge (and what a reference library from which she culls!) takes us through history, with lots of fantastic anecdotes along the way.She tackles the serious (ie the first female scholars, racism, in loco parentis) and the fun (fashion, spreads, and time honored traditions). The well-chosen pictures that accompany the text are marvelous, too.It made me realize how lucky I was to be a college girl because of all the women who paved the way for me, and grateful because Peril wrote it all down.Every "sweet girl graduate" I know -- whether they are graduating from middle or high school, college, or did so long ago -- will be getting this book from me.Highly, highly rtecommended.

Super fun read
Funny! All the girls on my Christmas list will be getting this book. There are a ton of important, mind-boggling, and otherwise forgotten women's history stories in it, but without the grim voice we're all so used to in feminist writing.

A RIVETING ROMP
Lynn Peril has done it again! Just as she did with her first book, PINK THINK, she's wrangled tons of research, thousands of facts, and hundreds of personal anecdotes into aconcise and well-written whole. Tackling this immense topic- the history of women in college and popular culture'sreaction to it -Peril makes the varsity team and wins the pennant for a facinating and funny read! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attitudes    2. Education (Higher)    3. Higher    4. Identity    5. Popular Culture - General    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. United States    9. Women    10. Women In Higher Education    11. Women college students    12. Women's Studies - General    13. History    14. Miscellaneous Items    15. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Reviews (2)

New Insights into How Race Gets Constructed by Schools
Race in the Schoolyard adds a new dimension to the literature on race and schooling. It examines how race is understood, produced, reproduced and contested by students, teachers and parents. It provides rich description and profound analysis of the dynamics of race in elementary schools. Its explanations of how race is constructed and dealt with at schools incorporates the examination of micro processes such as teacher practices and macro processes such as residential segregation. It makes a strong statement about how racial categorization is imbued in everyday life at school and even in the most minute or "insignificant" details of school. The book shows how racial categorization leads to behavior toward others that influence their educational opportunities. Extraordinary book on race and contemporary schooling
This book is truly amazing. It deals with a controversial topic in a careful but thought-provoking manner.Having taught in urban and suburban schools for twenty years I can relate to many of the stories that she tells about the inability of teachers, school administrators, and parents to deal effectively with the elephant in the room, race.As she points out in her conclusion we as teachers and Americans cannot "merely close our eyes and try by sheer force of imagination to will ourselves into a color-blind world." In this very readable and well-written book the author reminds us that as teachers we owe it to our students (not just our black and hispanic students) to help them understand how race matters.It is only through direct and honest dialogue that our students will be better prepared to make sure race matters less in the future. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 21st century    2. Discrimination & Racism    3. Discrimination in education    4. Multicultural Education    5. Popular Culture - General    6. Race relations    7. Social Science    8. Social conditions    9. Sociology    10. Students    11. Students & Student Life    12. United States    13. Racism & racial discrimination    14. Schools    15. USA   

Reviews (7)

Rich, complex, atmospheric
I thought this book was exceptional.
Through the Keyhole
Have you ever walked or driven past someone's home and wanted to look inside?Looking through this book is a bit like that on an international scale.The book is a beautiful work of art in itself, the presentation top class, the paper quality excellent, the binding great.It is packed with marvellous photographs of interiors, accompanied by descriptive text.What it isn't is another of those boring interior design books, filled with rooms that are painted offwhite, with large mirrors, potted palms and overstuffed sofas.This book is interior design getting real!

A Comprehensive and Sensitive Survey of Peoples and their Habitats
Stafford Cliff has collected images from all around the world and with the help of superb photographer Gilles de Chabaneix has done what few other innovators in design have done - created a book that is, yes, about design, but is equally about how climate, place, ethnicity, tradition, cultural philosophies, and history inform the decisions people make about their living environments.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture, Domestic    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Fashion    5. General    6. House & Home    7. Interior architecture    8. Interior decoration    9. Pictorial works    10. Residential Interior Design    11. Subjects & Themes - Fashion    12. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (4)

GreatRead, Interesting Book
Being a 3rd generation garmento, I found this book very interesting.Denim has gone from being a blue-collar item
Great Book
James Sullivan covers the history of jeans from the creation of denim to the Levi's I'm wearing today.The book is well researched; full of great information and things I never knew about the jeans industry.It brought clarity to much of what went on in the late 70's and early 80's when designer jeans came about.A fun look at America's cultural history.Really a great read.

Sticky Fingers
Regardless of what denomination Brigham Young was when he did or didn't call jeans 'fornication pants', jeans ARE sexy and--as everyone knows--sex sells. Sullivan does a great job of tracing the arc of this most iconic piece of American clothing from simple work gear to high fashion (and big business) must-have. A stylish and functional bit of Americana, much like jeans themselves; I love the blue type and design. My only complaint is that "Jeans" doesn't come with a soundtrack, but then again I guess we each have our own. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Fashion    3. History    4. History - General History    5. Jeans (Clothing)    6. Popular Culture - General    7. Social History    8. Textile And Clothing Industries (Economic Aspects)    9. Fashion design    10. History / Social History    11. Popular culture    12. USA   

Subjects:  1. Individual Photographer    2. Photo Techniques    3. Photoessays & Documentaries    4. Photography    5. Royalty    6. Subjects & Themes - Fashion    7. Subjects & Themes - Portraits    8. Photographs: portraits   

Reviews (9)

Acid flash back in the pan...
...the brain pan, that is. Tee hee. (Giggling is a form of deep wisdom and ecstatic worship.)
Dissapointed And Offended!
Timothy Leary was and remains a very controversial icon of the counterculture movement. Though his research involved the use of widely stigmatized psychedelic substances, his legacy marked the progressive movement towards realizing the therapeutic and spiritual benefits of LSD. I genuinely admire his philisophical inquiries and beliefs however was greatly disapointed with this book. I FEEL AS THOUGH THIS BOOK WHOLLY MISREPRESENTS TIMOTHY LEARY AND IN FACT CONDESCENDS HIS WORK. THE BOOK IS LITTERED WITH GRAMMATICAL ERRORS, PUNCTUATION ERRORS, MANY SPELLING ERRORS, AND FRANKLY INCOMPREHENSIBLE JARGON. I MUST SAY THAT I WAS EXTREMELY DISSATISIFED WITH THIS PURCHASE TO THE EXTENT THAT I CONTACTED RONIN PUBLISHING, INC. OVER IN OAKLAND CALIFORNIA BY PHONE AND REQUESTED THE NAME OF WITH WHOM I WAS SPEAKING. When the voice on the line asked what I wanted I replied that I had purchsed "Your Brain is God" and that I wished to make a complaint because of how poorly edited the book was. THE REPLY WAS DISTINCTLY, "Go Shove Yourself Up Your ***!" and I was hung up on. I was extremely offended and do not consider Ronin an quality publisher. Nor do I recommend this book.

What Your Brain Is and What Your Brain Ain't
The title of this book is rather misleading. I do not feel that the brain is God as much as it is an inlet as well as an outlet to all that there is in God. Just like a radio cannot play music without a transmitter a brain cannot think without the Mind. The brain and the Mind are not the same things. If the brain could think, it would keep on thinking after death, but the brain is merely an instrument the Mind uses.
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Subjects:  1. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    2. Popular Culture - Counter Culture    3. Popular Culture - General    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    7. Psychology    8. Popular Culture   

Subjects:  1. Aging - Retirement    2. Business & Economics    3. City and town life    4. Consumer Guides    5. Life skills guides    6. Personal Finance    7. Personal Finance - Retirement Planning    8. Popular Culture - General    9. Reference    10. Retirees    11. Retirement    12. Retirement Plans    13. United States    14. Reference / Consumer Guides   

Reviews (212)

Great Read
Very Interesting and the photos are great. Beatle lovers will enjoy this anthology, but I would recommend the book The Beatles by Bob Spitz.

Everything you'd want to know!
There really isn't much to say about this book other than the fact that it is the best Beatles book out there.It is told by The Beatles, and has so many fantastic photos that are so awesome.It goes through the span of The Beatles career year through year, and describes many great stories, and gives some background information to some of their songs which is cool.It is so cool though, because you really get to see how wise and intellegant the members of The Beatles were.You really don't need any other Beatles book than this one, so buy it!

The Perfect Book About The Beatles -- Because It Was WRITTEN By The Beatles!
If you buy only one book about the Beatles, it needs to be this one. Not only does it contain unique information not found elsewhere, but this unique info comes right from the four guys who should know better than anyone -- John, Paul, George and Ringo. Even though this came out a few years ago, put it at the top of your xmas list for the Beatlemaniac in your life. There are a couple of other great Beatles books out there (TURN ME ON, DEAD MAN by Andru Reeve and JOHN by Cynthia Lennon are just two that come to mind), but be sure to get this one if you haven't already. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beatles    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Composers & Musicians - Rock    7. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    8. Genres & Styles - Rock    9. Historical - British    10. Rock    11. Rock music    12. Rock musicians    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Biography: film, television & music    15. Music / Reference    16. Rock & pop   

Reviews (1)

in general
Over 134 pages of full color glossy fantasy and sci fi artwork. The same high quality selection as the other spectrum series books. Has a digital work of "death" (Neil Gaiman's story character) and many popular book cover artists throughout. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - General    4. Commercial - Illustration - Sci-Fi & Fantasy    5. History - Contemporary (1945- )    6. Popular Culture - General    7. Art / Popular Culture    8. Iconography, subjects depicted in art    9. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design   

Reviews (30)

You've all got it wrong...
Everyone, listen. Realize that when you are talking about Satanism you need to know that it is not about conjuring "demons", killing Christians, and the "occult." It is about living your life to the fullest without any stupid religious restrictions, "rejoicing life in the carnal, the mundane, the flesh." Stop looking at it from a "Christian" point of view. This book is good, yes, but of course it's not the first book you want to get if you want to be a Satanist. If you want to do it right, GET THE SATANIC BIBLE 1st! You need to already know this. If you read The Devil's Notebook first, you won't get the right understanding. And enough of the LaVey insults. If you're a Satanist you should have more respect for the man. Nuff said.

An Entertaining Read
This book is a collection of essays, written by Mr. (pope?) Lavey.Judging by the introduction, written by Adam Parfrey, it is some sort of tribute to him - though I am not for sure.It is good for entertainment, though not a whoooole lot else... but then again,books are a form of media, and the whole purpose of media is to entertain, so... Of limited interest . . .
Not only to Joe Citizen, but to most Satanists as well, to whom this must seem rather tiresome.This is my first exposure to LaVey's writings, and I'm not terribly impressed.I found his style (and philosophy) to be manipulative, juvenile, and pedantic. A predilection for obscure words and arcane references.I'll assume then, that being irritating and difficult to understand is a Satanic tenet.Don't get me wrong--I found many interesting parts to this book, especially when it came to his taste in classical music, in manufactured environments and artificial human companions.If you're into robotics you definitely want to hear what LaVey has to say.But if you're new to Satanic philosophy or the Left Hand Path, I'd look elsewhere. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cults    2. Demonology    3. Fiction    4. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    5. Occultism    6. Popular Culture - General    7. Satanism    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs    11. Social Science / Popular Culture    12. Devil   

Reviews (16)

Hooks and Hate Speech
We read this book in class at the graduate level and her ideas caused a great deal of controversy. Some loved her and others were sure she was radical with no agenda except for blaming others for her anger. I thought that her book was non-academic because it was not an academic piece of writing. Color or gender have nothing to do with it. I was not impressed by her ranting against white middle class educational values because she was a beneficiary of a scholarship that helped her achieve her education. Besides, at least in this book, she can't get past her anger to give real examples of transformative education in the classroom, except to assure the reader she practiced it.Not good enough.Playing the race-card, flagrant self-promotion and hate speech is not enough. Being a revolutionary requires more than a polemic against the things you don't like. I wasn't impressed.

The Road Is Long
If you teach--whatever you teach; wherever you teach--please consider reading this book. Some of these reviews demonstrate the urgency of cultural transformation. Transformation begins with dialogue among learners--in a field, by the side of the road, in an urban classroom, even in the academy where transformative learning is most deeply challenged.

Critical Analysis of Teaching to Transgress
Bell Hooks is an a highly achieved academic who overcame the oppression of a family that discouraged free thought (p. 60), being a black woman in a "white supremacist capitalist patriarchy" (p. 71), and an education system wrought with oppression to teach a variety of courses as an adjunct in ivy league universities. Hooks states that education is the practice of freedom and challenges her students by aggressively opposing authorities, parents (p. 61), fraternities (p. 20), social norms, white oppression (p. 32), the English language, and white feminists, to name a few. By practicing engaged pedagogy, Hooks successfully rebels from the "banking system" of education that states students are to learn information provided by the professor. The system also-according to Hooks-encourages professors to remain uncontroversial as a means of ensuring security and tenure in their academic posts.
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Subjects:  1. Aims & Objectives    2. Critical pedagogy    3. Critical thinking    4. Education    5. Education / Teaching    6. Feminism and education    7. Study and teaching    8. Teaching    9. Art / Popular Culture    10. Philosophy of education    11. Sociology, Social Studies    12. Teaching skills & techniques   

Reviews (6)

AN AMAZING JOURNEY BACK INTO BEATLEMANIA - PART 2
This was the second Bruce Spizer book that I had bought and like it's companion "Part 1 - The Singles"it is an amazingly enjoyable book to behold. I've got these US versions in my collection though they are Orange Label 70's variations. It's great to learn about the logic behind their releases and it's equally interesting to listen to a US "Rubber Soul" especially as I was used to the UK/Australian 14 track version all these years... the US Version sounds like a Folk/Pop/Rock Album ALA the Byrds The "Butcher Cover" saga is a production almost bigger than "Ben-Hur".Bruce Spizer takes you right into the minds of those involved with that drama. No wonder Alan Livingston was reluctant to take those 20 "Butcher" LP's home..he'd had enough of them! The Author's thoroughness is never in question and the quality of his books consistently put many others to shame. The label reproductions are wonderful and helpful if you've bought the original US LP's. To think that now those US LP's are now deleted and replced by their UK counterparts.Overall the quality is superb and Mr. Spizer's books sit in the same class as those of Mark Lewisohn's "Complete Beatles Chronicle" & "Abbey Road" booksas well as the massive "Beatles Anthology" tome. While each part stands alone quite well you must buy Part 1 to complete the set as they complemment each other really beautifully.I thoroughly recommend these books to any Beatles fan and lovers of Rock Music books.

Must for Beatle Fans
A great book to find treasures with your old LP's. To find out what version or issue numbers you might own. Pictures are extremely good! With glossy photos!!

THE REAL BEATLES ANTHOLOGY
This book is the third book of a trilogy that every Beatle collector should have. Starting with the history of VJ, Bruce has fantastically illustrated the Beatles American history on vinyl. With this third edition, Part 2 of the history at Capitol, The photo's, the adverts, and the history itself make this book worthwile in every way. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography / Composers & Musicians    2. Discography & Buyer's Guides    3. Genres & Styles - Rock    4. History & Criticism - General    5. Music    6. Music/Songbooks    7. Beatles    8. Biography & Autobiography    9. Capitol Records, Inc    10. Chronology    11. Composers & Musicians    12. Discography    13. History   

Reviews (12)

Short and Sweet
The book was short and good hearted, but was more of a brief history of hedonism with a splash of advice. It did have good sugestions but I felt the author repeated himself often. The book could have easily been a third of the length and not have kept any material out. The book gets a three for it's good intentions.

One of the best books I've read
When I first got this book I had a minor interest in it, I thought it would just be an amusing read, but I loved it. I've always been ambitious and very goal-orientated but after reading this book I now have a different (better) perspective on things and it's helped me to relax. This book talks about how people like to achieve things just to boost their ego, even if it isn't what they'd really like to be spending their time doing. The title of the book sounds a little shallow and superficial but it's actually quite detailed about the points it makes - giving historical and modern day examples. Even if you don't agree with everything the author suggests (some things are not practical, but most are) it can still be an insightful and entertaining read.

EUREKA!
This book is exactly what I have been looking for!
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Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - General    2. Fashion & Grooming    3. Hedonism    4. Leisure    5. Pleasure    6. Popular Culture - General    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Sociology Of Leisure    10. Sex & sexuality   

Reviews (4)

Fantastic portraits
Have always enjoyed "The Meaning of Life" page on Esquire - and to see a large collection of these - and many that i've missed - in one book is just great!
Good book
I found this book very interesting.I found out a lot about people that I liked and learned about new ones as well.Very good book, light reading and fun.Highly recommend.

Insightful, Interesting, and Fun
Opinions on some of life's most talked about subjects from past and present; writers, painters, musicians, politicians, actors, etc.... great stories and insightful views on religion, sex, faith, gender differences, relationships, etc..... easy to read and very witty. If your interested in what shapes extraordinary people into who they are then this book is for you. I loved it from the first page. I read this book from start to finish in one sitting. Thats a first. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Celebrities    5. Entertainers    6. Historical - U.S.    7. Motivational & Inspirational    8. Popular Culture    9. Popular Culture - General    10. Reference    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. United States    14. BG-MIND/BODY/SPIRIT - BG-ASTROLOGY/OCCULT    15. Other prose: from c 1900 -    16. Reference / Personal & Practical Guides    17. Sale Books   

Editorial Review

You've seen them: They sip double-tall, nonfat lattes, chat on cell phones, and listen to NPR while driving their immaculate SUVs to Pottery Barn to shop for $48 titanium spatulas. They tread down specialty cheese aisles in top-of-the-line hiking boots and think nothing of laying down $5 for an olive-wheatgrass muffin. They're the bourgeois bohemians--"Bobos"--an unlikely blend of mainstream culture and 1960s-era counterculture that, according to David Brooks, represents both America's present and future: "These Bobos define our age. They are the new establishment. Their hybrid culture is the atmosphere we all breathe. Their status codes now govern social life." Amusing stereotypes aside, they're an "elite based on brainpower" and merit rather than pedigree or lineage: "Dumb good-looking people with great parents have been displaced by smart, ambitious, educated, and antiestablishment people with scuffed shoes." Read more

Reviews (181)

Stop Laughing Or You'll Spill Your Latte!

Insightful but thin
Brooks points out how post-Boomers grasp counterculture values and thus have formed a conservative movement with liberal trappings. If you read between the lines, you see an updated version of an old adage, which is "Money corrupts, and absolute money corrupts absolutely." The book is thin because after the first forty pages, the ratio of content to jokes, banter, and anecdote goes shooting downward and thus while it's an easier read it becomes boring because it has no fact or discovery of greater plotline available to it. I liked this book because he points out how any group can become entrenched in its privileged position, but found it thin as mentioned, and am skeptical about his glib assurance that these people can somehow manage our future.

Not much originality or wit from the prince of shallow
So who does the perpetually disingenuous David Brooks speak for? Why do the NY Times & PBS find him interesting? Is he for real or is he an invention of the Liberal establishment?
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Subjects:  1. Elite (Social sciences)    2. Popular Culture - General    3. Social Science    4. Sociology    5. Sociology - General    6. United States    7. Upper class    8. Popular culture    9. Social Science / Popular Culture    10. Social classes   

Reviews (9)

Philosophy from the Jedi Masters
Certainly Abrams and the contributing writers are strong in the force.I enjoyed this book.While it may not be very deep for the seasoned philosopher, the book serves as a great intro to philosophy in a unique way.The material is clearly well researched, both from the movie and from the philosophies covered, but written in a way that beginners like myself can understand.
Great idea but a bit monolithic
I give the book high marks for its novel approach to integrating philosophy (so too the series) and popular culture in a creative way. The essays are brief, readable and mostly to the point. Fans of Star Wars, of course, will enjoy it the most. I was a little disappointed by its repetition and lack of deeper penetration. Great emphasis, for example, is place upon Yoda.He is the guru and his line "Fear leads to anger... hate .... suffering," is then a key point in many essays.Less emphasis upon the female voice is found. Padme a little but where is the voice of Lea??Quite enjoyable but needs greater penetration!

Want to be a Jedi? Here is your instruction manual!
If you are a Star Wars fan looking for an answer to life's questions, this book is for you. While there is no single answer, this book gives you the right questions to ask on your journey to your own answer. This book is full of essays written by multiple philosophers from multiple perspectives. Excellent work by Abrams and all the others! GREAT , and inexpensive, GIFT for both lovers of philosophy and star wars. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    2. Film & Video - History & Criticism    3. History & Surveys - Modern    4. History and criticism    5. Philosophy    6. Philosophy in motion pictures    7. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    8. Popular Culture - General    9. Star Wars films    10. Film theory & criticism    11. Philosophy / Modern    12. Popular culture   

Reviews (9)

Vive La France!
Is not the words "Joie de Vivre" French for joy of life? Qui!
fluff history
Some more rigorous historical analysis would have turned this 'lite' read into something worthwhile.The crude translations of 17th-century France into modern-day America, irrespective of different economic systems and radically discrete cultures, turn what could have been an inspired thesis into the kind of chatter you'd expect to hear from grandma.

"stylish" social history
This was such a pleasant, historical read.I'm very interested in all things stylish, if not fashionable.This title interested me at once.It really describes how so many things we use today date back to the era of Louis XIV. Today's obsession with luxury goods really has its roots in France's history.Louis XIV wanted every aspect of his life, including those around him, to be luxurious.Today, many middle-class (and sometimes lower class) working person thinks they deserve a Louis Vuitton bag or Lexus SUV.Living in style is a privilege, but can be obtained with some creative thinking and budgeting, just as long as we have our priorities straight. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 17th century    2. Cookery, French    3. Customs & Traditions    4. Europe - France    5. Fashion    6. France    7. History    8. History - General History    9. History: World    10. Louis    11. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    12. Popular Culture - General    13. Social History    14. Social Science    15. Social life and customs    16. Sociology    17. XIV,    18. Social Science / General   

Subjects:  1. 19th Century Art    2. 19th century    3. 20th century    4. American - General    5. Art    6. Art & Art Instruction    7. Art & Politics    8. Art And Society    9. Art, American    10. History    11. Popular Culture - General    12. Public opinion    13. United States    14. United States - General    15. History / United States / General   

Reviews (1)

great book pretty pictures
this is a great book for anyone who's into sneakers.you don't have to be a "head" to enjoy the pretty pictures and the interviews.it's great that the author talked about where to hunt for sneakers in various cities around the world.now if only the book was bigger in size so the details of the sneakers can be appreciated more.... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Beauty & Grooming - General    3. Commercial - Fashion Design    4. Fashion    5. Popular Culture - General    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Fashion design    9. Self-Help / General   

Subjects:  1. General    2. Genres & Styles - Pop Vocal    3. History and criticism    4. Music    5. Music/Songbooks    6. Popular Music    7. Social Aspects Of Music    8. United States    9. Contemporary popular music    10. Music / General    11. USA