ROCK ON THE RACK
Charlie Gillett is a regular radio voice to London music-lovers, a regular aide-deartistes via his Oval label (among others, he discovered Lene Lovich) and consultant editor on many a "History Of Rock" project or prospectus. But way back in '71, he published a personal history of the rock roots he loved—and called it The Sound Of The City.
LETTER FROM BRITAIN
ROCK ON THE RACK
by
Cynthia Rose
Charlie Gillett is a regular radio voice to London music-lovers, a regular aide-deartistes via his Oval label (among others, he discovered Lene Lovich) and consultant editor on many a "History Of Rock" project or prospectus. But way back in '71, he published a personal history of the rock roots he loved—and called it The Sound Of The City.
It was unquestionably one of the first tomes to really dignify the writing of rock's history, and—a real Xmas treat—the passionate, fascinating saga has just been reissued. This should gladden the heart of any American, because perhaps Gillett's most useful contribution to British love of Yank rock classicism is his pinpointing of the regional, ethnic and minority experiences which shaped blues, soul, r'n'b, C&W and rock records between the early '50s and early '70s. (His dedication is a re-write of Whitman's "I Hear America Singing" by black politico Julian Bond.)