Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

What do John Lennon, the Animals, the Rolling Stones, the Clash, Lady Gaga, Blondie, Woody Guthrie, Leonard Cohen, and Pink Floyd have in common? These artists, among many others, either supported Nazi beliefs, appropriated Nazi imagery, or, instead, actively opposed fascism. In this bracing and provocative exploration of pop music and the Third Reich, English musician-turned-author Rachel explores the various and often troubling relationships between pop singers and the language and iconography of Nazism. Some incorporated Third Reich imagery in their work (Blue Oyster Cult, Sid Vicious). Some borrowed imagery from the musical Cabaret, heavily influenced by the Weimar era, or were infatuated with the seductive allure of Berlin (Roxy Music, David Bowie, Human League, Spandau Ballet, Lou Reed). Some railed against immigrants in public settings (Eric Clapton), others used Nazi-like lyrics (the Ramones, two of whose members were Jewish). Madonna employed Nazi-chic visuals inspired by the 1974 sadomasochistic film, The Night Porter, starring Charlotte Rampling. Joy Division took its name from a brothel in Auschwitz. And some have even denied the existence of the Holocaust altogether (Kanye West/Ye). Ultimately, Rachel finds a disturbing parallel between Hitler’s rallies and rock stars performing for thousands upon thousands of adoring fans in stadiums. Timely and relevant with a righteously angry introduction by Billy Bragg.