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Mystery Train: Images of America in Rock ’n’ Roll Music
If you love rock’n’roll, you’re going to love Mystery Train.
There’s nothing quite as American, in the eyes of the world, as Rock’N’Roll.
Why We Love Mystery Train
Greil Marcus, in 1975, wondered how the relationship between this contemporary art form and the greater culture and national identity was formed.
So, he went deep under the surface of rock’n’roll to find out and he honed in on six artists in particular, Sly Stone, The Band, Elvis Presley, Robert Johnson, Randy Newman and Harmonica Frank to do so.
The resulting output is a fascinating deconstruction of rock and it should inspire a lifetime of listening pleasure.
This is the first and one of the most accomplished books to try and dissect the entire movement of rock n roll and it does so brilliantly.
Mystery Train is an important read for any music fan trying to place the music they love into the bigger picture of life.
You can grab a copy online here.
If you’re not familiar with the artists featured in Mystery Train, you can check out their work on these awesome free music apps, and if you are, you might enjoy our list of essential music books for your reading pleasure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *Mystery Train: Images of America in Rock ’n’ Roll Music* about?
*Mystery Train* is Greil Marcus’s landmark collection of essays exploring how early rock pioneers like Robert Johnson, Elvis Presley, Sly Stone, Randy Newman, the Band, and Harmonica Frank shape and reflect the fabric of American culture.
*Mystery Train* is Greil Marcus’s landmark collection of essays exploring how early rock pioneers like Robert Johnson, Elvis Presley, Sly Stone, Randy Newman, the Band, and Harmonica Frank shape and reflect the fabric of American culture.
When was *Mystery Train* first published, and why is it important?
First published in 1975, *Mystery Train* is widely regarded as the finest American book on pop music and was included in Time’s “100 best nonfiction books since 1923.”
First published in 1975, *Mystery Train* is widely regarded as the finest American book on pop music and was included in Time’s “100 best nonfiction books since 1923.”
Who are the principal artists featured in the book?
The essays focus on six foundational figures—Robert Johnson, Harmonica Frank, Randy Newman, the Band, Sly Stone, and Elvis Presley—grouped as “Ancestors” and “Inheritors.”
The essays focus on six foundational figures—Robert Johnson, Harmonica Frank, Randy Newman, the Band, Sly Stone, and Elvis Presley—grouped as “Ancestors” and “Inheritors.”
What themes does Marcus explore in the essays?
Marcus examines rock as Americana, weaving musical history, myth, race, place, and storytelling into his cultural analysis.
Marcus examines rock as Americana, weaving musical history, myth, race, place, and storytelling into his cultural analysis.
What makes Marcus’s writing distinctive?
Marcus places figures like Elvis in conversation with literary giants (e.g. Melville), breaking cultural hierarchies and revealing rock’s deeper symbolic power.
Marcus places figures like Elvis in conversation with literary giants (e.g. Melville), breaking cultural hierarchies and revealing rock’s deeper symbolic power.
How has *Mystery Train* been revised over time?
The book has seen multiple revisions—most recently in its sixth edition (2015/50th anniversary)—with updated discographies and new introductions adding depth to the original essays.
The book has seen multiple revisions—most recently in its sixth edition (2015/50th anniversary)—with updated discographies and new introductions adding depth to the original essays.
