Parental Advisory: Music Censorship in America

I didn't always agree with his opinions, but he always supported them well enough for me to belive him. He has a very unique point of view, which comes across as he covers everything from Elvis waist up on Ed Sullivan, to record companies changing songs so they can be sold at Wal-Mart. It is amazing what was censored, and when. Most times I could see the reason behind why something was censored, but sometimes I could not. The book is a must read for anyone who wants to know more about cencored music.

This is a good reference book for the history of music (and video) censorship or attempted censorship. It shows the ridiculous as well as the warrented (in who's opinion?). While I'm sure that no one wants their child to listen to songs of suicide, sex and drugs when they are ten years old, this book, to me, enforces the fact that it is more a parental responsibility that anything else.To rely on others to tell you what is bad for your child is nuts. Tipper Gore started the PMRC because of her lack of parental initiative, even though she claims it was because of it. The book details the episode, when she bought an album based on her 11 year old daughter's recommendation and listened to it with her child and two younger siblings without first previewing its contents and then gets mad at the artist and the record company for releasing it. Come on! She should have previewed this album before playing it for her daughter, I would have.Relying on others to make these determinations is dangerous. For instance some wanted the Captain and Tenille banned because they endorsed vegetarianism and believe in reincarnation. The Beach Boys because they practice yoga. Carlos Santana because if you drop the first N and the last A you have a devil worshipper. The list goes on and are presented in this book as food for thought on following rather than thinking. In the 1960's some thought The Beatles music was part of a Communist plot to jam the nervous systems of young people (I know, sounds too weird).The FBI has investigated many rock and rollers throughout the 1950-1960-1970s for subversive statements and lyrics. Church groups think music promotes the Devil. Conservatives don't like the liberal message and liberals don't like the conservative message. Jesse Jackson thought Disco music was morality- damaging!The bottom line is GET A GRIP! Think for yourself and your children, within' the family unit. Did any rational person really think that "Rocky Mountain High" was about drug abuse? This book shows you why people must continue to think and make their own choices.A classic, that is a good addition to any library for a reader or a music fan I consider this book a must have.

This is a great reference book to learn more about the history of music. Everything you ever wanted to know about the music your parents never wanted you to hear is in this book. Read it. Recommended.

This is an outstanding view written by a music lover for a music lover! This book has everything from censorship broken down into parts (drugs, politics, sex etc) to a history of it. This book in it's entirety is very informative and persuasive.

Yup, about censorship it is. Mainly in all the musical stuff. Like in November 1985 when they came up with the Parental Advisory code. Before that Tipper Gore had gotten a Prince album for her daughter and was uncomfortable with the lyrics, and it was kinda funny.Also, there are parts about pure psychopathic people. Actually, I can't describe things real well, so just read the book rather than my review.Anyways, there's also parts about the album covers. Kinda like how the back cover for Nirvana's "In Utero" had a completely different back cover on the regular compared to censored version. Also it shows some of the photo contrasts between censored and uncensored. Also, some videos you'd be surprised had to get edits for MTV. There's even quotes from the people who made censorship a big deal, political deals, and parts that make you think. Mainly about the future and past. But read it anyways. Recommended.

Fantastic book, well written and informative. Used this to form an essay for my degree and it was a great help to learn the history in an easy way