BOOKS Vinyl Dreams 1970s Music Revolution

A scintillating journey through a feverish decade – tracing the shifts in popular music that continue to define the art form today.

After the dense miasma of the sixties, the seventies hit like a hangover. Idealism took a pounding as cynicism began to pervade Western culture. Stagflation, Watergate and a futile war in Vietnam all weakened faith in government, while environmental disasters and an oil crisis proved there was even more to worry about than a Cold War. A culture of ‘me’ began to replace the hippie ideal of universal love. Yet at the same time, women and the LGBTIQ+ community stepped forward to actively assert their rights.

This tumult saw remarkable changes in music. Rock splintered into dazzling shards as technical innovation propelled experimentation. Music became a visual spectacle via glam, shock rock, disco and punk. Musicians co-opted elements of classical, jazz, electronic, world and avantgarde music. Monumental albums were born: Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, Joni Mitchell’s Blue. From Elton John, Led Zeppelin and Yes to Talking Heads, Tangerine Dream and The Clash, no other decade instigated such a gloriously diverse range of musical styles. Brimming with beguiling stories and little-known details, Vinyl Dreams is a fast-paced romp through the musical decade that defined all that came after. From the golden age of progressive rock to the new wave revolution, it traces the transformations that reverberate through to today, showcasing the fervour and enduring legacy of the decade’s music.

‘A damn good read. [The 1970s were] a gender-bending ride, filled with good memories, good times.’ Suzi Quatro, rock legend

‘A thrilling journey that meticulously charts rock music’s progress through [the innovations] that make the seventies possibly it’s most exciting era.’ David Williamson, playwright www.publishing.monash.edu

Listen to Tony Wellington’s Vinyl Dreams Official Playlist on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3Lygj55

Tony Wellington is a writer, radio host, photographer and book illustrator. His works include Freak Out, Happy? Exploding Cultural Myths about Happiness and a history of Noosa, Noosa and Cooloola. He also co-authored (with John Shand) Don’t Shoot the Best Boy! The Film Crew at Work, and he has produced several photography books, the most recent of which is Wild About Noosa.

The launch of Vinyl Dreams will be held at Noosa Arts Theatre, Friday June 9, 6pm. RSVP Annie’s Books on Peregian. info@anniesbooksonperegian.com.au or 5448 2053. For a chance to win a copy of ‘Vinyl Dreams’ email hello@yourlocallifestyle.com.au.

SATURDAY JUNE 10, 7.30PM

ADORED throughout Australia and beyond for their ‘bent’ Irish sound and recently returned from their tours of NZ, Outback Queensland and FNQ, the Shakes are keen to air lots of fresh material as well as lots of old favourites. The Bunker, Imperial Hotel Eumundi.

SUNDAY JUNE 18, 12 NOON

YANDINA welcomes WOTUGET as guest artists! Dance to popular country music and upbeat favorites with a house band. Raffle, door prizes, BYO lunch, free tea/coffee. Entry $8. Proceeds support hall upkeep. Don’t miss the fun! Get your dancing shoes on!