Trailblazing Feminist Criticism: Unveiling the Untold Stories of Women in Rock
"Jessica Hopper's criticism is a trenchant and necessary counterpoint not just on music, but on our culture at large." —Annie Clark, St. Vincent
The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock Critic is a groundbreaking and essential anthology spanning more than two decades of pioneering music journalism by Jessica Hopper. Through an intersectional feminist lens, Hopper delves into the untold narratives of women in music, from the unsung heroes of punk rock to the icons of today's pop landscape.
Featuring intimate conversations with trailblazers like Björk and Lido Pimienta, oral histories of Hole and Sleater Kinney, and profiles of game-changers like Fiona Apple and Kacey Musgraves, this collection fearlessly confronts the industry's gender biases. Hopper explodes grunge-era mythologies, examines the rise of emo, and journeys from the empowering insurgence of Riot Grrrl to the eve of Michael Jackson's death in Gary, Indiana.
Reissued with new material and an introduction by Samantha Irby, The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock Critic is a rallying cry for women-centered storytelling in music. Hopper's razor-sharp panorama of criticism, hailed as a catalyst for change in the industry, demands the "continual presence of radicalized women" to challenge the male-dominated narrative. This career-spanning anthology is a must-read for anyone seeking a fresh, fearless perspective on music and culture.