Greil Marcus on his book “The Shape of Things to Come”
December 242009
Fascinating conversation with renowned music journalist, cultural critic and author Greil Marcus on his new book “The Shape of Things to Come: Prophecy and the American Voice”. He has authored many previous books including “Mystery Train: Images of America in Rock ‘n’ Roll Music” and “Lipstick Traces: A Secret History of the Twentieth Century”. In this conversation, Greil discusses “The Shape of Things to Come” and its “kaleidoscopic investigation of American identity” — he ruminates as only he can about what America actually is — an idea — and how this has impacted the country and its idea of itself since its founding to today. An extraordinary discussion with a master writer and storyteller on how he sees America and how America sees itself.
Duration : 0:48:44
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December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I’ve been a fan of …
I’ve been a fan of Marcus’s writing since Mystery Train: I still have the copy I checked out of my high school library & never returned! Still the best book ever written about rock’n'roll, because it’s not only about the music, but rock-n-roll in the broader context of America as an idea.
Lipstick Traces is a tour de force about the Sex Pistols and their cultural antecedents, with an irresistable subtitle: A Secret History of the 20th Century.
Read his work, you’ll never be the same again.
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
great interview, …
great interview, he’s ahead on any game out there, he def knows the shape of things to come, very deep!
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
“Who is the other …
“Who is the other guy he mentions besides Roth?”
John Dos Passos.
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
Who is the other …
Who is the other guy he mentions besides Roth?
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
“The specific …
“The specific values of art are technical values, more permanent and definite than the adventitious analogies on which a stray observer usually bases his views. Only a technical education can raise judgments above impertinent biography.” — George Santayana
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I believe Mr. …
I believe Mr. Marcus’ first name is
pronounced “Gree-il,” not “Gry-il.”
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
Best interview ever …
Best interview ever by Mark Molero! And that is saying a lot!!!!
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
Greil is an amazing …
Greil is an amazing writer! I had the chance to attend of one of his conferences and he is absolutely brilliant. Thanks to Mark Molaro, we have a great interview that gives Greil a chance to share his genuis!
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
this show gives me …
this show gives me hope for smart content – it’s possible if people are committed to it! I love how personal and intimate the Alcove is – bravo Mark!
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
This was absolutely …
This was absolutely wonderful, thank you!
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I’m fascinated by …
I’m fascinated by Greil. I could listen to him for hours! Thank you for this great interview.
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
Correction:
‘ …
Correction:
‘Mystery Train’: Greatest book ever written about American music.
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
Greil Marcus is …
Greil Marcus is amazing. Thanks to Mark Molaro, we have a deep and genuine explanation of his ideas.
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
‘Mystery Train’ is …
‘Mystery Train’ is the greatest book about music ever written.
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I admire this man! …
I admire this man! Thank you Greil for your insight on America.
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
What does the …
What does the American dream nowadays? With all the candidates trying to appeal to people, this question is probably one the most important one has to ask oneself. I think Barack is the only one restoring our ideals and not the corrupted Hillary and John McCain! Great book Greil!
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I’m going to buy …
I’m going to buy his book.
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
This in-depth …
This in-depth interview was fascinating. I’m subscribing right now!
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
his book is …
his book is fantastic – love the Dos Passos and Philip Roth comparisons. It’s a must read for any thoughtful American.
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
Loved Greil since …
Loved Greil since back in the Rolling Stone days – great to see him again so fresh and smart
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
That was very …
That was very interesting…
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
I agree this was so …
I agree this was so thoughtful and smart
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
excellent …
excellent discussion on a great topic
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
PRAYER FOR AMERICA. …
PRAYER FOR AMERICA…..the Controversial Video from Mysterious CATMAN COHEN
“We have reached a nadir where the true rebels today certainly are not the centi-millionaire celeb idols like Marilyn Manson, Eminem, etc., or their hordes of sheep-like followers, but rather those increasingly rare, beleaguered, nine to fivers who toil in the trenches, struggling to keep the machine running and prevent the lights from going out.”
December 24th, 2009 at 7:11 am
PRAYER FOR AMERICA. …
PRAYER FOR AMERICA….the Controversial Video from Mysterious CATMAN COHEN
“The entertainment biz and Big Media have institutionalized
rebellion, nihilism, vulgarity, sybaritism, and social anomie to the point where it has become mainstream to spit in the face of ‘The System.’ Self-obsession has become the norm while community service is disparaged as the terrain belonging to naive fools, ‘the uncool,’ insufferable Pollyannas, and the unfashionably dull.”