Vivien Goldman

Vivien Goldman is a British journalist, writer, and musician who has extensively covered punk, post-punk, and reggae music since the 1970s. She earned recognition as "The Punk Professor" after becoming an adjunct professor of punk and reggae at New York University. Goldman worked as a PR officer for Island Records and wrote for influential music publications including NME, Sounds, and Melody Maker. Her journalism career included interviews and coverage of major artists like Bob Marley, Coldplay, and Lady Gaga. As a musician, Goldman was part of the post-punk scene, performing with The Flying Lizards and releasing her own material. Her song "Launderette," featuring members of Public Image Ltd and The Raincoats, became an underground hit in 1981. Goldman's books include "Revenge of the She-Punks: A Feminist Music History from Poly Styrene to Pussy Riot" and "Kid in a Candy Store: Bob Marley and Me." Her work focuses on the intersection of music, gender, and social movements, particularly within punk and reggae cultures.

Readers appreciate Goldman's insider perspective and first-hand knowledge of punk and reggae scenes. Her direct experience interviewing musicians and working in the industry adds credibility to her writing. On Goodreads, readers note her ability to connect music to broader social and political movements. Readers particularly value: - Personal anecdotes from her time in the music industry - In-depth analysis of feminist contributions to punk - Clear writing style that balances academic and journalistic approaches - Detailed accounts of interactions with Bob Marley and other artists Common criticisms: - Some sections feel repetitive - Academic language can be dense in places - Coverage of certain artists/scenes feels incomplete - Organization can feel scattered Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "Revenge of the She-Punks" - 4.1/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: "Kid in a Candy Store" - 4.3/5 (100+ ratings) "She-Punks" maintains higher ratings among academic readers while "Kid in a Candy Store" resonates more with general music fans.

Revenge of the She-Punks: A Feminist Music History from Poly Styrene to Pussy Riot An examination of female punk musicians through four themes: identity, money, love and protest.

Kid In A Candy Store A memoir of Goldman's experiences in the London music scene of the 1970s, focusing on her time as a music journalist and PR representative.

The Book of Exodus: The Making and Meaning of Bob Marley and the Wailers' Album of the Century A detailed account of the creation of Bob Marley's "Exodus" album, including studio sessions and historical context.

Pearl's Secret: A Black Man's Search for His White Family Follows a journalism professor's investigation into his family's hidden racial history in Louisiana.

Everything Is Combustible: Television, CBGB's and Five Decades of Rock and Roll Chronicles the New York punk scene through interviews with musicians, artists, and scene participants.

Greil Marcus writes about the intersection of music, culture and politics with a focus on punk and its cultural impact. His work examines how music movements connect to broader social changes and historical moments.

Lucy O'Brien focuses on women in music through biographies and cultural analysis. She documents feminist perspectives in punk and pop while exploring gender dynamics in the music industry.

Jon Savage chronicles punk history and youth culture through sociological and political lenses. His research traces how music movements emerge from specific cultural conditions.

Caroline Coon combines first-hand accounts of the 1970s punk scene with analysis of class and gender in music. Her work provides both historical documentation and cultural critique of the punk movement.

Simon Reynolds examines post-punk and electronic music through cultural theory and historical context. His writing connects musical innovations to technological and social changes.