It Still Moves

In It Still Moves, music journalist Amanda Petrusich travels through the American South to explore the roots of folk music and its evolution into modern forms. The book follows her journey in a Honda Civic through Memphis, Nashville, and Appalachia as she traces the historical and cultural lineage of American rural music. The narrative combines first-hand reporting, musical history, and profiles of artists who shaped the folk tradition, beginning with Alan Lomax's foundational ethnomusicological work. Petrusich examines the connections between early blues performers, traditional folk musicians, and contemporary indie artists like Iron and Wine and Califone. Through interviews and observations, Petrusich documents the personal stories and philosophies of musicians who have contributed to America's musical heritage. She focuses on understanding the human elements behind the music rather than commercial success or technical aspects of recording. The book presents American folk music as a living tradition that continues to transform while maintaining connections to its historical roots. It raises questions about authenticity, preservation, and the ongoing evolution of musical traditions in contemporary culture.

Readers describe the book as a music journalism travelogue that explores American roots music through visits to key locations and interviews. Many note the personal, diary-like quality of Petrusich's writing style. Readers appreciated: - Detailed historical research and context - First-hand accounts from musicians - Blend of memoir and music criticism - Coverage of lesser-known artists and scenes - Clear explanations of complex musical terms Common criticisms: - Too much focus on the author's personal journey - Meandering narrative structure - Limited coverage of certain genres/regions - Some factual errors in music history details Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (126 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (18 reviews) Sample reader comment: "She manages to write about music in a way that makes you want to listen to it immediately" (Goodreads) Critical comment: "Gets bogged down in personal anecdotes when it should focus more on the music itself" (Amazon)

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🎵 The author's Honda Civic road trip covered over 7,000 miles across the American South while researching for this book 🎸 During her research, Petrusich visited historic Sun Studio in Memphis where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their early hits 🏠 The book explores Harry Smith's influential Anthology of American Folk Music (1952), which helped preserve traditional songs that might have otherwise been lost 🎼 Petrusich interviewed contemporary artists like Will Oldham (Bonnie "Prince" Billy) and Steve Earle to examine how traditional music influences modern performers 🌟 After writing "It Still Moves," Petrusich went on to become a staff writer at The New Yorker and teach music journalism at New York University