Title Details

A colorful collection of pieces considering the enigmatic genius of Scott Walker

Scott Walker's long and diverse career is one of the strangest life stories in pop music. In this collection of newly commissioned writings on his music, life, and cultural importance, music writers and critics explain how the smash-hit teen idol of the 1960s progressed via the dark side of show business to compose, in his later years, a string of uncompromising and cutting-edge music that reflects the horror and torment of the modern world. Covering his entire career, it features 30th Century Man director Stephen Kijak on filming Scott; David Toop and Chris Sharp ponder The Drift; Nina Power, Derek Walmsley, Damon Krukowski, and Brian Morton consider Scott's other solo albums; while Amanda Petrusich journeys through his mid-1970s "country" records. Ian Penman meditates upon the reluctant TV star; David Stubbs looks at his soundtrack and choreography work; and Biba Kopf and Anthony Reynolds reassess the Walker Brothers, while Rob Young contributes a biographical overview. Overturning myths and getting to the heart of Walker’s incredible diverse body of recorded work, this is the most incisive study yet of this great American artist and iconic vocalist.