Written specifically for students, this introductory textbook explores the history and meaning of rock and popular music. Roy Shuker's study provides an accessible and comprehensive introduction to the production, distribution, consumption and meaning of popular music and examines the difficulties and debates which surround the analysis of popular culture and popular music.

This heavily revised and updated third edition includes:

- new case studies on the iPod, downloading, and copyright
- the impact of technologies, including on-line delivery and the debates over MP3 and Napster
- new chapters on music genres, cover songs and the album canon as well as music retail, radio and the charts
- case studies and lyrics of artists such as Robert Johnson, The Who, Fat Boy Slim and The Spice Girls
- a comprehensive discography, suggestions for further reading, listening and viewing and a directory of useful websites.

With chapter related guides to further reading, listening and viewing, a glossary, and a timeline, this textbook is the ideal introduction for students.