Commuter's Curved Track

When our compass is broken, and all else fails, there is one thing some of us have come to rely on: music really can give us a sense of something like home. Legendary music critic Ian Penman's first book in twenty years, "It Gets Me Home, This Curving Track," reaches for a vanished moment in musical history when cultures collided, and a certain kind of cross-generational and 'cross-colour' awareness was born.

Penman's cast of characters includes the Mods, James Brown, Charlie Parker, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, John Fahey, Steely Dan, and Prince – black artists who were innovators, and white musicians who copied them for the mainstream. His "prose that glides and shimmers and pivots on risky metaphors, low puns and highbrow reference points" (Brian Dillon, frieze) explores this pivotal era when different musical traditions intersected, giving rise to new and influential sounds.

The book's title, "It Gets Me Home, This Curving Track," evokes the way music can transport us, providing a sense of belonging and familiarity even in unfamiliar territory. Penman's writing captures the energy and dynamism of the musical landscape he explores, drawing readers into the heart of these cultural exchanges and the creative sparks they ignited.

Across the pages, Penman weaves together the stories of these iconic artists, tracing the threads that connect their diverse musical journeys. He delves into the cultural, social, and political contexts that shaped their artistry, revealing how the collision of genres and perspectives fueled groundbreaking innovations.

From the Mods' embrace of African-American soul music to the cross-pollination of jazz, R&B, and rock 'n' roll, Penman chronicles the dynamic interplay that defined this transformative era. He examines the ways in which white musicians, both consciously and unconsciously, appropriated and reinterpreted the work of their black counterparts, often with profound and lasting impact on the broader musical landscape.

Penman's analysis is not merely historical; it is a nuanced exploration of the complex dynamics of cultural exchange, power structures, and the enduring influence of marginalized voices. His writing challenges readers to confront the often-fraught relationships between creativity, commerce, and representation, inviting deeper reflection on the ongoing legacies of these musical innovators.

At its core, "It Gets Me Home, This Curving Track" is a celebration of the unifying power of music, its ability to transcend boundaries and forge connections across diverse communities. Penman's eloquent and evocative prose captures the emotional resonance of these musical journeys, reminding us of the profound ways in which art can shape our sense of identity, belonging, and the human experience.

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