Traces of the Spirit

The Religious Dimensions of Popular Music

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality
Cover of the book Traces of the Spirit by Robin Sylvan, NYU Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robin Sylvan ISBN: 9780814708651
Publisher: NYU Press Publication: July 1, 2002
Imprint: NYU Press Language: English
Author: Robin Sylvan
ISBN: 9780814708651
Publisher: NYU Press
Publication: July 1, 2002
Imprint: NYU Press
Language: English

"Sylvan's thesis furnishes far more of the same valued experiences than is usually realized: ritual activity, communal ceremony, a philosophy and worldview, a code for living one's life, a cultural identity, a social structure, a sense of belonging, and crucially, Sylvan argues encounters with the numinous."
-Journal of Religion
Most studies of the religious significance of popular music focus on music lyrics, offering little insight into the religious aspects of the music itself. Traces of the Spirit examines the religious dimensions of popular music subcultures, charting the influence and religious aspects of popular music in mainstream culture today and analyzing the religious significance of the audience's experiences, rituals, and worldviews. Sylvan contends that popular music subcultures serve the function of religious communities and represent a new and significant religious phenomenon.
Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork using interviews and participant observation, Sylvan examines such subcultures as the Deadheads, raves and their participants, metalheads, and Hip Hop culture. Based on these case studies, he offers a comprehensive theoretical framework in which to study music and popular culture. In addition, he traces the history of West African possession religion from Africa to the diaspora to its integration into American popular music in such genres as the blues, rock and roll, and contemporary musical youth subcultures.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

"Sylvan's thesis furnishes far more of the same valued experiences than is usually realized: ritual activity, communal ceremony, a philosophy and worldview, a code for living one's life, a cultural identity, a social structure, a sense of belonging, and crucially, Sylvan argues encounters with the numinous."
-Journal of Religion
Most studies of the religious significance of popular music focus on music lyrics, offering little insight into the religious aspects of the music itself. Traces of the Spirit examines the religious dimensions of popular music subcultures, charting the influence and religious aspects of popular music in mainstream culture today and analyzing the religious significance of the audience's experiences, rituals, and worldviews. Sylvan contends that popular music subcultures serve the function of religious communities and represent a new and significant religious phenomenon.
Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork using interviews and participant observation, Sylvan examines such subcultures as the Deadheads, raves and their participants, metalheads, and Hip Hop culture. Based on these case studies, he offers a comprehensive theoretical framework in which to study music and popular culture. In addition, he traces the history of West African possession religion from Africa to the diaspora to its integration into American popular music in such genres as the blues, rock and roll, and contemporary musical youth subcultures.

More books from NYU Press

Cover of the book The Judiciary by Robin Sylvan
Cover of the book Representing the Race by Robin Sylvan
Cover of the book Woodrow Wilson by Robin Sylvan
Cover of the book Frederick Law Olmstead by Robin Sylvan
Cover of the book Selling Welfare Reform by Robin Sylvan
Cover of the book Christian Theologies of the Sacraments by Robin Sylvan
Cover of the book The Epistle of Forgiveness by Robin Sylvan
Cover of the book Black Television Travels by Robin Sylvan
Cover of the book Keywords for Media Studies by Robin Sylvan
Cover of the book Rough Writing by Robin Sylvan
Cover of the book Asian American Media Activism by Robin Sylvan
Cover of the book Flying Out With the Wounded by Robin Sylvan
Cover of the book City Folk by Robin Sylvan
Cover of the book Black Women’s Christian Activism by Robin Sylvan
Cover of the book Words of Fire by Robin Sylvan
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy