What’s that Sound is the textbook to the class on the history of rock and roll that John Covach teaches at the University of Rochester and, for free, online at Coursera.com. Covach knows the subject and is a good story teller. Reading the book was as fun and entertaining as listening to the lectures plus the book has the playlists included so you can track down the music under discussion, that is if it is not already burned into your memory.
This is one of the very few textbooks that is an enjoyable read on its own and, even if you don’t need some fun credits toward a college degree, you will be rewarded with a better understanding of the music we are all surrounded by. ( )