Rock History

Experience the cultural revolution of music history as outsider noise transforms into the ultimate global soundtrack. Perfect for your daily commute, this energetic journey tracks the restless rebellion of youth culture colliding with groundbreaking technology. Feel the raw, passionate drive of...

Dire Straits filled giant stadiums around the world and sold hundreds of millions of records. Throughout the eighties, they were one of the biggest bands on the planet. Their classic songs—'Sultans of Swing', 'Money for Nothing', 'Brothers In Arms'—formed the soundtrack of a generation and...

Trace the explosive music history of rebellion and pop culture that shattered boundaries and redefined the world. Whether you are fueling up for an energetic daily commute or hitting the highway on a nostalgic road trip, this fast-moving audio journey transports you straight to the heart of the...

JFK's Secret Doctor tells a thrilling story of adventure and a historic medical career. Set against the grand panorama of 20th century world events, it captures the remarkable life and spirit of climber and medical visionary Hans Kraus (1905–1996). Kraus was taught English by writer James Joyce, escaped Nazi-dominated Europe, and was JFK's secret back specialist.

Step onto contested sacred ground and uncover the religious history of Jerusalem's most fiercely debated holy shrine. Whether you are preparing for a spiritual journey or seeking deep-focus learning during your commute, this evocative audio experience transports you to the stone platform of...

In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that schools had to allow Black students to attend previously all-white schools. On September 4, 1957, nine Black students were set to attend Little Rock Central High in Little Rock, Arkansas. But when they arrived, an angry mob of white people spat at them and hurled racist insults. They were also prevented from entering the school by the National Guard. After they were finally allowed in weeks later, they faced even more abuse from white students and staff.

Witness centuries of empire and faith through the survival of Islamic architecture's contested marvel. Perfect for your daily commute, this immersive historical journey transports you straight to the sacred center of Jerusalem. Stand before the gleaming golden dome and trace the breathtaking...

Uncover the turbulent Middle Eastern history of a sacred architectural marvel that sparks global religious conflict. Perfect for an educational commute, this grounded, thought-provoking journey explores how a single hilltop sanctuary became the ultimate geopolitical symbol. Dive into the clash...

An acclaimed, career-spanning collection from a fiercely feminist and revered contemporary rock critic, reissued with new material Throughout her career, spanning more than two decades, Jessica Hopper, a revered and pioneering music critic, has examined women recording and producing music, in...

Feel the energetic pulse of music history as rebellious outcasts turn raw underground riffs into a cultural revolution. Whether you are firing up your daily commute or chasing nostalgia on a long road trip, this immersive journey transports you straight into the smoky basements and roadside...

Seinfeld, Friends, Frasier, ER, Cheers, Law & Order, Will & Grace…Here is the funny, splashy, irresistible insiders’ account of the greatest era in television history -- told by the actors, writers, directors, producers, and the network executives who made it happen…and watched it all fall...

Everything’s changing for twelve-year-old Marlee. Her brother’s gone off to college and her sister’s moved out of the room they’ve shared since Marlee was born. To Marlee, it feels like her whole world’s falling apart. On top of all that, she’s starting middle school and has...

Why doesn’t the explosive growth of companies like Facebook and Uber deliver more prosperity for everyone? What is the systemic problem that sets the rich against the poor and the technologists against everybody else? When protesters shattered the windows of a bus carrying Google employees to...

Are you curious about rocks and gems? What are the differences between rocks, minerals, and gems? Are there rocks in outer space? How many kinds of gems exist? Learn more with Smithsonian: Rocks & Gems.

For fans of books from Chris Jericho, Steve Austin, Daniel Bryan, Mick Foley and Jim Ross. 'We have all felt every emotion today. Remember today, the next time a family member or workmate tells you that wrestling is stupid. We've laughed, we've cried, we've screamed our lungs out. Professional...

From the founding member of Sonic Youth, a passionate memoir tracing the author's life and art—from his teen years as a music obsessive in small-town Connecticut, to the formation of his legendary rock group, to thirty years of creation, experimentation, and wonder "Downtown scientists rejoice!...

'A magnificent, heartfelt love story: a quest both ancient and entirely original' Jay Griffiths 'An epic of travel and a rich testament to an enduring love' Colin Thubron Five years ago Rory MacLean set out on a path with no idea of where it would lead, of how long it would take or that his life...

Trace the gripping history of human civilization and the energy revolution through a single, transformative black rock. Perfect for your daily commute, this immersive exploration transports you from steaming prehistoric swamps to the smog-choked cities of the Industrial Revolution. Witness how...

Unlike all previous versions of rock 'n' roll history, this book omits almost every iconic performer and ignores the storied events and turning points everyone knows. Instead, in a daring stroke, Greil Marcus selects 10 songs recorded between 1956 and 2008 and then proceeds to dramatize how each embodies rock 'n' roll as a thing in itself in the story it tells, inhabits, and acts out - a new language, something new under the sun.

Dire Straits filled giant stadiums around the world and sold hundreds of millions of records. Throughout the '80s they were the biggest band on the planet. Their classic songs - 'Sultans of Swing', 'Romeo and Juliet', 'Money for Nothing', 'Brothers in Arms' - formed the soundtrack of a generation and live on today: still racking up sales, still being played on the radio on every continent.