David Sylvian spans three decades of image-conscious pop culture. From South London schoolboy in the Seventies to respected composer of the Nineties and beyond, he remains a uniquely fascinating hero. The new edition of Martin Power's acclaimed biography explores every detail of a unique life. The formation of Japan, their signing to Ariola-Hansa in 1977 and a shaky career start. Success with a new glamorous image and two classic albums, Gentlemen Take Polaroids and Tin Drum and the band's break-up and the start of Sylvian's solo career. Including many interviews and reviews of all Japan and Sylvian albums, this unique biography delves into the compelling world of the Lewisham lad who became the Last Romantic.

This book provides a collection of graduate students' writings in popular music studies.

As a book about emergent spirituality in the contemporary West, this books focuses on the nature, evolution and significance of new forms of religion and alternative spiritualities. Part One of the book provides the theoretical background and guides the reader through some of the principal debates. After an overview of the secularization thesis, which argues that the West is becoming increasingly disenchanted, the second chapter turns to the sociological analysis of new religions and alternative spiritualities. Particular attention is given to the ideas of the sociologist of religion Ernst Troeltsch, especially his enigmatic analysis of the emergence mystical religion, which presciently provides helpful insights into understanding the contemporary alternative religious milieu. Against sociologists such as Bryan Wilson and Steve Bruce, this and the subsequent chapter argues that, rather than being insignificant, new forms of spirituality are actually proving to be a significant part of Western re-enchantment. Chapter 3 constructs a general theory of the re-enchantment of the West.

This text presents a comprehensive and up-to-date reference work on popular music, from the early 20th century to the present day.