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Publishers Weekly Review

A former instructor at the Parsons School of Design, Jones links contemporary rock superstars to the heroes of ancient myth, but this provocative thesis clashes with the jazzy, turgid prose here. She explains that the ``self-ravaging'' punk antihero ``cathartically and messianically vents collective rage within a tradition of ecstatic martyrdom as he is pelted onstage with assorted objects hurled by fans.'' Depicting costumes as ``transcendental devices in ritual,'' she further maintains that harshly contrasting dual or multicolor schemes descend from the medieval fools and Elizabethan clowns who wore two-toned costumes to symbolize the rational versus irrational division of the mind. Other revelations are less profound: Ozzy Osbourne's 15-pound vermicelli-beaded nylon-chiffon robe (depicted here among the 125 color and black-and-white pictures) is washable. (September 1) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

School Library Journal Review

YA Everything that readers might want to know about the history and inspiration of rock costume is contained in this volume. Also included are studies of the costume designers as well as the performers who wear their creations. The influence of rock costume on fashion today is explored as well. Jones details the mythic origins of designs worn by rock groups from 1955 to 1986. She has clearly researched the mythological heroes whose legend and imagery inspire the top rock designers. From Elvis and James Brown to Kiss and Twisted Sister, some of the most dynamic and enduring rock stars have adopted this way of dressing. These costumes transform the performers into something other than their ordinary selves. They may also help overcome inhibitions to produce an altered state that permits extraordinary ways of acting. Among the 125 illustrations included are original costume sketches by top rock costume designers. These are often accompanied by photographs of the stars performing in the costume. This technique and the lavish use of other drawings and photographs make this an immensely entertaining source of information on the rock fashion industry.Jane Porter, Klein Oak High School, Spring (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.