The Pulphead Playlist

By Beth, January 18, 2012

So, you’ve probably heard about Pulphead, the much-talked-of essay collection by Louisville native John Jeremiah Sullivan which showed up on many of last year’s Top Ten lists. Sullivan brings an intelligent Southern sensibility to an eclectic assortment of topics: he discusses Christian rock festivals, Axl Rose, 19^th century botanists, and Tennessee cave painting with equal authority.

Among the essays are several about music, all of which make you want to immediately hear the artists he’s discussing. He says things like, “Anyone with an interest in American culture should find a way to hear this record,” or spends several paragraphs analyzing Axl’s “Devil Woman” voice (you know, the one at the end of “Sweet Child of Mine”).

To that end, here’s the accompaniment you’ll need to fully appreciate Pulphead:

Essay: Upon This Rock
Back to the Rock
by Petra