Books like Mystery Train: Images of America in Rock 'n' Roll

This is a masterpiece from Greil Marcus about what makes American rock-n-roll such a special beast. It focuses on the origins of rock music in the blues and then profiles four completely different artists: Elvis, The Band, Sly and the Family Stone and Randy Newman. It also includes a kickass discography to go back and listen to the music he discusses. I was blown away by the original Sun sessions of Elvis and grew an entirely new appreciation of Bob Dylan's work with The Band, Sly Stone's music as well as that of Mr. I Love LA. It is a must read for fans of rock music and a magnificent testimony to the art behind the legends as well as the ethos behind the music.