I've been distracted by a few things lately and have fallen behind on my music reading, particularly blogs from across the pond. 
"The Sound of the City" was out of print for many years but now is available online at places like Amazon
So, it was with dismay that I've only just learned of the March 17 death of Charlie Gillett, a legendary rock author and radio host.
Gillett wasn't prolific but did write the hugely influential 1970 book "The Sound of the City: The Rise of Rock and Roll," which was among the first to examine the roots of rock and its underlying sociological impacts, and the role independent labels played in the growth of what became a pop culture tidal wave. If you're a fan of rock history, this book is a must. It's 40 years old but still resonates today, much like Greil Marcus' "Mystery Train."
The book's list of Recommended Records is worth the price alone (Google Books offers a glimpse at the list, starting at page 451).