Rolling Stone

Arctic Ice, Apple Pie and Rock ‘n Roll with a side of sex and drugs. Welcome to the thrilling world of Rolling Stone Magazine.

This publication comes with a big reputation for fine penmanship and exciting subject matter. Once the ‘make or break’ of the music industry, the Rolling Stone’s power and influence has waned in recent times thanks to the rise of the internet.

The Issue I'm reading, Issue: 1188 (August), stirred some controversy with a cover featuring Jahar Tsarnaev, one of the brothers who bombed the Boston Marathon, as anyone who has ever been smacked in the face will tell you, shock, surprise and sudden pain sells just as well as sex.

It looks all it should and more but feels somewhat unsubstantial. Understand this; this is not a glossy celebrity gossip rag. The appeal is the in-depth analysis of culture and subculture that has been represented by brand for decades.

Page after page Rolling Stone does the business. From Robin Thicke to Willie Nelson the secrets of rock stardom are laid bare for all to read.

Far from being one dimensional, the head line story takes on the difficult subject Jahar’s transformation from likeable, laid back teen to Americas most wanted. It’s a gloriously riveting piece by Janet Reitman, I for one, am transfixed. 

In conclusion Rolling Stone Magazine is best served cold with a slice of lemon and a shot of Absinthe in a dark basement Jazz bar in Prague. It’s not afraid to deal with serious issues and yet is entertaining enough keep from being predictable.