An interesting series of essays concentrating on 'mainstream' rock throughout the years - lots of interesting discussion points, and well worth a read if you have a bored moment:

http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8821559/the-winners-history-rock-roll-part-1-led-zeppelin
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8838644/the-winners-history-rock-roll-part-2-kiss
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8860424/the-winners-history-rock-roll-part-3-bon-jovi
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8891607/the-winners-history-rock-roll-part-4-aerosmith
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8914197/the-winners-history-rock-roll-part-5-metallica
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8935046/the-winners-history-rock-roll-part-6-linkin-park
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/8959105/the-winners-history-rock-roll-part-7-black-keys