To be honest I thought I had read a Shaun Ryder Autobiography ages back...however it turns out I had read a book with some of Ryders input followingTo be honest I thought I had read a Shaun Ryder Autobiography ages back...however it turns out I had read a book with some of Ryders input following the reformed Happy Monday's your plus I do remember reading Bez's book..as such there's some story's that are the same but maybe told from different angles or with the benefit of age. Anyhow it's pretty much how you would expect a Shaun Ryder book to be it talks of the Drugs..the Music and as written later the reality shows. It's not a book that dwells excessively on the sex and drugs which is actually a good thing..it's not that this is brushed over but unlike some books that reek of bravado and the rock myth Ryder seems more studious in his approach. Much of this is devoted to the Monday's which in honesty is what the majority of readers would want my own favourite Ryder band 'Black grape' get some coverage but far less really..it's a interesting account of a time period and tells the Factory tale from a non New Order band which again makes a change. I enjoy music and I enjoy music books so I was always likely to enjoy this....more
A decent enough book mainly on the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson ..but I'm honesty it takes in other aspects of the Californian experience whichA decent enough book mainly on the Beach Boys and Brian Wilson ..but I'm honesty it takes in other aspects of the Californian experience which probably made this book a compelling and yet a little drawn out read for me. This is the second of three books I came across Beach Boys related in a charity shop recently..the other recently read one was 'Heroes and Villains ' which covered some subject matter that turns up in this book but in many ways is a book in which Dennis rather than Brian weighs heavily. Anyhow I enjoyed this and the book looks at the bands most popular years and takes us into the early nineties...although in honesty the end of century years and kind of shoe horned in a bit at the end....more
Another of those books regarding a band I have a limited knowledge of..having only the collected Dukes of Stratosphear CDs and a early XTC CDAnother of those books regarding a band I have a limited knowledge of..having only the collected Dukes of Stratosphear CDs and a early XTC CD collection. However ...and this remains true post book...I am aware this is a band I should delve into more...of course in many ways I was maybe able to connect more so with the 'dukes' section being a fan and more aware of that output but the possibilities of sounds hinted at in the book(especially post Dukes) does make me think I'm missing out on some good stuff. As such this book has done as much as a music book should do...it's given me a overview of the personnel and the music and has entertained along the way. From reading the book it seems XTC where maybe stilted in what they could have achieved due to their retirement from touring..however the studio experiments maybe wouldn't have been as interesting or as necessary if they were a touring band. Anyhow good stuff...recommended for the casual ETC admirer..maybe the more hardcore one to ..but I can only speak of myself....more
One of about four Beach Boys related books I found during a recent charity shop visit and in itself a decent enough read. I'm not that aware of theOne of about four Beach Boys related books I found during a recent charity shop visit and in itself a decent enough read. I'm not that aware of the Beach Boys as always felt put off by the seemingly hokey beach dwelling surfy image....however I did recently pick up Pet Sounds which was a revelation and truly a stellar album..I was also half aware of Brian Wilson's breakdown during the follow up (the aborted smile) and also semi aware of some dalliance with Charles Manson. These subjects and more...marriages..affairs ..sackings..drugs...family feuds make up this book..and then there's the music..never sensationalist this is a decent book ..how it compares to the others I also picked up we will find out presently....more
A decent read but maybe one only truly enjoyed if you either care for the artist or know the album...for me I have various Hendrix bits and althoughA decent read but maybe one only truly enjoyed if you either care for the artist or know the album...for me I have various Hendrix bits and although don't consider myself a massive fan I do enjoy certain songs and there are times when the album's become a soundtrack to a specific time. Anyhow I have 'are you experienced ' on a CD reissue and the book has made me want to delve back in which is precisely what a book of this type should do...it should be written with enough passion to draw you into the authors obsession over a certain key time. This isn't a biography of Hendrix although of course it contains much biographical detail much...unsuprisingly...referring to the period this album was recorded in. A decent read which unlike some books written about a star that's passed doesn't big itself down with too many 'what ifs'. All in all a short (being 200 pages) and fairly swift introduction of addition in regard to the making of a esteemed album.....more
I picked this book up in hardcover from a poundland near here...in fairness it's worthy of being sold for more than that being an engaging rockI picked this book up in hardcover from a poundland near here...in fairness it's worthy of being sold for more than that being an engaging rock biography. Having only a cursory overview of Cyndi Laupers material( though liking the bits I have) it was interesting to read of the musical directions she has taken and although I have some albums of recent vintage that have been more exploratory there's obviously some I still need to check out. It was refreshing also to read a biography that doesn't just moan about the subjects musical rival...Donovan Harper on in his about Dylan and made a point throughout to claim to be first in regard to many a percieved Dylan milestone...I felt before reading that there may be a risk of Lauper doing this as although I felt she had more early promise than Madonna it was Madonna who eclipsed her..however she doesn't really touch the subject except to show admiration for her eighties rival in this book and writes with a lot of grace. All in all not a bad book....more
This is a book unlikely to win any new converts but if like me you have ever had any time for Grace Jones either as a spiky pop figure or as aThis is a book unlikely to win any new converts but if like me you have ever had any time for Grace Jones either as a spiky pop figure or as a stylistic icon ...well you are likely to enjoy this book. For someone so seemingly unconventional her life detailed here isn't as extreme as books I have read by and about other pop and rock figures...in fact even when things take the occasional odd route Grace does explain well as to why this was so. A decent read anyhow which tells enough whilst still retaining an area of mystique....more
A poets reflection on touring and.....indie bands ..very music heavy this which suits me as I like these kind of things. short essays truth be told andA poets reflection on touring and.....indie bands ..very music heavy this which suits me as I like these kind of things. short essays truth be told and observations on Bob Dylan's work...a Morrissey tour date...an interview with Dave Gedge....plus poetic stuff put aside and an attempt at rock and roll immortality. Good holiday reading fodder I would suggest......more
A great book..though one written under tragic circumstances, I first become aware of Victor Jara only recently due to Christy Moore's cover of ArloA great book..though one written under tragic circumstances, I first become aware of Victor Jara only recently due to Christy Moore's cover of Arlo Guthrie's song about the short but eventful life of this revolutionary poet/musician. It's a story of political struggle optimism around the creation of a hopeful socialist utopia..the usual anti communist CIA meddling and the installation of a military junta led by Pinochet who spearhead the Wests free market experiments but ultimately leave more human rights violations under Pinochet than the usurped leftist government did. More of the political machinations can be read in Naomi Klien's shock doctrine..this is more a life lived and taken under these circumstances. Joan Jara admits bias towards an ideology within the book and as such we have to take with a pinch of salt how great things where under Allande..however there's little doubt is was worse under Pinochet who's regime was backed by the U.K and U.S. amongst others. Interesting to see also how the meddling into international politics by the CIA really backfired this time as it seems to have done numerous times during the cold war....more
I guess the sign of a good book is how it influences you whilst and after being read...in the case of this book it's led me to revisit variousI guess the sign of a good book is how it influences you whilst and after being read...in the case of this book it's led me to revisit various Stranglers LPs and Cds I have picked up from car boot sales over the years..in fact from reading this book it appears I have all of the Hugh Cornwell tenure of the Stranglers records in one form or another!! That said before the book I maybe gave some of them (feline for example) a cursory listen..now I find myself wading through them and enjoying them more in regard to the context they were recorded. The book feels an honest read given the fact some of the story's don't reflect too well on various ex and current members and as to the whole debate as to whether the stranglers were actually punk?...well it appears even members of the band differ on opinion in regard to that!! It's a good book and not one just cataloging total excess like some rock biographical material I have read of late...say like Paul Di'anno's book...Anyhow a great book I would think for a true Stranglers fan and also for someone who dips in and out like myself....more
In honesty this book has languished on the bookshelf for far too long and was overdue being read...I'm pleased I took the time to do so..there was aIn honesty this book has languished on the bookshelf for far too long and was overdue being read...I'm pleased I took the time to do so..there was a time in the mid eighties to early nineties where Peel was an important figure for me in regard my musical education..it was from him I first heard the likes of the Smiths,the Pogues,Terry and Gerry plus genres such as Grindcore and early Thrash metal..in fact his show was a real mix with hip hop and stuff with strong pop sensibilities being present and correct too. This is a book of two parts...The Peel is like the man himself seemed numerous ,understated and reflective..his half deals mainly with his formative years and had he continued writing I suspect due to this(unless heavy editing occurred) this would have been a much longer book. His wife Shelia's half is far more reflective on his career and offers an outside insight into the man as John in his part didn't seem to be one who reflected much one his own psyche. It's an interesting book and although there are luminaries along the way you never lose focus that this is a book about John Peel. I suspect the rise of internet radio stations means there is a possibility that there are D.J.s out there now who offer an eclectic mix..I do think the loss of Peel however still hits as they are on the fringes where he was always at the centre and on a commercially astute station. For all that this isn't a sad book it's a book that celebrates John Peel and does this well. I do like the two distinct voices in this book it does round off the character better than just the person's first hand account of things....more
Fantastic writing....the enthusiasm the writer has for music grips you..he may in many way be exploring music on the fringes of pop culture but inFantastic writing....the enthusiasm the writer has for music grips you..he may in many way be exploring music on the fringes of pop culture but in fairness that is always where the interesting things happen. The scope of writing does encapsulate biographical writing as well as short story narrative so it is difficult to pigeon hole book or writer...but essentially it's a collection of essays ,thoughts and interviews about or with the likes of iggy pop,Lou reed,the Clash,Jethro Full,Elvis Presley...plus many others. It's led me to explore some of the music I haven't heard yet too...this in itself I guess hints at a job well done...I guess writing wise I would maybe put this alongside some of Henry Rollins journal's in regard mix and depth. Good stuff....more
Not a bad book by the former Iron Maiden front man but to be honest it's the usual tale of the guy left behind...eventually the constant braggingNot a bad book by the former Iron Maiden front man but to be honest it's the usual tale of the guy left behind...eventually the constant bragging grates. it's a tale of how many women Paul has slept with (lots)..fights he's been in (lots) and substances taken(lots more). No real insight into the man just a cartoonish tale of a rock star......more
The tagline of this book suggests it's about the Colonel and Elvis but in honesty ...it's more about the Colonel. Being not wholly sold on the ElvisThe tagline of this book suggests it's about the Colonel and Elvis but in honesty ...it's more about the Colonel. Being not wholly sold on the Elvis phenomenon I possibly enjoyed this more as Elvis came across as a supporting character in the story of the life of a manager who as an ex carny knew how to sell himself as much as his act. Manipulative?...for sure..the stories of the Colonel playing on his dodgy heart to elicit support from his act almost cast Parker and Elvis as a proto Steptoe and Son. The Colonel (the book) was never boring and it appears neither was the man I don't think he comes across wholly as a Demon or Angel in this book..like most of us he was a mix of both and different things to different people. Elvis himself does come across as pretty tolerant and I probably have more respect for Elvis the man now even if Elvis the entertainer or artist generally passes me by. A fascinating book for fans and apathetic outsiders like myself too....more
First off I'm not a big R.E.M. aficionado nor a rabid fan...in many ways I'm nothing more than an interested party..however over time and due toFirst off I'm not a big R.E.M. aficionado nor a rabid fan...in many ways I'm nothing more than an interested party..however over time and due to picking up various CDs at boot sales and charity shops by the band plus the Hindu love gods spin off I have enjoyed a lot of their output. This book is easily followed and unlike many biography books is biography of the band rather than a band biography that overtly charts the growth of each member pre fame..the lack of personal background in many ways allows the story within to gather pace quickly and shows how a band who didn't compromise much made some headway through perseverance and slow growth. I enjoyed the book and it does what it sets out to do..the author is unashamedly a fan and therefore respectful of the band...for myself it's allowed me an insight into the songs and albums I have and has led me to slowly explore these albums again. in such a way I guess the book has achieved its goal....more
possibly the best of the KISS books not in regard honesty(I guess all members were being honest from their position in their respective books) but inpossibly the best of the KISS books not in regard honesty(I guess all members were being honest from their position in their respective books) but in regard to it being the most even. Sure there's the back biting and criticism of ex members that anyone picking up this book would maybe expect but Paul did try and temper this by occasionally reflecting on his won behaviour...and in fairness it's not only ex members Paul criticises ...working dynamic wise him and Gene seem to have had a few terse moments. The last KISS book I read was Peter's which though fun was whiny and bitter Paul's is more optimistic though at times a little long winded in regard his diatribes about positivity...I bought this as a music biography not as a self help book so I found those passages although part of his character unnecessary..however all told this was a good book and readable enough....more
In some ways if this book had been a straight forward biography it would have become superfluous due to not only the myriad of books already writtenIn some ways if this book had been a straight forward biography it would have become superfluous due to not only the myriad of books already written about the Smiths and Morrissey but due to the man himself putting pen to paper with his own autobiography recently...however this book really is as much explaining a fans love of Morrissey as about the ma itself. It is peppered with lyrical references throughout though not in an all knowing way..often the nod to the Canon of work is wry and amusing..the book in many ways is unlikely to create new fans as you either love or loath Morrissey however it does help to reinforce to existing fans why Morrissey is still important despite controversy dogging his career an in fairness some lacklustre releases over the years. All in all I enjoyed this book as it examines a fans experience of Morrissey plus dissects the man via his own words...prior to his autobiography this was may be the only clues we had to what made the man tick..the biographical content is minimal and in many ways the book is all the better for that.....more
In many ways I read this book just to understand why I should care about Roxy music?....I am a fan of music in most forms and although I have pickedIn many ways I read this book just to understand why I should care about Roxy music?....I am a fan of music in most forms and although I have picked up various Bryan Ferry and Roxy music vinyl and CD releases over the years from car boot sales and charity shops I have only really given them a cursory listen feeling much of the time that the hype generated from the build up others have given the releases doesn't translate in actuality.....as you can tell I'm not a Roxy music fan per se.. However I did enjoy reading up on the creative process of the band and understanding how their Canon is maybe worth me revisiting just as there does seem to be some development there. The book is in actuality more a focus on the front man but given the personnel changes in the band Ferry was always likely to be the focus...an unusual character in many ways a working class lad with aspirations to the gentry and this perception may be one of the reasons I struggle with the band...in fairness from reading the interviews within the book Ferry has never tried to dismiss his roots and indeed shows some pride in them. He comes across as a complicated character someone who courts the level of fame of his contemporaries but who in some ways seems to be a fragile character. This book has given me the will to relisten to the bits I have with fresh ears so in that way job done....more
Enjoyable enough though in many ways a tame autobiography...I guess if you are writing about yourself (even with help) you are likely to paintEnjoyable enough though in many ways a tame autobiography...I guess if you are writing about yourself (even with help) you are likely to paint yourself in the best possible light....that's not to say Meat Loaf comes across all judgemental to other folks and passes the blame to others which is a tool I see in so many of these books nor is he whiney...it's just he keeps any transgressions private. Although he mentions his demons of the past(substance usage) he neither uses this book to overhaul episodes related to them neither funny or tragic and in some ways why should he?...instead we get a book that is really Bat out of Hell heavy..the post Bat albums get a cursory run through although this period makes up a small part of the book. All in all its not a bad book it just feels that maybe it could have told so much more rather than a sanitised account....more
until I heard pet sounds earlier on in the year I had been dismissive of the beach boys...pet sounds changed that...it is a album that deserves theuntil I heard pet sounds earlier on in the year I had been dismissive of the beach boys...pet sounds changed that...it is a album that deserves the hype being a complete and realised piece of work. The book is interesting in that it follows the creation and execution of the album....however I suspect I would have got more from this if I was an obsessive in regard to the album as some of the tech detail didn't really add much to my appreciation and held for me minimal interest......more
The second autobiography by John Lydon though this one plus far more expansive than the first. The first was ultimately a book about the Pistols aThe second autobiography by John Lydon though this one plus far more expansive than the first. The first was ultimately a book about the Pistols a almost 'setting the record stranger's tome in regard to the early punk years ,this book does go over that ground but in more concise form and expands further by embracing the post pistols years from PIL to TV work and beyond. As such I enjoyed this book far more...much as I appreciate the Pistols musically I was more in tune with PIL and as such I enjoyed this book far more. Though aware of his cultural worth its interesting to see Lydon define his songs as Pop songs not choosing to dress them up as alternative rock or something..this is a small thing but I liked that..I liked the fact that he doesn't seem too precious in regard to how his sound is defined. It was also of interest to see him speak of artists he admires or whom maybe he isn't the biggest fan but has found some worth in on human terms...in the past the pithy sound bites haven't maybe reflected who or what inspired him so it's great to see John being open to a whole host of stuff. All in all I have read better biographies but there's a lot to admire in regard this one ...if only the fact that as the years have progressed John's willingness to challenge himself appears not to have dimmed...future pursuits outside music seem likely in regard to this and I can't help but be optimistic this will be so as John is always a colourful character....in more then hair alone......more
This was a great book to start my 2015 reading too, Before this I was really it aware of Annie's involvement with CRASS the anarcho punkThis was a great book to start my 2015 reading too, Before this I was really it aware of Annie's involvement with CRASS the anarcho punk music/alternative media collective whose own origins are covered well in penny rimbauds my revolting life....CRASS form but a small part of this as Annie has crammed masses into her time on earth. Musically she has surfed punk,disco,the avant garde and lounge type styling and the book reflects this and the collaborators she has worked along through these guises...as such it's a book heavy with personnel and sometimes I found it difficult to recall an individual who reappears later on in the book unless(as is the case with many anyhow) I was aware of their work before this book. It's a book that although unflinching in looking at the darker tales in Annie's life(and as such reads as a very honest tome) is never bleak nor self pitying ..in fact the light and shade is perfect and I think leads to Annie being a well rounded figure as the book closes. I have little of Annie's work though had some awareness of her before this book via the works of David Tibet who is one of many who adds an introduction to this book...however there is little doubt I will make up for this now and seek out some of the music. The chronological life ends at 2000 and I suspect the last 15 years have added more to this tale as Annie is still creating....more
In some ways it's difficult to place this book...it is a music autobiography maybe masquerading as a self help book....or maybe it's vice versa...IIn some ways it's difficult to place this book...it is a music autobiography maybe masquerading as a self help book....or maybe it's vice versa...I dunno but it was a decent enough book. I didn't come to this book as a massive fan of Amanda Palmer...more as an interested party..I have heard her material but never felt the need to take the plunge and buy a CD as her music hasn't interested me that much...not that it's bad it's just not done for me what it does for a great many others...Amanda herself however is an interesting proposition in the way in which she has promoted herself and her projects and also in how she has effectively created a intense loyalty for her brand. This has been hard fought if you read the book she explains the hours of guerrilla gigs and signings..plus the two way process in regard not only creating a fan base but gradually turning it into a community of sorts. The love they have for Amanda is attested by the many youtube videos you can find online...having little awareness of her music didn't pose a problem in regard reading this book in truth at heart it is a book given to the explicit message in the title...it's about asking and receiving. We live in an age where people bemoan social media for creating celebrity many seeing this as less hard work than the dogged touring and shameless self promotion of the Television circuit which was once how careers where built..this book lift the lid a little and shows what appears to be created with ease actually involves time ,commitment and conflict. I enjoyed this book whether I now explore the music is another matter but certainly I'm more intrigued than I was....more
As with all biographies if you have no interest in the main character this book won't be for you...I however enjoyed the mamas and Pappas music plusAs with all biographies if you have no interest in the main character this book won't be for you...I however enjoyed the mamas and Pappas music plus the solo Cass Elliot stuff I have heard...a also have an interest in the Greenwich folk boom of the early sixties so to be honest I was always likely to enjoy this book. That said I may not have rated it quite as highly if it wasn't quite so well researched and with input from a whole host of folks from that period in time. It was a good book and one which explores how Cass felt about herself and far from the jolly large singer who died early...well there was a lot more there..that's not to say Cass doesn't come across as fun loving..she does but as with any life there's some tragedy within too....more
I enjoyed this it's a book featuring the rise and fall of Cherie Curie but unlike many biographies of this nature manages to steer away from whinyI enjoyed this it's a book featuring the rise and fall of Cherie Curie but unlike many biographies of this nature manages to steer away from whiny self pity or bitter recrimination...unlike say...Peter Criss's book!! Cherie deals with her own mistakes honestly and even when she is the victim of circumstance she doesn't choose to apportion blame too much. Band mates generally come out of the quite well even Lita Ford who seems to have been her biggest critic within the band..even Kim Fowley gets some respect despite the fact he seems to have done for the runaways much the same as what Malcolm McLaren did for the sex pistols...I.e take much of the credit whilst screwing the band over. it's made me want to revisit the few Runaways records I have the love of glam rock Cherie exhibits alone makes me think many I can get more out of those L.P.s. All in all this was on of the best autobiography books I have read...it wasn't all pleasant drug addiction,rape and violence feature within but neither was it sensationalist..telling instead a story over five to six years which was full of drama of the best and very worst kind......more
I am overdue saying something on this book as I read it a couple of weeks back added it to my read pile but time limited me commented further...itI am overdue saying something on this book as I read it a couple of weeks back added it to my read pile but time limited me commented further...it does however deserve commentary. This book is so enjoyable as unlike many autobiography or biographical works this does feel to be based very much in fact...James Fearnley uses his vantage point as accordion player from the Pogues to plot their rise and subsequent falling out(in commercial terms the Pogues were still doing O.K. at the end of Macgowans tenure with the band). Fearnley comes across as forgiving in regard the tensions and dynamic within and around the band openly pointing out the love/hate tensions he had and likely still has with various members..his comments are never cruel and come from a point of understanding that makes this a joy to read...bitter isn't a word you could throw it's way. Of course Fearnley is a side character in his own story..it is ultimately about the lead singer and it's interesting to read of the escalation of Shane's unreasonable behaviour which seems in many ways his way of getting released from a situation which he was no longer happy with..it also says something for the band that despite the tensions listed the band still play together with some regularity to this day. very likely a high spot in regard to biographical works....more
I enjoyed this book,despite living it what was the Central region in regard to Television we instead received a better signal of the Granada region asI enjoyed this book,despite living it what was the Central region in regard to Television we instead received a better signal of the Granada region as such I became more aware of Tony Wilson as a TV anchor on Granada reports and only later did I gain awareness of his part ownership of Factory records an th Hacienda. However I gleaned enough and am enough of a fan of multiple factory bands to have enjoyed this biographical account of someone heavily involved in it all. I'm not a massive New Order fan which could have stilted my interest in this book however in many ways ..in fact in all...Peter Hooks tenure in the band is barely explored and is only done so really in regard to how the Hacienda and other projects got funded. Hook is quick to point out the naivety of all involved including himself when attempted running a club but there's no doubt that looking back on it he retains some pride in regard how the venture fed into the culture and identity of Manchester...neither does he shy away from the dark side of the club and the closing half of the book does show the dream go sour fairly swiftly. All said I read and enjoyed this book and do look forward to reading more by Peter Hook including his Joy Division one...I'm not that big a fan of them neither but do appreciate them and expect an honest account which will maybe open up some interest in them for me....more
as a fan of Alice Cooper the musician and performer I suspected I would enjoy this when I chanced upon the book in a charity shop...as such purchasingas a fan of Alice Cooper the musician and performer I suspected I would enjoy this when I chanced upon the book in a charity shop...as such purchasing it involved very little thought. As it goes this book was a fun quick read...in some ways you suspect there must be loads more stories Alice has to tell and as no lover of Golf I found those bits a little tiresome but still it was interesting to hear of Alice's unusual(in terms of contract..or lack of)with his manager ,the creation of some of his albums and his casual name dropping of pretty much any celebrity of any significance in the twentieth century. I myself(being a music bore) would have preferred more on the creation of the album's as although the period to welcome to my nightmare is covered reasonably well later albums don't seem to be covered in much detail....and some aren't even covered. In fairness given the length and breadth of Cooper s output I guess this shouldn't be a surprise. In terms of rock biographies I have read better but this isn't bad the premise of following Alice's alcoholism and redemption through Golf is a good one....more
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