Book Description
Ever heard a song and thought "Hey, they ripped that off!"
Sounds Like Teen Spirit: Stolen Melodies, Ripped-off Riffs and the Secret History of Rock 'n' Roll is the first book ever to examine the phenomenon of songs that appear to have "borrowed" their melodies from earlier songs.
While many are familiar with the similarities between George Harrison's My Sweet Lord and the Chiffon's oldie He's So Fine, did you also know that:
· The first rock 'n' roll hit, Bill Haley's Rock Around the Clock took part of its melody from Hank William's Move it on Over?
· The guitar riff that powered Nirvana's classic Smells Like Teen Spirit had its origins in Boston's More Than a Feeling?
· Bob Marley's Buffalo Soldier shares its melody with The Theme from the Banana Splits, a kids show from the 1960s?
Come along for an exiting and informative journey through The Secret History of Rock 'n' Roll. You'll find out how ultra-hipsters the Strokes borrowed a melody from ultra-dork Barry Manilow; why Huey Lewis sued Ray Parker Jr. over Ghostbusters, how a novelty record cut by his dad may have influenced John Lennon's Imagine, and how an obscure song by the band Spirit was a likely inspiration in the creation of Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven.
Sounds Like Teen Spirit will delight any music fan, and is sure to send you running to your stereo or I-Pod to hear the songs for yourself!
"A fun and fact-filled book that you can either read from cover to cover, or skip around and open up at any page and dig in. Most of the songs you can hear in your head (or dig out the cds!) and you'll find yourself going again and again 'Oh yeah, this song really does sound like that song!' An enjoyable read."-
Bob Brainen, WFMU, Jersey City, NJ
"The book is a winner, one of those why didn't-I-think-of-that projects.guaranteed to elicit laughter and/or fistfights among your friendly neighborhood music geeks."
-Kirkus Discoveries
Customer Reviews:
Sounds Like is a Behind The Hits winner.......2007-06-29
As a music author (Behind The Hits) and a radio dj/musicologist, I was very excited to learn of Timothy's book. Smells Like Teen Spirit has put together many of the songs I have chronicled over the years that sound suspiciously like others.
On my radio shows I have played them in a feature named "Call The Lawyers!" -- and, indeed, some of these song pairings went to court. Others didn't but perhaps should have. All in all, they represent a fascinating side of rock music history. Rip offs or inspirations? Homages or stolen riffs? No matter -- it's what was in the grooves that counts. Some are obvious, but one is often surprised by the musical connection Tim's ears have made. There are some songs here that even I never put together (or didn't know about), like Jorge Ben's "Taj Mahal" as the basis for Rod Stewart's "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy". And the song by John Lennon's father? Imagine that!
This is a very well-researched, well-documented and well-written reference as well as being a fun read. I commend and recommend Timothy's book to all who love and enjoy the various decades of rock and roll and the artists who made (or should we say, "re-made"?) the music.
--Bob Shannon
A lot of fun despite errors.......2007-06-29
This book was a lot of fun. It included the sound-alikes everyone knows - "My Sweet Lord" and "He's So Fine," "Sweet Little Sixteen" and "Surfin' U.S.A." - and some surprises. Did you know, for example, that Radiohead's "Creep" borrows from the Hollies' "The Air That I Breathe," and that Bon Jovi's "You Give Love A Bad Name" was re-worked from a Bonnie Tyler song? I didn't, and it made me listen to those songs to hear the resemblances.
I wish the book had been twice as long, as there certainly are more such examples. I also wish the author had included a CD with examples, but I'm sure that would have been a copyright nightmare.
The book, as fun as it is, is full of printer's errors. Who are "Nirvina" and "Holwin' Wolf?" I hope the sequel is more carefully edited.
Fun and quick, but could be so much more.......2007-06-08
If you're into the history of rock music and love dissecting songs to see where they came from, you'll enjoy this book. It has many interesting examples of songs that were either directly ripped off from something else, or just sound suspiciously similar. The author gets into the history of the songs, the lawsuits and the stories behind the scenes. You'll be surprised and amused when you realize how many classic songs were ripped off from others, and that's the real joy of the book.
On the down side, the writing isn't dynamic and the book is a very quick read. You can probably get through it in half an hour. Also, it's tough to enjoy without hearing the music you're reading about. But if you can flip through it and listen to the songs at the same time, it's a lot of fun.
Book Description
The ultimate illustrated history of rock & roll--comprehensive, authoritative, and fully updated with coverage of the most important new sounds and artists of the 1980s and `90s.
Customer Reviews:
toni's opinion,.......2007-05-30
Deserves 5stars, but it is just a copy,the photos are quiet dark,
the editors are five stars,
Thanks,
toni
no billy joel or bob segar? thank God!!!!.......2007-01-19
Rolling Stone has long been the "Gold Standard" for rock journalism. Any history of rock and roll that doesn't have Billy Joel or Bob Seger is all right by me. I need to update my copy right away! Great job, as usual, Rolling Stone!!!!!
Great!.......2007-01-04
Bought this for my 16-year-old son, and he is studying it like I've never seen him study anything. It is a great way to educate our younger people on the beginnings of rock-n-roll, and every day, my son says "Mom, did you know that..." and shares some new thing he learned from the book. Very complete reference guide, also, and interesting to look through even for an old fogey like me. Worth every penny.
The must have for basic rock review.......2006-03-19
While the "history" is mostly a series of editorial reviews combined with facts, you will learn about the basics and some interesting tidbits as well. It's also a great way to have comprehensive listing of all of an artist's released music.
We Didn't Start the Fire.......2006-02-06
The reason Rolling Stone leaves out artists like Billy Joel, Three Dog Night and Bob Seagar is because they are nowhere near the top echelon of rock and roll artists. The reason they heap praise on the Rolling Stones is because the Rolling Stones are the greatest rock band in the history of the genre. And the reason the Beatles get two chapters is because no other artist has had as much impact on rock and roll music as the Beatles. Get real, people!
Book Description
This well-organized, visually interesting book offers an in-depth examination of the social history of rock-and-roll. Rockin' in Time emphasizes several main themes, including the importance of African-American culture in the origins and development of rock music. Tracing rock from its inception–from American blues to the present–this book shows how rock-and-roll has reflected and sometimes changed American and British culture for the last fifty years.
Topics covered in this comprehensive history are: the blues and racism; Elvis Presley and rockabilly; Dick Clark and Don Kirshner; the California sound; Bob Dylan; the British invasion; Motown; acid rock; campus unrest and militant blues; the 1970s; punk rock; MTV; Generation X; the rave revolution; hip hop; and nu-metal.
An excellent reference work for rock fans, music industry employees, those employed by radio stations, and those in music and performer-related marketing.
Customer Reviews:
Rockin' in Time.......2007-10-04
This item was received in a matter of a few days. The item was in very good qualities. The book is very informative and intertaining.
Excellent book.......2007-07-13
I have this book for a class on the social history of rock and roll, and it's such an easy and interesting read that I find myself reading the non-required parts. Very informative and to-the-point.
Incredibly poor, inaccurate work........2005-04-29
I originally had to read this book for a History of Rock and Roll class at the University of Cincinatti. I found the subject interesting, and the professor gave wonderful lectures. I had good expectations about this book going in, but those quickly soured as I read it.
It seems correct, at least, about the social problems of the different eras and their relation to rock. Not that such is a particularly daunting feet.
However, it is rife with laughable fallacies. For instance, it calls David Bowie, amongst other glam rock bands of the era, metal. It futher goes on to call many pop bands of the 60s and 70s rock, when they have no guitar work and no bass line at all, such as the Carpenters.
I really had a good laugh when they called Bad Religion hardcore. Bad Religion is about as hardcore as Elvis is rap. Further massive genre confusion consisted throughout the entire book.
I also noted several drastic misinterpretations of songs. For instance, it claims 'Thunder Rolls' by Garth Brooks is about domestic violence. Its about infedility, not focusing on violence at all, but rather the emotional ramificationsof being cheated on.
The writing is also rather dry. Many times it is merely a citing of the names of band members as well as constantly describing minor changes in bands lineups which are of no true consequence. It also tends to list off songs which have no impact on any giving band's successes or failures.
After reading the book in completetion, I really had to question the earlier passages about older rock and blues (50s to 60s) that I had thought were true. In the end, I felt that it wasted my time and money and possibly misinformed me more than anything.
Very Good for what it is........2002-03-25
What is it? A comprehensinve list type book on the history of rock and roll. Not much depth, but ALL genres covered.
Excellent, concise resource for the social history of rock.......1999-07-05
I have read and re-read this book many times since I first picked up the 3rd edition in 1996. I am a high school social studies teacher and I use this book as a resource constantly when I am teaching contempory history. Well thought out, concise yet complete, easily readable. I applaud Mr. Szatmary for his effort, the book has inspired me to research the sociolgical implications of rock and roll and not merely the "pop history" currently offered. Further, I was so inspired by this book that it prompted me to author a website dedicated to the sociology of rock and roll history.
Book Description
Boynton rocks! So does Blues Traveler, who perform a stomping version of the title song, a moody rock journey that Boynton wrote especially for them. And then there’s Alison Krauss with “Evermore.” And Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme—really—who do the “Boring Song.” The Spin Doctors, who channel rock’s rebellious side—with a taste of punk—for “Tantrum”:
“No No No, I don’t want to, I don’t want to./No no no, I don’t want to, no no./Leave me alone. Leave me alone./LEAVE ME ALONE.” And the sweetly unexpected pairing of “Weird Al” Yankovic and Kate Winslet (yep, Kate Winslet) as a duet singing “I Need a Nap.”
Full of attitude, full of fun, all lit up with star power, and boasting a variety of Top 40 styles—rock and roll, blues, hip-hop, and power pop—
Dog Train is the third book-and-CD production by Sandra Boynton, following the #1
New York Times bestselling, Grammy-nominated
Philadelphia Chickens and the recently re-released
Rhinoceros Tap. Like
Philadelphia Chickens, features all original songs recorded by a mix of big-name acts and great voices, for the pleasure of the parents as much as the kids. Packaged similarly to the previous Boynton & Ford recordings,
Dog Train is also a full-color book that features a portion of each song’s lyrics set as a little story, accompanied by Boynton’s irresistible hippos, cows, dogs, and more dogs. Full lyrics appear in the back.
Customer Reviews:
not what I expected.......2007-10-13
I was expecting a book/CD for children. The music is too "rock and roll" for my child. She didn't want to listen to songs with words she couldn't distinguish.
Fun and funny.......2007-10-04
In my opinion, it's not quite as good as Boynton's Philadelphia Chickens... but we still love most of the songs in this book.
Dog Train.......2007-09-06
This is a great musical experience. We got it for our one year old son and ended up buying one for all his friends' first birthday presents. The songs are fun and peppy. They are really understood by parents. As a two year old my son now plays drums and dances to his very favorite song "Pots and Pans." I highly recommend this product.
Hip music for tots to hop to.......2007-09-04
We too, were new to Boynton albums. Both of my children were raised on the books, but the album was stumbled upon in a used book sale. It was a huge hit with both my 5 and 9 year olds. I'm so glad that Ms. Boynton has used artists with recognizable styles to do some children's songs. The lyrics are catchy and the songs are grown-up without being boring ('cept the "Boring Song" - Grandma loved THAT!)
Spin Doctors, Five for Fighting, and Weird Al are some of my favorite artists, anyway!
It's family fun for all.
Love It!.......2007-08-28
The music on this cd is great for both parents and kids! Great lyrics. Both my 3 year old and 1 year old sway to the music. My 3 year old picks the book for bedtime and we have to sing the songs to him. A hit in our house!
Average customer rating:
- Well done
- Mixed results for an unevenly written book.
- It's the 60's Again
- Better than "White Bicycles"
- Interesting look at L.A. and Hollywood in the 1960's - 1980
|
Laurel Canyon: The Inside Story of Rock-and-Roll's Legendary Neighborhood
Michael Walker
Manufacturer: Faber & Faber
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
History & Criticism
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Rock
| Musical Genres
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Popular Culture
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
California
| State & Local
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Hotel California: The True-Life Adventures of Crosby, Stills, Nash, Young, Mitchell, Taylor, Browne, Ronstadt, Geffen, the Eagles, and Their Many Friends
-
I'm with the Band: Confessions of a Groupie
-
Since Then: How I Survived Everything and Lived to Tell About it
-
The Haight-Ashbury: A History
-
Let's Spend the Night Together: Backstage Secrets of Rock Muses and Supergroupies
ASIN: 0571211496
Release Date: 2006-05-16 |
Book Description
In the late sixties and early seventies, an impromptu collection of musicians colonized a eucalyptus-scented canyon deep in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles and melded folk, rock, and savvy American pop into a sound that conquered the world as thoroughly as the songs of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones had before them. Thirty years later, the music made in Laurel Canyon continues to pour from radios, iPods, and concert stages around the world. During the canyon’s golden era, the musicians who lived and worked there scored dozens of landmark hits, from "California Dreamin’" to "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" to "It’s Too Late," selling tens of millions of records and resetting the thermostat of pop culture.
In Laurel Canyon, veteran journalist Michael Walker tells the inside story of this unprecedented gathering of some of the baby boom’s leading musical lights—including Joni Mitchell; Jim Morrison; Crosby, Stills, and Nash; John Mayall; the Mamas and the Papas; Carole King; the Eagles; and Frank Zappa, to name just a few—who turned Los Angeles into the music capital of the world and forever changed the way popular music is recorded, marketed, and consumed.
Customer Reviews:
Well done.......2007-10-10
This is a good choice for anyone interested in the history of 1960's rock music.
Mixed results for an unevenly written book........2007-09-11
In the summer of 1972 forces that had been building for decades coalesced to give us the opening strains of the Eagles' "Take It Easy" and Country-Rock went from being a musical undercurrent to being a pop phenomena that affected music, fashion and the culture of young adults for the rest of the '70s. Strangely, in the early '80s this musical phenomena vanished much more quickly than it had appeared leaving little to mark its passing until the Eagles reunion in 1994. Now, over 30 years later there are any number of books telling the story of how Folk, Country, Rock and (to some extent) Blues all came together in LA's Laurel Canyon to make LA the musical promised land which bred this phenomena. Likewise, these books explain how it all collapsed into a heap as cocaine inflated egos clashed and creativity was overtaken by monetary concerns and other realities.
Of the books I've read on the subject of the LA music scene in the '60s and '70s this one perhaps best explains the poisonous effects of cocaine and other vices on the whole scene yet he seems to resist the conclusion that the absolute freedom of the times opened the door to its eventual demise. Michael Walker refers to the culture of the '50s as if it were a nasty communicable disease and he seems genuinely surprised that the free spirits of Laurel Canyon weren't able to change the world to their liking and eventually they too had to conform to reality just as their forebears did.
This brings me to my greatest problem with this book, it seems to be written from the viewpoint of someone who wishes he was there and feels as if he missed out. While he is honest in pointing out that drug-related crime and prostitution surfaced in spite of the tidal wave of idealism that existed at that time he seems to write from a viewpoint of wistful nostalgia for something he never actually was a part of. He seems to believe in the fantasy even though he is chronicling its failure. Accounting for the fact that the author is a Chicagoan that relocated to Laurel Canyon helps to explain this; at least to me. The author (and this book) seem divided; one foot rooted in the past "glories" of the era he writes about while the other foot cautiously treads the reality of the present. It's as if part of the author is wishing that some of the old crew would show up in his yard and start partying while the other half of him would call the police in a heartbeat if they did.
I wouldn't warn anyone off of buying this book, it is in fact very informative, but it is nonetheless uneven. It is a book I would recommend to a true afficinado of the subject but not as a sole purchase if you want to read about Country-Rock. A few other books you might enjoy are: Desperados: The Roots of Country Rock, Hotel California: The True-Life Adventures of Crosby, Stills, Nash, Young, Mitchell, Taylor, Browne, Ronstadt, Geffen, the Eagles, and Their Many Friends and To The Limit: The Untold Story Of The Eagles.
It's the 60's Again.......2007-09-06
The 1960's music scene in Los Angeles comes vividly alive in this account of the rock world that thrived in Laurel Canyon. This is a must-read for anyone (like me) who grew up listening to CSN&Y, Frank Zappa, the Mamas and the Papas, Joni Mitchell and others. It's amazing to think that all this talent and more converged in one place at one special time. Michael Walker provides a thorough accounting of the birth and death of Laurel Canyon as a rock colony in a captivating and insightful way. You can almost smell the marijuana wafting from the book! These truly were the good old days, probably never to be seen again. A great read!
Better than "White Bicycles".......2007-08-22
Put on your wire-rimmed granny glasses when reading "Laurel Canyon", an affectionate and breezy evocation of the area that virtually birthed the "laid back" California musical sounds of the 60's and 70's.
Author Michael Walker painstakingly constructs a portrait of this sequestered piece of real estate, with its narrow, winding roads, quaint bungalows, and eucalyptus trees. It came to serve as a refuge, salon, and social laboratory for the Western fringe of the Woodstock generation.
A whole rogues' gallery of rock stars, groupies, club owners and passers-thru is recreated, to accurately reflect the milieu of people that interacted, "back in the day." You'll get a ringside seat at Frank Zappa's audition of Alice Cooper, see David Crosby careening down the road, cape flying, on his motorcycle, and find Arthur Lee of "Love" tripping on a hill top.
It's heady stuff. And don't believe the snide comment about "a magazine piece" from Publishers Weekly. Yes, there may be a resemblance to the kind of recreations of times and places that "Vanity Fair" publishes... but I view that as a GOOD thing. The writing in "Laurel Canyon" is crisp--it's juicy and it flows. It has flair, it's not prosaic, and that's what you want in a book about places where great music originated. Grab a glass of vintage wine and enjoy.
***Recommended cds to accompany reading:
"Ladies of the Canyon", Joni Mitchell
"Deja Vu", Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
"Blues From Laurel Canyon", John Mayall
"Forever Changes", Love
"Permanent Damage", the GTOs
"Jackson Browne" ("Saturate Before Using"), Jackson Browne
Interesting look at L.A. and Hollywood in the 1960's - 1980.......2007-08-12
Laurel Canyon is a good two sitting read that offers the reader an insightful perspective into the world of West Hollywood and LA over a roughly 20 year period. The writing style seemed odd at times, but overall not a great obstacle. For some reason Walker finds it necessary to elevate the importance of the LA music scene and culture while purposely downplaying or omission of the San Francisco Bay Area's colossal influence on 1960's musical and cultural significance with such bands as The Jefferson Airplane, Santana, Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Country Joe and The Fish, Sly and The Family Stone, Blue Cheer, Quicksilver Messenger Service etc.). Walker seems to consider "L.A Citizen" Janis Joplin more of a fixture of LA than San Francisco despite Janis' extended stay and musical development with Big Brother and The Holding Company and shacking up with the Grateful Dead in the Haight. The music scene and draw to LA/Hollywood was largely reciprocal to the movie industry presence there where as the cultural development in San Francisco in the 1960 was he next phase of the 1940-50's Jazz and Beat movements - think Kerouac. From the famous Psychedelic light shows (Glenn McKay and The Brotherhood of Art at the Fillmore and Winterand (The Last Waltz) Cow Palace (Rust Never Sleeps movie), Candlestick Park (Last Beatles Concert) to the 1960's rock art; Stanley Mouse, Robert Crumb (keep on truckin'), Golden Gate Park (first love-ins), Electric Kool-Aid acid test, Purple Haze (Stanley Owsley (bear)) etc.. All roads lead to San Francisco in the 1960's ..
Book Description
Imagine stepping out of an air-conditioned Kwik-E-Mart and into the hot summer sun, cold soda in hand, when a long-and-low baby blue 62 Chevy Impala slowly trolls into the parking lot. How about rolling to a stoplight in West Hollywood and spying a bearded motorist with an 8-ball logo on the louvered and striped hood of his BMW? Theres no mistaking the common thread in these remarkable scenariosBilly F Gibbons, be-shaded axe-man extraordinaire from ZZ TOP and certified Texas Grade-A gearhead. As with many rockers, Gibbons jones for hot rods and customs is the stuff of legend. But beyond this bona fide bluesmans mastery of the six-string and unrepentant love for internal combustion is a noted collector whose own designs have manifested themselves in his cars and in hundreds of mind-bending custom guitars. In Billy F Gibbons: Rock Roll Gearhead, Gibbons riffs on his Texas youth, four-decade recording career, and life on the road, but also reveals the tales behind dozens of guitars, including the Famed Pearly Gates, the red Gretsch given to him by Bo Diddley, and the Muddywood guitar commissioned as a fundraiser for the Delta Blues Museum. Also profiled are 10 of Gibbons outstanding rods and customs, including Kopperhed, CadZZilla, and the Eliminator coupe. In addition to exclusive photography by Bay Area shooter David Perry, the book is illustrated with dozens of images from Gibbons personal archive.
Customer Reviews:
Essential reading for electric guitarists..........2007-08-04
Hey if you play guitar you need to buy this book and soak yourself in the aesthetic and philosphy of the Reverend Billy G. If this guy and Little Steven were running the world, (or just the record and radio industries), we would all be a lot better off. Cool cars and cooler guitars... what more do you want??
Rock & Roll Gearhead.......2007-07-06
WOW. Awesome pictures and great stories. My husband is a ZZ Top enthusiast and I am so glad I bought this book for him. It also has some great pictures of cars Billy collected and since my family is a "racing family" this book was perfect! Well worth the money!
It's Finger Pickin' Good.......2007-03-31
I just saw Billy and the boys at the Bell County Expo Center in Texas last week, and they rocked the house like they were 20 year-olds. When I flew back home to California, I had this book that I'd ordered a week earlier on my doorstep. It has lots of great photos and is an easy read.
Billy starts out writin' like a good ol' boy but includes some of them ten dolla' words eventually. He reminds me of my cousins, who always try to fool the city slickers into thinkin' they's just some country hicks but end up with most o' the chips.
Billy's living an interesting life, and he knows how to tell about it quickly, without bogging it down. In short, it reads kind of like a ZZ Top song.
Killer!!!.......2007-02-01
If you are a fan of ZZ Top, a guitarist, a car buff or dig the Rock and Roll life style....this book is for you! It's well laid out with lots of interesting stories, pics and trivia about DA MAN!!!!
Buy it! Dig it! Put it on yer coffee table and show yer cool!
TEXAS STATE OF MIND.......2006-06-30
Billy Gibbons Rock'n Roll Gearhead is really fantastic for all of those who love the Texas culture ... do you need something more?
Book Description
Over three decades and more than 150 million albums, AC/DC has established itself as much more than just a great rock band. For millions of fans spanning several generations across the world, they are an ear-bleedingly loud, sweat-soaked religion, courtesy of such classic albums as Highway to Hell and Back in Black.
Now, in a book of astonishing breadth and scope, comes, for the very first time, the complete story of AC/DC. Everything you ever wanted to know and plenty more you never dreamt of is all here, the ultimate balls-out adventure, laced with sex, drunken escapades and brawls. It's a journey that started in the suburban Sydney, Australia, bedrooms of brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, boys who could wreak havoc with their guitars. Over their power chords were the lyrics and voice of Bon Scott, who would lead them higher and higher—until his tragic death in 1980. The bittersweet irony after his death was that not only did the Youngs manage to hold together without him, but the band's fortunes and status skyrocketed with his replacement, Brian Johnson, and the album Back in Black.
Five long years in the making, AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll is sourced from more than 1,300 interviews the band has given over the past thirty years combined with in excess of 75 of the authors' own interviews with those who worked with AC/DC both in the studio and on the road—many of whom have never spoken about the band publicly. It's topped off with stunning, never-before-seen photos to create the ultimate portrait of the ultimate rock band.
Customer Reviews:
Shoot to Thrill!.......2007-07-06
A great look into the AC/DC story. Learned quite a bit about the band and this well written and compelling without suffering the usual rock bio cliches.
Rockingest band ever.......2007-06-05
Interesting book about the band. Found references to early shows and bands and looked them up on YouTube.
Show business.......2007-05-15
It's a good book but not a GREAT one. I'm missing more detailed info about the recording sessions, making of the LPs etc. I'm sure a lot of research has gone into making the book but somehow it's lacking in depth and structure. Sorry to say but I was expecting a little bit more effort, as the book was so much hyped.
However, this book is a must for any big AC/DC fan (like myself)and I recommend it.
P.S. If you are a Who fan read "Dear boy, life of Keith Moon". That is absolutely the best rock'n'roll book I have ever read.
Bored to Tears.......2007-03-26
For decades now I've been a huge AC/DC fan and eagerly bought this book to validate many of the myths surrounding them. It was definitely full of facts but very repetetive. . ."Despite the bands small stature they were very street tough." Seems to be on every page of the book. From paragraph to paragraph the subject changes making it a hard-to-follow read. There's no story line, and I found myself bored to death. The author could have learned a few things from the writers of "The Dirt".
By Far The Best Book Available On AC/DC.......2007-03-22
Without the shadow of a doubt this is the best book available on AC/DC. From the members pre AC/DC early years, through to the bands Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame induction and beyond, it's all here.
Whether you're a die hard fan, or just have a passing interest in the group, this book has been painfully researched by Murray Engleheart & Arnaud Durieux to provide an accurate account of the bands formation, devolpment, determination and eventual success.
The highs & lows are all covered, from the bands early success, to Bon Scott's tragic death, to the triumph that was "Back In Black". Find out what made this band tick.
Book Description
A consummate insider as the girlfriend of Lindsey Buckingham, Fleetwood Mac singer and guitarist, Carol Ann Harris leads fans into the very heart of the band’s storms between 1976 and 1984. From interactions between the band and other stars—Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, and Dennis Wilson—to the chaotic animosity between band members, this memoir combines the sensational account of some of the world’s most famous musicians with a thrilling love story. Illustrated with never-before-seen photographs, the parties, fights, drug use, shenanigans, and sex lives of Fleetwood Mac are presented in intimate detail. With the exception of one brief interview, Carol Ann Harris has never before spoken about her time with Fleetwood Mac.
Customer Reviews:
Amazing and hilarious!.......2007-10-19
well, it starts out how she, the author, meets the famous lindsey buckingham and all the rest of the "gang". How she puts every person in such creative {and hilarious!] detail is so fun and i think more authors who write biographies and stories about famous people should do that more often
Storms.......2007-10-19
If your interested in the other side of the Rock Life, this is a must read. I was and still am into Fleetwood Mac but Carol gave us a inside look at normal people who got projected into stardom and did the best they could.
Pollyanna Meets Maczilla.......2007-10-17
I read the book BEFORE I read any reviews, as I wanted to approach the story with an open mind. I agree with the reviewers who believe the author portrays herself as a lamb among wolves. I will say I found Carol Ann Harris' story to be an easy, fast-paced read. I also think it is largely factual. It is not out of the realm of possibility to believe intense artistic types are moody, brooding and even ultimately abusive. However, with each incident of abusive behavior, she states she never saw it coming nor understood what provoked it. As the reader, even I did. Coupled with substance abuse, it was a recipe for disaster. A little more honesty and a lot less denial would have made for a much more credible account of her life with Lindsey Buckingham.
I LOVED THIS BOOK.......2007-10-12
It's rare for me to find a book that I can honestly say I loved. This is one of those books. It is very well written and gives an honest look at life with a superstar band, Fleetwood Mac. I found it honest, moving and articulate. Bravo to Ms. Carol Ann Harris for the bravery and honesty that she shows in the telling of her life with the members of Fleetwood Mac. It's a great book.
Ghastly.......2007-10-12
I have to admit that I'm not particularly a Fleetwood Mac fan but I thought that it might make an interesting read. Boy, was I wrong. Even though the subjects of the book are probably fascinating people in their own right, Ms. Harris' account is insipid, cloying, probably exaggerated and undoubtedly the most badly written book I have read in a long time. Her excerpts of dialogue are laughable and hopefully, for the subjects' case, completely fabricated. I suppose Ms. Harris was going for dramatic affect when beginning to write this book, but it ends up to be a comic and juvenile display of what is supposed to pass for high drama. Ms. Harris should get over herself and maybe write a book that would be an honest and down to earth revelation of how a band interacts with each other and the people around them instead of this joke of a book. Good thing I only borrowed it from my local library. If I would have paid money for this thing, I would be even more disgusted if that was possible.
Book Description
In the world of music, a car is a helluva lot more than a just another mode of transportation. Its inspiration, a symbol of freedom and style, and often a way to hit the road and get to the gig. From Robert Johnsons 1936 recording Terraplane Blues to rapper Xzibits hit MTV show, Pimp My Ride, from pink Cadillacs and Lil Deuce Coupes to T-birds and Roadrunners, cars have been a constant theme in rock-n-roll and the blues. Perhaps its because references to cars in American song are so pervasive that no one has ever attempted the daunting task of exploring the connection . . . until now. In this beautifully produced volume, best-selling music writer Paul Grushkin draws on private collections, renowned photographers, lauded poster artists, and top private archives to present a thematic illustrated examination of the remarkable 50-plus-year synergy between rock music and motoring, from early RB to surf to metal to punk to hip-hop. The result is astounding. Hundreds of rare 78s, 45s, LPs, sheet music, and more were photographed for the book. Dozens of prominent photographers (including Steve Coonan, Jim Marshall, Henry Diltz, Glen E. Friedman, and Pamela Springsteen), illustrators (Stanley Mouse, Ed Big Daddy Roth, Darrell Mayabb, and Coop, among them), and prominent poster artists (Emek, Justin Hampton, and Mike Martin, to name just a few) participate. Rockers like Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton, the Grateful Dead, Bruce Springsteen, Snoop Dogg, and Billy F Gibbons are just a few of the hundreds of artists whose associations with automobiles are celebrated here. The book is replete with lyrics, anecdotes, and commentary from famous musicians, as well as ordinary rock-n-rollers whove loved rock and cars equally with a passion.
Customer Reviews:
Rockin' Book!.......2007-09-26
If cars, rock-n-roll,and the birth of those two cultures even slightly interests you, this is the book for you! The author, who also put out another great book, art of modern rock, really shows just how much rock-n-roll and the car culture have been intertwined since the birth of rock-n-roll to the present time.
This is not a coffeetable book..........2007-02-03
I'm not a huge fan of coffeetable books. They always seem to have an air of pretension about them (or I do ha ha), but "Rockin Down The Highway" does NOT come across that way. It's packed full of cool photos and info that draws you in and doesn't leave you feeling like an outsider. Even you're not a fan of rock music and hot rod cars, this is a great book to while away the time with...and maybe have a cup of coffee while you're at it.
Rockin Down the Highway.......2007-01-16
Awesome book. It's about time that someone wrote about the marriage between music and cars and the people that drove them. This author really did his homework. I've done my share of reading about cars but there are photos in there that I've never seen.
Worth every dime.
Rockin Down the Highway ROCKS!.......2006-12-21
Rock `n' roll is cool music, of that we can have no doubt. From Chuck Berry and Elvis, to the newest stars of 2006, rock n roll does, in fact, appear to be "here to stay." And cars have been a big part of rock since the early days. Whether you were revving up your Little Deuce Coupe, if you were Born to Run, or Born to Be Wild, or just roaring down the road in your Little Red Corvette, the cars have been there all along.
Paul Grushkin's book, Rockin Down the Highway celebrates this marriage of cool with photos, stories, cartoons, art and much more, bringing cars and rock together in a big, very attractive package. The book is as fun to read as it is to look at, with all varieties of entertaining anecdotes and tidbits from Mr. Grushkin and other contributors, ranging from well-known rockers and rock writers to ordinary rock fans recounting the pleasure of the open road, stereo blasting out their favorite tunes.
This is a big, lovely style book, lavishly illustrated and beautifully composed. It would go beautifully on the coffee table of any rock fan!
A 'must' for any comprehensive rock library collection........2006-12-14
There are plenty of books on automobile history and culture and plenty on music history, but what makes Rockin' Down the Highway: The Cars and People That Made Rock Roll an impressive study is not just an oversized format which packs in color photos on every page - some 1,000 of them - but an attention to surveying the connections between cars and rock music. It's the first illustrated, book-length history of the topic and includes many photos not previously seen in print, coming from a notable rock historian who uses posters, photos, ads, album covers and more in the process of analyzing the attraction of fast cars and fast music to a teen audience. An outstanding, sweeping presentation which will prove a 'must' for any comprehensive rock library collection.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Book Description
After years of working day jobs and making music in his basement, Jacob Slichter wondered if his dreams of rock stardom were a vain illusion. Then he was recruited by two of his successful musician friends to form a band that became Semisonic. Who could forget the smash single “Closing Time,” a runaway hit in 1998 that thrust Jake and his bandmates into the international spotlight and helped them sell over two million albums worldwide? But along the road to fame and success came bewilderment and personal chaos: How will we ever get a record deal? Which record company is the best? The worst? Do I really have to wear these ridiculous boots? Why isn’t radio playing our song? What if I have a panic attack right here on stage? What should I write on this fan’s CD? Am I famous? Why isn’t the video director getting more shots of me? Did I say the wrong thing during that interview? Help!
So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star is a telling and witty look at what happens just before and during one's time in the spotlight. Jake takes readers on a step-by-step journey of his evolution from fledgling drummer to globetrotting performer and proves to be the perfect guide—feisty and humbled—to the inner workings of the music industry and instant celebrity. So You Wanna Be a Rock & Roll Star speaks to all of us who dream again and again of rock superstardom and shows how one kid can go from picking up a pair of drumsticks to picking up a platinum record.
Customer Reviews:
Closing Time: The rise and fall of Semisonic.......2007-10-04
If you are over 12 years old, you probably remember the song, "Closing Time" by the band, Semisonic. The song was played everywhere during the spring and summer of 1998 and reached the top of the popular music charts. This entertaining book tells the story of just how this song, and the band who recorded it, reached that pinnacle of success, as seen from the perspective of the man behind the drum kit, Jacob Slichter. He also goes on to describe how the Music Industry, including a host of executives and radio programmers, contributed to their demise as a recording group. There are likely very few books that give an insider's view of the machinery involved in producing "the next big hit" as well as this one does, and the barriers that prevent a lot of good music from ever reaching your ears (at least in the days before the internet).
Mr. Slichter reveals all his insecurities as his band suddenly takes off, his euphoria when Semisonic was at its peak, and his disappointment in his label's failure to capitalize on the success of "Closing Time" and the CD on which it appeared, "Feeling Strangely Fine." For those of you who may have relegated Semisonic to the "One-hit Wonders" category, their other CDs, "Great Divide" and "All About Chemistry" are worth a listen to dispel that impression. The latter features a duet with Carole King, "One True Love," that could easily have been a radio hit (the book describes how this song came to be, including Mr. Slichter's own star-struck reactions to the making of the recording).
This book is well-written, and well worth your time if you have ever asked yourself, "Whatever happened to Semisonic?" Mr. Slichter gives a heartfelt account of his years with Semisonic, but also reveals his wit and sense of humor in this story. He provides a cautionary tale for those who aspire to rock and roll stardom, and a guide to the pitfalls along that path...and why he would gladly do it all over again.
Smooth transition from drummer to writer.......2007-06-22
What a pleasant surprise of a read. Slichter really does have a terrific writing style and a genuine gift for weaving humor into his storytelling. The story of Semisonic is hardly the most tragic in rock n' roll history, but this book places many larger aspects of life in the big-money music world into perspective. Wanna-be rock stars beware.
Best book about Being in a band.......2006-06-17
This book is by far the best book i've read about being in a band.Jacob Slichter tells of his heart warming,honest,humourous and exciting times as a rock and roll drummer. You won't find the same old stupid rock stories of wild groupie orgys or moronic substance abuse just human stories that anyone can relate too. i recommend this to anyone who has an interest in music.
an entertaining and informative read.......2006-03-07
I work in the music industry, and I recommend this book to everyone I know, ESPECIALLY new artists. Slichter peels back the veneer of the rock-n-roll lifestyle from the inside-out in a lively and highly informed fashion, pausing only occasionally for a modicum of self-pity. It's great fun to read, and a deep shock to some who don't necessarily know the inside working of the music industry. A valuable addition to any musician's bookshelf.
Awesome inside view of being in a rock band........2006-03-03
As a musician wanting to make music a career I found this book
to be a great benefit to read. It offered a fantastic insider's view of the work of a working rock band from its very beginning steps to the upper rungs of the ladder. A must read for any musician thinking of prusuing music as a serious career.
Books:
- The Best of Myles
- The Dark Side of the Light Chasers
- The Dead Girls' Dance (The Morganville Vampires, Book 2)
- The Education of a Typographer
- The Elements of Typographic Style
- The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin
- The Lost Artwork of Hollywood: Classic Images from Cinema's Golden Age
- The Non-Designer's Design Book
- The Official eBay Bible Second Edition: The Newly Revised and Updated Version of the Most Comprehensive eBay How-To Manual for Everyone from First-Time Users to eBay Experts (Official Ebay Bible)
- The Principles of Beautiful Web Design
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- The General and the Jaguar: Pershing's Hunt for Pancho Villa: A True Story of Revolution & Reven
- Mao's Last Dancer
- Breakthrough Swimming
- Epiphany of the Long Sun: Calde of the Long Sun and Exodus from the Long Sun
- Film Directing: Shot by Shot: Visualizing from Concept to Screen
- Intermolecular and Surface Forces, Second Edition: With Applications to Colloidal and Biological Sys
- Historical Dictionary of Kenya
- Behind the Times: The Decline and Fall of the Twentieth-Century Avant Gardes
- Celebrate the Months March
- Newer Insights into Marketing: Cross-Cultural and Cross-National Perspectives
The Butcher, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker: An Erotic Memoir
Exile on Main St.: A Season in Hell with the Rolling Stones
Artie Lange's Beer League
I Killed: True Stories of the Road from America's Top Comics
Influence
