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Title: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Peadar 'Big Dinner' O'Driscoll on July 21, 2014, 10:01:32 AM Looking for some holiday reading material..
Anyone recommend some decent music biogs? Stuff I have read recently (last few years) Alex Chilton Shaun Ryder Nilsson Motley Crue Smokey Robinson Dusty Springfield - Dancing with Demons Luke Haines all good except the Smokey one which was poor enough Cheers Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Ovi on July 21, 2014, 11:02:44 AM Dear Boy by Tony Fletcher about Keith Moon is the first that comes to mind. Very well-written, tons of anecdotes, captures both the wild surface of Moon as well as the underlying sadness of the whole story. Hilarious at some times, heartbreaking at others. Ever since I've read it I feel like I know Moon much better, as if I've actually met him.
Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Rocker on July 21, 2014, 12:37:16 PM Just a few that come to mind:
Last train to Memphis - Peter Guralnick I lived to tell it all - George Jones Hound dog - Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller Later this year Jerry Lee Lewis' new autobiography will be released. Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Gabo on July 22, 2014, 10:22:17 PM The Lives of John Lennon is the best book on the man in question
Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Loaf on July 23, 2014, 01:42:50 AM almost anything by Greil Marcus, especially The Invisible Republic on The Basement Tapes and Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music.
Barney Hoskyns is another good writer. A great book on the Laurel Canyon scene from 1966-73 called Hotel California. Levon Helm's autobiog is great. Robin DG Kelley's Thelonious Monk biog is huge, but worth it. Very atmospheric on the birth of bop in the 1940s around Minton's. Richard Cook's book on Miles Davis, It's About that Time, is a great book i return to over and over again, but concentrates almost exclusively on the music rather than any salacious personal details. Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Alan Smith on July 23, 2014, 03:13:58 AM Dear Boy by Tony Fletcher about Keith Moon is the first that comes to mind. Very well-written, tons of anecdotes, captures both the wild surface of Moon as well as the underlying sadness of the whole story. Hilarious at some times, heartbreaking at others. Ever since I've read it I feel like I know Moon much better, as if I've actually met him. On the Who theme, I really enjoyed and recommend Who I Am, Pete T's auto-biog; very immediate and accessible and a bit like you're looking over his shoulder/in the room at times. Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Ovi on July 23, 2014, 04:36:16 AM Dear Boy by Tony Fletcher about Keith Moon is the first that comes to mind. Very well-written, tons of anecdotes, captures both the wild surface of Moon as well as the underlying sadness of the whole story. Hilarious at some times, heartbreaking at others. Ever since I've read it I feel like I know Moon much better, as if I've actually met him. On the Who theme, I really enjoyed and recommend Who I Am, Pete T's auto-biog; very immediate and accessible and a bit like you're looking over his shoulder/in the room at times. I was actually pretty disappointed with that one - too few unknown facts, too much random jumping from one subject to another. From what I've read, the book was originally twice as long, but had to be cut down. But at least I learned a thing or two about boats. ;D Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Peadar 'Big Dinner' O'Driscoll on July 23, 2014, 04:59:39 AM Thanks for the suggestions guys, gonna make a choice soon
Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: feelsflow on July 23, 2014, 08:30:36 AM I'll second loaf's suggestion on The Invisible Republic (very detailed), and Barney Hoskyns' books on American music (haven't read all his stuff on UK artists, other than the many MOJO articles). The one on The Band, and the two loaf mentions, I have read - they are all excellent. I noticed you bought one of Bobbie Gentry's albums. Barney wrote a fantastic article on her for MOJO, unfortunately nobody can get her to speak to them. I'd have to check for the issue number and get back to you.
Dave Zimmer is a honest writer and insider (former editor for BAM magazine - Bay Area Music). He wrote a very good CSN book in 1984 (now in it's 3rd update, 2008). He knew the players in real life, and that always helps. He does not focus on the "dirt" side of their life much - sticking to the music. He also put out a CSN&Y Reader that collected articles on the band. John Einarson is a great writer too. Great book on Gene Clark, and wrote a book about Buffalo Springfield with Richie Furay (For What it's Worth) in 1997, with an updated version in 2004. Richie was very involved in the writing. I'm currently reading Graham Nash's Wild Tales book, and studying Ian and Jon's Beach Boys In Concert and The Beatles at the BBC. Up next for me will be that Nilsson book and the new Lewisohn Beatles release (all of Mark Lewisohn's books are worth owing, and are great study tools - in my opinion). EDIT: I did a search of my Mojo collection with little luck. The Gentry feature I did find was in issue 110/January 2003. That was four pages and nice (by Holly George - Warren), not the Hoskyns' one. Perhaps it was in another issue, or some other magazine. If I come across it I will post another edit or PM you. Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Aum Bop Diddit on July 23, 2014, 09:49:21 AM Dear Boy by Tony Fletcher about Keith Moon is the first that comes to mind. Very well-written, tons of anecdotes, captures both the wild surface of Moon as well as the underlying sadness of the whole story. Hilarious at some times, heartbreaking at others. Ever since I've read it I feel like I know Moon much better, as if I've actually met him. On the Who theme, I really enjoyed and recommend Who I Am, Pete T's auto-biog; very immediate and accessible and a bit like you're looking over his shoulder/in the room at times. I was actually pretty disappointed with that one - too few unknown facts, too much random jumping from one subject to another. From what I've read, the book was originally twice as long, but had to be cut down. But at least I learned a thing or two about boats. ;D I really enjoyed the first half or so -- if that tenor were sustained it would be among the best of its kind. However, it does lapse into chronicles of business meetings and, yes, boat upkeep. Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Peadar 'Big Dinner' O'Driscoll on July 23, 2014, 10:48:16 PM I'll second loaf's suggestion on The Invisible Republic (very detailed), and Barney Hoskins' books on American music (haven't read all his stuff on UK artists, other than the many MOJO articles). The one on The Band, and the two loaf mentions, I have read - they are all excellent. I noticed you bought one of Bobbie Gentry's albums. Barney wrote a fantastic article on her for MOJO, unfortunately nobody can get her to speak to them. I'd have to check for the issue number and get back to you. Dave Zimmer is a honest writer and insider (former editor for BAM magazine - Bay Area Music). He wrote a very good CSN book in 1984 (now in it's 3rd update, 2008). He knew the players in real life, and that always helps. He does not focus on the "dirt" side of their life much - sticking to the music. He also put out a CSN&Y Reader that collected articles on the band. John Einarson is a great writer too. Great book on Gene Clark, and wrote a book about Buffalo Springfield with Richie Furay (For What it's Worth) in 1997, with an updated version in 2004. Richie was very involved in the writing. I'm currently reading Graham Nash's Wild Tales book, and studying Ian and Jon's Beach Boys In Concert and The Beatles at the BBC. Up next for me will be that Nilsson book and the new Lewisohn Beatles release (all of Mark Lewisohn's books are worth owing, and are great study tools - in my opinion). EDIT: I did a search of my Mojo collection with little luck. The Gentry feature I did find was in issue 110/January 2003. That was four pages and nice (by Holly George - Warren), not the Hoskins' one. Perhaps it was in another issue, or some other magazine. If I come across it I will post another edit or PM you. Thanks Will. Plenty to consider there. Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: SurfRiderHawaii on July 23, 2014, 10:57:21 PM Right now I'm reading the Neil Young bio " Shakey ". Pretty interesting.
Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Lowbacca on July 24, 2014, 02:04:14 AM Anything by Peter Guralnick.
(http://oi62.tinypic.com/18dkwn.jpg) (http://oi58.tinypic.com/24q7p08.jpg) (http://oi59.tinypic.com/s61tsl.jpg) (http://oi58.tinypic.com/2jd1eoo.jpg) (http://oi59.tinypic.com/209omx4.jpg) ETC. ETC. ... Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Please delete my account on July 24, 2014, 02:26:53 AM I don't usually enjoy rock biographies especially the more depraved and debauched ones. I find them depressing. I did however enjoy:
There's Something About Jonathan [Richman] -Tim Mitchell Truth and Beauty- The Story of Pulp- Mark Sturdy Chuck Berry's autobiography Pet shop boys, literally - Chris Heath What's Welsh for Zen- John Cale & Victor Bockris Serge Gainsbourg- a Fistful of Gitanes- Sylvie Simmons Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Aum Bop Diddit on July 24, 2014, 09:22:06 PM Right now I'm reading the Neil Young bio " Shakey ". Pretty interesting. Interesting good read. I am a big fan of the author Jimmy McDonough who has written some wonderful articles on one of my favorite artists, the late crazy inspired country artist Gary Stewart. Unfortunately there is not much demand for a book on him I suppose. Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Loaf on July 26, 2014, 02:35:20 PM I seem to be in a minority, but i much preferred Johnny Rogan's Neil Young bio Zero to Sixty than Shakey. In terms of biography anyway.
And Johnny Rogan's mammoth book on the Byrds, Timeless Flight, is great too. Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Lowbacca on July 26, 2014, 04:18:54 PM One of my favourite books:
(http://oi60.tinypic.com/a5c4ty.jpg) Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: StillSurfin on July 30, 2014, 02:20:13 PM I second the Peter Guralnick recommendation. To Be Loved the Berry Gordy book is very good too IIRC about the early history of Motown etc. J Randy Taraborelli's Michael Jackson bio is worth checking out too, its been re-released quite a few times now and I think the content has altered, the earlier pressing has more J5/Jacksons stuff in IIRC.
Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: SurfRiderHawaii on July 30, 2014, 10:21:28 PM I seem to be in a minority, but i much preferred Johnny Rogan's Neil Young bio Zero to Sixty than Shakey. In terms of biography anyway. And Johnny Rogan's mammoth book on the Byrds, Timeless Flight, is great too. I read Timeless flight. Excellent read! Shakey is very good but I will grab Rogan's book too. Just got Neil's autobio. Funny, in Shakey he says he'll never write a book. Like everything in life and music, never say never until death intervenes! Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: kwan_dk on August 05, 2014, 04:45:50 AM I've just finished reading 'The Celestial Café' by Belle & Sebastian frontman Stuart Murdoch. It's a book edition of a lenghthy series of blog posts he posted on the Belle & Sebastian website from 2004 to 2006. It's the most atypical rock star book I've read, yet highly entertaining. It doesn't really have that much to do with his (awesome) band and their music but rather you follow him spending his days in Glasgow, musing on everyday life in a very charming and often hilarious manner. Here's an excerpt from the back of the book that perfectly encapsulates the general feel:
"Stuart Murdoch considers himself to be '26% a rock star.' He may be exaggerating. Few rock stars spend time compiling lists of their favourite mathematicians or buy extra-soft slippers so they don't disturb neighbours living in the flat below." :) So, all in all, a bit of a book equivalent of a Belle & Sebastian concert then. I saw the group live some months ago and Murdoch was quite funny and cool in his typical bookish, indie-nerd manner. At one point the band had a cup of tea between songs with the dry remark, 'you won't see Iron Maiden doing THIS!. ;D On another note; here are my five favourite music biographies in no particular order Mick Brown - Tearing Down the Wall of Sound (on Phil Spector) John Einarson - Mr. Tambourine Man - the Life and Legacy of the Byrds' Gene Clark Simon Napier Bell - You Don't Have to Say You Love Me Tommy James - Me, the Mob and the Music - One Helluva Ride with Tommy James & the Shondells David Ritz - Divided Soul - The Life of Marvin Gaye Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Rocker on August 05, 2014, 04:52:08 AM David Ritz - Divided Soul - The Life of Marvin Gaye Ritz also worked with Ray Charles on the latter's autobiography (and the already mentioned Leiber&Stoller autobiography). Really good. Should also go onto the list Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Lowbacca on August 05, 2014, 07:30:09 AM I started reading this one last night.
(http://oi62.tinypic.com/2wqbubm.jpg) Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Chocolate Shake Man on August 07, 2014, 08:42:17 AM Just finishing up Mark Lewisohn's biography on the early years of The Beatles, Tune In. Unbelievable, definitive account. The only thing negative about it is that I have to wait seven years before the next volume.
Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Lowbacca on August 07, 2014, 08:48:05 AM Just finishing up Mark Lewisohn's biography on the early years of The Beatles, Tune In. Unbelievable, definitive account. The only thing negative about it is that I have to wait seven years before the next volume. Just googled it. HOLY CRAP. Almost 1000 pages of meticulously researched early Beatles history? :-D Thanks for the heads up!Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Chocolate Shake Man on August 07, 2014, 10:17:31 AM I can't imagine that there will ever be a better book on the subject.
Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: feelsflow on August 07, 2014, 10:55:38 AM Just finishing up Mark Lewisohn's biography on the early years of The Beatles, Tune In. Unbelievable, definitive account. The only thing negative about it is that I have to wait seven years before the next volume. ...January 1963 up next. Where did you hear it will take him seven years?It's on my to read next list. Title: Re: Music Biographies - Recommendations Post by: Chocolate Shake Man on August 07, 2014, 11:18:00 AM Just finishing up Mark Lewisohn's biography on the early years of The Beatles, Tune In. Unbelievable, definitive account. The only thing negative about it is that I have to wait seven years before the next volume. ...January 1963 up next. Where did you hear it will take him seven years?It's on my to read next list. Well, first I read it on Wikipedia and then I had the good fortune of meeting him in person and I asked him about it. He said it isn't a hard date but that he is estimated 7 years between books. During a Q&A, he expanded on this saying that when he started writing he estimated something like 12 years for the whole project and it's now 10 years later. So now he's saying roughly 7 years, meaning that volume 3 will come out around 2027. As Lewisohn put it at the Q&A, this means we all have to eat healthily and exercise. |