The Beatles and Bowie. Led Zeppelin and LCD Soundsystem. Ska and The Sweet. It’s another jam-packed week for new music books — and I haven’t even mentioned Peter Gabriel, The Damned, Roy Harper, The Incredible String Band and the rest. Read all about ’em:
Twisted Business: Lessons from My Life in Rock ‘n Roll
By Jay Jay French & Steve Farber
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Jay Jay French — founder, guitarist, and manager of the world-famous heavy metal band Twisted Sister — delivers his “bizoir”: part memoir and part business primer. In addition to founding Twisted Sister, a world-famous heavy metal band that has sold more than 20 million records worldwide, Jay Jay French is one of the top entrepreneurs in entertainment. After taking over as manager in the ’70s, French developed Twisted Sister into the most heavily licensed heavy metal band in history, leading the group to perform more than 9,000 shows in 40 countries. Twisted Business is an unexpected, inspiring, whirlwind story of transformation and redemption. It follows French’s adventure-filled life — from growing up in New York City in the ’60s, to working as a drug dealer and struggling as an addict before quitting cold turkey, and finally, to creating and cultivating Twisted Sister and turning it into one of the most successful brands in the world. Together with his mentor Steve Farber, a best-selling author and one of the world’s top leadership and management experts, French offers unique, hard-earned tips and advice from his nearly 50 years as a musician, music business manager, and entrepreneur. French shows how, through tenacity, grit, and dedication, anyone can create their own brand, grow a successful business, re-invent themselves, or simply find success in what they love to do. Entertaining, provocative, funny, and informative, this book is the trip of a lifetime and a treasured guide for entrepreneurs, business people, and music fans alike.
LCD
By Ruvan Wijesooriya
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “For the past decade, downtown-New York indie dance music innovation could be summed up in three letters: LCD. The brainchild of frontman James Murphy, LCD Soundsystem grew from a solo project into one of the most highly regarded live bands in contemporary music. In 2011, at the height of their career, LCD Soundsystem decided to end the band. From 2004 to the day they quit, photographer Ruvan Wijesooriya navigated through both private and public moments with the influential, Grammy-nominated, N.Y.C. indie band. Ruvan was a fan, first and foremost, and quickly became a fly on the wall and instigator who brought new meaning to the term, “I’m with the band.” His access and friendship with LCD is something rare in the commercialized and controlled music industry of today, and this close relationship can be seen in the rapport between photographer and subject. The locations include Hyde Park in London, various New York institutions, Coachella, Rick Rubin’s recording mansion in the Hollywood Hills, Way Out West festival in Sweden and more. In addition, the scope of the book goes beyond just photography and features various album art and original interviews with members of the band and showcases an exciting design by James Timmins, art director of Dossier magazine. A handful of these photographs were featured in the recent LCD film Shut Up And Play The Hits, and others have appeared in various magazines and newspapers, but the vast majority have never been shown before, making this a must-have for every fan to remember the band.”
Evenings with Led Zeppelin: The Complete Concert Chronicle – Revised and Expanded Edition
By Dave Lewis & Mike Tremaglio
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “From their earliest gig in a Denmark school gymnasium on Sept. 7, 1968, through to the last gig that Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones ever performed with John Bonham, in Berlin on July 7, 1980, this is the Led Zeppelin story told from where their legend was forged — live on stage. Deploying impeccable research spread over many years, Dave Lewis and Mike Tremaglio bring clarity, authority, and perspective to the band’s unique story.”
The Beatles and the 1960s: Reception, Revolution and Social Change
By Kenneth L. Campbell
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The Beatles are widely regarded as the foremost and most influential music band in history and their career has been the subject of many biographies. Yet the band’s historical significance has not received sustained academic treatment to date. In The Beatles And The 1960s, Kenneth L. Campbell uses The Beatles as a lens through which to explore the sweeping, panoramic history of the social, cultural and political transformations that occurred in the 1960s. It draws on audience reception theory and untapped primary source material, including student newspapers, to understand how listeners would have interpreted The Beatles’ songs and albums not only in Britain and the United States, but also globally. Taking a year-by-year approach, each chapter analyses the external influences The Beatles absorbed, consciously or unconsciously, from the culture surrounding them. Some key topics include race relations, gender dynamics, political and cultural upheavals, the Vietnam War and the evolution of rock music and popular culture. The book will also address the resurgence of The Beatles’ popularity in the 1980s, as well as the relevance of The Beatles’ ideals of revolutionary change to our present day. This is essential reading for anyone looking for an accessible yet rigorous study of the historical relevance of The Beatles in a crucial decade of social change.”
Bowie, Cambo & All The Hype
By John Cambridge
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “In Bowie, Cambo & All The Hype we get a backstage pass to key people and events during those crucial early years. This is a heartfelt story of a unique friendship. Drummer, musician and friend John ‘Cambo’ Cambridge lived with David Bowie at Haddon Hall when he had his first hit record Space Oddity and toured with him in Junior’s Eyes. He was there for him at many key moments — when Bowie lost his father, passed his driving test, played his first glam rock gig with Hype — and even acted as best man when Bowie married Angela Barnett in 1970. And if John had not persuaded his former Rats colleague Mick Ronson to join Bowie in February 1970, there might never have been a Ziggy Stardust or the stellar career which followed.”
The Sweet in the 1970s: Decades
By Darren Johnson
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The Sweet’s look, sound and attitude became an instantly recognisable hallmark of the early 1970s glam rock era. But the band did not start the 1970s as a glam band and certainly didn’t finish as one. This book charts the band’s journey through the decade that made them a household name, from their initial rise as purveyors of manufactured, bubblegum pop to their metamorphosis into harder-edged glam rock icons. The Sweet in the 1970s takes a look at both their successes and their struggles in their quest to be recognised as a more serious rock act in the latter part of the decade, once the sparkle of glam and glitter had begun to pale. The decade saw them score 15 U.K. Top 40 singles, release seven studio albums and tour several continents. Unlike many bands of the era personnel changes were few. The Sweet begin the 1970s with the arrival of new guitarist Andy Scott, and end the decade with the departure of frontman Brian Connolly, and an ultimately ill-fated attempt to continue as a three-piece. This book is an unashamed celebration of the music of The Sweet and charts the lasting impact they had on many of the bands that followed them.”
Peter Gabriel: Every Album, Every Song
By Graeme Scarfe
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “If Genesis, according to British comedian and fan Al Murray, ‘were the progressive rock band who progressed’, then Peter Gabriel, once solo, would be the one who progressed the most. Who would have thought listening to early Genesis would eventually take the listener to Senegal, Armenia, South Africa and beyond via the artistic endeavours of their former vocalist? This is a journey through Gabriel’s the solo albums, his live recordings and soundtrack compositions. During his 40-year solo career, Gabriel has become a worldwide pop star with his early, self-titled albums and his seminal 1986 record So. He has had hit singles throughout his career, including Big Time and the poignant In Your Eyes. He also helped pioneer video creativity with the song Sledgehammer. In doing so, he has reached beyond his progressive rock background to achieve a level of respect that other musicians from that genre could only dream about. You may have heard many of these songs before, but there’s always something new to be found by digging in the dirt. This is the prefect guide to his music for new listeners and long term fans alike. What on earth is going on? In the words of the Burgermiester: ‘I … will … find … out.’ ”
Roy Harper: Every Album, Every Song
By Opher Goodwin
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Roy Harper must be one of Britain’s most undervalued rock musicians and songwriters. For over 50 years he has produced a series of innovative albums of consistently outstanding quality. He puts poetry and social commentary to music in a way that extends the boundaries of rock music. His 22 studio albums 16 live albums, made up of 250 songs, have created a unique body of work. Roy is a musician’s musician. He is lauded by the likes of Dave Gilmour, Ian Anderson, Jimmy Page, Pete Townsend, Joanna Newsom, Fleet Foxes and Kate Bush. Who else could boast that he has had Keith Moon, Jimmy Page, Dave Gilmour, John Paul Jones, Ronnie Lane, Chris Spedding, Bill Bruford and Steve Broughton in his backing band? Opher Goodwin, Roy’s friend and a fan, guides the reader through every album and song, providing insight into the recording of the songs as well the times in which they were recorded. As his loyal and often fanatical fans will attest, Roy has produced a series of epic songs and he remains a raging, uncompromising individual.”
The Damned: Every Album, Every Song
By Morgan Brown
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The Damned are a great British rock ’n’ roll institution. They have helped to plot the course of guitar music over the last 45 years, putting U.K. punk on record for the first time in 1976, and going on to lay the groundwork for the hardcore, goth, post-punk, indie-pop and horror-punk movements that have thrived in their wake. Ever underestimated by critics, their string of classic albums has nevertheless been hugely influential, from the trailblazing punk of Damned Damned Damned, to the epic, eclectic sprawl of The Black Album, through the glossy dark-pop of Phantasmagoria, to the genre-spanning triumph of the recent Evil Spirits and beyond. In this book, Morgan Brown takes a fascinating deep dive into each of the band’s groundbreaking records, unearthing the stories and inspirations behind them, picking apart their musical building blocks, and examining both the creative process and the creators themselves — visionary early leader Brian James, iconic frontman Dave Vanian, madcap genius Captain Sensible, volatile percussive dervish Rat Scabies and many more. Curious new listeners and long-time aficionados alike will find this book the perfect companion on a voyage of discovery into the strange, chaotic, wonderful world of The Damned.”
The Incredible String Band: Every Album, Every Song
By Tim Moon
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The Incredible String Band evoke love and devotion to all those who fall under their spell. Their world is not ours, but a land of mythical creatures and fey beings. This book looks at all their recorded output from the first album which saw the turning point from the mix of old time American music and Scottish dance tunes to the first steps in songwriting, through albums which still maintain a legendary reputation, 5000 Spirits and Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter. It looks at their increasingly eclectic instrumentation and fantastical songwriting. There is a fresh look at the slightly lesser known albums that followed and the later version of the band that moved steadily towards the rock mainstream before imploding in 1974. There is also a look at the albums that appeared when the band briefly reformed in the 21st century and a run through the best of the posthumous live albums and compilations of unreleased material. The band went from major success to cult status, and then via mockery in the punk period to finally becoming a highly respected band, whose albums still sell steadily to this day. This book will follow that journey and examine every stop on the way.”
Hell Of A Hat: The Rise of ’90s Ska and Swing
By Kenneth Partridge
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “In the late ’90s, third-wave ska broke across the American alternative music scene like a tsunami. In sweaty clubs across the nation, kids danced themselves dehydrated to the peppy rhythms and punchy horns of bands like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Reel Big Fish. As ska caught fire, a swing revival brought even more sharp-dressed, brass-packing bands to national attention. Hell Of A Hat dives deep into this unique musical moment. Prior to invading the Billboard charts and MTV, ska thrived from Orange County, California, to N.Y.C., where Moon Ska Records had eager rude girls and boys snapping up every release. On the swing tip, retro pioneers like Royal Crown Revue had fans doing the jump, jive, and wail long before The Brian Setzer Orchestra resurrected the Louis Prima joint. Drawing on interviews with heavyweights like the Bosstones, Sublime, Less Than Jake, and Cherry Poppin’ Daddies — as well as underground heroes like Mustard Plug, The Slackers, Hepcat and The New Morty Show — Kenneth Partridge argues that the relative economic prosperity and general optimism of the late ’90s created the perfect environment for fast, danceable music that — with some notable exceptions — tended to avoid political commentary. An homage to a time when plaids and skankin’ were king and doing the jitterbug in your best suit was so money, Hell Of A Hat is an inside look at ’90s ska, swing, and the loud noises of an era when America was dreaming and didn’t even know it.”
British Progressive Pop 1970-1980
By Andy Bennett
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Positioned between the psychedelic and counter-cultural music of the late 1960s and the punk and new wave styles of the late 1970s, early 1970s British popular music is often overlooked in pop music studies of the late 20th century, but it was, in fact, highly diverse with many artists displaying an eclecticism and flair for musical experimentation. Progressive pop artists such as Roxy Music, David Bowie, the early Queen, Electric Light Orchestra, 10cc and Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel successfully straddled the album and singles markets, producing music that often drew on a variety of different musical styles and traditions. Similarly, such artists often set new benchmarks for songwriting and production, utilizing the full potential of the rapidly expanding studio technology of the era to produce albums of highly diverse material featuring, in some cases, special studio-crafted effects and soundscapes that remain unique to this day. This book considers the significance of British progressive pop in the early 1970s as a period during which the boundaries between pop and rock were periodically relaxed, providing a platform for musical creativity less confined by genre and branding.”
Texas Bluegrass History: High Lonesome on the High Plains
By Jeff Campbell & Braeden Paul
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Texas has nurtured a thriving bluegrass scene since the early 1950s. The Lone Star State boasts the country’s first bluegrass college degree and even hosts a Beatles bluegrass cover band. Meet the Pickin’ Singin’ Professor, the Fiddle Engineer and Blanco’s Bluegrass Boy. Hit the trail with cowboys like the Mayfield brothers and go backstage with Grammy-nominated acts like Wood & Wire. Jeff Campbell and Braeden Paul celebrate the musicians who contributed to the harmonious heritage of Texas bluegrass.”
The Uninvited: On The Road With The Greatest Rock Band You Never Heard Of
By Steven Vance Taylor
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “In 1998, I reached up and touched the golden underbelly of rock stardom. Following a major label bidding war, my band The Uninvited were poised to become the next alt-rock sensation. With a hit song scaling the charts and a new album described as “The defining record of the decade,” everything was teed-up for a life of sold-out arenas, gold-plated Ferraris and Dom Perignon on draft. So what the hell happened? The Uninvited: On The Road With The Greatest Rock Band You Never Heard Of is the story of five friends stuffed in a van on a Homer-esque nationwide odyssey, clinging desperately to a gossamer thread of one-hit-wonder fame while sharing the stage with legends like Cheap Trick, Blues Traveler, The Violent Femmes, Chris Isaak and many more. Though focusing on the gritty, bizarre and often hilarious adventures surrounding the pursuit of rock stardom, The Uninvited is in essence a musical love story, exposing the heart-wrenching costs of “fame and fortune” while questioning the scales we use to measure success. And there was a gnome, too. He was kind of an asshole.”
It’s Not a Rumour: A Rock and Roll Journey Through Life and Alzheimer’s
By Frederick Moore & Shannon Guyton
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Frederick Moore rocked and rolled his way through life as Rick, Skogie and Freddy, almost becoming famous. He spent his 1950s Minneapolis childhood obsessively teaching himself guitar and writing songs while dodging his mother’s metal spatula and a brother out to get him. In the 1960s his bands Skogie and The Flaming Pachucos reached local stardom. After, they put everything they had into their cars and caravanned to Los Angeles. From a garage in suburban Arleta, they evolved Skogie into a new band called The Kats. In the 1980s, The Kats sold out every major club in Los Angeles — from Madame Wong’s to the Whisky a Go Go, the Starwood to the Troubadour. The Kats were offered dozens of record contracts while headlining alongside The Police, The Knack, Flash Cadillac and the Continental Kids and The Motels. They turned down every single one. The 1990s and early 2000s led Moore to the computer-programming world. Coding and music seemed to go hand in hand for him, and he found himself rising through the programming ranks quickly until developing early-onset Alzheimer’s. It’s Not a Rumour is an unorthodox, hysterical story of survival, and of making it big in music and life without ever making a dime. It’s also about getting diagnosed with one of the most frightening diseases known to man, treating memory loss through writing, music, diet, exercise, natural supplements, and Moore’s wife Renee, with her tireless love and research needed to hold on to these memories as long as he could to share them with the world.”
Leaving the Building: The Lucrative Afterlife of Music Estates
By Eamonn Forde
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “It was 1977 when Colonel Tom Parker proclaimed ‘Elvis didn’t die; the body did. This changes nothing.’ Ever since then, the management of artists’ estates has become a huge business in its own right. Life After Death speaks to those charged with running the estates of major artists such as Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, David Bowie, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Buckley, Jim Morrison, The Ramones, Miles Davis and Isaac Hayes, as well as a range of smaller estates, music lawyers, record companies, archivists, and more. The book explores in depth how they keep artists’ legacies alive, what happens when battles erupt between heirs, why not leaving a will is still a common mistake, how archives are managed, how an estate must respond when a scandal engulfs it, why estates are increasingly being sold as the business becomes industrialised, and how holographic technologies raise complex ethical and economic debates about the future of estate and legacy management. Estates have two jobs: keeping the artist’s name alive; and ensuring they continue to make money.”
