You got your Blues Brothers. You got your White Stripes. You got your jazzed-up punks. You got your easy listening. You got your musical crimes. You got your quickie bios. When it comes to your spring reading list, you got it all. Get it while the getting is good:
The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, the Rise of Improv, & The Making Of An American Film Classic
By Daniel de Vise
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “They’re not going to catch us,” Dan Aykroyd, as Elwood Blues, tells his brother Jake, played by John Belushi. “We’re on a mission from God.” So says the musical action comedy The Blues Brothers, which hit theaters on June 20, 1980. Their scripted mission was to save a local Chicago orphanage. But Aykroyd, who conceived and wrote much of the film, had a greater mission: to honor the seemingly forgotten tradition of R&B, some of whose greatest artists — Aretha Franklin, James Brown, John Lee Hooker, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles — made the film as unforgettable as its wild car chases. Much delayed and vastly over budget, beset by mercurial and oft drugged-out stars, The Blues Brothers opened to outraged reviews. However, in the 44 years since, it has been acknowledged a classic: it has been inducted into the National Film Registry for its cultural significance, even declared a “Catholic classic” by the bhurch itself, and re-aired thousands of times on television. It is arguably a significant film of the 20th century. The story behind it, as Daniel de Visé reveals, is epic, encompassing the colorful childhoods of Belushi and Aykroyd; the comedic revolution sparked by Harvard’s Lampoon and Chicago’s Second City; the birth and anecdote-rich, drug-filled early years of Saturday Night Live, where The Blues Brothers were born; and, of course, the indelible behind-the-scenes narrative of how the film was made, scene by memorable scene. Based on original research and dozens of interviews probing the memories of principals from director John Landis and producer Bob Weiss to Aykroyd himself, The Blues Brothers illuminates an American masterpiece while vividly portraying the creative geniuses who made it.”
Apex Blues: A Biography of Jimmie Noone Sr. and His Son, Jimmy Noone Jr.
By Cecile J. Picou
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Apex Blues chronicles the extraordinary lives and musical legacies of twojazz clarinet virtuosos: Jimmie Noone Sr. and his son Jimmy Noone Jr. Senior rose to fame in the 1910s New Orleans French Quarter jazz scene, forging his iconic Sweet Lorraine style during the dawn of the genre. Later, Jimmy made waves as a San Diego local musician before feeling called to follow in his father’s footsteps. He set out to revive his dad’s New Orleans sound. As the author witnesses firsthand, Jimmy exceeds even his father’s musical heights through raw talent and relentless dedication to his craft. In his final days, he completes his quest: To honor jazz history by propelling his father’s sound into the future. Jimmy cements the Noone legacy, ensuring the nation remembers what sublime jazz can be. Spanning generations, geographies, and evolutions of musical style, Apex Blues captures how two clarinet greats shepherded jazz from regional obscurity into an acclaimed American art form.”
Crime of the Century
By Angie Moon
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Crime of the Century is a comprehensive book about classic rock’s connections to true crime cases with over 20 true stories of classic rock musicians and their encounters with murderers, and musicians who committed murders. Inside the book you’ll find the most famous stories like how The Beach Boys met Charles Manson and how Phil Spector went from legendary producer to convicted murderer. There are stories of how classic rockers encountered some of the most notorious serial killers like The Kinks meeting John Wayne Gacy on their 1965 American tour and Debbie Harry allegedly getting into Ted Bundy’s car in the early ’70s. You’ll see how the Manson Family’s classic rock connections run deeper than you thought with their encounters with Neil Young, John Phillips, Phil Ochs and Frank Zappa. You’ll also learn how classic rockers were only a few degrees of separation from presidential assassinations with tales of The Band meeting Jack Ruby, Squeaky Fromme pursuing Jimmy Page, and John Hinckley’s encounter with Devo, who used the poem he wrote for Jodie Foster as song lyrics.”
Weird Music That Goes On Forever: A Punk’s Guide to Loving Jazz
By Bob Suren & Brian Walsby
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Once you’ve collected every 7″ from your favorite label, broken your back in the mosh pit, and become so well-versed in the interpersonal dynamics of every hardcore band that there’s nothing more to learn, what’s a punk to do? Try jazz, recommends Bob Suren. No, really. Suren, who wrote Crate Digger about his life and work in punk, turns his obsessive gaze onto another form of rebellious, improvisational outsider music, but this time with more sax. What does Dixieland have in common with D.R.I.? Did Charles Mingus write the first punk song? And who was the Butthole Surfer of jazz? Suren answers these questions and many more. Reading his irreverent guide to jazz, filled with punk references and colorful language, is more fun than getting arrested for vandalism. Learn about the surprising history and scandalous etymology of jazz, explore its connections to punk, and take in biographical sketches of over 25 notable artists — with plenty of recommendations thrown in for your listening pleasure.”
Jack White & The White Stripes: Every Album, Every Song
By Ben L. Connor
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The White Stripes were one of the breakout bands of the early 2000s rock revival. They produced some of the most indelible songs of the 21st Century and reintroduced a sense of mystery and panache to the staid indie rock scene of the era. But that was only the beginning for singer-guitarist Jack White. From his humble origins in the fabled Detroit garage-rock scene, via The White Stripes and his other bands, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, to his ongoing solo career, White has forged an extensive and eclectic body of work. Now, as the head of his own record label, he has achieved what most musicians dream of: the freedom to follow his idiosyncratic muse where it takes him, regardless of the whims of the record industry or popular taste. His music takes in all styles, from psychedelic power pop, to gothic swamp rock, to futuristic synth-funk, but he remains connected to American roots music. He is always eager to cite his influences, and his collaborations and production work are an important part of his musical development. This is the first book that takes in the entire scope of White’s career: his bands, solo work, and work with other artists. By going through his discography track by track, this book will argue that White is one of the great artists of the modern age. Perhaps, in fact, the last great rock star.”
The Golden Age of Easy Listening
By Derek Taylor
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The mid-20th century saw the birth of a new kind of big band / orchestral music in what came to be called easy listening. Like its contemporary, rock ’n’ roll, it took the world by storm, introducing romance and chic into a world brutalised by war. While a new generation went wild and sexy, their elders sought to live in a world of civilised values. Easy listening music gave them this in spades. In The Golden Era of Easy Listening Music, Derek Taylor comprehensively traces the story from an unlikely beginning with an American army general through to its current state in 21st century mainstream popular music. Described and put into historical context are the giants and innovators of easy-listening music from Paul Weston, Mantovani, Percy Faith, Ray Conniff, Serge Gainsbourg, Bert Kaempfert, Acker Bilk, Herb Albert, Sergio Mendes to James Last and a host of others. These easy listening giants came from all around the world, bringing to the music throughout the decades a revitalising mix of styles and forms that is being rediscovered and enjoyed as much by the streaming generation of today as it was by the generation of 78 RPM shellac and high-fidelity vinyl of its golden era.”
On Record 1995: Images, Interviews & Insights From the Year in Music
By G. Brown
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “1995, the sixth volume of the comprehensive On Record series, mines the explosion of alternative rock, ranging from big names (Alanis Morissette, Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers) to up-and-comers (Radiohead, Flaming Lips, Oasis), in addition to the year’s top pop, classic rock, R&B, country, jazz and new age releases. The On Record series is an year-by-year, comprehensive look at the evolution of popular music from 1978 to 1998. G. Brown covered popular music at The Denver Post for 26 years, interviewing well over 3,200 musicians, including Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Mick Jagger and Kurt Cobain, all of whom recounted their escapades and reminisced about what their time on the charts meant to them personally and musically. Over the decades, Brown also amassed an archive of close to 15,000 rare promotional photos. Each volume of the On Record series presents nearly 200 rare archival images and 100 interviews with an array of performers, from the late Jerry Garcia and Dave Matthews to Bono and Santana.”
Eminem: The Biography
By United Library
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Embark on the enthralling journey of Marshall Bruce Mathers III, professionally known as Eminem, in this comprehensive biography. Born on Oct. 17, 1972, Eminem is an American rapper credited with popularizing hip-hop in Middle America and widely regarded as one of the greatest in the genre. His global success shattered racial barriers for white rappers in popular music, and his controversial yet transgressive work made him a representation of American underclass angst. From his early albums, including The Slim Shady LP and The Marshall Mathers LP, to Grammy-winning releases like Recovery and Music to Be Murdered By, Eminem’s impact on the music industry is unparalleled. His iconic songs, such as Lose Yourself, Stan and Rap God, showcase his lyrical prowess and storytelling ability. The book explores Eminem’s rise to fame, struggles with addiction, and triumphant comebacks, providing insights into his collaborations, including D12 and Bad Meets Evil with Royce da 5’9″. Beyond music, Eminem’s foray into acting, entrepreneurship with Shady Records, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 are also highlighted.”
What You Never Knew About Demi Lovato
By Helen Cox Cannons
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Demi Lovato rose to stardom as a child actor, and went on to fame as a talented singer and performer. But what is this high-profile star like offstage? High-interest details and bold photos of Demi’s fascinating life will enthrall reluctant and struggling readers, while carefully levelled text will leave readers feeling confident.”
What You Never Knew About BTS
By Martha E. H. Rustad
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “South Korean boy band BTS has taken the music world by storm with their catchy lyrics, smooth style and killer dance moves. But what happens when they’re not singing and dancing? High-interest details and bold photos of this musical supergroup will enthrall reluctant and struggling readers, while carefully levelled text will leave them feeling confident.”
Freddie Mercury: Lover Of LIfe, Singer Of Songs
By Tres Dean
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “For the first time in comics format, Freddie Mercury: Lover of Life, Singer of Songs will be a journey through Freddie’s life; from his childhood in Zanzibar, through his formative years in England, to becoming the rock star, known and loved by millions around the globe. The story is told in his own words, with each chapter giving a glimpse into the many facets of his life. Written by Tres Dean (All Time Low Presents: Young Renegades), the graphic novel will give true insight into the many experiences that helped shape the young Farrokh Bulsara and his compelling existence, both on and off stage — that was the life of Freddie Mercury, lover of life, singer of songs.”
