Can't beat a good book ! The last music book I read, a neighbour passed it on to us, was 'Wonderland Avenue' by Danny Sugarman, about his association with The Doors - a bit of a drug-crazed period but a good read nonetheless. On the travel front, I love 'The Roads to Sata' by Alan Booth in which he recounts a journey by foot down the spine of Japan. My favourite, however, having read it several times, would probably be 'In Search of Conrad' by the brilliant Gavin Young (Slow Boats to China), and although it pays to be a Conrad fan (I am!) to enjoy this best, it is not essential as the prose is sufficiently captivating.
Thanks for the recommendations Ben. I know Danny's book, I had not been aware of the two travel books. The Road To Sata is available through the library system here but not In Search of Conrad. Naturally, I'm only too happy to buy books, but currently no point until I finish reading some of these on my Summer list.
Thanks for the recs, and good timing here, as my wife made me get rid of about 50 books last night, as the bookshelf started to overtake the living room. My dream of having a book filled room will have to wait. I'll be hitting up a bunch of Little Libraries in town this weekend dumping them off, and perhaps grabbing one or two for myself.
Finishing up Junger's "The Perfect Storm" today and then moving on to JG Ballad's "High-Rise"
That's so good that you are "dumping" your books into the Little Libraries. In No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy, Mark Hodkinson writes of trying to surreptitiously place his own publishing company's overstock onto shelves; the Little Libraries (as with good thrift stores) eliminates that embarrassing option. JUnger and Ballad both heavyweights. ENjoy.
Interesting list! I may have to check out Harris's book. The last good music book I read was Anatomy of 55 More Songs by Marc Myers. I enjoy reading about and dissecting songs from the past.
Cheers Dan. And thanks for the heads-up on Mar Myers' book. I love writing about and dissecting songs from the past, something I have tried to do within all the books i have written, so this could be a good one for me to add to the ever-growing list.
Actually, with a different Dan who also posted here and to whom I may have been replying at the same time! Plus. you must be sick of hearing "Hey Joe...." and someone bursting into song! Anyway, happy to correct. (I get my kids' names wrong too.)
I've read both, and while Pruter's book has always been an invaluable source for anyone who wants to explore below the surface of the genre, I found that Cohen's book does a better job of connecting the dots between the music, local culture, and the social upheavals of the 60s and 70s. I highly recommend it!
I can highly recommend Chris Stein's bio " Under a Rock" ...
Thanks Max. Knowing Chris, I am looking forward to raeding it. Just got to get through some of these others first!
Can't beat a good book ! The last music book I read, a neighbour passed it on to us, was 'Wonderland Avenue' by Danny Sugarman, about his association with The Doors - a bit of a drug-crazed period but a good read nonetheless. On the travel front, I love 'The Roads to Sata' by Alan Booth in which he recounts a journey by foot down the spine of Japan. My favourite, however, having read it several times, would probably be 'In Search of Conrad' by the brilliant Gavin Young (Slow Boats to China), and although it pays to be a Conrad fan (I am!) to enjoy this best, it is not essential as the prose is sufficiently captivating.
Thanks for the recommendations Ben. I know Danny's book, I had not been aware of the two travel books. The Road To Sata is available through the library system here but not In Search of Conrad. Naturally, I'm only too happy to buy books, but currently no point until I finish reading some of these on my Summer list.
Thanks for the recs, and good timing here, as my wife made me get rid of about 50 books last night, as the bookshelf started to overtake the living room. My dream of having a book filled room will have to wait. I'll be hitting up a bunch of Little Libraries in town this weekend dumping them off, and perhaps grabbing one or two for myself.
Finishing up Junger's "The Perfect Storm" today and then moving on to JG Ballad's "High-Rise"
That's so good that you are "dumping" your books into the Little Libraries. In No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy, Mark Hodkinson writes of trying to surreptitiously place his own publishing company's overstock onto shelves; the Little Libraries (as with good thrift stores) eliminates that embarrassing option. JUnger and Ballad both heavyweights. ENjoy.
Great list Tony. The 1984 & 2 Tone books sparked my interest. Thanks for sharing !
As they should. Both British authors, I note, though Rachel's 2 Tone book has the US publisher and accompanying book tour.
Interesting list! I may have to check out Harris's book. The last good music book I read was Anatomy of 55 More Songs by Marc Myers. I enjoy reading about and dissecting songs from the past.
adding this to my read list, thanks!
Cheers Dan. And thanks for the heads-up on Mar Myers' book. I love writing about and dissecting songs from the past, something I have tried to do within all the books i have written, so this could be a good one for me to add to the ever-growing list.
Didn't know about the Charlesworth book. Need to read that. Thanks, Tony!
Hey Dan, you know now! Cheers.
Think you've got me confused with yr podcast mate. ;-)
Actually, with a different Dan who also posted here and to whom I may have been replying at the same time! Plus. you must be sick of hearing "Hey Joe...." and someone bursting into song! Anyway, happy to correct. (I get my kids' names wrong too.)
hahaha
Very interested in "Move On Up" and how it contrasts with Robert Pruter's book on the genre.
I've read both, and while Pruter's book has always been an invaluable source for anyone who wants to explore below the surface of the genre, I found that Cohen's book does a better job of connecting the dots between the music, local culture, and the social upheavals of the 60s and 70s. I highly recommend it!
Thanks, Dan.
I am looking forward to getting into Move On Up for certain.