Book Description

Saucerful of Secrets is the first in-depth biography of this very private group. At the heart of the saga is Syd Barrett, the group's brilliant founder, whose public decline into shattered incoherence--attributable in part to his marathon use of LSD--is one of the tragedies of rock history. The making of Dark Side of the Moon and Floyd's other great albums is recounted in detail, as are the mounting of "The Wall"and the creation of the flying pigs, crashingplanes, "Mr. Screen" and the other elements of their spectacular stage shows. The book also explores the many battles between bass player/song writer Roger Waters and the rest of the group, leading up to Water's acrimonious departure for a solocareer in 1984 and his unsuccessful attempt to disolve the group he had left behind.

Saucerful of Secrets is an electrifying account of this ground-breaking, mind-bending group, covering every period of their career fromearliest days to latest recordings. It is full ofrevealing information that will be treasured by all who love Pink Floyd's music. ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Hear the Floyd. Read the Floyd.
For all Pink Floyd fans who would like to learn more about this extraordinary assemblage of talent, this is the book for you. Schaffner takes us from the earliest years, from before Dave Gilmour was a part of the band, all the way up to the tour for "A Momentary Lapse Of Reason" (the recording of which was later released as "The Delicate Sound Of Thunder").

After reading these pages, one is transfixed with the idea that he has actually known the Floyd personages first-hand. We feel sympathetic for Roger Keith "Syd" Barrett while he slowly (but not subtly) goes insane. We gain a newfound respect for the interchange between Roger Waters the poet & Dave Gilmour the musician. It is fascinating to trace the band's career thru the years as they get along, then don't get along, end up filing lawsuits and (eventually) start taking shots at each other via their music (as in the case of Gilmour's "High Hopes").

Most importantly, however, is attention levied on the Floyd's dedication to their craft. Unlike perhaps 90% of the rock bands of today, the Floyd was / is not about image. No dancing with pythons wrapped around their neck, or posters of them with Jack Daniels, or any other nonsense. No, the Floyd has always been about a group of serious musicians getting together to make great things happen. It is no wonder that the late great Leonard Bernstein was such a big fan of theirs. For that matter, it is also no surprise that the Floyd was a big fan of his as well. [You can read all about this relationship / correspondance here, too!]

Here is their story, laid out in a exquisite clairty and sensitivity that you will not find in other bios. Schaffner takes us thru the ups, the downs & the in-betweens of one of the most innovative and talented rock bands to ever grace vinyl, audiotape and compact disk. A must read for Pink Floyd fans everywhere.

The Pros and Cons of this book
Saucerful Of Secrets: The Pink Floyd Odyssey was a great book, written by a great author, Nicholas Shaffner, who has written many books on the Beatles. This was a well researched report,if you will,from members of the outer core of the band, but not the big members, such as Syd Barrett and Roger Waters, who Shaffner claims in the Epilogue refused. Roger's interview was needed because of the dramatic brake-up, and his points on Rick, Dave, and Nick trying to bring the band back from 1987-1990. The pros of this book is that they have interviews from all over, not just interviews given by Shaffner. They have interviews from magazines, other books, and quotes from memoirs written by the people surrounding the band. The con is one big one: detail. Although the book is 309 pages in regular length from Chapters 1-24(Not counting Epilogue and Prologue)it is very easy to get through a page without understanding anything that was said. Towards the end of the novel, I believe Shaffner got sloppy with the story of Water's resurrection of The Wall, stating it as if the whole process took one day. In fact, it took a full year to put it together, but no additional detail was shown. Shaffner easily got through three in fact BIG subjects in one page, especially in the early and latter stages.

Still definitive and essential rock writing at its best
Nicholas Schaffner, aside from being a gifted rock journalist and a stellar writer in every way, had an enormous impact on me as a young Beatle fan (his "The Beatles Forever" is by far the best Fab Four book out there) and an even greater impact on me as a wanna-be writer. I still find myself returning to both "Saucerful of Secrets" and "Beatles Forever" as examples of the high art of rock journalism. Every time I do I am saddenned by the lack of anyone out there who could fill his shoes.

The Floyd book is unsurpassed in its information, but there is one glaring flaw: whereas the Beatles book is loaded with photos and in many cases record-chart information, the Floyd book has none, which makes it more of a nightstand read and less of a "total package" that it could be if one of his contemporaries (or family members? band members?) could take it and update it with tons more photos and the like, turning it into what it might have been had he lived to see its full completion. (I'm assuming he would have wanted this, although it may not be the case, we'll never know.)

In any case, still the definitive guide to a high point of 70's rock bombast.

Would Someone Please Update This Book???
Many years ago, Nicholas Schaffner, author of this excellent volume on that rocking band of space cadets known as Pink Floyd, wrote a book entitled The British Invasion, dealing with all the rock bands that came from John Bull's Island (an old, OLD term for Great Britain!)in the sixites and seventies, with several extended chapters on the most important bands, including the Floyd. Schaffner's writing was so lucid and intense, yet free-flowing, particularly concerning the madcap ex-guitarist named Syd Barrett, that I resolved there and then to someday pick up an entire, updated book of the Floyd. Well, in one respect, Saucerful of Secrets fills the bill nicely. Schaffner's writing is still wonderfully lucid and is an easy, entertaining read throughout, and as free from bias as any book of the FLoyd is likely to be. (If bassist Roger Waters seems to come in for more than his share of bashing, it merely confirms what I have learned from most of the other sources I have read to date.) Unfortunately, Schaffner is deceased; he died in 1991 and no one has seen fit to update his work as of this writing. He has done such a fine job covering all the bases of the band's founding, the early happenings with UFO, Syd's creativity, drug usage, and subsequent withdrawal, the formulation of a Syd-less group identity, the Golden Years of Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here, the early fragmentation into two camps: Roger Waters and everyone else, the Wall and early solo projects, the Roger-less Floyd, and Water's final triumph at the Berlin Wall. All told very, very well indeed! Now, would some enterprising journalist or former band insider provide the needed updates, including such topics as Water's 2000 tour and Gilmour's escapades with one Sir Paul McCartney? Please?? Millions of Floyd fans would be most appreciative. In any case, for a great read of how the Floyd got to be Pink, get this book now and any subsequent updates as they are written. The secrets of this wonderful odyssey await you by the saucerful!!!

Secrets revealed
Secrets is the best, even handed and articulate book on every phase of Floyd that has been written. Every book I've looked at after argues for Barrett's Floyd, Waters' Floyd or Gilmour's Floyd vs. taking a fair look at the accomplishments of all versions of the band. It's a pity that no journalist has chosen to update the late Nick Schaffner's book. It doesn't cover the very last album made under Gilmour's lead (which, despite much critical bashing, I feel is among their best).

Schaffner had access to both insiders and many rare sources when he put this book together in the late 80's (it was published after his death in 1991). His knowledge as a musician also helps give a fairness to the best and worst of Floyd. I was particularly interested in the section that discusses the recording of Barrett's post Floyd solo albums and Wright, Gilmour and Waters' involvement in helping out their own, fragmented friend.

There's also a selected discography that includes the results of The Amazing Pudding's '89 Readers Poll of Best and Worst FLoyd albums. The for (pardon the pun)record:
Best- Wish You Were Here, Dark Side, The Wall, Animals, Piper at the Gates. The Worst- The FInal Cut. Bestselling (at the time of the book's publication)-Dark Side, The Wall, Wish, Animals and Momentary Lapse. Best Floyd songs-Comfortably Numb, Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Echoes, Wish You Were Here, Time. Worst: The Dogs of War.

Worth picking up although, again, it obviously lacks any information after 1991. I'd rank Secrets as one of the best books written on the band. ... Read more

Book Description

MIDNIGHT RIDERS is the definitive book about one of America's definitive rock bands.

The Allman Brothers Band rose out of Macon, Ga., to become the most critically-acclaimed and popular group of its era even as tragedy haunted them.

Based on extensive interviews with band members and their intimates, MIDNIGHT RIDERS tells one of the most riveting stories in all of rock 'n' roll. It is a story with all the elements of great drama: love and death and courage and betrayal and survival. And most of all, music so capitivating that it could feel as if it was caressing your very soul. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

If your just looking for some good,clean,fun
I've had few literary journeys like the one I've just experienced. You are not only reading about places like Macon Ga. or the Fillmore East as examples, but you feel as if you are actually there. The story is well told as you are brought from the joys of success and good times to the tradgedies of death. This book gives new insights to one of the best bands ever in the history of rock and roll, and clears up some rumors that have followed the band for years. No matter how big a fan you think you are of the Allman Brothers, there are numerous things in this book that you didn't know. In addition, you will learn facts about other prominent figures of rock, recording sessions, and unseen members of the Allman Brothers family. We could probably find flaws with most books, I however, just took in what was given to me and enjoyed it completely. Fan or not, this book is a must for anyone into the music scene.

An engaging account
"Midnight Riders: The story of the Allman Brothers Band" is a biography of the exciting life of one of America's greatest Rock & Roll bands. Scott Freeman has written a wonderful account of the band's beginnings all the way through their breakups and reunions. This band had some tremendous trials to go through such as two original members deaths as well as problems with drugs and greedy record companies. But it is pretty impressive they managed to not only survive Duane Allman's and Berry Oakley's death but also that they managed to still be a great band without Duane, the elder Allman and founder/leader of the band.

The story starts out with Duane and Greg's childhood in Florida and how they got hooked on "the fever." It follows the two from their attraction to "black music" or the blues all the way through the last incarnations of the band in the early to mid-nineties. This biography is written so well that I thoroughly enjoyed learning about all the amazing things they accomplished up until the time that Duane Allman dies, then I struggled to get through the rest of it just because I was so depressed that such an amazing musicians life was cut so short. Duane Allman actually died at the peak of his musical powers, but who knows, he could have taken the electric slide guitar to even more celestial heights than he already had on the Fillmore East album.

...

The author also gives album reviews of each album as they make them. This was helpful because they are done very well and it gives you a chance to picture the music more clearly. Another plus is the album reccomendations in the appendix, which is great because not very ABB album is fantastic so he tells you which ones to avoid and which to add to your collection.

For me, I think this is one of the best stories ever told about a rock band. And the ABB story is an incredible story of love, devastating losses, and redemption. All of it is true. It has increased my love for the ABB, who represent everything good about southern rock and American music in general. It would be a great addition to any person's collection of literature whether you're a ABB fan or not. But after reading this book you may find yourself a fan of the band afterall.

Well researched book
The book that had to be done.

Great story on The Allman Brothers Band.

Well researched and written.

I recomend it.

Very Real
Scott Freeman gives a in depth portrait of one of most influential bands of the Classic Rock era. Most special is the description of Duane Allman's influence on the band. From reading this book, I realized that Duane was both a talented musician and a leader as he knew how to interact with every one of the band members including his sometimes irresponsible brother Gregg. It seems that after Duane died, the other band members carried on a piece of the legacy Duane created. However, each of these other band members has a special personality as well. There are some great stories interwoved in this book which are funny, sad, and historical in the shape of how blues rock music has evolved. Anyone who appreciates rock n roll music and even casually likes this band will find this book a winner.

An Excellent Book For the Peachheads
This is another book that I've enjoyed from cover to cover about one of my favorite bands. Once again I came away knowing a ton more about the band, it's members and it's music than I did prior to reading it, which is exactly what I'm looking for. The authors did take it upon themselves to critique each album and songs rather than to just give the details of how they were written and recorded. I think they could have left that for the individual to decide. They also dwelled a little to much on the Gregg Allman late '70s situation, and while they could've expanded in other areas.

I highly recommend this book for those who would like to learn the details of one of histories best rock bands. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The Darkest Hour
Being a long-time admirer of Mr. Rollins since his Black Flag days, I was compelled to look into some of his work other than music, which leads me to reading this book.

"See a Grown Man Cry/Now Watch Him Die" encompasses Henry's personal reflections of his life and touring throughout the 1988-1992 period. Mr. Rollins' book is comprised of writings taken from his personal journal and poems that he wrote during one of the darkest periods of his life, including witnessing the murder of his best friend, Joe Cole. Reading the first half of this book, his poems, leaves the reader with a taste of Henry's lonely and depressed feeling of obscurity. His poems not only reflect the dark side of his life, but also the tender and vunerable side that often causes him pain. . . one would think that Henry's often suicidal view is a cry for help. But in reality, he choses to hang on as shown by his defiant attitude towards life. The second half, comprised mostly of journal entries while touring, reflects the often angry Henry who wants nothing more than to spit in your face and to be left alone. At the same time, he wants everyone to know who he is and where he's coming from, yet needs the loneliness of his existence--one can only feel that Henry's expressions are nothing more than a contradiction: he desires success and fame, but agonizes over what comes with the territory of being famous (having fan recognition and having to do interviews).

The book is a true, sometimes brutal account of Henry's life and what he has endure during this dark and depressing time. I can appreciate his straight forwardness, honesty and defiant attitude towards life because we all share a painful period in our lives; some more than others. At the same time, I feel that while he deserves success, he does not necessarily deserve total kudos for his achievements, although I shall continue to respect his work.

Overall, I would still recommend it to fans of Henry Rollins. WARNING: Do not read this book if you're expecting a happy ending.

His seminal work?
I've read much of Henry Rollins' work, but 'See a Grown Man Cry' is the one book I keep picking up on a regular basis, as evidenced by my completely tattered copy. It is a completely engaging text. The emotion is so very true and real, reading this book one feels like they are inside of Henry's mind, feeling his emotions. Anytime I recommend his work to someone, I recommend 'See a Grown Man Cry' and then 'Now Watch Him Die'.

Honest Writing
There is so much farcity in the world today that it's so good to come across a writer like Henry who's willing to show everyone what he thinks, how he feels, what his life is like and how he perceives the world around him.

This book is very brutal and honest, which I think always makes for good writing. He has a very clear perception of the people around him and how they think, which lets him view the world from all sides including his own. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to open their eyes to someone else's reality.

The world's most powerful book
7 years ago, a friend of mine read me a poem from "Now Watch Him Die" (They were seperate books back then). It's the one on page 164 of this volume, the one that starts with "I love you and you'll never know." Since then, I have not gone anywhere without a copy of these books close at hand. They are an all-encompassing chronicle of one man's solipsism, isolation, desperation and depression. This may not sound fascinating, but that man happens to be Henry Rollins, who has a talent for intensity and a command of words rivaled by no one of this era. Not since Bukowski has someone used so little to say so much. If you are ready for a descent into a maelstrom of anger, violence and pure, blinding pain, then this is the book for you. If you're looking for something sappy, sweet and redemptive, then try Oprah's Book Club instead.

An excellent albeit depressing work
I bought this book on a whim one day from a local bookstore and wasn't able to put it down. It's a brutally honest rendition of a life filled with tragedy, depression, doubt and one unsuccesful relationship after another. It's one of the more depressing books I've read, but I pick it up even when I'm feeling down. The intense emotion is almost palpable, you'll feel every bit of rage, heart-ache and frustration, loneliness and confusion. See a Grown Man Cry is worth every penny you pay, every minute you read and every pang of grief you feel for the suffering Mr. Rollins. If you ever by a book by Henry Rollins it should be this one. ... Read more

Book Description

The first in Hal Leonard's new series of artist readers, The U2 Reader presents the world's most popular rock band from battle of the bands beginnings through today, in all of its many facets. Editor and compiler Hank Bordowitz, who Publishers Weekly says "provides evenhanded treatment of highly charged issues" and Library Journal adds "never takes sides or passes judgment, yet brilliantly illuminates ... ," has gathered articles ranging from U2's first mention in a suburban Dublin newspaper to coverage of the group's appearance at the Super Bowl. The U2 Reader deals with every aspect of the band from the way they do business to the way their music and lives convey their inherent spirituality. It includes reviews of albums and the live U2 experience, as well as behind-the-scenes looks at the band, including their forays into pop and politics. The book features a who's who of music journalism, including Dave Marsh (Born to Run, The Heart of Rock and Roll), Bill Flanagan (A and R; Executive Producer of VH-1's Behind the Music), Jim DeRogatis (Turn On Your Mind, Let It Blurt) and more than a dozen others. Authors not normally associated with music, such as Salman Rushdie, are featured, as are U2 peers such as Moby, Bruce Hornsby and Billy Corgan. A must read for even casual U2 fans!Hank Bordowitz is the author of Bad Moon Rising: The Unofficial History of Creedence Clearwater Revival. He lives in Suffern, New York. John Swenson is the co-editor of The New Rolling Stone Record Guide and the author of The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide and the former editor of Crawdaddy! magazine. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A journalist collection
Bordowitz does a great job in this reader collecting U2 "clippings" from the beginning of the band through its over 25 years of rising, dominating, declining, but above all, persisting in popular music. The articles really speak for themselves about the excitement of being on the world stage and the adulation and tribulations that come with that. The author does not do much more than really frame each time period of the band's existence in order to put the articles in accordingly. But I think that was his intention: this is not a direct analysis of U2's influence on music or pop-culture. That project is left for the reader to endeavor in, but only if they desire.

It is interesting and well worth your time to experience the band in the newspaperist chronology set out before you. We all like to think about U2 at different points in their career and we all have an idea of what "our favorite album" is or when we thought "U2 was making it huge". And so, its pretty neat to see whether or not the mainstream, worldwide news coverage of the band concurs with your own conclusions about different time periods.

It's a fun read if you are a U2 fan!

Multi-Faceted
Hank Bordowitz follows up on The Creedence Clearwater Revivial saga, Bad Moon Rising, with an excellent account on U2(The U2 Reader: A Quarter Century if Commentary, Criticism, and Reviews). What makes this book a winner, is the many perspectives and in depth research that Bordowitz provides. The songs and performances are analyzed from religious, political, and musical perspectives. Its great that Bordowitz gets quotes from musical luminaries like Bruce Springsteen, Sinead O'Connor, and Billy Coorgan.

Some moments are spent looking into the personal sides of each band member and how their personalities caused the band to evolve over time. The Unforgettable Fire certainly differs greatly from Pop as the band has evolved from a radical new wave band to one that seems to have their influence blend into the world today. Big time fans should pick this book up and even minor fans like myself will find that there is much merit in Bordowitz's fine research.

Rattle & History
Of the many U2 books on the market, with more to come, it is refreshing to get a sense of historical perspective of the world's most popular, if not relevant, band.

U2 was not always the most beloved band, especially after its forays into electronica. Even during the early days there were some doubts, hard to believe now, of the band's durability. The book is worth the price alone for reading Jon Pareles's early review of U2 from The New York Times. In 1981 he actually wished the band would break up!

This book scans the thoughts and musings of a wide variety of authors from the band's earliest days to the present. One of the convenient pluses of the book is that, as a compilation, it can be read in bursts or it can be read just sitting down for an afternoon on the beach. Each article short enough to look up to see if the kids are alright and yet engaging enough to say to your wife, "yes dear."

Few books today really put U2 into this proper context of where they stand in the eyes of the critics. It will appeal to the long time fan still able to recall those early days at the clubs and theaters and also to the newer fan wondering what it was like when they were just starting out but still able to be familiar with the band that is today.

Overall, a timely and needed effort, especially as U2 writes their new album and takes a pause from the last phase of their career. It is also a fun read. Who said history isn't fun? ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

The art of Nirvana's Kurt Cobain was all about his private life, but written in a code as obscure as T.S. Eliot's. Now Charles Cross has cracked the code in the definitive biography Heavier Than Heaven, an all-access pass to Cobain's heart and mind. It reveals many secrets, thanks to 400-plus interviews, and even quotes Cobain's diaries and suicide notes and reveals an unreleased Nirvana masterpiece. At last we know how he created, how lies helped him die, how his family and love life entwined his art--plus, what the heck "Smells Like Teen Spirit" really means. (It was graffiti by Bikini Kill's Kathleen Hanna after a double date with Dave Grohl, Cobain, and the "over-bored and self-assured" Tobi Vail, who wore Teen Spirit perfume; Hanna wrote it to taunt the emotionally clingy Cobain for wearing Vail's scent after sex--a violation of the no-strings-attached dating ethos of the Olympia, Washington, "outcast teen" underground. Cobain's stomach-churning passion for Vail erupted in six or so hit tunes like "Aneurysm" and "Drain You.")

Cross uncovers plenty of news, mostly grim and gripping. As a teen, Cobain said he had "suicide genes," and his clan was peculiarly defiant: one of his suicidal relatives stabbed his own belly in front of his family, then ripped apart the wound in the hospital. Cobain was contradictory: a sweet, popular teen athlete and sinister berserker, a kid who rescued injured pigeons and laughingly killed a cat, a talented yet astoundingly morbid visual artist. He grew up to be a millionaire who slept in cars (and stole one), a fiercely loyal man who ruthlessly screwed his oldest, best friends. In fact, his essence was contradictions barely contained. Cross, the coauthor of Nevermind: Nirvana, the definitive book about the making of the classic album, puts numerous Cobain-generated myths to rest. (Cobain never lived under a bridge--that Aberdeen bridge immortalized in the 12th song on Nevermind was a tidal slough, so nobody could sleep under it.) He gives the fullest account yet of what it was like to be, or love, Kurt Cobain. Heavier Than Heaven outshines the also indispensable Come As You Are. It's the deepest book about pop's darkest falling star. --Tim Appelo ... Read more

Reviews (191)

Worthwhile, though not definitive
Charles Cross' biography on Kurt Cobain is a thoroughly researched, highly intelligent, thoughful book. Even if you are not familiar with the music - or even care for rock as a whole - it is a solid read. However, it is important to bear a couple of factors in mind:
a) the access to Cobain's journals was granted through Courtney Love, Kurt's surviving wife. Therefore, the book casts her in a sympathetic light, and maybe a little too much so at times, losing its' objectivity.
b) The book is essentially in many ways a very well-written transcription of Kurt's journals and Michael Azzerrad's "Come As You Are", which is the preferable of the two, and the more relevant (though it was written during Kurt's life - so it may seem a little out-of-date, it features many interviews with him and his bandmates, and the tragedy (and drama) of his death becomes more apparent)
c) Greater participation from his former bandmates would reveal still further layers of Cobain's life and psyche.

d) Cobain's legacy is evolving still, so - in the wake of the realease of Journals and the Nirvana greatest hits package - even this book could benefit from an updated revision.

So what to do? Of course, check out nirvana's Nevermind and In Utero (as well as unplugged). From there Michael Azzerod's Come As You Are, then read Journals. This book is by no means redundant at that point. In fact, I had read this initially when it first came out, and didn;t really care for it. Having thumbed through journals and coming back to the recently published paperback edition, I found Cross' book much more illuminating and compelling.

what a disappointment
if you've never known about the existence of kurt cobain, then frankly, reading this book isn't going to bring you any closer. this book is a complete disappointment. you never find out who kurt cobain as a person really was, and most especially you never find out just what it was that made him so special. if i hadn't known about kurt beforehand, i'd wonder just what the big deal was. you want to know who kurt was, this is not the book to turn to.

looks behind the myths
This book gave me an alternate view of Kurt Cobain by the author's willingness to examine the singer's mythology that developed around him (thanks in part to Cobain's purposeful attempts in interviews) and present the real facts. For example, if you take this account as true, Cobain was something of a bully himself in school, he didn't sleep under a bridge,and Courtney Love tried to discourage, rather than facilitate, his drug abuse.

The book incorporates interviews from just about everyone you can imagine who knew or knew of Cobain, mostly the former. Although some of the material could have been omitted without decreasing the impact of the book as a whole, it is still a mostly intriguing read.

What else could I say?
This is a great book, from beginning to end, it is amazingly written; jumping from time to time in Cobain's life with no rhyme or reason, but manages to flow without being too confusing. There was only one problem I had with this book, even though the book is 'unauthorized', sometimes it feels as though Courtney pressured some stuff to be a certain way, it could be that Cross and Love knew each other before the book was published, but some stuff just seemed to be purposely left out.

Interests Can Be Dangerous
I read this about 3 years ago, about the time it was first released. I bought it on hardback and it took me awhile to finish, because I basically had to have the time to really read it.

Nirvana is easily my favorite band of all time and there is no question how controversial his life was. Cross finely examines this in 'Heavier than Heaven.' Cobain's life is dark, but in a way, it's almost that you can see where he could have made it better. After reading, I realized there were many situations where Kurt did it to himself. So I developed a sense of, well, he has his problems, but chooses to not go on.

Surprisingly, after years later of research and thorough study of Cobain's life and death, doing research papers and none such, it's been claimed that Cross' book is very falisified. Either way, the book has it's values, where you can find information that is really interesting, not on just Kurt, but on Nirvana as well.

There are some chapters where I am surprised and wonder how Cross knew of it, but I guess that might explains the mishaps in the writing.

The book is the best biography for Kurt's life, not his murder, and I would love to pick it up and read it again, some time. It's a good book to have and Cross is a fine author.

For a Nirvana fanatic, it's necessary, but for anyone else, I say once again, 'to each is own.' ... Read more

Book Description

Cream became the first British band to break open the lucrative US market and here you can join them on the road, day by relentlessly hedonistic day as they write the rule book of rock decadence and cemented Eric Clapton's reputation as the most exciting blues-based guitarist in the world. A brilliant combination of skilful instrumental virtuosity, great bluesy songwriting and a lifestyle which top rock writer Dave Thompson turns into one of the most readable rock biographies ever. ... Read more

Book Description

After three decades of undying adoration, KISS fans will get their first fully authorized and total access look at the band who loves to "rock 'n' roll all nite and party every day!"Twenty years ago, KISS officially revealed the faces behind the stage makeup, and fans all over the world got their first look at the band. Now, in KISS: BEHIND THE MASK, the band's legion of fans and music enthusiasts alike will get to know the men behind the stage personas. After 30 years as a band, KISS are more than just a rock 'n' roll institution--they are legends. For decades, they have consistently remained among the most successful acts in the history of popular music. KISS' legendary stagemanship and extreme theatrics are well known by two generations of rock fans, and they are already pulling in the next one. Now, through their own words and exclusive material contributed by some of the biggest rock stars in the industry, KISS: BEHIND THE MASK will tell the band's full story. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Worth The Wait!
Heard rumours of this book a few years back at the NJ Kiss Convention. Just got my copy two days ago and have been absorbing the almost overwhelming amount of detail in the interviews. The band's entire album and song discography is talked about and it's incredible to finally hear what the band and all the poeple involved in the inner workings had to say all along in one complete book. Definately a MUST for real fans and may just be the best book on the band I've ever come across!

A treasure for KISS fans.
The key factor of the success of this book is that the first half was written in 1979. KISS was the biggest band on the planet, had peaked in their popularity, and was just about to start a tremendous career slump. The manuscript lay dormant fro a few decades until renewed interest sparked it's release.

The second half of the book consists of edited comments from band members, producers and sundry musicians, regarding all of their albums, songs and career choices. This half is fairly dry and clinical, but for those of you unfamiliar with their later phases, indispensible.

Let me return to the first portion of the book. What struck me was the singlemindedness displayed by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons from day ONE.
These guys had a plan and despite all odds, took themselves to the top. They were driven. I found their biographies to be fascinating...how they got be who they are.

I was the perfect age to be a KISS fan in the seventies. I loved comics. I was in junior high. My father took me to the L.A. concert that was recorded for "Alive II"
I still have the "I Was There" button.
I am the person this book was written for.

Having said that, I loved following the development of their "act".
Wanting only to "rock". Wanting only to entertain. Wanting to do something that no one had ever seen. I was impressed by their dedication to the concept of KISS.
I was also impressed by their candid comments. When they screw up, they're the first to speak up. When they got a bit too full of themselves, they tell you exactly when that happened.
The tensions between the two "factions" within the group, Paul/Gene vs. Ace/Peter is well described, and all of them are brutally about the faults of their bandmates as well as themselves.

Business ruthlessness or substance abuse, everybody's vice is on display here. Not in any tabloid sensationalistic fashion, but as clear sober history.

The album-by-album, track-by-track notes section is awesome for fans like myself. I joined the "KISS Army" between the "Alive" albums. "Destroyer", "Rock and Roll Over" and "Love Gun" were albums I knew inside and out. Played them 'til they were grooveless. I've developed a new appreciation for that era of their music. There's stuff here I didn't know or hadn't considered.

I enjoyed this book far more that I anticipated, and I anticipated that I was gonna like it a lot.

This Book Is Priceless - Behind the scenes of every song!!!
I got this book a few weeks ago. All I have to say is the section that goes over every Kiss album and every song is priceless. You find out which songs and albums the band loves and which ones they hate. This is a dream book if your into this type of thing. The bible of info on every Kiss song. Thats all that has to be said.

Extremely Well Written & Objective....
With tons of books swirling around regarding the now legendary KISS, it becomes very difficult to separate fact from fiction (for example, Gene & Paul really care about the fan$).
This book sheds away a lot of the bull and leaves the reader with a very objective & realistic picture of the band. Of all the books I have read on KISS, this one & Gordon G.G. Gebert's "Kiss & Tell" are far away the best. If the hardcover seems a little pricey, just search it out at your local library like I did. (Use the extra money to buy the remastered version of Ace's solo album). A must have read for anyone who had the orignal album posters from "Alive" on their bedroom wall. "Ace Frehley Lead Gee-tar!"

It's an ordinary book and the Kiss fans deserve better
This book is pretty much basic info about Kiss more aimed at newer fans or those mildly familiar with the band. Knowledgeable fans should avoid it. The flow of the book doesn't work for me as the comments by band members and others in the book gives it a confusing touch. Other reviewers have well detailed the flaws of this book but let me say it is average and adds little to understanding the Kiss legacy.

By far the best book on Kiss is "Kiss and Sell" by C.K. Lendt who was a former Kiss employee during their 70's heyday. This is the ultimate Kiss book and a fantastic rock book in and of itself. Buy this and I guarantee you will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Book Description

Since she first burst onto the international music scene, Melissa Etheridge has released seven albums that have sold more than 25 million copies worldwide, garnering not only public adoration for her uncompromising honesty but numerous critical awards, including two Grammys and the prestigious ASCAP Songwriter of the Year award. The Truth Is . . . is a highly charged autobiography—a bold and unflinching account of an extraordinary life that Melissa describes as only she can: from her Kansas roots, through her early love of music, to her brilliant rise to superstardom in a male-dominated rock world. Melissa openly discusses the massive impact of her publicly coming out, a revelation that only increased her popularity, making her a highly visible spokesperson for the gay and lesbian community. The Truth Is . . . shares Melissa Etheridge’s fascinating story with unprecedented candor and insight. ... Read more

Reviews (114)

Melissa paints and open, honest, brave&crazy self-portrait
Often times in life we hide our truths to place others in a comfort zone. We hide our pain through smiles, our fears through laughter. Although we are essentially individual human beings, the feelings that we have and hide are universal, unbiased to money, fame, mediocrity, latitude and longitude...etc. I bought this book expecting another typical biography/autobiography which tells half truths...enough of a bite to keep you interested but guarded as to not offend, to not shock, to hide the essential person. I have admired Melissa Etheridge for her honesty in her sexuality and her wonderful raspy voiced, from the heart musical gift. So I bought the autobiography. Let's face it, would you expect this to be anything other than a Norman Rockwell Painting? Melissa is an open, accepted lesbian woman, she had a long-time partner(whose breakup with shocked the hell out of me), 2 beautiful children, and the career she chose(or chose her)had rocketed her to stardom. Was this going to be page after page of "don't you wish you could be me" and "isn't my life wonderful?" I read this book in a little over an evening...I could not put it down. Her book was actually...honest. From her emotionally disconnected family, her resentful older sister who abused her, her careless sexual relations, her music dreams and aspirations, and her relationships which held a lot of pain masked by smiles, to the point she is at with her children...she was honest. Brutally, at times. This book brought the lesbian mega-rock star down from Goddess to human. She shares the same emotionally draining problems that we all do. She shares of her desire for a monogamous relationship(which in the lesbian world seems to be hard to come by..at least I've found it to be). She talks skimmingly about Julie's displeasure with her weight and her clothing selection(which frankly...huh? who could belittle anything physical about her..but anyway). It is just a very candid book that will surely be appreciated by her fans...or anyone needing to feel their feelings aren't unusual. Money and fame can't buy you love, or happiness, or self-validation. Maybe this book was a form of therapy for her and because of her honesty, her frankness about herself, the book itself massages the feelings of alone and although doubtfully intended, is a form of therapy for the reader. I highly recommend this book to her fans, her admirers, and anyone just wanting to hear a saddly missed art...honesty. When Melissa came out to the world, I just wanted to run up hug her and say thank you for making me feel like I'm ok, after reading the book I want to run up and hug her and say, "you're human...and you're ok."

The master in her own words.
As soon as I heard this book was to be released I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Coming from a small town in rural Australia I had to order it into store so the wait was longer than expected but the book was definately worth the wait, even if it was a very short read.
Melissa's strong voice & poingnant lyrics helped me survive the 90's. They made me cry, they made me hurt & they made me stronger. I believe if music can make you feel anything the lyricist or performer is doing something right.
Melissa's honesty abouth her life in the book is to be commended although I felt she was still holding back something, but who really wants to share the most personal feelings & emotions with the world. Even in an autobiography some things must remain sacred.
As a hetrosexual woman I commend Melissa for writing a book which neither promotes homosexuality nor condemns it, she simply shows you that the important things in life are love, family, friends, compassion & music that makes you feel something. Sexuality is personal and your personality makes you who you are.
I reccommend this book to anyone who appreciates Melissa Etheridge as the master lyricist & performer that she has proven to be over the past decade.

Melissa's truth brings insight into her music to her fans
A very good read. Melissa has had her share of ups and downs, and she shares them with her audience. I liked reading about her songs, why she wrote them, what they mean to her, and having the lyrics included in the book.

Melissa is very open about her past, her affairs, and the end of her 12 year relationship with Julie (the love of her life). Melissa shares her life lessons in this memoir and I would recommend this book to others. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

A Fantastic Read.
A true insight into a very talented women who has never been afraid to share her life and her feelings. As a long time fan of Melissa, I found her honesty refreshing. Again, she is not afraid to share her true feelings.

Absolutely Wonderful
I rarely read a book in two days, but I did this one. I was a fan of Melissa's before I read the book, but now I have a much deeper appreciation for her and her music. It was a very easy read, and honestly once I started reading, I couldn't stop. She expressed herself very well pretty much laid her life out like an open book. I highly recommend this book! ... Read more

Amazon.com

There's no mention of sequins, drugs, or peanut butter in thisunderstated biography of the teenaged Elvis, a serious and worthy attempt toanswer the question, "Who was this guy before he was an icon, thevoice of a generation, the King?" The essential clarity and honesty ofGuralnick's prose clearly limns the eager, malleable boy whose immense talentchanged the course of American music. ... Read more

Reviews (45)

A slice of Southern history
This is one of those rare biographies that transcend its subject. The rise of Elvis is fascinating and true Elvis fans will find a wealth of information in the book, but there is also much more to take from this well researched tome. The discussion of the music of Memphis, the sources that influenced Elvis and the rise of rock and roll make this book a terrific addition to anyone's library who is interested in music or the south.

The relationship between Presley and his many women is discussed here and so is the complex interaction between him and his family. Perhaps his most interesting relationship is with his manager, Colonel Parker. How that relationship shaped his career certainly makes for an interesting read. The author does as fine a job as I have ever seen of documenting his sources and treating his subject with respect, but not awe. This is one of the best bio's I have ever read. I highly recommend this book to students of Elvis, pop music, the south or to anyone looking to be exposed to a world that no longer exists.

Elvis 101
"Last Train to Memphis" and its sequel, "Careless Love", make a deeply engrossing, carefully researched, finely written biography of Elvis Presley.

Author Peter Guralnick took eleven years to exhaustively research sources and interview people who knew Elvis personally and would tell their firsthand experiences. Guralnick's scholarly approach automatically eschews any hint of the fan adoration that can taint celebrity biographies. Guralnick might even have erred on the dry side rather than the juicy or dishy side of the story. This is all to the good, because Elvis' life story, a fantastic, zany, epic arc through American pop culture, is one that needs no embellishment and is served well by a measure of journalistic restraint.

Guralnick made a wise choice with the two-book format, because in Elvis' life there was a distinct "Rise and Fall." "Last Train to Memphis" is the rise: "Careless Love" is the fall. In each volume, Guralnick reveals much not just about Elvis, but about the people who were his family and closest friends and how their actions and relationships to him and to each other shaped Elvis into the man he became.

Accounts of his school days, his early days as a musician, his early girlfriends, and his family life all flesh him out as a human being and penetrate the shell of celebrity to offer a three-dimesional glimpse of the individual and his own ideas and aspirations and insecurities. The first volume ends with the death of Elvis' mother, a loss that sent him into the first tailspin of many, from which he never seemed to recover.

After reading this volume, you will be hooked on the story and will want to immediately begin the second volume, which is much darker and sadder as the King's world starts to unwind, chronicling his spiraling drug habit and his battles both public and personal. The second volume is catalogued and reported as dispassionately as the first, so that the same unblinking honesty that gave "Last Train" such sparkle and joy reveals the true depth of Elvis' isolation without having to resort to hyperbole.

Guralnick said it himself; that the rise to fame and the person were larger than life, and so too was the decline larger than life. It's an ending that leaves you feeling sad that what began so brightly should end so awfully.

I read these books because I knew very little about Elvis and wanted to know his life story, and they are a deeply satisfying and very credible account of the King's life. I can't imagine that there is a better bio out there for anyone who wants to study Elvis 101.

Guralnick Gives Us Back the Music!
Peter Guralnick -- with both love and meticulous scholarship -- has written a supremely ethical work of cultural archaeology.

With meticulous care and fairness -- but with no sugarcoating whatsoever -- he excavates Elvis out of the layers of rumor, innuendo, and mystery that have conspired over the years to make him a caricature and a joke rather than a human being.

Gurlanick gives us back the artist (who first thrilled me on 78s) and exorcizes so much of the snobby and dismissive trashy gossip (Goldman) that has obscured Elvis for almost 40 years.

I don't mean that a saint emerges. No way. But in Guralnick's telling, a brilliant musician and excruciatingly vulnerable human being pushes aside the fat guy in the gold Vegas suit.

The result? The music -- in all its glory and raw excitement -- returns to take its rightful and deserved place.

The best books (with Guralnick's 2nd volume) about rock and roll ever written.

Fascinating History
This is a book for those who love American music, not those looking for lurid scandal. Guralnick's respectful yet honest history of Elvis's rise to fame is endlessly engrossing. Not only do we meet Elvis, Gladys, and Vernon in the years before the myths took over, we meet lesser-known yet facsinating characters as Sam Phillips, the idealistic founder of Sun Records, and Dewey Phillips, the eccentric DJ who first played Elvis on the air. As Guralnick presents Memphis in the 50's, it seems so real one almost feels as though it could be visited today.

You don't have to be an Elvis fan to enjoy this biography.

Outstanding - as if the author and Elvis were Siamese twins
One of the best biographies I have ever read. Detailed, sensitive, written with just the right mix of empathy and detachment a biographer needs. I know two people who are about Elvis' age and grew up with him. Both of them say that the chapters dealing with the King's upbringing in Tupelo and his years at the Lauderdale Courts read like they have been written by someone who grew up with him. If you have only the slightest interest in Elvis, Memphis, Southern history, or American popular culture, buy this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A day-by-day journal from the journals of the ever-volatileHenry Rollins on tour from 1981 to 1986 that captures the irrationality and violence of punk specifically, and the stresses of being on the road in a rock band generally. ... Read more

Reviews (40)

amazing portrayal of life on the road, dev. of an artist
Rollins' anecdotes of life on the road with Black Flag and back in "The Shed" are fascinating, but for me the most fascinating parts of Get in the Van are about Rollins' thought development and epiphanies that lead to his convictions about his artistic direction. It is fascinating to compare the "form" of Get in the Van, which is pretty much the memoir, to the form(s) of song lyrics; since Rollins is a poet/lyricist, the relations between raw notebook entries, memoirs, poems and song lyrics are intriguing. Another interesting aspect of Get in the Van is R's continuing struggle to articulate who he is in relation to other people--audience and band members, society, etc., and especially how he tried to deal with his ambivalence toward people. On another level, the book is about survival (Rollins' and others')and death (esp. his struggle to come to terms with the death of a good friend, who incidentally encouraged Rollins to begin keeping records of his life with Black Flag in the first place). The book also has a heavy amount of commentary on the state of America in the late 20th Century--where the creative vibrancy is, where the stagnant zombie gunk is--esp. as refracted through the eyes of someone living the hard core punk life. In the back of the book, Rollins includes a statement to the reader about what can/should be done to live a creative and courageous life, which for me dispels any doomsday soothsayers' assertions that the future looks bleak for anyone in America who aspires to be a creative artist.

Good stuff... for a guy who can't write.
If you haven't read the book yet, let me lay your suspicions to rest... Henry Rollins is indeed illiterate. But! That fact does nothing to repress the raw energy bursting from every page of this book. This is the stuff. True accounts from the front lines. The first two chapters are basically just Rollins telling stories from Black Flag. The rest of the book is journal entries, and my only complaint is that Henry comes off as retarded when he tries to play the hardcore intellectual. This book is excellent as an anthropological record, not as a literary feat. It's a coffee table book for degenerates. (Man is there a lot of good juicy violence in here! Rollins gets his ( ) kicked like 500 times!) Good stuff.

Rollins best work
This is Henry's diaries from his tours with Black Flag. It follows him across the world through struggles with bandmates, fans and promoters. This is a great read and can't help but to motivate.

Thoroughly Enjoyable Read(3 1/2 Stars)
Whether you are a Black Flag fan or not is pretty much inconsequential. "Get in the Van", Henry Rollins' journals from back in the Black Flag days is a realy interesting look at the band and a time in American music.
Rollins may not be a poet, but his writting style reflects well upon the experinces he was going through at the time. If you were living in a van two hundred days a year, playing shows every night, I really doubt that you would write eloquent passages either.
This book is also an easy read and is full of really cool photos that are fun to look at even if you don't really care about Rollins writting.
Overall, "Get in the Van" is worth buying if your a fan of punk rock and this period of it.

Thoughts from inside the mind of a tortured soul
I've read this thing about 3 times now, it never gets old. To tell you the truth, I didn't really dig punk rock when it was happening (whether it was East Coast or Euro). I kind of don't dig it now. I am, however, a musician and have spent some time on the road. Nothing like Rollins!! This guy had it bad! Full of wit and somber moments, this is a roller coaster ride. The interesting thing to note is that Henry lived the most jaded life and managed to articulate it perfectly so that you could hear the roar, smell the sweat and feel the pain. Even if you don't like the music that he makes, this book is more than entertaining to read, it is an experience! ... Read more

Book Description

Bob Dylan, enigma and superstar, has intrigued millions of fans over the past five decades. His life, music, and influences have been explored through numerous mediums and the market for Dylan-related products continues to grow. Nonetheless, the oral records of his career-his interviews-have been unavailable until now. Gathered here are the most revealing and personal of Dylan's interviews. As a group they show a brilliant, adored, and eclectic musician, unsettled and angered by the fame and reverence surrounding him. In one interview with Time magazine he denigrates his newfound celebrity status, belligerently attacking the interviewer, pushing him nearly to tears. In a later Rolling Stone interview Dylan announces that the archangel Gabriel has visited him, and that he is a born again Christian. Collected from small publications and zines like Positively Tie Dream, Trouser Press, and New Music Express as well as mainstream outlets as disparate as Seventeen, Playboy, Spin, and the New York Times, Dylan's interviews illuminate his journey from ornery folksinger to acclaimed Grammy-winner. Included are interviews by Pete Seeger, Nora Ephron, Susan Edmiston, Studs Terkel, Jon Pareles, Nat Hentoff, Kurt Loder, Steve Allen, Ron Rosenbaum, Bono, Jonathon Cott, Jann Wenner, Robert Shelton, and many others. ... Read more

Book Description

Carlos Santana took the music world by storm back in 1969 with his thrilling performance at the Woodstock festival.He was the first guitarist to skillfully blend fiery rock riffs with Latin, blues and sensuous Afro-Cuban rhythms to create a unique and unforgettable sound.His vision to create innovative melodies has earned him a magnitude of critical praise and acclaim over his illustrious career.But, the road to success has been a rocky, uphill climb.

The middle child of seven children, Carlos Santana was born on July 20, 1947 in a tiny Mexican village where the homes were comprised of brick and mud, and there was no running water or lights. But, what his parents couldn't give in material wealth, they heaped upon their children in love.It was after the family moved to Tijuana that twelve year old Carlos developed his talent for the guitar and his reputation as a formidable musician spread.

In 1968 Columbia Records signed on the Santana Blues Band and they began in earnest to work on an album that would include such popular Latin and soul favorites as "Black Magic Woman," "Evil Ways," and "Oye Como Va".On August 15, 1969, the Santana band was given the opportunity to play Woodstock before the release of their first album and this performance would forever be etched in fans' minds as a key moment in rock history. The Santana Blues Bands went from obscurity to instant recognition. Shortly thereafter, rumblings of discontent were echoed within the group with the volatile mixture of drug abuse, personality clashes, and the frustrations over the musical direction the band, ultimately leading to the demise of the group.

Following the breakup, Carlos Santana delved deeper into the meditative arts and spirituality.The succession of albums that followed were greeted with critical acclaim, but moderate success.In the late 90's, Santana begin working on a new album under the creative direction of Clive Davis, head of Arista Records.In a brilliant union of collaborating with younger artists as Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Rob Thomas, the album, Supernatural was a commercial smash.It sold over thirteen million copies, and appealed to both the baby boomers and the teenage crowd. Carlos Santana became the star of the 2000 Grammys, and Supernatural won several awards including, Best Rock Album of the Year, Song of the Year for "Smooth", and Album of the Year.With a career that spans three decades, Carlos Santana has proven that talent, determination, and passion are the keys to longevity in a business that is obsessed with youth and beauty.Against the odds, he has defied the rule of convention and made an incredible comeback.His story is timeless, inspirational, and he has undoubtedly proven himself to be the king of the guitar. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Lacking in substance
Well if you read the first reviewer and the editors opinion than youpretty much have the essence of the book. I finished this book in two sessios of a few hours one Sunday. Was it the speed reading course I NEVER took? It is simple reading, maybe for simple minds like mine that just want to know more about a man whose story I grew up with. The problem is there are few revelations, a few tid bits but nothing of any substance. So why read it? I dunno, curiosity? You keep turning the pages anticipating something real "juicy", some insight, some rock stories but it just isn't there. It is more like a trip down memory lane on the autobahn, you start and before you know it you're there, done. It seems the author wrote this book by speculating on his research. Sure the life of Carlos is chronicled but much too superficially. The problems with the original Santana members is discussed but most who grew up with Santana are aware of this history. Also reference to drug use is discussed, Carlos's appetite for the mind bending trips on LSD, Mescaline and Peyote, his cocaine days etc. etc. but it is shallow. The groupies and wild times are mentioned then gone. Of some interest is Carlos's brush with his musical idols, Miles Davis, Jimi(if you need to know the last name you shouldn't be reading this) and Alice Coltrane(again if you don't know the wife of who you're in the wrong place). The reader imagines Jimi's swagger and Carlos's fascination when they first meet and for what it's worth the supposed conversation in which Jimi wanted to join Carlos's band. The first part of the book deals with the early days, the second half with EACH and EVERY lp released and the various transformations Santana went through from local musician south of the border to Frisco(I know this irks dwellers of "The City") and the Fillmore , from young hippie to (ooooooommmmmmmmmmmm) Devadip, from househusband born-again to his conversations with his angel Metatron that told him "he would soon be hooked to the frequency of the radio" and ultimately with "Supernatural." There has always been a spiritual side to Santana and the book discusses this as well as his personal demons that he exorcized through therapy. The long strange trip of Santana is chronicled with way too much emphasis to the commercial failure of many lp's.The problem is for many of us this was some of his best work, we were there all along. The private side of Santana, the spiritual side was whatmany of us were going through and we could relate, life is not always a party. Would I recommend this book? Why not, an average reader could read it instead of the LA or NY Times Sunday edition. I suspect the author wanted to make a quick buck in the new found interest in Santana, tid bits for a new generation. For those of us that were around and whose lives parralled his there is not much here that we didn't already know. I think the writng is geared to young(school years)people so that those from a new generation who have discovered Santana can learn something about his long and at times trying musical career. Does it do justice to his life? Not really, this is not a definitive biography. If you do read this, put on a couple of CD's of Santana but just make sure not more than five as you'll finish the book first.

Carlos: The perfect subject for this kind of book
True Santana fans will question whether or not Carlos ever fell to begin with.However, BACK ON TOP is an appropriate title for those who measure success by commercial standards.Who can question that SUPERNATURAL, and the multiple Grammy awards it brought, was indeed a return to the top for this incredible artist.

Mr. Shapiro's election to follow a chronological sequence in the writing of this book is helpful to the reader.After all, the professional and personal roller-coaster that is Carlos' life can best be felt if the story that unfolds follows the very way in which it all happened.Shapiro did this well.

Things to like about the book include a fairly well chronicled capture of the early years.How the original Santana Blues Band came to be is quite a story.Even those who know the story will find the references to such legends as Bill Graham, Paul Butterfield, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Tito Puente, Willie Bobo, Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and the Grateful Dead effective in connecting Carlos to legends of Rock, Blues and Jazz.Who else do you know that has this kind of depth to his music pedigree?Such is the attraction to Carlos Santana.

Shapiro also did a decent job in explaining the on again, off again relationship Carlos had with his original band.Reasons for its breakup - and occasional reunions - were conveyed in an easy to follow manner.

Don't look for Shapiro's writing style to represent literary excellence.It's simple and contains a fair number of grammatical mistakes.Further, it's pretty clear the author is/was never a true Santana fan.The book could possibly have been written entirely from research and archives.One can't be certain if Shapiro ever interviewed Carlos.My guess is that Shapiro tossed the book together following a cookie-cutter pattern used in his other similar books on rock stars.For example, he incorrectly assigns the song"She's Not There" to the Festival LP.It was of course part of the Moonflower double album set.The discography at the end is a handy guide, but even it is incomplete.(Shapiro referenced albums and collaborations in the text that never made it to his Discography!)

Lastly, Shapiro weighs in on Carlos' mid-70's trek toward jazz, fusion, melodic/religious tones while playing under the name Devadip.The author states:"Sorry Carlos, I didn't dig the short hair and the white duds."True Santana fans will take exception to this narrow-minded view toward an era of Santana music that classic Santana fans will long revere as his best music.

I lived the Santana years one album at a time.Having seen Carlos play at some 28 concerts I was not sure the story as told by Marc Shapiro would do this incredible artist justice.To be fair, the book passed the test and is to be recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

Written by Chris Welch, former Melody Maker journalist and Cream confidante, this newly-researched book is the first full account of rockÕs premiere three-man supergroup: guitarist Eric Clapton, bassist Jack Bruce, and drummer Ginger Baker. From CreamÕs formation in 1966 to their breakup in 1968, the book analyzes the groupÕs working methods and offers detailed descriptions of all their recordings. A special section explores the musical interactions of Clapton, Bruce and Baker, plus key songwriters Bruce and Pete Brown. With rare full-color photos throughout, it also includes a complete discography, studio sessionography, and diary of live shows. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Cream - The message of the Cream..
This rock group made several important contributions to the developement of rock music.The Cream brought to bear the credo of invention, and took the developement of musical traditions seriously. They succeeded because they did not take advantage of the public's opinion. One thing they did well was extend 'the classical trademark of jamming.' Musicians who love to play music.Extending the limited sequence of written songs into a jazz type world where the artist could try to invent his creative outlook and therefore his creative ability as well. The more you practice the better you get.They were more than an act geared into 60's consciousness,they were serious musicians who tried to help others understand the rapidity of the changing times..in trying to understand,evaluate and amend importance to rock music, this book about The Cream appeared to be useful. mfd

More Cream than Harvey's Bristol!
Rock journalist Chris Welch, who helped spread the gospel according to Cream in the pages of that wonderful British rock journal Melody Maker, gives us a wonderful overview of one of the most influential bands of the sixties. Each member is profiled in a personal interview section (including Pete Brown, the poet and semi-official "fourth member" of Cream who cowrote many of the bands hits with bassist Jack Bruce.) These reminiscences are candid and straightforward (Ginger Baker's especially so) and show both dizzying highs (the Fillmore West and Winterland concerts) and profound lows (Eric Clapton's angst over the famous Rolling Stone article which proclaimed him "master of the blues cliches.")The book also shows how even a great record company like Atlantic can fail to capitalize on the band's unique genius. (According to Jack Bruce, they were more interested in the Bee Gees.)It's a great read, with one or two minor quibbles. Even though there is some detail about the band member's post-Cream activities, more would be welcome, especially concerning Ginger Baker's alleged financial difficulties. Also, in the otherwise excellent diary section (a great idea, by the way), concert dates and recording sessions are chronicled thoroughly, yet there is no mention of the supporting act at the famous August 2, 1966 gig at Klook's Kleek. This was truly an historic occasion, as that supporting act was none other than Savoy Brown, and the concert not only helped break both bands, but also got Savoy Brown their first recording contract and began a musical legacy that is still going strong today. Other than these minor flaws, the book is very well written and deserves a place on your shelf, next to your Eric Claption biographies.

Overall good biograpy of an awsome band.
This is a good way for someone who was not even alive in the 60's to learn about Cream. You get interviews from all three band members.There is also a time chart of rehearsals and recording sessions. There are sections about each members approach to their instruments and some early history. The book has a lot cool pictures and art work. My only complaint is that the printing on part of the inner sleave is blurred.This is defintely a MUST have for any Clapton, Jack Bruce, or Cream fan.

Best book on Cream
This is THE book on Cream. Any Cream, Clapton, Bruce or Baker fan gotta have this. New interviews with Bruce and Baker shed lights on the Cream era. Detailed tour dates and wonderful pictures of covers and labels (I love them!!)

Any Clapton fan should have a copy as reference.

It's better to burn out than it is to rust
Finally, the book this great band deserves. I once saw an instant book on Cream, around the time of their early 90s reunion. This book is much superior to that one, and seems to be the only extant history of the band.

There are well-written and -illustrated "before they were Cream" chapters on each musician. The chapter on Clapton tells the familiar tale of his career from the Yardbirds to John Mayall to Cream. A most welcome part of this book are the portions devoted to songwriter Pete Brown, who teamed with Jack Bruce for some of Cream's best-known classics. Over the years in various interviews Eric Clapton has fostered the idea that he was the whole show, so this material is an appreciated corrective. Much of the material on Bruce's and Ginger Baker's days with the Graham Bond Organisation come from Brown.

The Cream material itself is a fan's dream come true. Jack Bruce and Pete Brown provide most of the reminisces. (Don't overlook the sidebar quotes in the concert log section at the end.) The illustrations are plentiful, including album covers, concert photos, publicity stills, magazine covers, etc. The only mild disappointment is that there are no pictures of Felix Pappalardi included. I'd love to see a picture of him in the studio, playing the piano on "Badge." More oddly, there are no pictures of their 1993 reunion. That's just as well, though. I am continuously grateful to Baker, Bruce, and Clapton for not cheapening Cream's achievement with endless reunions and farewells, as some well-known bands from their era have done. It'd be embarrassing to see Cream spending their golden years on the county fair concert circuit. Their career was cruelly short, but no one can say that they didn't leave a beautiful corpse. And now they finally have a worthy history of their achievements. Those were the days, indeed. ... Read more