David Smay has done his homework. He's been able to dispel a few myths surrounding the life and work of Tom Waits, and still make him mysterious nevertheless. Waits is a unique musician whose song writing and production techniques rarely reveal the man himself. Without saying too much, Smay has written one of the best books in the series so far. It's a great read offering everything you need to know about one of Waits's most important albums yet asking the reader to open one's imagination on the same plane as Tom Waits. Now that's great writing!
When I was 15 years old, I wanted to explore Classical music for the first time. I subscribed to a series of Lps and was sent the first lot: it was the 9 Symphonies of Beethoven. When it arrived, my father was outraged. "I don't like this kind of music!". I had to return the Lps and cancel my membership. This started the great divide in taste that was to distinguish me from my Dad in more ways than you can imagine. After reading Carl Wilson's book I came to understand the great divide and how one person's music is another person's noise. Is it possible to convert to the music you don't like? Wilson's extraordinary mission to get on the better side of Celine Dion, will make you consider your own sensibilities and why your taste in music is no better than anyone elses. Have fun!
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In one of the most balanced critiques of a recording, Sam Inglis offers us the notion that although this album is famous for any number of reasons, it may not be all it's cracked up to be. Yet, I couldn't help feeling rendered enthusiastic about the history of the album and it's musical context in the career of Neil Young. To the latter, Inglis succeeds very well. To the former, Inglis tries to be critical but still finds it difficult to commit to any opinion, be it positive or negative. But perhaps this is the mystery of the record: it contains enough musical ideas to be at once both brilliant and mediocre.
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(1 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
Joy Division was never treated the same way as other bands from the late70s angst or post-punk era, by its fans or critics. They were beloved from the get-go. Chris Ott has written a very good book that challenges the myths surrounding Joy Division and in particular, Ian Curtis their lead singer who died by his own hand just as the band was ready to hit America. Ott goes to great lengths to put the history of Unknown Pleasures into its proper context and considering the short musical history of Joy Division, he excels at de-mystifying the legend of Curtis without falling into the trap of hero worship. The next to last chapter is particularly good offering insight into Curtis's condition and his desire to be a rock star. This is a well-written blend of history, trivia and analysis.
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(3 of 8 readers found this comment helpful)
Teenage angst isn't the most obvious element of this recording, but Jim Fusilli successfully reveals the strong undercurrent of Brian Wilson's unhappiness with fame and his place in the world, which is the foundation of Pet Sounds. Fusilli's personal relationship with the record at a critical time in his youth, offers a legitimate reason why this album is important. But stylistically, he sounds more like a university professor than a seasoned writer about music. But considering the songs and the nature of the author's presentation, I felt like I was in a lecture hall. When is our next class?
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(7 of 14 readers found this comment helpful)
Read the INK Q&A with Nikolai Grozni and save 30% on Turtle Feet: The Making and Unmaking of a Buddhist Monk.
JohnnyC has commented on (11) products.
Tom Waits: Swordfishtrombones (33 1/3 Series) by David Smay
JohnnyC, April 28, 2008
David Smay has done his homework. He's been able to dispel a few myths surrounding the life and work of Tom Waits, and still make him mysterious nevertheless. Waits is a unique musician whose song writing and production techniques rarely reveal the man himself. Without saying too much, Smay has written one of the best books in the series so far. It's a great read offering everything you need to know about one of Waits's most important albums yet asking the reader to open one's imagination on the same plane as Tom Waits. Now that's great writing!Celine Dion: Let's Talk about Love (33 1/3 Series) by Carl Wilson
JohnnyC, January 31, 2008
When I was 15 years old, I wanted to explore Classical music for the first time. I subscribed to a series of Lps and was sent the first lot: it was the 9 Symphonies of Beethoven. When it arrived, my father was outraged. "I don't like this kind of music!". I had to return the Lps and cancel my membership. This started the great divide in taste that was to distinguish me from my Dad in more ways than you can imagine. After reading Carl Wilson's book I came to understand the great divide and how one person's music is another person's noise. Is it possible to convert to the music you don't like? Wilson's extraordinary mission to get on the better side of Celine Dion, will make you consider your own sensibilities and why your taste in music is no better than anyone elses. Have fun!(5 of 7 readers found this comment helpful)
Neil Young: Harvest (33 1/3 Series) by Sam Inglis
JohnnyC, January 16, 2008
In one of the most balanced critiques of a recording, Sam Inglis offers us the notion that although this album is famous for any number of reasons, it may not be all it's cracked up to be. Yet, I couldn't help feeling rendered enthusiastic about the history of the album and it's musical context in the career of Neil Young. To the latter, Inglis succeeds very well. To the former, Inglis tries to be critical but still finds it difficult to commit to any opinion, be it positive or negative. But perhaps this is the mystery of the record: it contains enough musical ideas to be at once both brilliant and mediocre.(1 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
Joy Division: Unknown Pleasures (33 1/3 Series) by Chris Ott
JohnnyC, November 27, 2007
Joy Division was never treated the same way as other bands from the late70s angst or post-punk era, by its fans or critics. They were beloved from the get-go. Chris Ott has written a very good book that challenges the myths surrounding Joy Division and in particular, Ian Curtis their lead singer who died by his own hand just as the band was ready to hit America. Ott goes to great lengths to put the history of Unknown Pleasures into its proper context and considering the short musical history of Joy Division, he excels at de-mystifying the legend of Curtis without falling into the trap of hero worship. The next to last chapter is particularly good offering insight into Curtis's condition and his desire to be a rock star. This is a well-written blend of history, trivia and analysis.(3 of 8 readers found this comment helpful)
Beach Boys: Pet Sounds (33 1/3 Series) by Jim Fusilli
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1-5 of 11 nextJohnnyC, November 16, 2007
Teenage angst isn't the most obvious element of this recording, but Jim Fusilli successfully reveals the strong undercurrent of Brian Wilson's unhappiness with fame and his place in the world, which is the foundation of Pet Sounds. Fusilli's personal relationship with the record at a critical time in his youth, offers a legitimate reason why this album is important. But stylistically, he sounds more like a university professor than a seasoned writer about music. But considering the songs and the nature of the author's presentation, I felt like I was in a lecture hall. When is our next class?(7 of 14 readers found this comment helpful)