Music Book Recommendations

[The Modfather]

A couple of posts on the Holy Ground got me thinking about starting this thread. So, what music books have you read that you would recommend?

I’ll kick off the recommendations

Young Soul Rebels (Stuart Cosgrove) - the Northern Soul scene.

Detroit 67 (Stuart Cosgrove) - the first of a trilogy of books. Telling the story of the Mowtown label and developing Garage Rock scene in 1967 Detroit, as well as the political unrest that year.

Memphis 68 (Stuart Cosgrove) - the second book of the trilogy around the soul scene and civil right movement in 1968.

Harlem 69 - (Stuart Cosgrove) haven’t got round to reading it yet but loved the other two books above.

Hacienda - How Not To Run A Club (Peter Hook). Humorous and interesting story of the fortunes New Order lost, and didn’t know they were losing, in owning the Hacienda nightclub.

Japrocksampler (Julian Cope) - the 60s rock n roll scene in post war Japan

Krautrocksampler (Julian Cope) - the 60s & 70s music scene in Germany

Other biographies that were decent enough were Rick Buckler (The Jam), Louise Werner (Sleeper). Tim Book Two: Vinyl Adventures from Istanbul to San Francisco (Tim Burgess).

Think Santa is bringing me Roger Daltrey’s recent biography (Thanks A Lot Mr Kibblewhite) which should be interesting.

[Bangkok Hibby]

For the older members..."1971, never a dull moment" by David Hepworth.
"This wheel's on fire" A book about Levon Helm and The Band.

[The Modfather]

For the older members..."1971, never a dull moment" by David Hepworth.
"This wheel's on fire" A book about Levon Helm and The Band.

“1971 Never A Dull Moment” sounds good, I’ve added it to my “to read” list.

I’ve got the “Music From Big Pink” album from The Band but couldn’t tell you anything else about them or who was in the band. Will have a look at that book though 👍

[CropleyWasGod]

“1971 Never A Dull Moment” sounds good, I’ve added it to my “to read” list.

I’ve got the “Music From Big Pink” album from The Band but couldn’t tell you anything else about them or who was in the band. Will have a look at that book though [emoji106]The Last Waltz was my first experience of Scorcese. Remains my second favourite gig-film ever.

But that's another thread.

Back to you.... have you read Ian McLagen's autobiography?

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[grunt]

The Last Waltz was my first experience of Scorcese. Remains my second favourite gig-film ever. Ok, I'll bite. Your favourite is?

Last Waltz is of course an iconic film, but I do wish that the section with Neil Diamond wasn't there.

[The Modfather]

The Last Waltz was my first experience of Scorcese. Remains my second favourite gig-film ever.

But that's another thread.

Back to you.... have you read Ian McLagen's autobiography?

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I know of Ian McLagan as my Dads hero was Rod Stewart so he used to talk about The Faces etc and he had some of his Bump Band solo albums. Those solo albums were too “soft rock” for me so never paid him much more attention.

I do like all the intertwined bands like The Faces, The Small Faces, Spencer Davis Group etc so probably worth a read as sure he will have lots of good stories.

[grunt]

One of the funniest books about rock music and life on the road is Rhinos, Winos and Lunatics: The Legend of Man, a Rock'n'Roll Band by the sadly departed Deke Leonard.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rhinos-Winos-Lunatics-Legend-RocknRoll/dp/1900711001

[CropleyWasGod]

Ok, I'll bite. Your favourite is?

Last Waltz is of course an iconic film, but I do wish that the section with Neil Diamond wasn't there.Stop Making Sense.

I concur about Diamond, but it gives him a bit of credibility.[emoji16]

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[CropleyWasGod]

I know of Ian McLagan as my Dads hero was Rod Stewart so he used to talk about The Faces etc and he had some of his Bump Band solo albums. Those solo albums were too “soft rock” for me so never paid him much more attention.

I do like all the intertwined bands like The Faces, The Small Faces, Spencer Davis Group etc so probably worth a read as sure he will have lots of good stories.Back in the late 90s, my son was getting into the Small Faces, on the back of the Oasis thing. They were before my time, so I wasn't able to answer many of his (forensic!) questions.

So I read Mac's book, which was a great read. When I finished, I dropped an email on to his site, thanking him for the stories and the means to settle arguments with my 15 year old son.

The next morning (Mac was living in the States) I awoke to an email. Not a generic one from his PA, but from the man himself. Thanking me for my comments, and amazed that a 15 year old had even heard of the Small Faces [emoji23]

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[CropleyWasGod]

A few of my favourites:-

Diary of a Rock and Roll Star, Ian Hunter.

Detroit 67, as mentioned. Memphis 68 better be in my stocking tomorrow.[emoji16]

Hardcore Troubadour, the Life and Near Death of Steve Earle.

The Hacienda, as mentioned.

Hotel California, Barney Hoskyns

Musgrave of the Marshes, John and Sheila Peel.

Reelin In The Years, Mark Radcliffe

Born To Run, Bruce.

Ronnie, Ronnie Wood

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead, Crystal Zevon.


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[nellio]

The Dirt by Motley Crue

Took them ages to get their heads together and release it. A fantastic read.

[patch1875]

The Dirt by Motley Crue

Took them ages to get their heads together and release it. A fantastic read.

Was going to suggest this it’s excellent.

The Guns N Roses books are also very good Slash,Duff & Steven Adler.

Also Keith Richards

[Hiber-nation]

One of the funniest books about rock music and life on the road is Rhinos, Winos and Lunatics: The Legend of Man, a Rock'n'Roll Band by the sadly departed Deke Leonard.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rhinos-Winos-Lunatics-Legend-RocknRoll/dp/1900711001

Thanks for that, used to quite like Man back in the day.

[grunt]

Thanks for that, used to quite like Man back in the day.Me too!

What's left of the band is returning to play in Kinross at Backstage at the Green Hotel in February, launching a new album apparently.

https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/man-backstage-at-the-green-hotel-tickets/8721695

[MSK]

Redemption Song - Joe Strummer
Cured - Two Ordinary Boys, Lol Tolhurst and Robert Smith from the Cure
Then Came the Great Divide (A reflection of the post Stuart Adamson years of Big Country) by Bassist Tony Butler
A couple of Pogues books

On my wish list - Adventures of a Waterboy from Mike Scott

[Hiber-nation]

Me too!

What's left of the band is returning to play in Kinross at Backstage at the Green Hotel in February, launching a new album apparently.

https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/man-backstage-at-the-green-hotel-tickets/8721695

Jings, never knew that! I always imagined them living in a tiny wee van...loads of songs about life on the road.

[James310]

If your into the Britpop scene then Luke Haines book 'Bad Vibes' is a good read about the whole scene.

Luke Haines was in a fairly obscure band called the Autuers.

[LustForLeith]

If your into the Britpop scene then Luke Haines book 'Bad Vibes' is a good read about the whole scene.

Luke Haines was in a fairly obscure band called the Autuers.

Britpop And My Part In It’s Downfall’ was thatbits subheading?!

[LustForLeith]

The Dirt by Motley Crue

Took them ages to get their heads together and release it. A fantastic read.

Believe it or not they’ve made a film out of the book and it’s on Netflix next year

Meet Me In the Bathroom is essential for anyone with any interest in the New York music scene. Really interesting account as it’s all quotes from interviews with the guilty partners including the Strokes descending into heroin

Have Gun Will Travel: The Rise And Fall Of Death Row Records is amazing.

[James310]

Britpop And My Part In It’s Downfall’ was thatbits subheading?!

Yes your right, you read it?

Also Alex James biography when he was in Blur is enjoyable, he led a very hedonistic lifestyle for a while. Models, drinks and drugs.

[LustForLeith]

Yes your right, you read it?

Also Alex James biography when he was in Blur is enjoyable, he led a very hedonistic lifestyle for a while. Models, drinks and drugs.

Yeah, it’s brilliant! Quite like Haines attitude. Didn’t care!

Need to get the Alex James book. Also got Kim Gordon and Johnny Rottene books that I’ve not read yet

[Smartie]

I enjoyed War and Peace about the Stone Roses.

Their story is an interesting one.

[wpj]

I would also recommend Wonderland Avenue: Tales of Glamour and Excess by Danny Sugarman, a fascinating look at life with the Doors and later Iggy Pop

[The Modfather]

If your into the Britpop scene then Luke Haines book 'Bad Vibes' is a good read about the whole scene.

Luke Haines was in a fairly obscure band called the Autuers.

I’ve got the first Auteurs album but another band I couldn’t tell you anything about beyond that album. Another to add to the ever growing list 👍

[Steve-O]

Ozzy Osbourne’s book is great, and often really funny. Recommend it highly. ‘I Am Ozzy’ I think it is called.

[G15 Hibs]

Julian Cope's books on German and Japanese music were mentioned earlier. His two autobiographical volumes "Head On" and "Repossessed" are worth a read too. Great for the Liverpool / NW England post-punk scene, as well as general acid fueled psychosis.

Speaking of which, I'm currently reading "Catch a Wave" by Peter Ames Carlin, about the Beach Boys with a focus on Brian Wilson. Enjoying it so far.

[MagicSwirlingShip]

Bagged the audiobook of Life - by Keith Richards the other week. Really enjoying it :)

[Mixu62]

Set the boy free by Johnny Marr was an enjoyable read.
Freaky Dancin' by Bez
The Hacienda - How not to run a club by Peter Hook.

[Mr Grieves]

Our band could be your life - good read about the American Post punk/indie scene with bands such as Fugazi, minuteman, black flag.

Kill your friends by John Niven - Fiction but it does have an air of authenticity about his experiences in the music industry.

[bringbackbenny]

Julian Cope's books on German and Japanese music were mentioned earlier. His two autobiographical volumes "Head On" and "Repossessed" are worth a read too. Great for the Liverpool / NW England post-punk scene, as well as general acid fueled psychosis.

Agree, great read some of the anecdotes are laugh out loud esp towards the end of the Teardrops.

Another is My Magpie eyes are hungry for the prize (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0753506459/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_p8mlCbP713RAW) in depth story of Creation Records from the very start of the wee club early 80's London through to the excess days of Oasis. Sadly the author died over the Xmas period.

Seems to be out of print at the mo but worth picking up 2nd hand if any come up.

[CMurdoch]

Agree, great read some of the anecdotes are laugh out loud esp towards the end of the Teardrops.

Another is My Magpie eyes are hungry for the prize (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0753506459/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_p8mlCbP713RAW) in depth story of Creation Records from the very start of the wee club early 80's London through to the excess days of Oasis. Sadly the author died over the Xmas period.

Seems to be out of print at the mo but worth picking up 2nd hand if any come up.

Was sad to see John Cavanagh had died. Great music journalist and nice guy. I haven't read the book above but it's on my list. Another book he wrote which is very good is Good Night and Good Riddance: How 35 Years of John Peel Helped to Shape Modern Life

[CMurdoch]

A few of my favourites:-

Diary of a Rock and Roll Star, Ian Hunter. One of the best

Detroit 67, as mentioned. Memphis 68 better be in my stocking tomorrow.[emoji16] Not read any of Cosgroves books yet but are on the list

Hardcore Troubadour, the Life and Near Death of Steve Earle.

The Hacienda, as mentioned.

Hotel California, Barney Hoskyns Been on the shelf for a long time waiting to be read

Musgrave of the Marshes, John and Sheila Peel. Read this as soon as it was released

Reelin In The Years, Mark Radcliffe

Born To Run, Bruce.

Ronnie, Ronnie Wood

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead, Crystal Zevon.


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I am a music obsessive who has a bad habit of buying music related books but not getting round to reading them!
I should make a big effort to read them this year including some in your list above.

[LustForLeith]

Got the Lilly Allen book for Christmas, ploughing through it. Big fan of her music, hard to work out what I think of her so far

[Frazerbob]

Reading Then Came The Great Divide by Tony Butler. Interesting stuff if you’re a fan of Big Country in any way.

[patch1875]

Not read it myself but Chris Difford Of Squeeze’s book is supposed to be excellent it’s on my list.

[jabis]

Redemption Song - Joe Strummer
Cured - Two Ordinary Boys, Lol Tolhurst and Robert Smith from the Cure
Then Came the Great Divide (A reflection of the post Stuart Adamson years of Big Country) by Bassist Tony Butler
A couple of Pogues books

On my wish list - Adventures of a Waterboy from Mike Scott

Got "Strange Boat" by Ian Abrahams,sure he used to write for Sounds......
Had loads of them at the side of my bed until I discovered alcohol in 1980.
Sadly barfed over the whole lot.

ANYTHING by Rick Wakeman.

[heretoday]

Bagged the audiobook of Life - by Keith Richards the other week. Really enjoying it :)

I wanted to read how the Stones came up with some of the famous riffs and hits but was disappointed. The book has too much stuff about drugs and guns etc which doesn't interest me.

The book by Bill Wyman was more informative about the music.

[MagicSwirlingShip]

I wanted to read how the Stones came up with some of the famous riffs and hits but was disappointed. The book has too much stuff about drugs and guns etc which doesn't interest me.

The book by Bill Wyman was more informative about the music.

Will be sure to check that after!

[Geo_1875]

I wanted to read how the Stones came up with some of the famous riffs and hits but was disappointed. The book has too much stuff about drugs and guns etc which doesn't interest me.

The book by Bill Wyman was more informative about the music.

Apparently Wyman kept detailed diaries throughout his career which both Jagger and Richards used to refresh their memories.

[heretoday]

Apparently Wyman kept detailed diaries throughout his career which both Jagger and Richards used to refresh their memories.

He was a fan as well as a group member if that's possible!
The chapter on his second marriage is a bit cringe-making.
He's 82 now!

[Tyler Durden]

Believe it or not they’ve made a film out of the book and it’s on Netflix next year

Meet Me In the Bathroom is essential for anyone with any interest in the New York music scene. Really interesting account as it’s all quotes from interviews with the guilty partners including the Strokes descending into heroin

Have Gun Will Travel: The Rise And Fall Of Death Row Records is amazing.

Got round to reading “Meet me in the bathroom” - I’m 80% through it anyway. Brilliant read on so many bands that I loved over the years.

It did make me think again about how I perceive The Strokes. Were always heroes to me and I hadn’t really stopped to think that they didn’t actually sell that many records. Or really think about their progression or lack thereof and how they struggled themselves to really know what they wanted from their music.

It does also capture that time when you basically found out about the next band via NME. And they were just lifting their content from New York bloggers! What a time to come up in NYC.

Interesting to see how much of a prick Ryan Adams seems to be also, after the stories that broke about him last year.

[The Modfather]

I’m reading Stuart Cosgrove’s new book “Cassius X”, very much in the mould of his soul trilogy I mention in the opening post. It’s about Mohamed Ali (still Cassius Clay at this point) in Miami in ‘63 and the social and political landscape of black power, Malcolm X etc through the prism of of his love of soul and friendship with the likes of Sam Cooke & Dee Dee Sharpe.

[bigwheel]

I’m reading Stuart Cosgrove’s new book “Cassius X”, very much in the mould of his soul trilogy I mention in the opening post. It’s about Mohamed Ali (still Cassius Clay at this point) in Miami in ‘63 and the social and political landscape of black power, Malcolm X etc through the prism of of his love of soul and friendship with the likes of Sam Cooke & Dee Dee Sharpe.

Reading that too...like his story telling style - enjoying it so far - even though I’m not a big boxing fan ..the social and political story is deeply interesting

[nellio]

I've just finished Bruce Dickenson's book. What does this button do?

Would recommend.

[PeeJay]

Surprised none of these have been mentioned (or I've missed them?) (or maybe it's an age thing?: :greengrin


The Beatles - "The Beatles Anthology"

Paul McCartney (Barry Miles) - "Many Years From Now"
John Lennon (Jan. S. Wenner) - "Lennon Remembers - The Full Rolling Stone Interview"

Ian MacDonald - "Revolution in the Head"

Brian Wilson - "I am Brian Wilson: The Genius Behind the Beach Boys"

Bob Dylan - "Chronicles - Volume One"

Sting - "Broken Music"

Elvis Costello - "Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink"

Kent Hartman - "The Wrecking Crew: The Inside Story of Rock & Roll's Best-Kept Secret"

Collection of Tom Waits interviews (MacM Montandon) - "Innocent When You Dream"