Come As You Are by Michael Azerrad
This re-issued book includes the final chapter of Cobain's death. I remember reading that Kurt was quoted as saying that in this book they said too much. It does give inside accounts of the albums and song writing but also it includes their personal lives.
It's interesting to read some of Kurt's influences such as The Pixies and Dinosaur Jr. among others.
You have the story of the fight between Axl of Guns n Roses and Kurt. Well really it was Courtney Love as Kurt steps in to defend her. Another story of The Vanity's article which talks about Kurt and Courtney drug habits as she is pregnant. The book also includes cool pics in b&w and color.
Down The Highway: The Life Of Bob Dylan by Howard Sounes
This biography of Dylan goes as far back as his great-great-grandparents to Bob himself up to 2001. I found the beginning to be a little long about his ancestors. I mean ok maybe a few lines in the beginning of the Zimmerman family but they go on to long. But once Bob gets into the picture especially even in the beginning stage of play guitar in coffee houses Dylan had that attitude that he was going to be famous. He went so far as being down and out sleeping over friends apartments and wouldn't pick up an ordinary job to pay the bills. Bob was a musician and that's all he did to survive. His ego was big even back in '62 when he had his then girlfriend Bonnie Beecher to tape his music. Bob made Bonnie promise that if the Library of Congress ever comes and asks for the songs he told her to sell them for $200.
This book goes into detail of Bob's social life as a man who loved women. I never knew Bob to be such a person to carry on affairs and multiple relationships. I guess still waters do run deep. It does talk about the songs Bob recorded with the interpretations of people around him but Bob wasn't involved in the making of this book. It was a good read and very informative of his songs and personal life.

Fargo Rock City by Chuck Klosterman
The first edition came out around 2001. Subtitled “A Heavy Metal Odyssey In Rural North Dakota” is the story of a young Chuck Klosterman growing up in Wyndmere, North Dakota back in the 80’s. Chuck who is now a senior writer for Spin magazine and columnist for Esquire. Plus writing in several newspapers and magazines.

Chuck tells us the first time he was turned on by metal when he listened to his brother’s Motley Crue “Shout At The Devil”. From then on Chuck explored all the hair metal bands and more. He talks quite a bit about Motley Crue, KISS and Guns N’ Roses.
Some of his take on certain albums made me go back in my collection and listen to again. Since he made some noticeable comments on certain songs. This is more of his opinion in songs and bands. Some I agree with and some it doesn’t matter how many times I listen to them they still suck.


Chuck gives some insight to some of the albums since now he’s a writer for Spin he must of interviewed a number of his favorite bands. There is one whole chapter which he talks about Guns n Roses “November Rain” video trilogy. He goes on to describe “Don’t Cry” was the first video, but is actually the second act. “November Rain” was the second video, but it’s actually the story’s first act (even though it opens w/ the beginning of the third act and ends w/ the conclusion of Act 2). “Estranged” is the third act, but has clips from Act 1 & 2.

Another chapter which I enjoyed was his “October 15, 1988” that includes his list of records w/ a “Jack Factor”. That is the amount of cash someone would have to pay him to never listen to that album again. He gives some good reviews of these albums. Some of the ones he goes into detail to talk about are KISS, “Lick It Up”, “Animalize”, Ace Frehley, “Frehley’s Comet”, Vinnie Vincent, “Invasion” that takes care of the KISS family. AC/DC, “Back In Black”, Scorpions, “World Wide Live”, Judas Priest, “British Steel”, Cinderella, Long Cold Winter”. Then a few groups which he lists a number of albums by them like Motley Crue, Van Halen, Guns n Roses.
This book isn't going to change your life it was just entertaining.

I'm A Believer by Micky Dolenz and Mark Bego
Hey! Hey! I have to say I am a Monkees fan. I remember watching the episodes and listening to their lps. Well I only had their first two lps until finally CD came into play then I collected all The Monkees albums.
I always like Micky Dolenz as a performer. I thought he was very experimental in his songs. Micky decided to use the kettle drums in "Randy Scouse Kit" and did his R&B of James Brown on "Goin Down" among other tunes he was involved in. This book starts off w/ the early days of Micky as a child actor on "Circus Boy" toward The Monkees and then after The Monkees.
Very easy reading and interesting as Mickey talks of his Monkees days as well as his post-Monkee days. Micky hanging out w/ Harry Nilsson in his party days plus other celebs but Nilsson was good friends w/ Mickey as they go on a spree of debauchery. The ending includes there comeback after MTV airs The Monkees episodes. They end up doing a reunion tour as members seem to have conflicts again. As well as MTV doing exactly to them what Don Kishner did to them in the 60's. History always repeats itself.
Some pretty good b&w photos and the text is an easy read. Large type for those old hippies.

Jim Morrison, Life, Death, Legend by Stephen Davis
This is my 4th book about Jim Morrison of The Doors. Published in 2004, Author Stephen Davis of Led Zep “Hammer of The Gods”. An amazing book as it sort of fills in the blanks from the others I have read. I like Morrison but at times when reading the book I kept saying “what a jerk”. He just blows opportunity a number of times. It’s like one of his quotes that actually describes him the best “I think of myself as an intelligent, sensitive human being with the soul of a clown, which always forces me to blow it at the most important moments”


It really gets into detail on a number of stories such as he couldn’t stand John Densmore & wanted him out of the band. Then later he wasn’t even talking to the band socially only when touring. Also hints of bisexual relations & lawyers handling cases out of court . Jim never listened to much music but when he did he seemed to play the albums over & over some they mention are Stones “Aftermath”, “Sticky Fingers”, Dylan’s “John Wesley Harding”, Neil Young’s “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere”, Dr. John “Gris Gris”, Jefferson Airplane “Surrealistic Pillow”, and Hendrix’s “Axis: Bold As Love”. At a friend’s apt in Paris Jim played all Buffy Sainte Marie lps his friend owned.

Plus he would see a lot of movies some Jim wrote in his diaries are Midnight Cowboy, True Grit, The Wild Bunch, Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid, Easy Rider.
Speaking of his diaries Jim would sometimes leave them behind or forget them at friend’s apt. Jim would write poems, sketch or just write certain lines that grabbed his attention. Such as the line “ the sound of the butterfly screams…” from the song “When The Music’s Over” came from a visit to New York while driving by an adult movie theater Jim notices the title “The Butterfly Screams”.

Also talks about his meeting w/ Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, Eric Burden, of course Janis Joplin who smashed a bottle of J.D. over his head.
Nico he had dated on & off for a while. They mention she wanted him to work on an lp w/ her but the closest thing is from her “Marble Index” lp. They say tracks “Lawn of Dawns” and “Frozen Warning” may be influences of Morrison.

Then you have the death of Morrison. This book puts to rest that Jim is actually dead. There are witness accounts of viewing his body. Matter of fact Pamela slept at the hotel w/ his body packed in ice for a night since the morgue couldn’t take the him right away.

What I like about this book it tells you the pros & cons of knowing Morrison. Some books praise him and quote from him that it makes him sound like a prophet. This book tells you the stories of the people who actually witness his highs and lows.
KISS Behind The Mask: The Official Authorized Biography
by David Leaf & Ken Sharp

This 417 page book comes in 3 sections. Section 1 “Rise To The Top” was completed in ’79 but never published or rewritten. So you have comments from the band and how they perceive themselves during that time. Also interesting in hearing what they thought the future of KISS not knowing that 2 original members ended up leaving the band.

Section 2 “Speaking In Tongues” is an interview w/ the band leading up to the Reunion tour. There’s a Q&A given to KISS. Also this section includes comments by many of musicians that KISS looked up too or played w/ through out their career. Such artist like The Who, Alice Cooper, Joe Perry, Ozzy Osbourne, Paul Rodgers, John Paul Jones, Eric Carmen, Bob Seger, The Ramones, Lenny Kravitz to name a few.

Section 3 “Shout It Out Loud”, is a chronological order of all the KISS albums that ends w/ the reunion Psycho Circus. They even talk about the Wicked Lester (Pre KISS) album that was never released. They go track by track on all the albums and give you insight on the making of each song. I find this section the best of all. I wish more bands that do bios would actually talk about each track on their records. The comments are very frank and they don’t praise everything they do. At times they actually say this song sucks or I never cared for this album. You also read the conflict within the band. Many times it was pointed out that it was Gene & Paul against Ace & Peter.

It’s interesting to see the personalities of the KISS members.
Paul, I have to say is the serious artist. He actually kept KISS together when Gene was interested in making movies & dating Cher. While Ace & Peter would come in late or not come in at all. Paul always came in w/ material that was pretty close to being a final cut.
There was one story I found interesting is the patience of Paul as he was recording w/ a session guitarist. This guy was having trouble playing a certain section and he says Paul could have just played it him self but he played the chords then let the session player do it.
Gene seems to treat it as a business. He likes to throw everything at the wall & see what sticks. He would collaborate w/ different artists and each song would have a different sound. Example on Psycho Circus Gene submitted a100 songs mostly bad. He didn’t just pick his best 10 or 15 demos.

Gene also seems to have everything on a schedule such as a time for recording, time for writing, etc…this doesn’t work when you are working w/ a collaborative team.
Which takes me to Ace, now Ace is the only guy who when they quote him they add the word “laughter” in parenthesis. Ace has a good sense of humor. His song writing skills are in disarray. He may come in w/ a few chords or every once in a while he would enter a whole song.

Ace seem to have a tough time recording w/ Gene & Paul. He makes it sound that Gene & Paul would shoot him down from time to time.
Also producers had a tough time w/ Ace. He never seemed to play the same solo twice when they had to record. They would have to record all his solos then pick the best or at times have a session player come in to record.

Peter seems to have a different style than KISS. That would explain his KISS R&B solo recording. Peter didn’t seem to summit many songs but would sing certain ones he thinks would be good for him.

Now I’m not a KISS fan but I do have a few albums and this book was very well written. If you are a KISS fan you probably already read this book. It did give me a new look at KISS so I might have to go out & pick up a few more of their CDs.
No One Gets Out Alive By Jerry Hopkins and Danny Sugerman
One of the best books on The Doors, Jim Morrison that has been reprinted a number of times. Written by Jerry Hopkins who followed The Doors in their time. Danny Sugerman was a fan and teenager at the time who worked for The Doors.
The original came w/ two endings. You have the mysterious ending of Jim living the life of Rimbaud or his ultimate demise which finally came true. This book has the two endings combined. Also it list more updated Discography and Video list as well some new photos plus some other revised editions.
This book comes in two levels. I found it at time a bit like a thesis. What helped me at the time I was taking a Symbolism & Art course so when they spoke about William Blake, Rimbaud, Nietzsche, and Greek Mythology I wasn't bored or in the dark.
It's a good read to hear what went on during each of their albums. I seem to like what happens behind each song or want to know the origin of how each song came about. So that part was good. Also some of Jim's backstage antics as well as off stage episodes. I couldn't believe I read this 395 page book in week and I'm not an avid reader but it held my attention. The book includes some candid and promo photos.
Now Watch Him Die by Henry Rollins
Rollins talks about the slaying of his best friend Jim Cole and goes on to talk about life w/ out him. Also Rollins may be questioning how he survived on a night when he and Cole were coming home late one night only to get robbed. They never found the party involved but I don't think it would help as Rollins battles w/ himself in this book. Keeping some blood soaked dirt he keeps in a shoe box in his closet to remind him of his friend Rollins goes on to reveal what's in his soul. Writing down some short vignettes to full page thoughts it comes w/ a lot of anger and sadness. Further on in the book Rollins talks about touring through different places w/ some funny stories and goes on w/ life but knows he still won't forget Jim.

Phil Lynott:The Rocker by Mark Putterford
Phil Lynott the singer/songwriter of Thin Lizzy, I find this one of the saddest books of a tragic rock star. Out of all the musicians who succumbed to drugs such as Morrison, Joplin, Hendrix, Cobain I find Phil to be one of saddest stories. I think from listening to his lyrics and having that personality that is likable you see a person going down the wrong way and know you can't stop him. This book talks w/ his band mates who at the time of Phil's battles weren't in any shape to prevent him since they all seemed to be fighting their own addictions. Phil's mother Philamena also gives some insight of this Black/Irish kid growing up to his fame and towards a tragic end. Rest in peace Phil.

"...I would dearly love to return, through a mirror in twenty years or so
and learn what the future has in store for us..."
'Ode to Liberty - Protest Song' by Phil Lynott

Small Change: A Life of Tom Waits by Patrick Humphries
This gives a brief story of Waits life but at times you have consider the source. Waits is quoted from articles you can't tell if he's telling the truth or spinning out yarns in his Waits style. This bio talks all the way up to Waits 'Big Time' album and includes movie scores and appearances he's been in. It's not a book that's going to tell you personal stuff but may include some responses from other artists who worked w/ him or just appreciate his music.

The Walrus Was Paul by R. Gary Patterson
Remember all the stories about Paul's dead and those hidden messages on The Beatles albums?
It started in the States on October 12, 1969, Russ Gibb, DJ for Detroit WKNR-FM received a phone call that would spread panic through out the pop world. A caller, who gave his name as just Tom suggested that Gibb listen carefully to the fadeout messages of certain songs. Then articles started to spread as much so in Chicago Sun-times on October 21, 1969 titled 'Is Paul Dead'? This supposedly all started back on November 1966 which left Paul McCartney decapitated in an car accident. One version was that Paul picked up a female hitchhiker, who by her over enthusiasm to get closer to Paul caused the accident. This mystery girl's name was supposedly Rita, as in 'Lovely Rita' from Sgt. Pepper's which the pseudo McMartney sings "I took her home. I nearly made it."
Well this book talks about all that. It's so hilarious at times w/ all the conspiracy theory of The Beatles getting a look-a-like of Paul after he died in a car crash right during their rise of fame. So in order not to break their sky rocketing record sales. This is just so funny to read that even you start looking at your old Beatle records to figure out the clues as some are just too absurd. Everyone gets into the act as hints from The Rolling Stones 'Their Satanic Majesties Request' album cover shows a model car resting on the doll's leg that resembles Paul's car. To Paul's solo album 'McMcartney' album cover of cherries placed outside an empty bowl. Giving the saying "Life is a bowl of cherries" except in this case the bowl is empty. There's plenty more theories that just keeps you reading w/ a chuckle but you can't put it down.
With all the theories, hidden clues on album covers, backward track messages plus the word 'conspiracy' thrown in throughout the book it would make Oliver Stone's mouth water.

When The Music’s Over (The Stories Behind Every Song) by Chuck Crisafulli
This book covers all the Doors songs & more. It goes from first album to final Doors ‘LA Woman.’ Then it even talks about the 2 Doors Lps w/ the remaining Doors members after Jim’s death. Also Jim’s ‘American Pray’ w/ insights from people actually being there.

This is what I liked about the discussing of the songs. It gives insight during the recordings w/ quotes by remaining Doors Ray Manzarek , Robby Kreiger, and John Densmore. Also they pull quotes from Jim himself from many articles & and interviews. Patricia Kennealy Morrison his wife from a Celtic handfasting ceremony which wasn’t considered legally binding. Some other people involved were Kim Fowley, Bill Siddons Paul Rothchild plus many others.

This books give you first an introduction to each album such as where they were at time musically and personally. Then leads into each song in consectitve order as you would be playing it on your turntable. Gives you good insight & accounts behind the scenes.
Many color and black & white photos throughout The Doors career.

One of my favorite Doors album happen to be their last. ‘L.A. Woman’ which was a change in their career from going into a deeper Blues period. Jim was interested in the Blues and talked about turning more in that direction.
‘L.A. Woman’ being on the heels of Jim’s Miami charges and Elektra’s Label last album out of their contract.
Jim also talked about taking time off to live in Paris to work on his poetry and take a break from the Rn’R lifestyle to find out what he wants to do next. John Densmore was the last Door member who spoken to Jim from Paris. Jim said he was interested in coming back to record w/ The Doors in Sept. Patricia Kennealy said she received a letter from Jim saying he was coming back to N.Y. and do some screen plays and poetry readings. Jim also mentioned he wanted to do some solo recordings so who would of known what Jim would have produced if he came back from Paris.
So from ‘L.A. Woman’ the first track ‘The Changeling’ Jim tells us he’s moving on to a new phase in his life …See me change….

There is also a very good quote by Jim as he explained his sense of humor about himself in a 1970 interview
w/ Salli Stevenson of Circus magazine.
“I think of myself as an intelligent, sensitive human being with the soul of a clown,
which always forces me to blow it at the most important moments”
Wonderland Avenue By Danny Sugerman
Danny Sugerman an insider of The Doors. Danny started off as a fan and later became an employee of The Doors. Danny would sift through fan mail, poems, any art that was sent in care of The Doors. He also was responsible of collecting all the news clippings and pasting them in the scrape book. As he got older he was manager of Ray Manzarek and Iggy Pop. Danny lived the Hollywood life from sex, drugs and rock n' roll.
This book starts off w/ his time as a 12 year old working for The Doors as in opening their fan mail. After Jim's death Danny is much older and is out of control w/ drugs. I thought this was an amazing story of living in the fast lane. There are some funny parts such as when Danny gets a call to pick up Iggy Pop at the police station. He was arrested for impersonating a female. As he arrives Iggy is dressed as woman. There is also a part where Iggy is collaborating w/ Manzarek but Iggy was all over the place that nothing ever came of it.
Another story is when Danny brings some heroin to MacKenzie Phillips who was shooting cocaine in her bathroom and wouldn't come out. Meantime the studio limousine was outside waiting for her to take to the set of the shooting of "One Day At A Time". As Danny get's there he shoots MacKenzie up and later she flat lines. As he takes her into his car he contemplates should he take her to the hospital. As he drives around he pounds on her chest & gives her mouth to mouth. After about 3 times flat lining she finally revives and he drops her off which her brother Jeff ends up driving her to the studio.
Another interesting story is Danny's time w/ Jim Morrison's girlfriend/wife Pamela. As they scored some heroin together on the way home she confesses she killed Jim saying it was her dope he found. Jim never took heroin before which she thought he would be ok but never checked on him as he went to take a bath.
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