Books Archive

Captain Beefheart by Mike Barnes

How can you not love a guy who’s next door neighbor once was Mr. Ed.
This book covers from Don growing up to becoming Captain Beefheart the musician to the painter Don Van Vliet. If you are a big Beeheart fan I recommend it.

Author Mike Barnes speaks w/ The Magic Band, producers & other musicians that may have known or toured w/ the Captain. Even some quotes from Ian Anderson who Beefheart opened for during Tull’s, Thick As A Brick tour. They go through every Beefheart album track by track. Of course Beefheart didn’t want anything to do w/ the book so the writer did the next best thing and quoted Beefheart from past articles. It’s pretty detailed. There are only about 4 pages in b&w photos and all from the 80’s at the end of his musical career.

Captain Beefheart or as others know him as Don Van Vliet would be considered one of the most eccentric artist. Often what he says to the press he says for publicity.
You also have to question his upbringing. Captain once said he only spent a half a day in kindergarten. Saying “to be a different fish you have to jump out of school” one of my favorite Beefheart quotes. Then there are stories how he met Frank Zappa in school. Also covered is Beefheart’s on and off again friendship w/ Zappa.

Then you have stories of his physic abilities such as during an interview he walks over to the phone saying he is expecting a call and in seconds the phone rings. Or the time when he stopped his interview saying something bad just happened that will be in the morning papers. Then the interviewer calls back to tell him John Lennon was shot.
There are times you question Beefheart’s musical background. Then there are times you are just amazed by his final product. Beefheart was known to cause friction in his band he figured the best way to perform is always on the edge. There is his brainwashing abilities to control his Magic Band members w/ sleep deprivation. He would pick on one member and degrade him in front of the rest of the band. Beefheart always thought the band p[lays better when they are angry. As members come and go they always mention their best recording performances was always w/ Beefheart. Some will return and play on a number of his albums.

One thing I love about Beefheart is his imaginary lyrics and his quotes like…”A little paranoia is a good propeller” or “The ocean takes all day to wave” to just a few.
Mike covers in detail the recording sessions of one of the most groundbreaking albums “Trout Mask Replica”, which seem to have been quite strenuous for the Magic Band. Then after a number of albums they broke up leaving the Captain to find a new backing band. During this time it seemed like Beefheart was on his way out then after struggling w/ a few releases and regrouped to finish his musical career in ’82 w/ his last release “Ice Cream For Crow”.

As Don moves into painting he drops all musical career to dedicate time to his art. His paintings are just an extension of his music. Instead of using your ears you use your eyes.

This book includes Beefhearts Discography and other projects he did w/ Zappa.

Original published in 2000 this edition came out in 2004 which the author updated some more information in the closing pages.

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.

A Devil on One Shoulder and an Angel on The Other
The Story of Shannon Hoon and Blind Melon
by Greg Prato

Released in 2008 this book tells the story of the late great Shannon Hoon singer of Blind Melon who like Jim Morrison was like a comet, a brilliant glow streaking through the sky for just a few seconds. I finally found a book that talks about Shannon Hoon. I think his death like his talent has been overlooked.

This book reminds me of a documentary that is told by many people in Shannon’s circle. Such as Blind Melon members, producers, PR people, other musicians, as well as Shannon’s mother, friends and wife. Also quotes from Shannon taken from interviews throughout his career.

It starts out in the beginning of each member of the band and how they came to create Blind Melon. Going through the tough times of touring clubs to hitting the charts. They go through each album track by track that I always love when reading a bio of a band. This also covers the day Shannon died and the aftermath up to their latest 2008 “For My Friends” CD w/ new and now former vocalist Travis Warren.

It was amazing to see how much other members wrote the songs such as ‘no Rain” was written by Brad Smith even before Blind Melon ever met. Now “No Rain” was a good song but that’s all the status quo knew they put out. Blind Melon made plenty of songs in their short time that have been overlooked such as “Change”, “Tones of Home”, “I Wonder” from their debut release. I actually love their 2nd release “Soup” which they say was more about Shannon’s experiences. “Toes Across the Floor”, “Dumptruck”, one of my favorites is “Mouthful of Cavities”. Shannon even sings of killer Ed Gein who made furniture and lampshades from his victims in “Skinned.” Another current event at the time which I also remember reading about was the mother who drove the car into the lake w/ her kids strapped in the car in “Car Seat.” Shannon also reads a poem by his great great grandmother in the song by phone that is sped up. Shannon is quoted saying
he recorded the song on February 11, 1995 and the poem was dated February 11, 1884 the poem is exactly 111 years old from the day she wrote it.
Shannon later had the poem tattooed on his arm as you see in the “Nico” release.
“St. Andrew’s Fall” is about when on tour in Detroit at this old church now music hall called St. Andrew’s Hall. They were finished w/ the show when they saw a crowd of people looking 20 floors up at this building and seeing a women leap to her death.
“Mouthful of Cavities” Shannon talks about his drug habit and wonderful harmony vocals by Jena Kraus just nailed it.

“Nico” release a collection of songs post Shannon have some amazing tracks. It is noted that “Soup” which actually didn’t make it to the “Soup” release. Somewhat like The Doors “Waiting For The Sun” never made it to their “Waiting For The Sun” album. “Soup” outro of the song is about Kurt Cobain who Shannon never met but had a kinship to him. It’s probably dealing w/ the fast fame and falling in the same drug habits that Shannon knew of as his weakness.

Shannon would talk about his drug habits and try to clean up many of times. He even phoned his mother onetime talking of a friend who is screwed up on drugs asking what to do. At the time she believed he was talking about himself.

This is an excellent book of a tragic story on the life & times of Shannon Hoon and Blind Melon. You can’t help but feel a little closer to him as if he is sitting w/ you sharing these conversations.

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.

Dream Brother
by David Browne

A very interesting bio on two generations of gifted performers. Tim & Jeff Buckley, father & son although related neither knew each other. Tim a sixty’s performer who mixed folk, rock and jazz had a tendency to follow his own muse. Even if it called for to lose his fan base. Tim started off as a folk singer even being compared to Dylan w/ much better vocals. Tim’s vocal would span up to five octaves. Tim set out to be a troubadour as he travels and performs. Being in his twenties Tim wasn’t ready to settle down even when he was to be a father. Since traveling and not being an attentive parent Tim became estranged from his son known as Jeffery Scott Buckley. I think if you add all the time he spent w/ his son it would total less than a week.

Tim set out as a folk artist then changed direction w/ his avante-jazz albums that would turn off his folk audience. Tim would also perform these epic songs to the point that some people would walk out. His label seemed to keep him on hoping it was just a phase. Tim at times would go back to his folk roots to keep the label happy as well as keep some money coming in too. Later on Tim started to get influenced w/ some funk and soul Tim was inspired by the group War adding horns and back up singers. Unfortunately Tim would die of a heroin overdose 2 albums later at the young age of 28.

Son Jeff Buckley grew up not knowing much of his father. His mother Mary would play him Tim’s albums but Jeff wasn’t interested which I think any kid about 10 or 12 would respond too. Jeff also moved around a lot as his mother went from job to job and relationship to relationship. Jeff only had a cardboard box of his father belongings to remember him by. In one part of this book a friend is helping Jeff move as he hands them a box he says be careful this all I have of my father.

Jeff seems to have a love hate relationship w/ his father. I believe not having the chance to actually talk to him Jeff has a lot of unresolved issues that is very understandable. What I find interesting is Jeff is very similar to his father even though he would despise anyone who would bring up. Jeff would also go as far as not having it mention in his bio at his record label. When Jeff came out w/ his debut Grace album and tour he would later start performing like Tim these long 20 minute songs such as Big Star’s “Kanga Roo.” The label telling him he had to trim it down. Jeff at times would also start to change his style of music for the next release. Experimenting w/ different sounds & styles Jeff later called on former Television Tom Verlaine to produce his next release.
Who knows how far Jeff at the age of 30 would of went if it wasn’t for the drowning at Wolf River in Memphis, Tennesse.

This book is well written and has gotten many good reviews. What was interesting about this book was the way they combined Tim & Jeff in tandem chapters. Actually if you just want to read about one Buckley you can just skip every other chapter. I was really interested in Tim’s music but it made me appreciate Jeff’s style as well.

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.

The Lizard King Was Here: The Life and Times of Jim Morrison in Alexandria, Virginia
by Mark Opsasnick

I've read a number of Doors books and whenever they talk about his school yrs I often wondered if anyone would investigate it. Now this book covers Jim's High School yrs from 1959 to 61 graduation. Some of these stories make sense to a number of antics Jim has later done as a rock star. I remember reading that Jim would just leave The Doors for days & no one would know where he ventured. Jim as a 17 yr old did this as well. I believe this comes from being a military brat that he would move from state to state.

Jim did have friends just no one close. A lot of them said Jim would test people’s reaction & put them in awkward situations. A number of his friends say they couldn’t hang out too long w/ him. Since he would have these spontaneous eruptions of making people feel uncomfortable.

No one ever remembers Jim even talking about forming a band or shown any interest in rock music. Besides influences of philosopher Nietzsche, French poet Rimbaud, British Poet/artist William Blake I liked the chapter that talks about his books and favorite authors like Kafka, James Joyce, Camus, and the Beat Generation Kerouac, Burroughs, Ginsberg to name a few. The author gives a brief description of these writers & their books. Very interesting to see where Jim got his influences. This is a very good source of reading material if you ever want to explore more what has Jim read.

Even in high school Jim would be talk to his friends about faking his death. I've found this book very interesting and explains a lot about Jim Morrison, good & bad.

Monkee Business:
The Revolutionary Made-For-TV Band
by Eric Lefcowitz

The Monkees mock themselves in the begining of their movie Head w/ a little ditty that goes...
"Hey, hey, we are The Monkees, You know we love to please, A manufactured image with no philosophy. You say we're manufactured. To that we all agree. So make your choice and we'll rejoice in never being free!"

"A manufactured image" will alway haunt them even when on tour they were asked if they play their own instruments. Mike replied w/ guitar in hand ready to enter on stage "if we don't we are in a lot of trouble."

The Monkees started out as an inspiration from The Beatles "Hard Days Night" movie. In 1965, Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider decided to make an American version. Advertising in Daily Variety for auditions of "folk & rock musicians - singers" to the public they were mobbed w/ people trying to make it. Creating their own American Idol search for the American Beatles band called The Monkees.

This book covers up to 45 years of The Monkees pre and post. Sixty Nine chapters range from 3 to 5 pages each. A A true Faustian tale this book talks about each member as to what they were doing at the time. It's their lives together and apart. No matter where they are or what they do they will always be considered one of The Monkees.

This goes up to 2010 as to where they are now. Describing each album and I was very interesting to hear how and why members left the band. It was interesting to see how many punk bands loved The Monkees. Even a punk version was as Malcom states was his influence of creating The Sex Pistols. They even cover (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone as well as Minor Threat. Run-D.M.C. recorded "Mary, Mary" and Smash Mouth had a hit w/ "I'm A Believer" from The Shrek" movie.

The Monkees had plenty of talent backing them up in the writing pen. They had Carol King, Neil Diamond, Boyce & Hart, Nilsson to name a few. Plus session players like Glen Campbell, Neil Young, some members of The Byrds etc...

Author Eric Lefcowitz does an excellent biography of the band and keeps it fast paced like The Monkees episodes. It's interesting how life imitated art and how four young men looking for fame and fortune will forever be bonded.
As one of the voices in "Head" say "the tragedy of your times, my young friends, is that you might get exactly what you want."

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”

The Who by numbers: The Story Of The Who
Through Their Music
by Steve Grantley & Alan G. Parker

This is a story of The Who's music and brief history of the band. It's not a tell all book or behind the scenes although they do mention certain events during the making of each record. What I like about this book is that it goes through all The Who albums from first 45s to debut My Generation up to 2006 Endless Wire. They even cover the reissue CDs that include the bonus tracks.

This book covers all the tracks & how it was created by the artists. Most notiable by Pete Townshend. It gives a detail explianation of his Lifehouse project which I can understand how everyone around Pete was very confused.

At times they just may mention in a few lines about the solo records if they mention them at all. I notice Pete and Roger's solo records had more copy than John's. They did mention his earlier ones then just skipped over the rest. Of course Moon's only solo had some copy even though not so good reviews. Pete's Iron Man had detail on 2 songs since The Who was invovled in the recording.

I did enjoy reading each Who album and made me appreiciate the creation of these tracks. A lot of Pete's lyrics was his struggle trying to be spiritual from his Meher Baba's teachings and dealing w/ rockstar status. Along w/ the fame and fortune as well as the downfalls of drugs and alcohol.

My favorite section is the making of Quadrophenia album which is my all time favorite Who record. Also found the making of the Tommy movie interesting to read that Pete tossed about names such as Tiny Tim, David Bowie, Mick Jagger or Stevie Wonder as The Pinball Wizard and Lou Reed as The Acid Queen.

This book uses past articles to cover some the records and interviews w/ The Who members living and dead. It was interesting to read what they have to say about the songs good or bad.

It's also good to point out that the authors Steve Grantley is a musician who plays w/ Stiif Little Fingers and the Alarm. Alan Parker is a consultant for EMI Records and Secert Music. His work is also in a number of music publications. So you an insight from people in the field.

At the end of the book it does give a Discographies all the albums including solo, compilitations, rarities, singles, soundtracks and live.

If you are like me who reads through all the credits and liner notes on each album this book is won't disappoint you.

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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