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Books to read if you're planning a vacation in "Rock", sorted by average review score:

We're Desperate: The Punk Rock Photography of Jim Jocoy, SF/LA 1978-1980
Published in Hardcover by powerHouse Books (November, 2002)
Authors: Jim Jocoy, Thurston Moore, Exene Cervenka, and Marc Jacobs
Average review score:

Brilliant!!
This is an absolutely brilliant book. It chronicles a time when punk was more than just some retarded fashion statement made for MTV (admittedly, MTV didn't exist...) Jim Jocoy has done his thing well, and efficiently shown the attitude of punk in the late 70's. One of the best things about this book is the fact that he didn't sift through people and pick out the ones that looked like models, or the pretty singers, he took anyone and everyone he could find that contributed to the punk rock movement. Even greater is the fact that he has pictures of bands and singers right next to the "normal" people, and to the untrained eye, nobody would know the difference. Everyone was impressive. I also loved the prose at the end by Exene Cervenka. It's very well-done and beautifully written.

The San Francisco Punk Scene told in Photographs.
When I first heard about this Book, I eagerly awaited it's arrival. An Excellent documentation of the Looks and visual attitude that was unique to the San Francisco Scene. Even though the Photos include LA, London and NYC Stars, that original San Francisco feeling still emerges overall. It cries out for more books exploring it's values different from other Punk or Rock scenes. But at least we have Jim's Excellent Documentations and memories. Hopefully More Books coming from him in the future!

before punk fashion was sold at the mall......
....the West Coast punk rock scenesters created a style that looks surprisingly fresh and edgy even today: pink 60s leather coats, striped tees, shredded preppy button-ups, busted jeans, high heels with anklets, asymetrical haircuts, teddy boy coats, geometric print 80s, shrunken suits w/ skinny ties, and more. This is a great book for DIY fashion ideas-- from a time when ripped tee-shirts didn't cost $75 at trendy boutiques and jeans didn't come pre-sandpapered.


Where Did Our Love Go?: The Rise & Fall of the Motown Sound
Published in Paperback by St. Martin's Press (September, 1987)
Authors: Nelson George and George Nelson
Average review score:

The BEST Motown book
One of my smartest purchasing decisions was to pick up this work by Nelson George in June 1986 when it was still in hard cover. I've never let it out of my sight since. Time has proven it the precursor of a deluge: 'Dreamgirl,' & 'Supreme Faith' by Mary Wilson (1986, 1990), 'Temptations' by Otis Williams (1988), 'To Be Loved,' by Berry Gordy (1994), 'Inside My Life' by Smokey Robinson (1989), 'Dancing In The Street' by Martha Reeves (1994), and 'Between Each Line of Pain and Glory,' by Gladys Knight (1997), among others. I bought them all and I read them all. By far the worst, was the October 1993 work by Diana Ross, 'Secrets of a Sparrow,' which was quickly named the worst non-fiction work of the year by People magazine. I couldn't argue with them.

'Where Did Our Love Go,' on the other hand, proves a truth we discovered in the day of the very music it chronicles: no amount of tepid covers surpasses a towering original. Perhaps because Mr. George was not an insider at Motown in the 60s, his history of the company is so objectively good. I've read it many times in over 16 years, and haven't found a date or factual mistake.

And it is balanced. The wonderful music of those glory days in Detroit is given the respect and affection it deserves, as well as the how-it-came-about details. Mr. George acknowledges as most of us do, that Motown's 60s sound is timeless, and is going to outlive Berry Gordy, the artists whose names appeared on the labels, and we baby-boomers who were weaned on it.

Yes, the who-struck-John stories of disappointment are delineated fairly too: the career declines and /or disappointments of folks like Martha Reeves, Gladys Knight, Chuck Jackson, Marvin Gaye and, especially Florence Ballard. But unlike the recollections of the authors listed above, 'Where' is not told by a writer needing to come out smelling blameless or put-upon at the end.

All these years later, 'Where Did Our Love Go,' by Nelson George remains the single most essential biography of Motown Records you can own. Buy it anyway you can manage to, even used - just don't ask to borrow mine. Beyond it, there are two companion works you should also seek out for some fair and detailed 'inside' looks of Motown in those days: 'Divided Soul,' David Ritz' account of Marvin Gaye's life, which appeared first in 1985, and might have been helped in its excellence by the fact that its subject was no longer around to censor it or 'advise.' Finally, from 1989, J. Randy Taraborrelli's 'Call Her Miss Ross,' could likely be a dozen times more factual and objective than the 1993 work of the former Supreme herself could ever be!

Best book on motown I've read
Although a little short on photos (it was obviously not the authors' intention to be another photo book), this is in many ways the best book for someone really interested in the subject of Motown to own,in that the author pulls no punches. Other books on this record company/hit machine of the 60s & 70s suffered from censorship by the record company's head and his people.

This book does not suffer that hinderance, and it allows us to read what really went on behind the scenes. It was not such a happy family with Berry Gordy Jr. as the paternal head as it is often depicted.

An excellent book, both readable and informative, and well worth getting hold of for all fans of the music who want to know what really went on as the records were made and the tours were run.

Get this book!
Part of the success of Motown lies in Berry Gordy's tight control over public relations. Put simply, he would not cooperate with reporters until and unless he knew, and approved of, the nature of their stories in advance. In "Where Did Our Love Go", Nelson George breaks the mold. This is an unauthorized biography of the Motown Record Corp. George managed to circumvent Gordy's media chokehold and, thereby, come up with a picture quite different from the common myths. This results in two marvelous types of revelations throughout this book: (1) The "dirt" on Motown; and (2) the good, joyful, and uplifting things that we never knew. Get this book!


Who's Your Fave Rave?
Published in Paperback by Boulevard (Trd Pap) (August, 1997)
Authors: Randi Reisfeld and Danny Fields
Average review score:

A teenybopper's dream come true!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered this book, so I was surprised and delighted to find that the book not only contained the story of Gloria Stavers and 16 magazine, but also featured reprints of actual pages from the magazine going back to 1950s. I was a reader of 16 magazine during the heyday of the Monkees, Paul Revere and the Raiders, and Bobby Sherman, so it was a real treat to see old articles about my favorites, but it also was fascinating to see how the magazine covered other teen idols over the years, from Ricky Nelson and Frankie Avalon to David Cassidy and John Travolta. Best of all, the authors include new interviews with many of the performers who had been prominently featured in the magazine, so the reader learns what the teen idol experience was like from the other side. And it's always nice to find out what your "fave raves" are up to today. My only complaint is that the book wasn't long enough. I wish that additional space had been available to print more old articles from 16 magazine, rather than just one or two about each featured performer. I understand that a second volume will focus on the late 1970s and the 1980s, but I hope that the authors will consider another volume of treasures from the '60s and '70s. All in all, this book is a wonderful trip down memory lane for all of us who grew up in the golden age of pop music.

Gotta have it!
Superbly packaged. Grouped by decade, teen idols reflect on their experience and have their memories punctuated by reprints of the articles most emblematic of their experiences. So many memories....Credit was also finally given to Gloria Stavers, who sheparded so many of us through pre-teenhood. Totally respectful of the teenboppers who saved their babysitting money so they could buy the magazine or send in for the contests. I'm hoping this is one of a series!

Retro Fun!
I love this book, but I can't wait for the second volume when they go back to the 80s yeah, a great decade teen idols like Corey Hart, Paul Young, former Baby John Waite, a very young Madonna and loads more. Randi, you're the greatest you made my life great when I purchased the book two years ago Istill love this book Peace & Love Rosie from Brooklyn, NY


Wild Heart: An Autobiographical Journey
Published in Paperback by Dolphin Books (November, 1989)
Author: Stevie Nicks
Average review score:

Don't Blame It On Me . . .
I, too, was informed that this book was never published. This book has taken on the mystery that Dean Koontz' "The Book of Counted Sorrows" took on several years back, when fans were in a frenzy to acquire this book, which never existed. So come on, how can this book have a review? I have searched high and low, on ebay, at rare bookstores, everywhere. The thing that kept me going was that it had an ISBN, but my search is over. Like the previous reviewer, I had to rate the item to write this review. I, too, would give five stars to anything Stevie wrote. Maybe someday . . .

Does this book really exist?
I tried to order this book and was eventually informed that it was never published. Yet, there is a review for this book. Does it exist or not? I had to rate this so I could submit my question. I would give 5 stars to anything Stevie Nicks produced!!

Thank you.

BLAME IT ON MY WILD HEART
Well most anything by Stevie Nicks is gold. This is one more thing. If your a Stevie Fanatic. You need this book. Its a lot better than those other books by Ed wincentsen, because its coming RIGHT from Stevie. GET THIS BOOK!


With the Beatles: The Historic Photographs of Dezo Hoffman (Op91961)
Published in Paperback by Omnibus (November, 1982)
Authors: Pearce Marchbank and Dezo Hoffmann
Average review score:

A TREASURE CHEST
This book is a treasure chest of professional photographs and anecdotes. This book has something for everyone, from the inveterate Beatles' fan to people who are becoming familiar with them. This book is indeed a masterpiece that will long register in the minds of those who read it.

Paper time machine
if you are a Beatles fan you must see it, and return in a paper time machine to the beginning of the most fantastic line of the music story.

For every Beatle Fan, and for the Music Lover!
For anyone who is interested in music (and who isn't today?), this book is different in the kind of material in it. The book is comprised of pictures from the early Beatles' career, and have a captioned story line given by their first professional photographer,the late Dezo Hoffman. Any music lover should take a look because if it wasn't for the Fabs, you may still be listening to your Big Band and Swing Time, with a little Blue-Grass on the side.. (I know most of you probably aren't into that!) I thought it was entertaining, considering I am a Fab Fan.. Some pictures never-before seen.. Some interesting comments.


Yes: An Authorized Biography
Published in Paperback by Merrimack Pub Circle (November, 1984)
Author: Dan Hedges
Average review score:

A Great Book
Forget about the new books, this is the ONLY Yes bio that matters. Get it if you can!!!

Phenomenal
Not only have I read this book over and over again, I have had the good fortune to have it signed by ALL the band members over the years. It is a complete history. I love it!

Biography of YES from 1968 - 1980
Dan Hedges was the publicist for YES during the 1970's. This book contains a detailed biography of the band from their start in 1968 through their 1980 release "Drama". The book is filled with hundreds of photographs and quotes from the band and would be a compelling addition for any serious fan.


Yul: The Man Who Would Be King
Published in Paperback by Berkley Pub Group (February, 1991)
Author: Rock Brynner
Average review score:

Yul Brynner - A Flawed King
This book, written by his son Rock Brynner, is a poignant and revealing look into the life of his famous father, Yul Brynner. Rock unveils "The King," and shows that his father was a flawed, and sometimes wreckless man behind the "King's" facade. Rock uncovers how life was growing up with his famous father, and how he could never live up to the expectations of a King. Rock's literary style mix fact with his own feelings about - The Man Who Would Be King.

Sad overall picture
I enjoyed the honesty of Son Yul Jr. He tried so hard to please his Dad and follow his footsteps Never could quite live up to SR. expectations.So sad that he dumped so many of wives and children the final blow DISOWNING his children in will.. Sad Sad yet I loved him as a talented actor. Where and how is YUL Jr. today I wish him well. He loved his Dad so much

Sad legacy for chidren
I always liked Yul however I am very dsappointed in the overall story of his life. FAME WAS MUCH TO IMPORTANT THENPERSONAL LIFE FAMILY AND CHILDREN. My heart goes out to ROCK Yul,Jr. he tried so hard to walk in his father shoes . The price was tremendous.. I am courious how Rock isd doing today? I just read an old copy paperback. Well writtenfrom the heart


98 Degrees: The Unofficial Book
Published in Paperback by Watson-Guptill Pubns (June, 1999)
Author: Angie Nichols
Average review score:

AWESOME!!! It sure is really hot in here!!
This book is awesome you won't be able to put it down if you try. Everything you wanted to learn about 98° is in here. Jeff.... must i say anymore? Just check out the book and you'll see why. I'm a fan of 98° and this book just reaffirms what i know... that these guys are awesome performers and as well as handsome, gorgeous men. If you haven't picked up your copy yet, what are you waiting for? =)

Jeff! WOW! 98 Degrees! AWESOME! What more can I say?
Everything that I wanted to learn about 98 Degrees, I found in this book. The pictures are amazing and I am an even bigger fan now! These guys are extraordinary performers and make incredible music! Jeff and the guys are truly dedicated to their work and I hope they keep it up for MANY years! This is the ultimate book to learn about 98 Degrees from conception to the present. A must read for any true fan!


Access All Areas: Backstage With the Grateful Dead
Published in Hardcover by Acid Test Productions (October, 1998)
Authors: Gary Lambert, Timothy Harris, and Tim Harris
Average review score:

A Grateful Masterpiece
This is the ultimate book for the Grateful Dead collector. Timothy Harris is a great artist and this book displays his work with vivid colors and an exceptional layout.

I love the dead
dead show us the new and old way... i will follow them to KYRO and beyond, I wish the other one's would come to ky. But if they don't "we will survive".


Adorable John/Loving John: The Untold Story
Published in Paperback by Plaza & Janes Editores, S.A. (June, 1984)
Authors: May Pang and Henry Edwards
Average review score:

The Ballad of John and May
You have to look hard to find references to May Pang in books about John Lennon. She's not mentioned in Anthony Fawcett's "John Lennon: One Day at a Time" or in the booklet that accompanied the recent "Lennon Anthology" boxed set. Even in the coffee table book "Imagine: John Lennon," May Pang is simply referred to as a "constant companion." It seems that Pang is gradually being erased from Lennon's personal history and the official story of Lennon's "Lost Weekend," is the one approved by his widow, Yoko Ono.

This is the story of Lennon's 18 month affair with Pang, a relationship she claims continued even after Lennon returned to his wife. On his "Lost Weekend," he traveled with her to L.A. to record music and party with other musicians like Harry Nilsson. It was a boozy, decadent period that saw Lennon ejected from a nightclub for interrupting a performance and generally hit the bottle in a manner in which he hadn't since he was a youth. Sadly it confirms something often glossed over in other Lennon biographies - That Lennon was a mean drunk. The man of peace could turn into a foul-mouthed, dangerous, nasty and violent drunk who needed to be tied up by his friends until he sobered up.

Pang writes of their relationship with affection and brutal honesty. Her pen chronicles, not only the facts but her emotions and reactions to the events as they unfolded. It's a lesser known fact that she was the Lennon's personal assistant in the early 1970s and she recounts stories about the making of the original "Imagine" film and Yoko's experimental films like "Fly." However, it's the Lost Weekend period that really makes this book a worthwhile purchase. Yoko can never write about this time because, for most part, she wasn't there. Pang was. She writes about: the "Rock and Roll" sessions with madcap record producer Phil Spector; Lennon's difficult relationship with first wife Cynthia and son Julian; the booze sessions with Harry Nilsson including the infamous incident at the Troubadour Club; the "Walls and Bridges" album and the comeback performance at Madison Square Garden with Elton John. While with Lennon, she also encountered other rock celebrities and tells of the times Lennon holidayed with Keith Moon and Ringo Starr, socialized with Mick and Bianca Jagger, played music again with Paul McCartney, got verbally berated by George Harrison, met David Bowie, recorded with Elton John, upset Paul Simon and annoyed the Smothers Brothers.
Pang also debunks some of the common stories we hear about John and Yoko and while she is forgiving of John, portrays Yoko as a manipulative, scheming dragon lady. An image, not unfamiliar to Beatle fans, and one which Ono has tried hard to erase.
For those fans seeking a personal view of Lennon, unauthorized by the Lennon estate, then this book is an excellent title that sits comfortably next to "A Twist of Lennon" by his first wife, Cynthia.

Third Side of a Public Saga
I must say that I am a die-hard devoted John Lennon fan. His music and persona has had a lasting effect on my life. I was truly eager to read this book, and did so in a two day period. It made for a very interesting read. I had heard the stories and read all the interviews dealing with the "lost weekend". I always wanted to hear the other side. Not one that Yoko had contrived, nor one that John had relayed (at Yoko's bidding). This book brings the reader extremely close to a John Lennon few were allowed to know. Some wouldn't have wanted that luxury. This book shows a woman who was fascinated by, in love with, and terrified by John Lennon. Accounts of his loving nature and his horrifying fits of violence are here for all to see. It also allows the reader to see that Yoko had almost complete control over John. She knew his insecurities, and played on them. The book also details a woman's hopes and dreams for someone she truly loves. Hopes that perhaps through her love, John would become fully independent and functional as an adult. The book also depicts an almost voyeurist view of John and May's love life. In this book, you can see that John was a loving, gentle, child-like, caring man, but on the flip-side, a violent, remorseful, and controlled man. Many times I asked why May would put up with John and Yoko's mechinations. But, it is abundantly clear that May truly loved him, and wanted what was truly best for John. And what was best for him, was not always best for her. Definitely a great love story. One stopped short by Yoko.


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