Oops, that summary makes me sound like one of Crawford's characters (NOT a self-compliment). But that's only fair, as his art functions best as a mirror in which we in the supposed "underground" (which term has lost most of its meaning since these cartoons first appeared) can laugh and wince at our own absurdity. His grotesque drawings and ripsaw wit make mincemeat of everything lame and pretentious about the musical/political "subcultures" that festered around the SF Bay and in fact most coastal cities. (By refraining from Goya comparisons, can I avoid sounding like Crawford's character Art Hefty? Hope so.)

Many people objected to his attacking already marginalized groups, comparable to stomping a paraplegic, and largely sparing more deserving targets in mainstream society. But, I think he detected a certain precious, self-congratulatory arrogance on the part of these (largely) declasse, parent-supported hipster frauds. And his spindly, ink-clotted caricatures and lacerating prose gave these parasites a kicking they won't soon forget. And which they had previously been exempt from.

Every movement needs antibodies to fight the rot and sanctimony that eventually turn all "avant gard" cabals into impotent, mutual-admiration societies. Crawford provides such healthful abuse, leavened with rip-cracking humor and a supple penline. Many of his targets are still around, still doing their clownish damage, so buy this book as soon as possible.

And relax--it's not nearly as solemn as I've made it sound.

A great, passionate collection of rock criticism penned by one of the best writers of the genre. Paul Williams loves music. He also loves his job and, more than anything else, that love is projected in his writing. Williams portrays a zesty sense of enthusiasm that is sorely missing in present day rock journalism.

While his style is exuberant, Williams never slips into the holier-than-thou stance that has become all too familiar amongst rock scribes. In fact, reading "Miracle Factory" is like hanging out with an older sibling or friend who has an amazing record collection and who, instead of making you feel stupid, wants to share the wealth with you. Sifting through an eclectic mix of artists including Pavement, Neil Young, Liz Phair, Uncle Tupelo and the Grateful Dead, Williams digs deeply into the music. He encourages the reader to open his/her sense of awareness and to discover a freshness even in songs which are more than familiar to most ears. Case in point: his bubbly portrayal of Smokey Robinson's "Bein' With You" cleverly picks out nuances that, no matter how many times you've heard this particular tune, causes you to go back and really disect it. And that, afterall, is precisely what good rock writing is all about -- it's supposed to make you WANT to listen.

The knockout punch, as far as this reader is concerned, is the mesmerizing account of the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations" box set. Williams doesn't miss a beat while covering all five discs and gives an especially passionate read on the illustrious "SMiLe" tracks included in that package. (Yep, after finishing the book, I went back and listened to all five discs with headphones. I'd be willing to bet some of you will do the same.)

Overall, "Miracle Factory" is a wonderfully refreshing book which harkens back to the days when great rock critics (Bangs, Marcus, etc.) were almost as famous as the stars they wrote about. A time, might I add, when reading the articulate ramblings of such crits was nearly as fun as listening to records.

When you are a sixteen year old Italian kid and you dream about making it in the entertainmenty industry it ain't easy. Italy is not the most rock n'roll country in the world, the music biz used to be very undeveloped in the late 80s and I didn't have a clue about how getting involved. Then one day reading Spin Magazine I read a feature about "Backstage Pass" and thought that it was the book for me, or at least could have been a chance to learn more about the entertainment industry. My granny lent me the 16 bucks to order it and after about a month there it was in my mail box in all its glossy glory. Inside there was also a note from the author, Eric Todd, asking me to write back with my opinions about it as I was his only customer from Europe, can you imagine? I started reading the book as if there was no tomorrow, lots of interviews from many famous industry people, Pete Cappadocia for pyros, Jane Rose Keith Richards' manager and many others talking about how they started and how their job works. Basically the message was: "You can make it if you try" and so I did. 10 years after I have been on the road in the US with punk rock bands, tour managed in my country for foreign bands, toured Europe with my band, started a record label, worked as a club manager, P.R. guy for clubs and bands and have tons of fond memories all because of this book. What else can I say? If you dream about making it and you don't have aclue, or if you want to have a tip from the experts that are quite likely unable to return your call or mails (even though Jane Rose has sent me signed photos by Keith Richards and many others have helped me with precious tips) this is the book for you. It changed my life!

i first read this book when it came out in 1996 and i can say now 4 years later, that it is still my favorite book. It has just the right mix of imagery and descriptive language. THe book has various different erotic stories that make you tingle. When i first picked up the book i had no idea that what i was reading was pornographic, but none the less i kept on reading. and i read it over and over and over until the cover fell off. this book was well written by miss.g.

If you are a fan of Al Kooper's music in the '60's and '70's (with Bob Dylan, the Blues Project, Blood Sweat and tears, or Solo), or just a fan of '60's music in general, this is a MUST READ for you. It's written in a easy to read personable style that makes it a totally enjoyable experience. I've read my copy at least 10 times. Give it a shot!!!!! JP

All night long the bats get down on American Batstand and at each hour the bats take up a different dance as Click Dark, their host, introduces a new tune. Children will love the sotry and feel absolutely brilliant once they've discovered that they can use this story to learn to tell time or help reinforce what they already know all on their own.

I've had this book since I can remember. I remember Jem when it came on tv back in the late 80's, and I was sad to see it go off, but, like all things, it had to come to an end. Now I am a part of the egroups digest TrulyOutrageou! Jem Mailing List, which, actually the CREATOR of Jem, Christy Marx, is also a part of the list, as well as the singing voice for Jem, Britta Philips. I also own both Jem volumes and the Truly Outrageous! Jem movie that is currently OOP! ^_^ I hope whoever gets this book loves it as much as I have. Thanks and, Jem is Truly Outrageous!

This book is great if you're buying it to actually learn the technicalities of the guitar. Not good if you don't want to play guitar as a serious instrument. I personally found all the information useful and learned alot of theory and technique from this book.

Arguably the best book on the Beach Boys ever written. I lucked into copies of both the 1978 and the updated 1985 editions at a lower price, and find them an invaluable, insightful, and empathetic look at "America's band."

David Leaf is a gifted and sensitive writer. If a used copy of his book is overly budget-busting, settle for "The Nearest Faraway Place," by the late great Timothy White. This book presents a fine overview of the migration to Southern California (including the Wilson brothers' grandparents), and how that generation's hopes and dreams helped mold their grandchildren's music.

That said, David Leaf's book is the real deal. Keep an eye out for it if you have any interest at all in the Beach Boys.

This is one of the best books ever written about the British Invasion bands of the 1960's. Alan Clayson not only did his homework in researching the book, he was actually THERE-as a musician and contributing writer to several British music newspapers and magazines. He writes of bands forming in the late 50's and how many(but not all)of them made it big after following The Beatles & Rolling Stones to the good ol' USA. This story is an integral part of 60's rock and roll, never boring and will leave you wishing for an eventual followup. Just looking at the pictures will have you wondering "whatever happened to?"....A MUST READ!!!