Robyn Hitchcock writes songs that are at times sublime and surreal stories. Often filled with clever narrative, they are delivered with charm and humor. But where did those well-crafted songs come from? What life experiences shaped their creation? Based on his riveting new memoir, it appears they came from 1967.
“The sequel continues the saga of a New Jersey teenager named Mimi, who is trying to manage multiple commitments: a boyfriend, band, a job, friends, and keeping up with music related outings such as record store visits and concerts.”
The sixth entry since Creem’s reboot celebrates controversial but quintessential rock writer Lester Bangs on what would have been his 75th birthday.
“Recommended for those who want a taste of those 80s scenes or those who just want to remember those glory days for independent music.”
The relaunched Creem is now into its third issue, and its staff are in pursuit of their goal to reclaim the brash attitude and irreverent reputation earned during the magazine’s original 1969-1989 run.
This September, Munly J.Munly 32nd is getting ready to release his new book exploring the magic land of Lupercalia with his new book, Döder Made Me Do It.
In his debut novel Banging the Monkey, Firewater frontman Tod A weaves an engrossing and frequently hilarious tale of cathartic adventure amid the sweltering backdrop of the Southeast Asian tropics.
Everything you wanted to know about Jayne County, but were afraid to ask
Walter Lure’s tale of life with Johnny Thunders in the Heartbreakers is a riveting look at punk history.
A story of a boy and his dog. His supernatural dog named Mr. Cigar.
From the mind behind the Butthole Surfers, Gibby Haynes.
At the dawning of a new decade, writer Kevin Burke looks back 70 years at a literary work that has become the instruction manual on oppression
Mick Wall’s latest work examines a darker side surrounding the passing of guitar legend Jimi Hendrix
Nothing she’s done before can prepare you for Liz Phair’s Horror Stories.
For those who find Howard Zinn to be somewhat tame, Sunshine on an Open Tomb is Tim Kinsella’s History of the United States.
Debbie Harry’s memoir Face It is a series of interviews and stories from the mind of Harry, which they are in plentiful supply, surrounding the late sixties’ scene in New York and beyond.
This October 8th sees the release of Girl To City:A Memoir, the autobiography of cult icon Amy Rigby.
Doe and DeSavia give us more L.A. punk history in their latest.
The beginnings of R.E.M are compelling told by Robert Dean Lurie.
Fans will love Matthew Cutter’s tale of their “fading captain,” Robert Pollard. New listeners may be intimidated by the sheer volume of Pollard’s material to absorb, with more than 100 albums on offer when solo and side projects are counted alongside Guided By Voices’ output. For those overwhelmed neophytes, Closer You Are is a godsend.
The history of Sub Pop – the little indie that could- is documented in World Domination.
Soulsby lets the words of his interviewees flow unedited and uninterrupted, so the sometimes clashing, sometimes complimentary testimony can illuminate the creative process behind one of rock’s most enigmatic bands.
In Small Victories: The True Story of Faith No More, Adrian Harte has written a comprehensive history of Faith No More It is finally great to have the full story and congratulations to the author for his work on this well researched, enjoyable, and exhaustive read. The publication serves as an important documentation of this highly influential and unique band.
“We are treated to the very real problems of making it as an artist in the fickle world of the post 2000 music industry.”
Mike Garson was David Bowie’s favorite piano player. This is his account of a 30 year collaboration.
Ryan Adams and Whiskeytown’s wild ride is documented in this engrossing look.
Ryan H. Walsh’s vivid look at the legendary Astral Weeks recounts its creation and the town that influenced it.
Paul Hanley – former drummer for The Fall – gives the musical history of his town Manchester in looks at The Hollies to The Smiths and more. Riveting.
The essays of Hanif Abdurraqib are masterful, even if you initially don’t care about the subject.
Jason Thrasher’s luminous photography tells the tale of the beloved music mecca, Athens, GA.
For The Sake of Heaviness: The History of Metal Blade Records is a well written, enjoyable book, summarizing the history and impact the independent label had on establishing heavy metal across the US and globally.
Lou Reed upended popular culture. Anthony DeCurtis gives us the life and times of the brilliant – yet maddening – genius.
The Stooges only released a few albums in their heyday, but they changed the world. Read Total Chaos to find out how.
Kristin Hersh of Throwing Muses and 50 Foot Wave delivers an astounding third musical novel that continues to blur the lines between melodic sound and the written word.
Steven Blush serves up a compelling history in New York Rock: From The Rise of the Velvet Underground to the Fall of CBGB.
Ben Snakepit is back with a new collection of his punk-rock life, Manor Threat.
This is, on the whole, a book about being completely in love with the music of one band and about what possibilities that could lead to.
Before they were stars, they were fans. Find out the influences behind the music.
The album serves as a kind of character in and of itself, providing consolation, comfort, commentary and even defiance when needed. It’s no wonder that Heartworm started out as a 33 1/3 series book on the aforementioned album.
Just what in the hell is Ian Svenonius going on about in Censorship Now!!?
Kristin Hersh writes of her friendship with Vic Chesnutt in the compellingly frank Don’t Suck, Don’t Die. You’ve never read anything like it.
Bill Nelson, genius behind Be Bop Deluxe and Red Noise, gives us a glimpse of his daily life with Diary of a Hyperdreamer, Vol. 2.
Bob Suren’s Crate Digger recounts a DIY life, punk rock style.
How Music Got Free is well written, engaging, and thought provoking. It speaks to the larger issues the music industry faces with its infrastructure and with the consumer.
Kim Gordon is a pioneer of American popular culture from Sonic Youth to X-Girl. Her memoir doesn’t disappoint.
Scottish novelist Alan Warner (Morvern Callar, The Deadman’s Pedal) has given us a unique and absorbing look at the great Krautrock classic Tago Mago by Can.
Herbie Hancock is a name synonymous with Jazz. In his memoir Herbie Hancock: Possibilities, the living legend takes on every facet of his career and life head on with a plainspoken zeal.
Paul Zone was there in the early years of the New York punk scene and his images of that time bring it all back.
