Great Behind-the-Scenes View of Rock and Roll Business
356977
The record business may have changed a bit since the 1970s when this book was written, but not so much that this book isn't still a must-read for anyone dreaming of or on their way to being involved in any aspect of the major label record business. And it's a great, fun and very informative read for anyone interested in how the major label record business really works.

This book is fact filled, but wrapped in drama, humor and poignancy as we see how real, talented musicians deal with the ups and downs of the business side of rock stardom. It is also a good view of pop culture in the 1970s.

The author takes us inside the music business, up close, giving us a blow-by-blow, true-life account of a year in the life of the band Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen, a mid-tier rock band poised on the brink of greatness. It's a story of drama, comedy, pathos and heartbreak as we see the band members work their way through (and be worked by) the "star-making machinery" of the record business.

We are taken into the recording studio numerous times and see what a major label recording session is like and how it feels to be a musician involved in it all. We go  into meetings with record company executives. We see the jealousies, the in-fighting, the record executive double-dealing, the hopes and dreams and disappointments of the rock business.

This book is a joy to read. It is entertaining, informative and real. Don't sign a record contract without reading it!
827171
If you are a fan of the 60's and 70's music and its rich history, this is a great read. Good insight into the business of music. I thought that I knew all the stories, rumors, and details but this book really opened that up.
2469167
I liked this book, as it gives an interesting behind-the-scenes look at my favorite band. The dynamics are fascinating. I don't think that the average music junkie will like it as much, but it's still a good read.
2409496
If you like knowing the behind-the-scenes maneuverings in Hollywood, this is a must-read.  It is quite fascinating to read how the agency was founded, how it grew, and how it dealt with the resulting problems that come with huge growth.  It is filled with brief stories on well-known actors, actresses, writers, directors, etc, swapping firms, sometimes for legitimate reasons and sometimes because of petty disagreements.  The book is not a quick read; it is quite thick, so don't expect to get it done in a week or two.  But if you put some time in on it, you will walk away with a much better understanding on how Hollywood really works.
584912
excellent behind the scenes of the music business. Finally the truth is out. If you're real music fan you'll support your group.
2370533
Great book. Interesting insights into the music business and the rock and roll lifestyle. I never got to go to the same kind of parties Al did so it was a great vicarious way to experience that world. I knew a little bit about Al Kooper, the Dylan story about playing organ on 'Rolling Stone, but had no idea he produced classics like Skynrd's Second Helping and The Tubes album with What Do You Want from Life and White Punks on Dope. Those are some of my favorite records of all time. Also a different telling of the Electric Dylan story I had not heard before. I'll take your word for it Al. It was a fun book.
262696
A great insight into the life of Rock & Roll! An enjoyable read.
73258
This is a fascinating look behind the scenes in the life of a rock and roll legend and a highly-readable who-done-it, especially because all of the characters are real people. The author takes the reader through a logical and very interesting analysis of the many suspects, along with their motives and opportunities, and describes the death scene at Graceland and how it was sanitized.  The book is thoroughly researched and makes a compelling case about the murder of Elvis Presley and the subsequent cover-up. The writing style is passionate and hard-hitting but every statement is backed up by the facts.  Sure to be enjoyed by Elvis fans, crime buffs, and conspiracy theorists.
1961876
Great book! You get see behind the curtains if a legendary band.
177361
"Shout at the Devil" was one of those seminal LPs back when I was in 8th grade.  Along with Dokken, Van Halen, Ratt and Def Leppard, Motley Crue defined '80s hard rock.

What makes this such an enjoyable read is that it's told from the first person perspective of both the band members and those who had business dealings with them.  Sometimes it's hard to feel sorry for multi-millionaire rock stars when they moan about lack of funds for their $12K-a-month drug habits and $40K monthly nut for cars and McMansions in Simi Valley and Westlake Village, but what it does illustrate is that financial security is relative:  no matter how much you pull down, it's very easy to live beyond one's means. Some will think they're nothing but a bunch of whining rockers who don't know what real problems are.  But Tommy Lee's incarceration was very interesting to read about and very real and visceral.

I'm giving this four stars because it ends abruptly -- hopefull an updated edition with an expanded ending will be released soon.  I'm curious how Mick Mars is getting on with his rare disease.  Great read.
1461835
I really loved this book and enjoyed just reading about all the lineup changes. It gives you perspective into the (country)rock n- roll family tree with all the people that played with the FBB over the years. It is also great to get Chris Hillman's POV on a lot of material that has been reserved for the Gram Parsons bios and articles.
4017428
Great Read! Really good info on the music Biz. Kind of wish it had a bit more inside dirt, but still couldn't stop reading it once I began.
521665
Joe Jackson is a very good writer, certainly better than many of his peers in the music business.  This book covers Joe's early years, before he even was known as Joe, and works its way through his formative development as a young man and dedicated musician, up until the success of "Look Sharp"

While I am a fan of Joe's early work, especially Look Sharp and I'm The Man, I think this book would appeal to non-fans as well.  It comes down to basic writing skill, and Joe's got it.  The book flows nicely from start to finish, never bogging down with unnecessary details of rock band debauchery, or getting too preachy.  The pacing is just about perfect, with a nice balance of interesting, humorous stories and personal opinions about music, and life in general.

Joe Jackson tells a good story, and for fans, the stories alone are worth the price of admission.  In addition to the entertaining stories and a very honest revealing of his life and early development of his career in music, Joe sprinkles in astute observations and opinions about music and the entertainment business along the way.  While always remaining true to his passion for music, Joe keeps his ego in check, which enhances the success of the book by making him someone that the reader can identify with.

A better writer than Marilyn Manson, Dee Dee Ramone, and many other musicians; and providing much more insight than your average biographer, Joe Jackson tells his own story with heart, humor, and insight.  Pick this up new or used, you won't be disappointed.
1100361
Fantastic inside view of one of the hottest bands of the 1960's American rock and roll juggernaut, and the "wild ride" career of founding member, bassist and songwriter, Steve Boone.  He had me at the FORWARD (I won't spoil it here...).  Chronicling not only the formation, meteoric rise and bumpy landing of The Lovin' Spoonful, Steve's story also provides a wonderful glimpse into the nascent rock scene of New York's Greenwich Village and the transition of traditional folk music to folk rock and all the wonderful characters they bump into along the way (Dylan, Mike Bloomfield, The Beatles, etc.).  A really fun, fast-paced and informative read.  I couldn't put it down.
4711406
It was really interesting to see behind the scenes of one of the greatest albums of rock history.  I especially enjoyed knowing that most of the interviewees had a positive memory of Jimi's demeanor, one of fun and music rather than dark and druggy.  I will watch it many times I'm sure.
4228046
I enjoyed learning about the record business with all it's past and present shenanigans.  Some of the info seems to be a little dated, but the instinct for "hide the money" or "bury the fine print" is probably universal and will always apply to any time in history and those tricks of the trade were revealed in Confessions of a Record Producer.  I thought it was money well spent and found it to be an interesting and fun book to read.
449677
Anyone who grew up with Rock & Roll and loved the artists behind the music, will love this book. People who have an interest in how rock stars live and travel will love this book as well. Ms. Laidlaw's stories of the characters and personalities in private moments are amazing. It was fascinating to read about what goes into getting rock groups from point A to point B, plus the financial considerations and the logistics involved. The range of groups that flew with her and her crew is also amazing: From ELO to Tony Bennet and everyone in between. She tells her stories in a personable, easy-going way. I read this book over a few weeks, reading one tour at a time, it was a great read and having seen most of the acts, it was totally enjoyable to read their stories from someone who was not only there, but was also a part of their tour. This book is a part of rock and roll history that will never be relived, and I would recommend it highly to anyone who loves music.