For those seeking to explore the world of rock music through literature, there is no shortage of reading material available. From autobiographies to detailed histories, the options are vast and varied. This article presents a selection of the best books ever written about music, along with some of the top reads from the previous year, making it the perfect resource for devoted music fans.
Whether searching for a gift or a source of entertainment during lockdown, readers are sure to find something to suit their tastes in this comprehensive list. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the world of rock music through the pages of these exceptional books.
Please Kill Me by Legs McNeil & Gillian McCain
Please Kill Me is a book that offers a comprehensive insight into the birth and early years of punk rock. The book features interviews with key players in the genre such as Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, the Ramones, Johnny Thunders, Rob Tyner, Patti Smith, Richard Hell, and Debbie Harry, among others.
Through their own words, the book documents the genre’s messy birth and the wildly creative early years. The book is a must-read for anyone who is passionate about punk rock and wants to gain a deeper understanding of its origins.
The True Adventures Of The Rolling Stones by Stanley Booth
The True Adventures Of The Rolling Stones, written by Stanley Booth, offers a fascinating glimpse into the rock revolution of the 60s. Booth’s insider view of the rise of the Rolling Stones is what makes this book so enthralling.
Booth had already experienced a lot before he met Mick, Keith, and the rest of the band. He had enjoyed Scotch with B.B. King for breakfast and witnessed Otis Redding teach Steve Cropper The Dock Of The Bay. This same passion and enthusiasm are evident in the book, as Booth recounts the band’s triumphs, pitfalls, and brushes with the law.
Waiting For The Sun – by Barney Hoskyns
Barney Hoskyns’ book on the LA music scene is a captivating read that covers several generations of musicians. The book features legendary figures such as Jim Morrison, Frank Zappa, and Gram Parsons, but it also delves into the lives of lesser-known artists like Van Dyke Parks and Lou Adler. The book tells a story of excess, eccentricity, and enduring musical brilliance. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the LA music scene.
Lonely Boy: Tales From A Sex Pistol by Steve Jones
Steve Jones, the legendary guitarist of The Sex Pistols, offers a unique perspective on the impact of the band on modern music, particularly punk rock. In his book, “Lonely Boy: Tales From A Sex Pistol,” Jones also provides a raw and honest account of his tumultuous childhood, which undoubtedly shaped his music and personality.
Despite living in Los Angeles for several decades, Jones maintains his unmistakable London charm and humor, making for an entertaining and insightful read.
Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen’s autobiography is a candid and introspective account of his life experiences. In his writing, he delves into personal topics such as his strained relationship with his father, the challenges of fame, and his battles with depression.
Springsteen’s writing style is plain-spoken yet poetic, and he writes with a sense of humor that is both frank and insightful. Through his writing, it’s clear that Springsteen is not only sharing his experiences but also seeking a deeper understanding of himself.
Murder in the Front Row by Brian Lew & Harald Oimoen
Brian Lew and Harald Oimoen, two San Francisco natives with a passion for metal music, found themselves in the midst of a musical revolution when Metallica, a band from Los Angeles, moved to the Bay Area on February 12, 1983.
Their book, Murder In The Front Row, primarily features captivating photographs that perfectly capture the raw enthusiasm, camaraderie, and violent energy of the nascent thrash metal scene. The book chronicles the rise of Metallica, including their first rehearsal with bassist Cliff Burton, and the release of Slayer’s groundbreaking album, Reign In Blood.
The Dirt: Motley Crue with Neill Strauss
“The Dirt” is a rock book that has been immortalized in the Netflix feature film. Co-authored by Motley Crue and Neill Strauss, the book is scandalous and makes readers question whether the events described actually happened. The book follows the rise of Nikki Sixx and his bandmates from small-time LA to the Sunset Strip and the biggest stages in the world.
The book is full of shocking and awe-inspiring stories of the band members smoking, shagging, and shooting up all things, both thinkable and unthinkable. The book is a must-read for any rock fan who wants to know what it was like to be a part of the wild and crazy world of Motley Crue.
Hammer Of The Gods – by Stephen Davis
Stephen Davis’ “Hammer Of The Gods” is an unauthorised biography of Led Zeppelin, published in 1985. Davis accompanied the band on their US tour in 1975 and based his book on the stories told by Richard Cole, Zeppelin’s tour manager and roadie.
While the band has publicly denied the accuracy of the book, it remains a popular read due to its juicy, funny, and shocking stories. Despite being criticised and reissued, “Hammer Of The Gods” continues to be revered by thousands of fans.
Life by Keith Richards
Keith Richards is famously known for his rock and roll lifestyle, filled with drugs, women, and arrests. His autobiography, co-written with James Fox, provides a detailed insight into his life, from his childhood in Kent to his present-day experiences in the 21st century.
Despite the numerous controversies surrounding his life, he still manages to maintain a successful career as the guitarist for the Rolling Stones. Throughout his autobiography, Richards shares his love for music and his passion for creating unforgettable riffs that have become legendary in the world of rock and roll.
The Beatles: All These Years Vol.1 by Mark Lewisohn
Mark Lewisohn’s All These Years Vol.1 is the first part of a mammoth trilogy chronicling the history of The Beatles. While the book concludes before the onset of Beatlemania, its 960 pages are packed with meticulously researched and detailed information that reveals new insights about the band.
For those who crave even more knowledge, an expanded version spanning over 1700 pages is also available. Lewisohn’s work is a staggering achievement in music literature that will captivate any reader with an interest in The Beatles.
Fried And Justified by Mick Houghton
Mick Houghton’s memoir, Fried And Justified, offers a candid account of his experiences working with some of the most unconventional and challenging artists of the 80s and 90s, including Echo & The Bunnymen, Julian Cope, and KLF. Houghton’s honest and pragmatic approach to the music industry is both refreshing and insightful.
He sheds light on the KLF’s controversial burning of £1 million, stating that he was not surprised, as £1m is a relatively small amount in the music business. Houghton also notes that The House Of Love managed to blow £800,000 in less than a year, demonstrating the industry’s excesses.
1971: Never A Dull Moment by David Hepworth
In his book “1971: Never A Dull Moment,” David Hepworth argues that this was rock’s greatest year. Hepworth’s analysis is supported by impeccable research and original thinking. The book includes an appendix listing 100 albums from 1971, which serves as an expert witness to his argument. Hepworth’s persuasive defense of his proposition casts a broad cultural net and is a must-read for any rock music enthusiast. The year 1971 saw monumental releases from legendary bands such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones, and David Bowie.
Lexicon Devil: The Fast Times and Short Life of Darby Crash and The Germs by Brendan Mullen
Lexicon Devil is a book written by Brendan Mullen that tells the story of Darby Crash and his band, The Germs. The book is a vivid portrayal of the punk rock scene in Los Angeles during the late 1970s, filled with idealism, energy, confusion, and self-destruction. Despite the tragic end to Darby Crash’s life, the book manages to be both hilarious and heartbreakingly sad.
The book’s portrayal of Los Angeles is a colorful and energetic one, capturing the essence of a lost era. Remarkably, the book has even been featured in two Red Hot Chili Peppers videos, where it is seen as Anthony Kiedis’ book of choice. Overall, Lexicon Devil is a must-read for anyone interested in the punk rock scene of the late 1970s and the tragic story of Darby Crash and The Germs.
Summary
This article highlights some of the best books about music. The books offer a wealth of knowledge on music history, theory, and practice. They are written by renowned authors in the music industry and provide unique perspectives on different music genres. Some of the books recommended include “The Rest Is Noise” by Alex Ross, “This Is Your Brain on Music” by Daniel J. Levitin, and “How Music Works” by David Byrne. These books are a must-read for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge and appreciation of music.