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HomeShop at BookSurgeFictionFantasyGeneralBark Staving Ronkers: A Music Memoir |
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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 2 customer reviews )
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2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
A Dizzying Romp through British Music History! Mar 24, 2006
By Bruce Donley
"procolharum"
This chronicle of a musician who lived at the center of the tornado that was the British music scene in the Sixties and early Seventies is chock full of names, some of whom you'll recognize (e.g. Alvin Lee, Gary Brooker, Mickey Jupp) and most of whom you won't (usually undeservedly). From the early days of Maximum R & B and rock'n'roll, through the try-anything days of psychedelia to the beginnings of prog-rock, Bobin witnesses to it all- from the stifling effects of BBC control of the airwaves, when 'pirate radio' was the cool source of the hits,
through experiences with major record labels looking for that next big money-making group, it seems every kid in London was in a band at some point- the best often appearing again and again in some new configuration, the talented (or lucky) cream rising to the top, while most had their 15 minutes of fame- but were there for the right reason: they loved to ROCK!
Bobin also displays a good sense of detail and has a boatload of humorous stories to tell, and gets in a few digs (e.g. an egotistical Beatle and a portly gay keyboardist come to mind)
along the way. This book cries out for an index, to follow the dizzying geneaology of band members, and a map of London (Bobin's home 20 is South End-on-Sea)to locate the myriad clubs and bars that all had a stage for a band to plug in on Friday and Saturday night. Also prerequisite is familiarity with British pop culture of the time: for Americans, Swingin' London movies like "Blow-Up", and the extras included on the Region 1 DVD of "Quadrophenia" are helpful. An incredibly vital music scene is brought back to life here, with much music that deserves to be reheard today for its spirit and creativity. And all profits go to cancer research. What are you waiting for? BUY OR DIE!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A great trip down music memory lane Apr 18, 2006
By Paul Richardson
This is John's first publication and what a great insight into the rockin', r'n'b days of the early sixties and beyond. John has played with many iconic music figures and his list of buddies and playing partners is quite phenominal. The book charters his path through playing from teenage years around the clubs of Southend-on-Sea to recording for major labels with The Fingers and Legend to name but two. A good read for those who know John and for those who have followed his career and the bands in which he's performed. Looking forward to another!
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