Unknown Legends of Rock 'n' Roll
by Richie Unterberger
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Book Summary Information
Author: Richie UnterbergerBrand: Backbeat Books
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1998-05-01
ISBN: 0879305347
Number of pages: 422
Publisher: Backbeat Books
Product features:
- Published by Backbeat Books 422 Pages
- Book/CD Pack by Richie Unterberger Foreword by Lenny Kaye
- Author: Richie Unterberger
Book Reviews of Unknown Legends of Rock 'n' Roll
Book Review: Get to Know The Other Sides....
Summary: 5 Stars
Having finished Irwin Chusid's "Songs in the Key of Z" it made sense to keep going with "Unknown Legends of Rock 'n' Roll". This book deals with more "accessible" people and groups, meaning that out of the 70 artists discussed, the average rock music person may have heard of at least one quarter to maybe half of them. Syd Barrett, the founder of Pink Floyd, and singer Sandy Denny are two readily familiar names. Joe Meek, the British creator of "Telstar", is also among the artists profiled.
British, American, German, Dutch and Iron Curtain artists from the 1950's through the 1990's are featured in this book. The psychedelic garage bands, British acts that didn't make the invasion of the 1960's and solo acts that possessed as much talent as writers and/or performers; that for lack of the "Big Break" or the machinations of the managers and/or record companies prevented the world at large from knowing of their existence.
Each performer is examined chapter by chapter; some with stories more heartbreaking than others. Unterberger made the effort to speak with as many of the performers as possible, getting them to reflect back on their struggles, accomplishments, and where it went wrong. If the performer was deceased or unavailable, he spoke with someone closely associated with the act. His prose is a first person account with extensive quotes from the artists and there are plenty of black and white photos that add to the telling. This book is very readable and informative. At the end of each chapter is "Recommended Recordings" where Unterberger lists available records and CDs for that artist.
Which leads to the BIG plus already with this book: it comes with a compact disc so you are able to hear what you are reading about! At the end of the book right before the index are 2 and half pages devoted to the disc. Some of the songs have previously been unavailable.
So this is a book that must be part of a rock music lover's library.
Over 400 pages, lots of photos, so many stories and personalities from the last 50 years... And a Compact Disc! This is a pleasurable reference book - a real keeper!
Summary of Unknown Legends of Rock 'n' Roll
For every Beatles or Stones, there are dozens of visionary rock groups who remain unsung heroes. From cult figures such as Pink FloydÃ?s Syd Barrett (the most famous musician included here) to virtually undiscovered artists, this behind-the-scenes book with a fascinating CD of 12 rare songs celebrates the best rockers in everything from Ã?50s rockabilly to Ã?90s post-punk - the unknown greats who, for one reason or another, just never made it. Features lots of photos throughout.One man's unjustly neglected genius is the next man's appropriately unheeded fraud. Differentiating between the prodigies and the posers is one of the great joys of fans of any art form, including pop music. And this task is made easier with this book, a paean to some of rock & roll's quirkiest artists. All Music Guide coeditor Richie Unterberger ranks among the most prolific rock critics of recent times, and he exhibits a depth of knowledge and a clear commitment to his subjects throughout this 400-page-plus study. He tracked down former members of such long-forgotten groups as Rising Storm, Savage Rose, and the Deviants for interviews. All seem to respond with unmistakable enthusiasm as they recall creating idiosyncratic music decades back. Heaven knows, a guy like Joe Docko doesn't get many opportunities to discuss his mid-'60s Mystic Tides 45s. This brings up the book's greatest strength: the light Unterberger shines on some truly secluded artists. Yes, you may have heard of Syd Barrett and Nick Drake, but even serious rock & roll aficionados may be at a loss when it comes to Duffy Power and the Misunderstood. A 12-song CD comes with the book, making it all the better an investment for music fans who want to explore strange terrain. --Steven Stolder
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