Genres Books

A Testimony of the Lions is a book you will not want to put down once you start reading it. The only fault I found is that I wish the author would have made it twice as long as he did. It is good read for those with doubts about evolution or Christianity. It is a totally interesting book involving science fiction, history, and religion as well as a fast paced thriller. You need not suspend your sense of reality to read this book. It is right up there with modern technology and is quite credible in how it reads out. Otis doesn't pull any punches. I just hope someone makes a movie from this novel.
I'd go see it in a heart-beat.

This book is my favorite genre, historical fiction, but with a twist! Entertaining, enlightening, and emotional, Mr. Otis keeps the reader up at night waiting to see what the next page holds. Fantastic read!

Robert Otis writes a thriller that you won't be able to put down. In fact, the last 60 pages will keep you on the edge of your seat. The book much reminded me of John Irving's old classic, A Prayer for Owen Meany. Otis writes in that same story telling fashion, and his main character is one you will quickly find much in common in your own quest to attempt to do what is right in life. In fact Otis even explores the possibility of meeting and talking with Jesus Christ, to ask that age old philosophical question: what is the purpose of life and humanity. As far fetched as this might seem, Otis makes it possible with a kind hearted scientist who is tired of the bureaucracy of his top secret job of developing a time machine for the government, and uses this technology for peaceful purposes, to escape to 33A.D. The novel has heroes and villains, a spirited romance, people you will know from history, topped with a very thought provoking and charming script. This historical fiction is a must read if you're looking for a book to get you into the Christmas spirit, or through difficult days in your own existence. I read many books (mostly King, Koontz and Grisham), and this book has that same kindly flavor and intrigue. Do something nice for yourself, and check it out!!

A TESTIMONY OF LIONS

The work of a very intelligent scientific historian that presents a challenge to the average Joe. The beginning suggests a reflection on the author's own childhood and the formation of a crisp imagination. He capitalizes on the reader's knowledge of recorded history and willingness to reach into the vast arena of "How it might have been". The surprise ending leaves unanswered the feelings of fulfillment and fodder for the imagination of the reader.

Although this book is fiction, there are many historical facts that are part of the story. The lead character goes on a journey that I would love to take. It is a book for anyone who likes science fiction, drama, a love story, history & religion all in one book. I read it more than once.

Coker has written a readable, entertaining, and comprehensive biography of the man who became, rather improbably, the greatest rapper of all time. Focusing on his life, his titanic talent, his character, and the intrinsic grace of his storytelling, this book does not dwell on the petty rivalries that engrossed the media and dominated most discussions about Biggie Smalls. This book is overwhelmingly positive; in fact, the author seems somewhat infatuated with the subject, and this is the only reason I do not give the book 5 stars. For instance, Coker does not dwell on how Biggie exaggerated the poverty and depravation of his childhood to a great degree. But overall it is a great book that gives a solid feel of the life and times of the King of N-Y, although it is a bit of a puff piece.

Book Review: The Life, Death, And Afterlife of Notorious Of Big

By: Cheo Hodon Coker






The Notorious B.I.G. aka "Biggie" has left the rap game in body, but his music lives

on. Unbelievable; The life, death, and afterlife of The Notorious Big which was written

By: Cheo Hodon Coker. I gave it a five star rating; because it gave a better

understanding of Biggie problems and emotion that he faced on the streets of Brooklyn,

New York to the Hills of Hollywood, California. Coker makes it clear that Biggie

conquered the music industry with his street rhythms to win number of awards. Never

the less he come short to explain why when Biggie saw his wife Faith they did not talk to

each other for the last time.


The book was a good Biography of Notorious Big. It rest; fill with a lot of street

talking just as know Biggie to talk on a day to day bases. The book makes it seem as if

McPherson 2




Biggie was the person telling the story that how good the book is. It also explores a lot

of interesting issues that not many people are willing to talk about. Biggie had attended

Catholic School and getting a lot of things from his mother, who was a teacher, young

Biggie did not have much to do.


By the age of 16 he had dropped out of High School and had become a crack dealer.

Coker often said in the book that biggie just wanted more. Sean Combs, a Music

Producer, who pay Biggie money to stop selling crack. Biggie would not stop

because he had just had a baby and the music was not giving him the money he wanted

Combs one time had to went down south to get Biggie, because Biggie was down there

selling crack. Biggie often says that he did not think that he could make it in the rap

game.

Then come the war "East Coast" VS "West Coast", which the Media put a lot of

paper to the Fire and made it bigger. It ended up with the death of Tupac death, and then

soon it would be Biggie turn.

Over the entire book was a success I would recommend that people take out of there

busy life and read this book, most of all the rappers in the music busy now. It would also

help to stop the "Beefing" of rappers.

This book is Big as biggie smallz, i always respected Biggie smallz and i always wanted to know who really was Christopher wallace and when you read it you just fell pain for his mother, cause christopher was the son every mother want to have, this nigga could have done everything to see the people around him happy, when you read this you see how Biggie would never done nothing whrong to 2pac ,every hip hop fan have to buy this cause we all know many things about 2pac life but finally we don't know nothing about Biggie smalls , before reading this i was taking Big as the best flow hip hop will never had, after reading this book i thing that this fella was the realest hip hop will never have , i want to tell all the 2pac fan who take Biggie as the so called greatest to never forgot that 2pac has 6 lps before his death and Biggie got 2 only, this nigga was at the begining of his career and he was on his way to be the mike anyone jordan , jackson of hip hop!at the reading of this book you see that the 2 dearly legend of hip hop was two friend with nothing in common but with everything complementary, so enjoy cause this may not be the best biography i've read it's arleady one of the best ... it's 25 years full of love, pain, drugs,sex, guns , talent,women and many more!

A must read for anyone interested in the history of hip hop. Before I read it, I had only heard of the Notorious B.I.G. Now I feel as though I know him - personally.

During the 90's, when gansta rap and the East coast vs. West coast fight broke out, I was too busy working on my Bachelor's and Master's degrees to pay much attention to anything else.
I had also heard of Suge Knight and Sean Combs, but only from newspaper reports. Reading this book really filled in a lot of the details for me. Suge Knight is portrayed in a postive light as really caring for his artists and seeing to it that they were treated right. He became violent only when he thought that those artists were being taken advantage of, and that they (as well as he) were losing part of the money they were entitled to. I had always wondered what had prompted this violent streak of his. I remember the newspapers would only report the latest incidents, never try to explain them. The book also explains what it is, in fact, that Sean Combs does. I had always wondered: Is he a rapper? A producer? An executive? And, how did he amass so much money? Combs had always been a mystery to me. To some extent, he still is, but the book goes a long way toward solving this riddle too.

This book explores many interesting puzzles like these and shows how intricate relationships within the hip hop community had become, even by the 90's. Biggie Smalls is portrayed as a flawed yet sympathetic character. At first, he's a child attending Catholic school in uniform, who feels different from all the others hanging out on the corner. His mother is a teacher, he's fatherless, and while not rich, he's by no means poor. His mother gets all the latest gear for him so he doesn't go out and get in trouble. As he grows older, however, the lure of quick profits grows stronger, so that by the time he's 16, he's dropped out of school and become a full-time crack dealer. The book wants us to believe this is so he can buy even more of the latest gear, and that he's never statisfied with what he's got. I'm not sure that that's the whole story, but surely his life was never as bleak as what he depicted later in some of his songs. One gets the feeling that somewhere along the line, something just isn't right - either with the world, or with Biggie. Then, once Biggie becomes a rap star, he says in the book that he never expected to, that rapping was just a hobby and that the profession he had actually chosen was that of the crack dealer. So, we're expected to believe that this rap star thing just happened as a fluke, and came just as much as a surprise to him as to the rest of the world. Maybe all this is so, but if it isn't, the book makes no alternative explanations, nor even attempts to. All we're left with, instead, is an incomplete portrayal of the man who would later become known as the Notorious BIG. All in all, despite the inadequacies in the portrayal, one is still able to admire and respect the genius and charisma of this man. This is both a tribute to the man and to the author. It makes us aware that even legends have character pitfalls, yet we're still able to remember and love them for who they were.

I am so glad that I read this book. This book glorified Biggie as a everyday fella not a superstar. How good of a person he was and what he did for others including the ones that hated on him, which were many.

This book gave a first account on how he went for "ashy to classy" and how hard he tried to keep it once he found out that he really had talent for music rather than talent for selling crack.

What I didn't know, but really didn't surprise me was how much of a playa Biggie was. He had his wife Faith, Lil' Kim and Charlie Baltimore and I am going to say that it was more than that. It bugged me out him and Faith never even spoke to each other when the saw each other on the night he died. I guess it is true that you never know that last time you may see someone for good.

I love the loyalty of his true friends from St. James, mainly Lil' Cease. This book also showed you how grimey Lil' Kim really is. What devastated me that most was how his relationship between him and Tupac just crumbled over bullsh--, straight bullsh--. If you ask me my opinion and this is just my opinion, I think Tupac what just in the wrong place at the wrong place, just like the rest of his situations. Now, don't get me wrong that's my boy too, he just makes bad judgements, just like Biggie staying out in Cali, like everything was cool.

Overall, this book was the best biography I ever read. It was straight up real, it made you feel as if Biggie was telling you the story of his life himself.

Later!!!

This book is well worth the money! The techniques and vocalises Ms. Alba supplies on her CD and actual lesson excerpts on the DVD are invaluable for singers and teachers alike. Truly a must have for the singer's library.

I am so excited about this book that I have been recommending it to my students to read. Finally, an intelligent, coherent book has been written that describes what the great teachers have been handing down verbally to their students for generations. It doesn't get any better than this!

I believe all singers should read it. This book contains everything a singer should know about good, healthy singing and polished artistry. It is the most intelligent book I have ever read about the art of singing. It not only offers guidance in vocal study from Signora Alba, but also includes words of wisdom and vocal exercises used by some of the greatest singers in the world. I found this book the best guide in my vocal studies and I strongly recommend it to every singer.

I think that "Vocal Rescue" is a "must have" for every singer's library. It is a minefield of practical knowledge of the the voice and of the business, and I refer to it often, even after reading already.

Lois Alba's book has been a godsend to me and my singing career and is responsible for taking my voice to "the next level." I will be forever grateful to Ms. Alba for distilling into this easy to read and entertaining volume the knowledge and technique she gained through her illustrious international opera career and decades of study with the world's most eminent vocal teachers and coaches. It is truly a goldmine of practical wisdom for singers of any level.

My first English Ring was Andrew Porter's "singable" translation. It was my introduction to a world of sound-rhymes that is difficult to render even in German (a running joke in Bayreuth was that singers were asked to first translate the text to German, before starting work!!!). When my focus turned to meaning of words and sentences, I've discovered the Spencer translation, the most up-to-date version available in English. Besides an annotated text (with alternate endings included - previous versions of course...), comparing word roots with Wagner's own sources, we are also presented with introductory essays by Wagner scholars, filled with insight and devoid of one-sidedness so common in music scholarship. For everyone looking for THE version of Der Ring in English.

I studied "The Nibelungenlied" in college and was so mesmerized by the story that I had a linden leaf tattooed on my back. Since then, I have read Nordic sagas of the Siegfried legend. This was my first read of Wagner's comprehensive version. It was, quite simply, outstanding.

Wagner draws from all versions of the legend. In addition to "The Nibelungenlied," he uses "The Saga of the Volsungs" and other Nordic versions such as the prose and poetic "Edda."

Wagner's ambitious work was composed under the nationalistic fervour of 19th Century Germany. He believed "The Nibelungenlied" to be for Germany what "The Iliad" was for Greece or "The Aeneid" was for Rome. Thus he populates his German forests and rivers with mythological gods and faeries, and his human heroes are imbued with heroic courage and strength reminiscent of Achilles and Aeneas.

In his poetry, Wagner proves himself a genius. Like other masters of language, he deftly balances storytelling, emotion, and philosophy. Stewart Spencer's translation is excellent, especially in capturing Wagner's emphasis on alliteration.

See also Wagner's libretto for "Troilus and Cressida," another brilliantly written opera based on a medieval german text (by Gottfried von Straussberg).

I highly recommend this book. There are seldom times a book will give me chills, and it happened several times when reading this book. And if you are interested in the Siegfried saga, check out The Nibelungenlied.

This is a very useful set of libretti and translations. The introductory material and the synopses are also of great use.

This book would be an excellent addition to anyone interesting in Wagner's Ring cycle for a number of reasons.

First, the translation, which takes up three quarters of the book, is well done, with German and English directly compared on a line by line basis, complete with alternate or discarded or rejected versions of the libretto included in an appendix. The translation itself seems outstanding; some of Wagner's phrasing is difficult or impossible to directly translate into English, but even in the most convoluted or confusing cases the result is clear and compelling.

Second, there is a thematic guide to many of the most important leitmotifs Wagner developed (67 in this case), and in the translation of the libretto the authors have noted where these occur on a line by line, or sequential basis. This is of tremendous help as a reference for further study when listening and relistening to the music.

Third, while there is only little commentary on the operas and on Wagner's compositional journey through the Ring, there are a few photos from past performances, comparing vastly different sets for the same scenes, which are interesting. There could have been quite a bit more of this.

Finally, the glossary of character names could be useful to the student.

Overall, this is an excellent resource and reference to use while listening to the Ring, and for analyzing Wagner's libretto itself.

Thank you, Mr. Spencer. You have given us something very special. You have given us a complete English translation of Der Ring Des Nibelungen, and it's possibly the most Wagnerian translation ever put on paper. You have given us more knowledge about the Ring Cycle by giving us commentaries about Wagner and his mission to change the way we look at operas. You have also given us B & W pictures of recent renderings of the Ring Cycle, from the Bayreuth Festival to the New York Metropolitan Opera. And for that, we are very grateful. A+

It is important to remember that there were four people in the Velvet Underground and only one of them was named Lou Reed. Though Lou has gone on to a waxing/waning career as homo heroin hipster in the thirty-odd years since their demise, the other three (Mo (best drummer on Earth) Tucker, Dr. Sterling Morrison (RIP), and John Cale) are just as relevant if not moreso. One might argue Lou hasn't done anything as great without them since the VU's demise.

Here we have the autobiography of uber producer (Modern Lovers, Patti Smith, The Stooges)/VU bassist/viola/singer John Cale written with NY scenester whore Victor Bockris (who wrote similar pieces on the VU with Gerard Malanga and on Patti Smith with Roberta Bayley). The time with the Velvets is here, as is his solo period, marriages and divorces, early childhood and history as a musician, in a book that runs the range of emotions not expected by someone approaching Cale with the reductionist mentality of "The dark other guy in the Velvets that wasn't Lou," which sadly, lots of people do approach him with.

This book screams for a "read by Cale" audio version as anyone who has listened to/seen footage of Cale interviews knows, the man has a hypnotic Welsh lilt to his voice.

Buy it, read it, find out more about one of the best bands of the latter part of the last century and one of the best musicians to come out of it. You won't be disappointed. The content as well as the graphic presentation are beautiful.

Signed,
epsteinsmutha

John Cale is one of my musical idols. I'm in the process of producing my own concert of his & my compositions. He has a great deal of range stylistic. I highly recommend you purchase this amazing life of an amazing artist! I actually bought the cardboard bonded first edition from the U.K. when it was first published. Very finely book. BUY IT & enjoy!

I devoured this book about my top music hero and pronounce it good! It's not perfect though, I would have liked more background on some of the albums (people involved in the recording, events etc) especially his work with e.g. Nick Drake, and the editing is really sloppy: in one place early in the text, the title of a newspaper has just been left out, and Cale's collaboration with Bob Neuwerth is called Last NIGHT On Earth (it is DAY). It provides valuable insights into his personal life and artistic development, and early reflections on Andy Warhol and The Factory. Great photographs and illustrations too make for a very pleasing design. Certainly worthy of the man and his achievements.

I just recently bought this book. I love it. Great stories, and nice pictures. Sometimes it is painfull honest. It is so nice to read about the start of the Velvet Underground.

Also the pictures are wonderful.

Bettina

After finishing this book in the wee hours of this morning I've come to the conclusion that Cale must be appreciated for his solitary genius in the fields of art and expression but also must be taken with a grain of salt. The entire book seems to be a thinly veiled attack at Lou Reed whom Cale seems overwhelmingly jealous of (thou others would tend to disgree) Plus it shows him as a very difficult individual to get along with (ie his many wives, his broken colaborative relationships with Reed and Brian Eno) I also found it amusing how he brought it other commentators only to attack Reed and make Cale out to be a saint. Overall this is a very well written book filled with sardonic wit and dry humor with an excellent view into the VU, The Factory days, and the progression of one man's struggles through himself and art. Cale is not blameless in his trangressions but I think he sees this...

Anytime a major rock star has several books written about him, they are all basically rehashing the same information under a different title. This book "Then Music Of George Harrison", by Simon Leng, is without question the ultimate reference work on the recorded works of George Harrison. Every album and every single song George ever recorded, is given encyclopedic treatment. No stone is left unturned, as chart rankings, session players, and historical significance of his music is discussed in detail like never before. George's monumental album "All Things Must Pass", is given a 34 page chapter alone, as the author tells of tales from the musicians who participated in the recording, as well as the making of the album, which still stands today as one of the greatest albums in rock history. I found this book to quite an enjoyable read, and a must have edition to any rock n roll library. Beatle fans take note that this is essential!

The review title refers to the monumental critical analysis by Ian MacDonald, Revolution in the Head: The Beatles' Records and the Sixties, which this book closely resembles both in structure and style. I think it is, in a word, AWESOME that a solid critical appreciation of George Harrison's entire body of work has been issued. Simon Leng has done a truly commendable job of treating Harrison's solo discography with the respect and attention is deserves. There is, in fact, much more to George's post-Beatles ouput than "All Things Must Pass" (though that is certainly the peak of his accomplishments) and Mr. Leng offers opinions of it all, song by song.

As with the Ian MacDonald work, this book is written by someone who is obviously a major fan - but not a fanboy. A clear-eyed objectivity is (more or less) maintained as Leng analyzes Harrison's music. I didn't agree with every single opinion of every single song - but it did inspire me to relisten to George's music from a different perspective. Ultimately, I believe that's exactly what this type of book should do. The focus is squarely on the music (though some biographical information is included in between discussing the albums, which is welcome - especially since George's career isn't as well known or documented as Lennon and McCartney's).

If you're a longtime fan of Harrison's work, you're likely to find something new to listen for. If you're a newcomer, you're likely to want to immediately acquire any of music you aren't familiar with.

This is a pretty good book. Unlike it's competitor, or companion "here Comes the Sun", this book is coming from a primarily music-analysis point of view, rather than a spiritual hagiography/biography. The analysis is pretty much song by song and focuses mainly on his solo albums, not his Beatles work, so anyone who wants to read about the first and early forays into Indian music will not find it here- that said, he does go into detail about the people who worked closely with George in the production of all his work (including the introductions to Ravi Shankar and some of the faces behind the scenes).
I liked this book- if I had to pick one or the other of the two competing
"musical histories" I would choose this one, if only because while it recognizes George's spiritual quest could not be divorced from his music, it focuses on the mechanics of that music rather than the personalities of (and the followers of) the "spiritual masters" he encountered on the way.

Finally, someone analyzes George's musical catologue with the scholarly insight it deserves. Simon Leng understands how to connect the events in George's life to his artistic endeavors. Mr. Leng ably demonstrates that he has pondered long & hard about George's majestic contributions to twentieth century arts and beyond. Bravo.

This is a book every Beatles' fan should have. Simple as that.

I like the way Leng has documented in almost painstaking detail the music of George Harrison. The former Beatle did let his guitar do most of the talking; he was a phenomenal guitarist and a nonpareil lyricist. Leng does an extraordinary job of pulling together the persona of George Harrison together with his music; an almost yin-yang relationship at times based on this book.

Leng has done a good job of researching his material; Harrison's concert dates, tours and song reviews are provided. The former Beatle's affinity for Eastern religion/philosophy is duly noted in this work and how it molded him and his music. Many credit George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, the man who taught him how to play the sitar for merging Eastern and Western musical styles to create something unique and wonderful.

It is plain that Leng respects George Harrison, the man and the artist and those who played major roles in his life. This is truly an excellent work on the youngest Beatle that will leave readers thinking about him for a very long time.

Vanessa - I have to let you know, you did a wonderful job in writing this book and expressing the emotions of the main character, India.

I read this book in a matter of hours on a flight back to NYC - I was truly amazed at how quick I was reading.

The book became more interesting as the story continued. This is one of those books you will not want to put down. Good Luck with your writing career and I wish you all the best. I know you will succeed at whatever you do and I am here to support you as you reach your dreams/goal.

I recommend this book to anyone that has few hours to spare!

What a page turner, I read it in one day. Very easy to find yourself completely immersed in the story and the characters. Ms. Martir has a great talent for making the characters and story very vivid. Wonderful hip-hop fiction novel. Definately recommended.

This book is unbelievably addicting. It was so hard to put down that I read it in one day. I definately recommend this book to anyone looking for a great summer read. Her words and imagery are so extremely powerful that you lose yourself to the world she created.

From the minute I started to read this book, it was hard for me to put it down. Ms. Martir captured the essence of her characters with such finesse and clarity, that I felt like I knew them. Her story was intoxicating on so many levels. I recommend it for anyone who cares about the human struggle and the ability to overcome adversity through the help of others and reliance on oneself!

Once you start reading this book, you become hooked. It's details and descriptions make you forget where you are and you begin to think that your right there with the character. I personally have almost missed my stop off the train reading this book. This book is a must read and you will not regret it.

AS A BLUES HISTORIAN AND GUITAR COLLECTOR I HAVE MANY BLUES RELATED BOOKS IN MY COLLECTION. THIS BOOK HOWEVER MUST RATE AT THE TOP OF THE PILE. WHAT FANTASTIC FLOWING STORY LINES, MAKING IT HARD TO PUT DOWN. IT GIVES A GREAT INSIGHT INTO THE WAY OF LIFE IN THOSE EARLY DAYS OF THE BLUES. THE PLACES HE HAS SEEN AND THE PEOPLE WHO HE GOT TO KNOW & MEET IS JUST MIND BLOWING. ANYONE WHO IS NOT BLUES MINDED SHOULD READ THIS BOOK JUST TO UNDERSTAND HOW HARD IT WAS IN THOSE DAYS JUST TO LIVE AND PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE.(I BET HE THOUGHT EVERONE IN THE MODEN WORLD WAS SOFT)TRULY ENJOYABLE.

Fans of blues music and musicians will relish this autobiography of Delta bluesman Edwards, which charts his rise to fame and his survival in a critical musical world. His first-person observations of the changing blues style and field are especially meaningful given that so many blues titles are not written by participants in the field.

Honey and his astute collaborators have given us the genuine article: a poignant, detailed, uproarous chronicle of what Robert Palmer called the"Deep Blues," the Delta tradition from which all other blues styles emanate. If you've heard Honey sing either in person or on his fine recordings, you will hear the voice you read. He offers dozens of unforgettable moments, from the first sounds he ushers from a broken-necked guitar to his mother's death to the death of Robert Johnson, that are alive and chilling. My only criticism is that the photographs featured in the book are spartan, contemporary views of critical sites in this artist's life. More historical photography would have enhanced the text. The publisher of this well-designed softcover has made the text relaxingly readable. After my first 50 pages, I wanted to purchase all of Honey's recordings and read more about him. He is an articulate, funny, precise chronicler of his own life. If only I could do the same with my own life! First rate.

This autobiography succeeds memorably on several levels. Told in spare, moving words, it provides a vivid picture of life in the Mississippi Delta long before the civil rights movements of the '50s. In addition, it's a kind of African-American "On the Road," told from the perspective of one who crisscrossed the Southern United States, scuffling to make a living playing the blues. And finally, it's a terrific history of the blues, told by a man who made a significant musical contribution himself and who played with nearly all the essential artists of the '30s and on.

Edwards, born in the Delta around 1915, worked the fields as a kid before he learned to play the guitar and began hoboing around the South. He rode the rails, played in innumerable small towns, and polished his craft. Along the way, he hung out and played with the likes of Sunnyland Slim, Big Walter Horton, Little Walter Jacobs, Robert Junior Lockwood, Muddy Waters, B.B. King and yes, Robert Johnson. The book describes how these architects of the modern blues passed songs, licks, and stories back and forth, keeping a form that relies so heavily on tradition dynamic and vital.

A major strength of the book is Edwards' distinctive voice, transcribed by his collaborators to retain its distinctive rhythms and dialect. The book's title sums up his attitude. His memories include violent death, physical and emotional loss, and great material want. Still, you sense strongly that he wouldn't have had his life any other way. His narrative is devoid of self-pity, but it never glosses over the difficulty of the times he endured, which included stints in prison.

The book concludes with useful appendices that define key terms and offer capsule biographies and discographies of musicians Edwards encountered. A good bibliography is also included. Highly recommended for those interested in the blues and in American social history. Great read.

What a life! 82 years old Bluesman Honeyboy Edwards is one last Bluesmen alive that knew Robert Johnson but that is not the basis of the book. Edwards has lived a life that makes anyone really understand what the Blues is all about and other bluesmen back in the 1930's and 40's who shaped blues music.

Honeyboy's tales gives the reader his firsthand accounts of plantation life, the 1927 Mississippi River flood, vagrancy laws, makeshift courts, the racial problem and economics of southern blacks and the Depression.

This book came about because of the stories that Honeyboy told his manager of 25 years, Michael Robert Frank, who is also the founder of Earwig Records and Janis Martinson, a freelance writer. Martinson did the transcribing and left Honeyboy's speech patterns intact. My friend, Travis Brown is from Tennessee and after reading this book remarked that reading the words of Honeyboy took him back "home". Martinson also did the research and wrote the three appendices that appear in the back of the book. Want to find out what the "killin' floor" is (was) than buy this book.

Earwig has also issued a CD with the same title, I had that CD and Robert Johnson's in my changer while I read the book, they provided the perfect soundtrack to the theater of the mind.

Tony Houston, 1999

...most distinctive noses, unsightly ears? Probably something you wouldn't read in too many other books (any?) A great book to have out on your coffee table-- the bored guest at your party will be most grateful. And it will definitely provoke discussion, as well as some good laughs. ALOT of interesting trivia-- behind the scenes facts and things that really surprise you. Things the musicians would rather not have you knowing about them. Definitely a fun and engaging read!

This book, highly recommended my great friend in Connecticut, Marianne VanZandt, brought me back on a trip through the greatest years of my life. The information and trivia jogs my memory, makes me smile and re-inspires me. It helps me to rediscover the pioneers that, as a young singer/songwriter wanna-be, I tried to emulate back then. It's like sitting with an old friend arguing over who's better, the Beatles or Stones. You may not always agree with the author's opinion but you'll recall all of the discussions. His research is extensive, and truly reflects his love for this, (the best) period of rock music. Thank you, 'CT Banger Sister #1' for discovering Dwight Rounds. Thank you Dwight for a great book. "Please Read Me" (BeeGees-1967)....Buzz T-West Brookfield, MA

If you take this book for what it is, its pretty darn good -- it's filled with quirky facts and astute comparisons, and offers some unique angles on music and musicians. It's easily digestable and quite engaging -- I found it hard to put down. Its obviously Rounds' take on things, and he is quite well-informed, but he readily acknowledges this and welcomes argument. If you are looking for a scholarly book or an in-depth social analysis of the subject matter or take your love of the Velvet Underground very seriuosly, this isn't the book for you; but, if you're looking for some engaging reading and like music of this era, I'd recommend adding this to your library or your coffee table. Its a charmer.

To miss out on this book is akin to missing out on an entire part of your life. Not only does it chronicle the greatest music era, it is entertaining and extremely informative. We thought we knew "everything" about that "magical" time of music, but Mr. Rounds proved we didn't. There are so many interesting facets to this book, it is a must read. Thank you Dwight Rounds for an incredible trip through the greatest time of music 1964-1972. Be assured, "The Year the Music Died" is not just for "boomers". We have 2 teenagers who fight over it. Relieve the memories and realize that "this" music will never die. Buy this book. You won't be disappointed.

A unique and very funny view of the period. Opinionated, not afraid to take on anyone and anything. Answers a lot of questions I always had about groups and songs. A great, at times laugh out loud, read.

This is a great book. It is extremely accessible. I am using it with great success for an Introduction to Ethnomusicology course that I am teaching at a Liberal Arts College. The students like the book very much. It stimulates a good deal of in-class discussion. I would highly recommend this work for anyone interested in music, dance, ethnomusicology, urban studies, popular culture, popular music, American studies, and more... It is the kind of book that affords multiple points of entry. Bravo Kai Fikentscher

If you're looking for a book that's an excellent reference for Underground Dance Music in New York City, then "You Better Work!" by Kai Fikentscher is great reading!

Kai Fikentscher's evolutionary study and rounded presentation of New York's underground dance music and culture is a lonely triumph for a subject matter that desperately requires equal exploration of peer contributing U.S. cities such as Chicago, Detroit and Washington D.C.

"You Better Work!" is a straight edge to which much of what has been said about underground dance music culture should be realligned.

It's evident through well-crafted and intricately expressed text that the author has really done his homework. His book shines, especially when compared to similar historical efforts that clearly lack the consistent impact found in "You Better Work!".

Not only should those familiar with underground dance music absorb this essential reading, but the effort should be required academically, with particular regard to music, culture and art.

In addition to explaining fundamental concepts and techniques, Fikentscher details an often ill-reported but critical importance of UDM - the DNA of African, African American, Latino, Gay and a dejected segment of American society which defines the fabric of underground dance music culture.

Kai's work is a rarity in ethnomusicology; it's accessible, entertaining, and enjoyable to read. His inclusion of 12 inch singles, top UDM charts, DJ and equipment photographs, in addition to his on personal exposes in relationship to the house scene in NYC make this study a rarity within a discipline full of bickerings over authenticity, theoretical concepts and musical hierarchies. "You Better Work!" is a rallying cry for aspiring musicologists and music fans alike. If you danced during this period, it'll bring back those sweet memories of Mr. Fingers, Frankie Knuckles, Ru Paul, Acid and the like.

This text is the unrivaled standard for anyone truly seeking insights into the rich culture of Underground Dance Music. No long is house music an urban legend, but this book invites debate, theory, and growth based on a solid foundation of research, interaction, and presentation. From the halls of academia to the dark places where the underground lurks; each and every reader benefits from Kai's research.

If your a fan of techno... read this book.

Classics? Read.

Soulful... get to know this text.

... then Work!

-Byron