Rock The Books

Mr. Shaw's book gives an excellent insight. Looking forward to more of his books. Looking forward to also seeing his books on the big screen

After reading this book and listening to the CD of the same name, readers/listeners will say "The Velvet who?" This is rock and roll at its strangest, most twisted and rebellious. Mr. Shaw's story borders on the fantastic, but it really happened! Five GIs shaving their heads and dressing in black and pumping out punk music a decade before the Sex Pistols, the Clash et al. Who woulda thunk it? This is truly an essential addition to any rock musicologists library.

Eddie Shaw's book, BLACK MONK TIME, is an in-depth look at the mutation of a standard 60s rock n roll group into the first punk band. As bassist for the Monks, he is able to give readers an inside look at the dynamics of a working rock n roll group. His prose really starts to catch fire, appropriately enough, when the band begins to undergo radical changes; both musically and satorially. Fans of the Velvet Underground to the Sex Pistols should give both the book and the Monks sole album (entitled BLACK MONK TIME also) a whirl.

Incredible. Everything you've ever wanted from a band that time forgot, but never get. Really well written, with the ring of truth and a great sense of humor. Some great cold war stuff too. Maybe this is what Johnny Rotten was refering to when he talked about going under the Berlin Wall. Such a strange, interesting story, that now I've read the book, listened to the CDs over and over, even saw one of the guys walking around NYC with a baseball cap on and still have a hard time believing all this really happened. But right there in the book is a photo of a tonsured Dave Day comparing notes with a spit-curled Bill Haley; and there's even a German poster advertising, in clockwise order, an album from The Who, Hums of The Loving Spoonful, Fresh Cream, and lo and behold, black monk time.

Unromantic, exhausting, frightening, unrelenting, damn funny and the whole thing rings true...just like The Monks music. Wanna know what rock'n'roll in the 60s was really like? Read this. Eddie Shaw's writes this book as if he were telling you the story of his life with The Monks while sitting with you at a bar over the course of a beer soaked evening (which is how this story should be told!). His intimate and engaging style rivets you from one moment to the next and makes you feel as though he's telling you secrets he's never told anybody.

On top of everything else, the love story between Eddie and his wife is nothing short of inspiring and beautiful.

The Monks are the greatest American rock'n'roll that unfortunately never got to play in America. Thankfully, this book is here to keep the legacy alive.

It's Monk Time!

Anyone who likes Bob D. will want to take a ride to this alternate universe. At the same time, Grasty is able to spin a tale that will keep non-Bobophiles turning pages to try to figure out what happens next and, ultimately, who spilled the "Blood on the Tracks." Great for fans of rock and roll, the 60s, and mysteries.

BLOOD ON THE TRACKS is a real 'who dun it' with all the expected twists and turns expected in a murder-mystery. And while there's a murder, it turns out in the end that truth is the biggest casualty of all. It is a fun read, which I recommend to fans of murder-mysteries and music alike.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3Q7PYA1PIUFXH For those interested in learning more about my new novel, "Blood on the Tracks," before you buy it, this should be a great place to start.

Tom Grasty jumps straight into the genre's top division with a clever, gripping tale of murder, mystery, and rock'n'roll. Just start reading - and it'll make you want to turn, turn, turn the pages until it's all over now, Baby Blue!

To be honest I had no idea what to expect when I was given a copy of "Blood on the Tracks" but I ended up being happily surprised. The story was original and the author had an amazing knowledge of the world in which he was writing about. Worth the read.

The photographs and the written text of this book compliment each other
perfectly. This book is put together not just for the Bob Marley fan but
any style music fan and also for fans of photography.

AUTHOR WAS OBVIOUSLY A CLOSE FRIEND OF BOB'S!

MY ONLY SUGGESTION IS THAT THOS BOOK REALLY POTRAYS CLEARLY THE LIFE OF A LEGEND.

Pi up this book put the record on and get into this love and obscurity of "Slave Driver". Enjoy it.

One of the most surprising things you'd expect out of me, a 15 year old skate punk kid, is my collection of books. Big and small, short and long, all of my books are spanned on a shelf system that runs around my room. An those are just the good ones. The really good ones go in my night table drawer. This is one of them. Bob Marley is and was one of the most inflential people not only in my life, but in many others as well. This book not only shows that, it also shows the feels and vibes of Caribbean life during his time. It richly illustrates reggae in general, racial boundaries, and social problems of Marley's time. It is a vividly painted portrait of one of the greatest musicians of our time. With facts from his birth to his death and everything that happened to him in between, it helps you (the reader) to fully understand this great person. Bob Marley was truly influential, and this book illustrates that fact completely. You will read it over and over and over again.

The Brothers is a coherent and compelling series of autobiographical narratives, alternating among Art, Charles, Aaron, and Cyril. These perspectives are a valuable record of collective memory, as well as moving individual journeys. American culture from the late 1930s to the close of century informs and drives these voices: here is camaraderie and racism, love and alienation, spirituality and hedonism, cruelty and tenderness, peace and rage, cocky determination and chilling fear, triumph and despair--all related with a palpable frankness. Those of us born in the 30s and 40s will find parts of ourselves here; those born later will see how true it is that "past is present." Lovers of jazz, blues, early rock'roll, funk and r&b, and New Orleans rhythms will revel in the stories of contacts with the "greats." The street language may put off some readers. With all respect to those readers, I suggest their tolerance. It is no small thing that those who struggle with personal demons may find a light to their paths between the covers of this book. Over 300 pages, family photos, discographies, and an index.

This autobiography is actually a quartet of autobiographies as the essence of each of the four Neville brothers come alive in this book. The non-fiction focuses on the individual personalities, their personal take on music including their solo careers and group performances and recordings. It also Includes their evaluation of the last four decades of music especially in New Orleans and their personal trials and tribulations.

All this marks this non-fiction, as several cuts above the typical wave of rock and roll biographies that seem like perfect flavors of the month. Instead this tome provides a "Tell It Like It Is" feel that fans of the New Orleans sound will enjoy. Anyone who reads THE BROTHERS NEVILLE will seek other works by master music biographer David Ritz (see his works on Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, and Aretha Franklin, etc.) as this reviewer plans to do.

Harriet Klausner

The Brothers is a extraordinary look at how music and culture nurture us and redeem us. The power of this book lies in the unashamed honesty of the Neville Brothers and the wisdom and confidence of the author to allow the brothers to tell their own story. Unencumbered by analysis or author's comments, the brothers simply present their stories while the author ties the threads together to show how the Neville brothers as individuals worked through their personal problems and came together as a family and a musical group. There is no other book that means more to me than The Brothers. Their story has helped me to make sense of my own journey as an American journalist and music critic living and working on the island of Trinidad in the West Indies.

David Ritz has helped many rhythm and blues musicians write their autobiographies, including Ray Charles, B. B. King, Marvin Gaye, Etta James, and Aretha Franklin. The characteristics that these books share is the sense that the subject is writing directly to you as you read, and that the bad times as well as the good times are revealed. If you are a fan of the musician, you feel like you have a better understanding of them once you've read the book Ritz helped them write.

The Neville Brothers' story must have been complicated to organize because there are 4 Neville Brothers, Art, Charles, Aaron and Cyrille. They tell their stories simultaneously, a paragraph or two by one brother and then a paragraph or two by another and so on. The story they tell is fascinating and often horrific! Violence, drug abuse, crazy characters, prison terms and danger fill virtually every page. These are fascinating lives to read about, but I wouldn't want to live them! Aaron and Charles seem to be the most forthcoming and the most sympathetic of the brothers. If you love Neville Brothers' music, you'll want to own this book!

THe Neville Brothers are a very solid unit.Great talents.this book takes them not only as a Group but also as People with feelings&outlooks.David Ritz does a Great job of doing books.always Interesting reads.this is a very complete book.long overdue on these greats.but better late than never.

Kink by Amie Stuart

D'Angelo works for his father's air conditioning business. One day, while repairing a unit in his Aunt Glo's beauty shop, he sees Cherise, a drop dead gorgeous blond who makes him warm all over. Even after his cousin Vivi tells him that Cherise is bisexual, he knows that he just has to have her.

The two of them begin a relationship that takes D'Angelo to places he's never been before. Along the way, he makes some interesting discoveries about Cherise - some that scare him, and some that make him love her even more.

Kink is told in first person, from D'Angelo's point of view. That fact alone gave me pause at first, but I soon found myself pulled into the story, and loving the way that it was told. It was interesting to see things from a man's perspective. The ending of the story, however, left me wanting more. I was so wrapped up in this couple's world that I wanted to see exactly where it was going. I hope that Ms. Stuart plans to take readers back to D'Angelo and Cherise's world so that I can see how this couple works out together.

Down and Dirty by Jami Alden

Taylor Flynn is a successful businesswoman. She's risen above the life of poverty she led as a child to become a very successful venture capitalist. She and her boyfriend, Steven, have a good relationship, to her way of thinking, and she owns a great house.

One Saturday morning she is sleeping late after working on a proposal all night when she is awakened by the sound of lawn work next door. She goes over to tell the gardener that he needs to hold it down and is shocked to find out that the gardener is her neighbor, Joe Tierney.

Taylor is attracted to Joe, even though she knows that he's not her usual type. But when Steven turns out to be a jerk, Joe is there to help her overcome her hurt. Taylor sees their relationship as a fun time while she searches for a businessman to date for real. Joe knows that, in the end, Taylor may hurt him, but he can't keep away from her.

Down and Dirty is a fun read that packs a punch. I loved Joe and the way he reacted to Taylor, both when she was being good, and being bitchy to him. The two of them are perfect matches, and watching them discover it was pure joy.

Rock Solid by Bonnie Edwards

Carpenter Jake McKay is sound asleep in Florida when he receives a call from Seattle asking him to come and take part in the renovation of Perdition House. He wouldn't agree, normally, but the woman's voice is so sexy, he just can't resist.

Landscaper Lexa Creighton receives a similar call. When she gets there, she meets Jake, and they are immediately attracted to each other.

The attraction is easy for Jake to explain. He knows that McKay men feel electrical charges when they meet the one woman that is for them. Now all he has to do is convince Lexa of that fact. But they also have to fight the ghosts of Perdition House, ladies of the evening who are encouraging Jake and Lexa to have sex at every turn in the house, and in every conceivable way.

Rock Solid is a steamy, ghostly tale of love. Jake and Lexa are both sexy, strong characters who belong together. Making this story the most fun is Aunt Belle and the Perdition ghosts. Rock Solid will hold readers spellbound.

Built is a great gathering of sexy stories that is sure to entice, and tantalize readers.

I was very dissapointed in the first 2 stories. However Rock Solid by Bonnie Edwards follows well the adventures of Perdition House!!!

I wan't sure when I read the meltingly good review, but oh yeah. Three tales that will put anyone in the mood--and do watch those popsicles!

"Kink" by Amie Stuart. Manicurist Cherise loves the night life especially when she tastes wild sex. When she and air-conditioner repairman D'Angelo meet, the heart would melt a polar cap. However, his family thinks she, as the queen of kink, is too unconstrained when it comes to sleeping around.

"Down And Dirty" by Jami Alden. Business executive Taylor is irate over the noise coming from the house next door. She goes over to confront the cause of the racket only to find her in heat when she meets landscaper Joe; who plans to teach her how much fun it is to play in the dirt.

"Rock Solid" by Bonnie Edwards. Before the phone call, Florida carpenter Jake could not understand how a male could enjoy phone sex. Now he does as he lusts over Lexa who's asked him to come to Seattle to renovate a historic house. Fantasizing all the way across the country; once her arrives and meets Lexa, he knows his dreams seem pale next to the real thing. With ghostly matchmakers this pair seems destined for plenty of bed time.

The heat is on and never cools down as these three torrid erotic romantic novellas star enticing hunks and the women who know how to make them turn rock solid while going down and dirty with kinky sexual encounters.

Harriet Klausner

If you're looking for a fabulous book to get in the mood ~ or melt your popsicle ~ these three tales will get the heat rising!

Nash is a great photographer, with a clear, timeless vision that you can literally feel. His photographs hold you and keep you looking into them, farther. This is another volume in the work of our best contemporary photographers, and an extraordinary record of art and a place we might never have otherwise seen.

Burning Man is often described as being indescribable, and for good reason. So much of the art created there is ephemeral, lasting just a few days before burning to the ground. An entire city of 30,000 rises, falls, and disappears. To some, it feels like a heartbeat, and to others, a lifetime. To describe it in words is nearly impossible, when so much quickly becomes the elusive memory of memories.

Through Nash's remarkable photographs, we see a decade of visionary work and creativity that physically existed for only a moment. Whether you've been to Burning Man or not, this book will fill you with awe, and longing for the place.

So much of the photogprahy of Burning Man is all glitz and surreal glamour, with a big measure of breast often thrown in. Yeah it's a big party with all sorts of wacky and interesting costumes and bright sights, but the real soul of the thing is the making of the art.

Public art is always a gift to its community. The type of art that has grown out there, especially in its scale and ambition, often demands substantial gifts from the community to exist. It is a sublime and outrageous feedback loop, the process and product of which have never been as clearly and deeply represented as in this luminous book.

The inner cover photo of a box of matches full of dust and containing not only matches but burnt stubs, cotter pins and a spring, is one of the most complete and lovely images of the spirit of these brave artists I have ever seen. If you can understand that photo you can probably understand the process of making art out there.

Leo Nash certainly does understand the process. By far the most revealing collection of Burning Man photos ever compiled, as close to a portait of the thing as you are likely to see.

I bought the book because I like black and white photos and because my son has attended Burning Man and worked for the corporation that creates the event in 2003. My intention is to give him the book; but, I decided to read the text before sending it off. The intro is long winded drivel (and at the time of this writing, the writer of the introduction has wasted valuable real estate on this product page with some self serving crap from his blog; who wants to wade down the page to get to the real reviews?) and the text by the photog is self indulgent in the style of the "burners." The notion that this event is somehow "spontaneous" is what really makes me laugh. A more apt description would be something on the order of "this is my personal journal and musings on this ongoing "spontaneous" event, plus some photos" The pictures are well made, and the presentation with a slipcover is nicely done, which is what rescues the book.

I just received this book as a gift. I immediatley sat down and slowly turned each page in amazement of what he has captured. I cried.

This is seriously one of the coolest books I've ever seen in my life. I've never been to Burning Man (wouldn't want to), but these pictures are AMAZING. It might have been worth enduring desert discomfort dust storms and camping just to see the 2996 "Uchronia" structure-- wow.

Written in the spirit of Henry David Thoreau, Ed Abbey, and Everett Reuss, Rea artfully describes mind-blowing scenery across the entire Colorado Plateau experienced while rafting, backpacking, hiking and touring. Mixing natural history with insightful philosophical reflections, Rea draws the reader ever deep into the scenery and transformative character of the Plateau. Written with passion and skill, Rea's book is a must read for enthusiasts of the Colorado Plateau, naturalists, historians, and everyone interested in preserving what little remains of the wild.

By Kyle Gardner, author of Medicine Rock Reflections

Paul Rea's book, Canyon Interludes, offers the reader more than merely environmental reflection. In the tradition of Edward Abbey, Rea offers the reader integrated moments of personal reflection while traveling into some of the most undiscovered country left in America, the canyons and rivers of Southeastern Utah, the four corners region, and the desiduous Southwest.

Set deep in such amazing landscapes as these, Rea offers the reader incredibly detailed depictions of nature intertwined with very real physical tribulations - and accompanying emotional ponderings - while hiking and kayaking in the vast and remote spaces that few have bothered (or dared) to travel. This is a visceral piece that anyone who has experienced the sparcely harsh, yet awe-inspiring high desert would appreciate. Like Abbey, this author provides the reader with introspective moments to find themselves as well.

The author's delight in the areas he travels is palpable. Paul Rea's passion for rock, river, plants and birds unfolds as he strides through a canyon or paddles a stretch of quiet river. His prose awakens the senses and creates a strong desire to experience these places for oneself.
This is not a book to be speed-read. Each sentence packs so much color, description and nuance that the reader wants to read slowly and savor each line.
The enthusiasm the author feels comes through "loud and strong." In addition, he invites readers to understand that some of these wonders will not be accessible to our heirs if we do not carefully set aside/preserve these environs. His concern for the environment is balanced by a sense of fair play-trying to find solutions that work for everyone.
If you are passionate about the "great outdoors," this is a book for you!

Reading Rea's book is truly like being in the red rock country. His adventurous stories are alive with colorful sensory detail and suffused with his love for the natural world, with all its challenges, grit and glory. Rea writes with a naturalist's keen eye, weaving in history and philosophy, and concern for the threat our species poses to the wild.

I generally am a reader of fiction rather than nature books. After a friend recommended this book to me, I found to my surprise that it was enchanting. The poetic descriptions, which are both sensual and spiritual, lovingly render the incredible beauty found in this part of the world. This motivated me to plan a glorious trip to the red rock country to see it for myself.

I can't stop looking at the lovely pics. of all Chet's 60 guitars. And the stories in his own words. The best book in the world.

This is a ghost written autobiography of Chet and his various guitars. It has outstanding photography and provides insight into the character of the man.

At first I just meant to thumb through a few pages but Chet's easy-going and enjoyable writing style sucked me in. The next thing it was 2 am and I'd finished most of the book. Although I suffered the next day at work I didn't mind it a bit.

If you like vintage guitars or Chet Atkins' playing I can't recommend this book strongly enough. It is full of beautiful color pictures and behind-the-scenes descriptions of the development of some very interesting and historic instruments. Chet's stories of the people he played with, the guitars he played and the music he made are wonderful and totally engrossing. Buy this book today!!

As I Chet fan, I am always wanting more photos, information etc. on Chets's life, guitars, equipment and technique. This book is fantastic!! The book quality is superb and the photos are exquisite! I am very well pleased to have this book in my Chet collection.

Chet relates the story of his life and describes the guitars he owned and helped design in an easy-going, yet informative, manner in this book, which is lavishly illustrated with photographs of his guitars. As a country music enthusiast, I found Chet's story to be very interesting -- he had much more contact with some of the early artists (such as Karl Davis and Bill Carlisle) than I'd realised. Chet's narrative is characterised by his modesty and generosity to others: for example, he relates how Mother Maybelle Carter and her family fought some elements of the Nashville establishment to ensure he was permitted to play in Music City; and he is very complimentary of other guitarists (e.g. to Australia's Tommy Emmanuel).
I have no hesitation in recommending this book to any country-music enthusiast or country guitarist, though the book also has a much wider appeal.

Child In Time is the autobiography of Ian Gillan, best known as the singer behind Deep Purple's legendary Mark 2 lineup (responsible for such hard rock classics as "Smoke on the Water," "Highway Star," "Woman From Tokyo," and yes, "Child In Time.") But he's also fronted his own band, Gillan, and Black Sabbath (on one album), not to mention sung the role of Jesus for the original Jesus Christ Superstar. All the while he has lived an interesting life, from his humble beginnings as the child of a divorced marriage, through his early singing days (inspired because he wanted to get into the movies like Elvis), through becoming DP's hard-drinking but always affable singer--and developing a love/hate (some would say hate/hate) relationship with the guitarist, Ritchie Blackmore. In fact the main reason I got this book was to try to get the "dirt" on their relationship. There are some juicy tidbits here, including the time Ritchie smashed a plate of spaghetti in Ian's face because he thought that the singer had put ketchup in the pasta. "Come on!" Ritchie taunted, but Ian just walked out of the room, almost in tears. Eat your heart out, MTV's Real World! But seriously, Ian acknowledges that they're like apples and oranges even if some of their musical collaborations have been magical. Elsewhere, Ian documents his views on drugs, sex, business dealings, and how to deal with traveling in unfamiliar countries. Not to be missed is the hilarious section on his year-long stint with Black Sabbath--pure Spinal Tap if it's to be believed. While there are some egregious mistakes in the book (concerning certain dates), I believe a recent edition has corrected them. Also, some feminists might not cotton to some of his views regarding male/female relationships, even if he seems happily married. Check out Child In Time and learn more about Ian Gillan (and Deep Purple!) than you'll ever see in one single book again (unless the 1983 Deep Purple Illustrated Biography is ever updated and re-released, that is).

If you are a great fan of deep purple or Ian gillan this book is a must have

It tells in details the life of this marvellous singer, known by many people as The silver voice ! Ian Gillan is well known as the character of Jesus Christ Superstar in the record of the opera in the early seventies. Ian tells his career in full details, his family, his passion for music and drink !! Deep Purple is part of his life (most of it) and you can see it well detailed over here. A magnificent job by Ian. A complete biography of one of our most loved singers of all time: Mr. Gillan from Deep Purple. Hope you can enjoy it as I did.

As a writer and compensation consultant myself, I highly recommend this newly revised edition for HR and compensation professionals seeking a solid overview reference guide to all aspects of compensation. The book provides coverage of a wide variety of relevant topics written by highly-regarded professionals.

Mind you, there are more comprehensive treatments available for specialty or "single-topic" compensation areas, such as executive or sales compensation, but none that provide the overall breadth of The Compensation Handbook as resource guide on many key areas of compensation management.

I found this book to be an invaluable reference for my research in the area of compensation. It covers all of the main topics in compensation management with articles from the best minds in the field. The trend summary and chapter introductions provide an overview that is interesting and insightful. That kind of analysis is hard to find. The information is surprisingly up to date, since change is slow in this field.

The book is essential for compensation professionals.

Received with thanks the Compensation Handbook in a very good condition. It is exactly the product I was looking for. I believe that it would be a very important reference to my business.

As a compensation consultant, I sought a comprehensive guide for all aspects of the field. The 4th edition of The Compensation Handbook provides simple and direct answers for every compensation problem. It is a virtual "who's who" of compensation professionals providing well-constructed, concise information on their area of expertise. No matter what information I seek -- from base compensation, variable compensation, executive compensation, performance and compensation, compensation and corporate culture, or international compensation -- I can find pertinent, practical guidance in this one book. Compensation issues that are currently challenging every company - regardless of size, age, or industry -- are especially well developed in The Compensation Handbook. The section on Corporate Culture containing chapters on "Culture and Compensation" and "Connecting Compensation, Behaviors, Culture, and Strategy to Win" by William M. Mercer consultants, "Rewarding Scarce Talent" by Patricia Zingheim, "Gaining a Competitive Edge by Improving the Return on Human Capital" by Peter LeBlanc, and "The Role of Work-Life Benefits in the Total Pay Strategy" covers issues that every compensation practitioner or human resources professional will grapple with in the forseeable future. Even the effect of technology and computers on compensation administration are handled in The Compensation Handbook. Information on global compensation strategies is relevant not only to practitioners but to anyone seeking employment on foreign soil or working for a foreign company. The Compensation Handbook is a winner.

As a compensation consultant, I sought a comprehensive guide for all aspects of the field. The 4th edition of The Compensation Handbook provides simple and direct answers for every compensation problem. It is a virtual "who's who" of compensation professionals providing well-constructed, concise information on area of expertise. No matter what information I seek -- from base compensation, variable compensation, executive compensation, performance and compensation, compensation and corporate culture, or international compensation -- I can find pertinent, practical guidance in this one book. Compensation issues that are currently challenging every company - regardless of size, age, industry -- are especially well developed in The Compensation Handbook. The section on Corporate Culture containing chapters on "Culture and Compensation" and "Connecting Compensation, Behaviors, Culture, and Strategy to Win" by William M. Mercer consultants, "Rewarding Scarce Talent" by Patricia Zingheim, "Gaining a Competitive Edge by Improving the Return on Human Capital" by Peter LeBlanc, and "The Role of Work-Life Benefit in the Total Pay Strategy" covers issues that every compensation practitioner or human resources professional will grapple with in the forseeable future. Even the effect of technology and computers on compensation administration are handled in The Compensation Handbook. Information on global compensation strategies is relevant not only to practitioners by to anyone seeking employment on foreign soil or working for a foreign company. The Compensation Handbook is a winner.