Rock The Books

The Return of the Ancients is a good book. The story involves a man from a society of planets who searches for his ancient history. He rediscovers amazing technology and is oppressed by his government. He narrowly escapes and is off to see if the old legends and myths hold any substance. His companion is an artificial person who adds interesting persepctive to the journey. When he reaches Earth he meets two eartlings who join in the quest. Antarctica is one of the places they uncover relics.
I don't want to give away more of the tale, but it is very interesting and engaging. Written in a unique and readable style, the story ties together divergent sub-plots and brings them together well. Overall a good reading experience.

I ordered it from Amazon.com and it was well worth it! I've never been a big sci-fi fan, but I really enjoyed this. The story was riveting. I usualy read before going to bed, and there were a few evenings this week when I didn't want to put the book down and go to sleep. The main characters are very likeable. I really got into rooting for them to succeed in their endeavor. I don't want to give away any of the story, but I would recommend this book.

I ordered it from Amazon.com and it was well worth it! I've never been a big sci-fi fan, but I really enjoyed this. The story was riveting. I usualy read before going to bed, and there were a few evenings this week when I didn't want to put the book down and go to sleep. The main characters are very likeable. I really got into rooting for them to succeed in their endeavor. I don't want to give away any of the story, but I would recommend this book.

Russ Rock's Return Of The Ancients is a original science fiction saga about one being who enters on a journey across the cosmos to find the place that has become legend and secret to his people - the planet Earth. Thoroughly entertaining and highly recommended for science fiction enthusiasts, Return of The Ancients involves a bridge between worlds, races, and disparate mysteries forming the core of this exciting and interpretive tale.

I was given a heads up on this book by a member of my family. (Families are not always good sources)
The book surprised me when I began to read it because in more than one way it paralleled some of my own thoughts which I had never shared with anyone else. Sometimes fiction is more real than we can imagine.
The story kept my interest throughout, and I found myself up later than usual wanting to keep reading.
If you toy with fiction and reality potential you will find this book appealing.

"In addition to stunningly beautiful photography of the petroglyphs themselves, Malotki's book presents one of the best and most level-headed, scientifically based summations of what American petroglyphs may represent that I have read anywhere. Malotki is well versed not only in petroglyph studies in the U.S. but worldwide; and he puts the specific rock art works he shows and discusses into the widest context. For anyone interested in southwestern petroglyphs, and in world rock art, this is a very good read with truly brilliant photography." G. Frank Oatman, Jr., retired college professor and serious amateur student of rock art.

Dr. Malotki's book is a comprehensive and beautifully designed overview of the wealth and diversity of Arizona's precious rock art heritage. A visual treat, it is profusely illustrated with spectacular photos and drawings, and accompanied by informative, compact prose that combines for a fascinating journey into Arizona's prehistory. Five stars!

Chris Gralapp, MA

I congratulate Dr. Ekkehart Malotki on the publication of his recent book, The Rock Art of Arizona: Art For Life's Sake. The spectacular photographs and comprehensive review of the rock art of Arizona as presented in this book gives the rock art of Arizona the attention it rightfully deserves. For those interested in gaining more knowledge regarding the rock art of Arizona, this book is a 'must have' for your library.

Arizona is home to one of the largest and most diversity collections of rock paintings and engraving known to archaeology. These artistic expressions and pictographic communications are principally the work of paleo-indians. Author and rock art enthusiast Ekkehart Malotki has compiled more than 384 photographs in "The Rock Art of Arizona: Art For Life's Sake", a 200-page introduction to the functions and meanings of rock art so far as archaeologists can decipher them. Intrinsic works of beauty, often in peril of vandalism, "The Rock Art Of Arizona" is a timely, seminal, and invaluable contribution to the growing library of information on this unique from of human expression. "The Rock Art Of Arizona" is a strongly recommended addition to academic library Native American Studies reference collections, and will prove to be of immense interest to non-specialist general readers with an interest in Native American Art, as well as North American Archaeology.

THE ROCK ART OF ARIZONA is an absolutely beautiful book, something you want to hold and investigate joyfully and unhurriedly. Gorgeous photography and superb graphic design invite frequent re-visiting and lingering delight. But it is much more than a visual treat. It tells a story. Ekkehart Malotki is either an artist who thinks like a scientist, or a scientist who feels like an artist. Just as in two of his previous books, TAPAMVENI and STONE CHISEL AND YUCCA BRUSH, the writing is concise, informative, and helpful for those who want to appreciate the artists and cultures that made these beautiful, ancient images.

I live in both Virginia and Colorado, and drive back and forth two or three times each year with dog and various family members. Malotki's books always come along, both ways. They are big books, but they still make the trips back and forth between the East Coast and Colorado to remain within easy reach in each house. In the past three years I have bought many dozens of books on rock art and archaeology. These beautiful books by Ekkehart Malotki are the very best I have. I tell everyone I know that if they are going to buy just one book on rock art in the American Southwest: get one of Ekkehart Malotki's. If you are going to Arizona, this is THE choice. Better than five star!

Although I grew up with core fundamental believe in Judaism, I recently took an interest in Jesus and Christianity. A friend of mine from college recommended this version of the Bible, she goes to a non-denominational baptist church, which I've been starting to visit lately and so I recently ordered it and I have been nothing but pleased. I enjoy all the "hot topics" he points out, but I also love that he sources everything and where to find the current issue you are looking for. Also, I enjoy the back section with all the true/false, fill in the blanks etc. I really recommend this for any practicing Christian.

This book shines like a lighthouse on a dark night. Young people can be helped in making good decisions if they follow the clearly organized topics. WWJD? Becomes "Now I know what is the right thing to do in my life." Helps young adults to live in the world and not be of it. Also, I regularly read the KJV and when meaning seems muddled I can rely on this version for clear and accurate information.

I work with the youth at my church and I highly recommend this particular Bible. When they created this Bible they did a good job.This student Bible has incites from one of the leading youth authors and leaders Josh Mc Dowell. His incites are PRICELESS. This Bible has life questions for the youth reader to answer and also true and false questions with the scripture references to help youth understand the scriptures. The New Living Translation is so EASY to READ.I highly recommend this Bible simply because of the incites of Josh McDowell and the easy to understand translation. GOD BLESS YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY.

For years it seems the NIV "The Student Bible" has dominated the landscape of Bibles for students. "The Rock" is-without a doubt-the new standard. The readability of the New Living Translation coupled with the excellent commentary and helps makes this the Bible of choice for my Student Ministry.

I am 15. I've been a Christian for 11 years. I've read my Bible every day of my life, and God never ceases to speak to me, even when I don't understand some of what I'm reading. I picked up The Rock and God totally rocked my world!! I understand EVERYTHING and it's so relevant to me!! I definitely recommend this!!

The dance music industry changes so quickly as to make this book dated within a year or so from publication.

Must have for aspiring House Proucers and Dj's.. You gotta know the history of what you do boi. GET TO READIN'

Sean Bidder's Rough Guide is the penultimate piece one can buy on this topic. It is well-written, provides more behind-the-scenes activity than any other source, and is one-of-a-kind. I wouldn't be without this book. It kicks!!

Finally, a book on house music capturing the pop sensibilities of the MTV generation, the historical coverage of the New York Times and the song significance of dance music magazines. With a cover graced by none other than Armand Van Helden, HOUSE: The Rough Guide breaks down this musical subgenre in small easily digestible doses.

In keeping with the MTV mindset of short attention spans, HOUSE provides synopses highlighting the salient points of significant contributions DJ's (e.g. Masters at Work, DJ Pierre), producers (e.g. Mood II Swing, Basement Jaxx) and labels (e.g. Nervous, Salsoul) have made to House music. Very much like a NY Times investigative story, Bidder's Rough Guide leaves no stone unturned, reporting on names both past and present in the house music game from Robert Owens to Adeva to Daft Punk to Bobby Konders. The book serves as an excellent resource and reference for beginners to gain knowledge about the genre, for intermidiate house lovers to further their education and for advanced house users as a reference tool to key people.

One added bonus, the book not only covers the people and the labels, but it also names the tunes that catapulted to stardom.

I take this little book with me everytime I go record shopping. Concise and accurate histories of all the DJ's and record labels that make house music what it is. If you're a house DJ, buy it! I guarantee you'll learn a thing or two, even if you've been a DJ forever.

I hadn't enjoyed a book this much in a really long time. It may sound trite, but I couldn't put it down. It was hilarious and as soon as I finished it I went online to see what other books by this author were available. Like others have mentioned, it reminded me of a Carl Hiaasen novel and maybe a little of Maarten Troost thrown in.

Great setting, great on the details, and a great read. You'll be happy with the love angles and triangles, the premise and the plot. For some reason I'm reminded of "Sick Puppy" by Hiaasen, in the very best way.

Light and satisfying. Enjoy!

Could not put book down. Aging rock star implants himself in your heart. Evil kidnapper evolves into sensitive caring man thanks to powers of love. Sexy, spicy and constantly drawing you in. Read it on plane trip to Hawaii, and read it again on trip home to JFK, NYC. This guy Smith really knows how to write a tantalizing story!

More fun than a frozen margarita on the beach! Salty is hilarious, raunchy, and continuously entertaining! I read it all in one sitting, and couldn't put it down. Take a fun trip to Thailand with an aging rock star, oh and be careful of pirates and FBI agents along the way. Seriously, what could be more fun than that?

I bought my favorite book of all time, "Boy Wonder" by James Robert Baker because someone described it as "Citizen Kane meets Blue Velvet." I'm a sucker for the one-line Hollywood pitch, and bought this book because of the quote on the cover: "Graham Greene meets the Marx Brothers." I was not disappointed, although, having just read it, I might say: "Carl Hiassen meets Bangkok 8."

As in a Hiassen novel, I loved the quirky characters. Turk Henry, the second-fiddle bass player in a wildly successful, recently defunct heavy-metal band fumbles through a mid-life crisis on the beaches of Thailand, determined to rescue his super-model wife from the clutches of kidnappers. His wife finds the kidnapping a perfect opportunity to deal with some of her own issues.

As in Bangkok 8, we are treated to a wonderful portrayal of the sensuality of Thailand, from the stunning food and smells to the rich depths and variety of the sex industry. Graham Greene is brought to mind by expatriate government agents acting on their own behalf, and actually trying to undermine the rescue effort. As for the Marx Brothers, well, I suppose they ate some Duck Soup, among the many mouth-watering meals.

I had a great time with this book, and put it down with a big smile on my face. I am certainly looking forward to reading Smith's previous books.

There is no Tom Yoke, only the great Tom Yohe, associated with Schoolhouse Rock!

If you grew up in the 70's and 80's and were anywhere near Saturday morning cartoons, then you know Schoolhouse Rock. Many of us learned our times tables because of them. I can remember at least twice when the catchy songs about American History were caught in my head and helped me answer test questions. The lyrics may have been replaced by other facts, but I'm sure that the songs are stuck in your head somewhere. This book is a great companion to bring so much of it back with lyrics, pictures and trivia about all the episodes. It will bridge things until the DVD is released. All in all a ton of fun. Pull out the book, sing along and relive those cereal laden mornings in front of the TV. Oh yea!

If you are like my self, when you were a kid in the 70's, you could not wait to get out of bed on Saturday mornings to watch tv. Mixed in with all those great tv shows were the School House Rock segments. As a kid I loved them, and now as an adult, I still love them, and always will. Buy the Official Guide To School House Rock. Read it, and take a trip back in time when everything was right with the world. You were a kid, enjoying classic tv, and learning your multiplication tables, and how bills became laws, and what adjectives and verbs were. School House Rock is classic tv at its best....

I rate this book 5 stars. The title of my review is School House Rock: The Official Guide by Tom Yohe and George Newall. I like this book because it is a great book and I like School House Rock and it's still my favorite show. This book is great. I like this book because it reminds me of School House Rock.

Schoolhouse Rock: The Offical Guide is fab! Filled with trivia, synopsis, lyrics, facts, color illustrations and behind-the-scene anecdotes from one of the most innovative and successful cartoons in American television history. A must-have for educators, parents and fans of this long-running and revived series of educational short subject cartoons. And don't forget:...."So when you're happy (Hurray!) or sad (Aw!) or frightened (Eeek!) or mad (Rats!) or excited (Wow!) or glad (Hey!) an intejection starts a sentence right!

I didn't know what to expect reading this book. Short stories are usually very shallow and pointless. This, however, is fantastic. The stories are very deep, and the emotion is raw and true. I think McCutcheon has a great way of describing details clearly using plain language. This was a lot of fun to read.

When I first saw this short story collection, I wasn't sure whether I as a 32-year-old female was the audience for McCutcheon's writing. As soon as I read the first page, I knew I was wrong. McCutcheon's stories are written with such heart that I found I could relate to his character's ideas and emotions even when I couldn't relate to their situations. I love these stories and often read my favorites over again. McCutcheon's first novel, Burnt Roof of Mouth, also came out recently--it does not disappoint!

Has it been more than 8 hours since you've had a drink? Since you've had sex? Well, you'd best get off the internet and go somehwere where you can get both, but first, order this book. If you are, or were, the type of person who's memory of certain evenings is fuzzy, read the stories in Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll, and some of it may come back to you. If you wish you had more of those evenings, read this book, and you'll see what you're missing. Either way, you'll enjoy it. Sobriety not necessary.

It's good to know that someone growing up in the 1980s wasn't listening to the morality speeches by politicians, priests, and educators. This is emotional stuff and quite worldly and literary in spots. The stories themselves run the whole spectrum of love, sex, death, travel, and are nothing short of completely entertaining. Looking forward to more from Mr. McCutcheon.

Remember that time you had a brilliant time and you told me all about it, and in the telling, it didn't seem all that great? Well, that's because you're not Mr McCutcheon.

Perfect book to parallel a unit of oral histories. Rock and roll-everyone has something to say about it. Students will get into the originality of the pictures. Parents and children can read together the well-written material about the hottest names in music history. It has everything to get students to the top of the new standards while connecting with their families and friends!

A really fun book to read to kids--I learned a lot too!

This is an extremely cool book, designed to introduce young readers to some of the founding artists of rock and roll.

Holly George-Warren is one of my favorite rock writers (and also previously fronted the punk/polka Das Furlines), so I know I'm in good hands with HER.

The illustrations by Laura Levine are brilliant and simple, in an "outsider art" style, depicting each artist (Chuck Berry, LIttle Richard, Wanda Jackson, Bill Haley) performing, and surrounded by symbols (and cymbals) of their careers, including famous song titles. The Jerry Lee Lewis picture has a piano keyboard as a frame.

Kids will love it, and adults will enjoy the subtleties of the art. I'm probably going to keep one for myself, and give another to my young godson on his upcoming birthday.

This is a cool and funky book, well worth it to the parent of preschool rockers or aging rockers with kids. In fact, you don't need kids or to be a kid to love this book. If you know "poodle with a mohawk" and other Linda Barry hoozzaas, and you know who you are, then you will love this book. And you will look marrrveloouus reading it.

"Back in the 1950s, there was a musical earthquake called rock & roll that shook everything up." So begins Holly George-Warren's introduction to Shake, Rattle & Roll, and after detailing the origins of "the new sound", she goes on to profile fourteen artists who were instrumental in making it happen. From Bill Haley, Wanda Jackson and Fats Domino, to Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and James Brown, kids will be fascinated as they read about the lives and careers of the musicians who helped start the rock and roll craze. Each short biography is full of historical information, fun facts and trivia, and written in a hip, easy to read, conversational style. Award winning artist, Laura Levine's marvelously bold and bright, folk-art style illustrations, complement Ms George-Warren's text, and show each artist surrounded by words and pictures from his/her best known hits. Together they've authored an engaging and entertaining book that will peak the interest and whet the appetite of young music lovers, everywhere. Perfect for youngsters 9-12, Shake, Rattle & Roll is a joyous, fact filled treasure, and an introduction to rock and roll that shouldn't be missed.

A really Very enjoyable accounting that covers The Specials (and their Two-Tone label) from their early days in Coventry in the late 1970's to their early demise in the beginning of the 1980's. From "Gangsters" to "GhostTown", Horace relays his experiences and observations (some of the bands' dynamics and evolution, playing, recording and touring) with keen wit and the perspective of a person who was clearly a fan of the music (and music scene) first, who would soon become an integral part of an innovative and important band that was able to defy gravity for a little (too-short) while...

While I was never abig fan of the Specials, I was still enough interested to buy this book and I am glad I did. This is one of the better rock biographies to have appeared lately. It is very different from the usual drivel about how many groupies and how much drugs they have done which seems to be atrend in recent music books. The Specials were one of the most important groups back in the early 80's in Britain. The degree of coverage and adulation they got in the rock press was very irritating and which more explains why I did not like them. However this book is a very entertaining recount of it's authors years as the bassist of the band and it does provide quite some inetersting insights into the creation of music and touring which is usually not present in other books. Really recommended

A great book that charters the life and times of the Specials, probably one of the most influential bands of their time. No "I was there" No "I did this I did that" Just an honest straight forward account of what it was to be in the band through good times and bad.

Though the book is detailed it reads almost like a reflective diary which I suppose in a way it is. For anyone who loved the Specials then it will bring back some memories, for anyone who has just found them now or just loves to read biographies of bands or musicians this is definitely the book for you.

Excellent insider's look at The Specials & the 2-Tone movement. Very funny, and detailed view of how the band evolved, songs were written & recorded, & performed live. I especially enjoyed the U.S. Tour diary, and cool photos.

Ska fans should definitely check out Horace's book. It's full of great stories, many bits of humor, and some excellent reflections on the 2-Tone era and afterwards. I found the book to be honest and straight forward and I really enjoyed it.

I saw Soft Machine open for Hendrix in Cincinnati years ago. I had never heard of them, but they are the ones I remain active fans of. And by association, Robert Wyatt (never knew "Wyatt" was actually his middle name until I read this book) and Kevin Ayers, Hugh Hopper, etc.

Too bad "Soft Machine: Out-Bloody-Rageous" has such a cheap-looking cover (why use such a grainy b&w photo on a book about such a colorful band?), because what's inside is first rate! I actually skipped to the part about first trio version of the Softs (the band I had seen, first hand), read through Hopper's departure, then skipped back to the original quartet. But it's all good, Then there are the extensive discographies, a listing of every performance and recording session, and a section about what the various members are doing now. It's all there. Throughly researched and engagingly written.

Graham Bennett's book Out-Bloody-Rageous is clearly a labor of love, loaded with valuable historical information and quotes from a multitude of interviews with all concerned parties, a well-written, fun to read history with a fan's sympathetic tone, though not uncritical when the need arises. The biggest revelation for me was how the early Soft Machine had significant cultural ties to a great many artists, writers, musicians and movements; everything and everyone from Alfred Jarry's 'pataphysics, Terry Riley's tape loop experiments, Gurdjieff, Ornette Coleman, Elton John, The Proms, Burroughs, Marsha Hunt, the BBC and "My Boy Lollipop" (and so much more) found their way into this band's swirling universe at some point in time. The in-depth accounts of Soft Machine's disastrous late 60s US tours supporting the Jimi Hendrix Experience are alone worth the price of the book. All at once enlightening, charming and in-depth, this is a must for any fan of Soft Machine, psychedelic rock, jazz-rock and European culture of the 60s and 70s.

Of all the books on bands and or people I have none more exhaustively then this book. It is very well research, full of the smallest details disogaphies, live gigs and interviews. It is the sort of book you don't have read from the begining either you could pick a section and read from there. The writter obviously loves this band and it shows through out. It is as detailed in the early years as it is in the later years. This is the book for fans and lovers of sixties music. Graham Bennett shows respect for their story and music but also the era. It s a lot of fun reading I am sure you will not be disappointed

If you love the Soft Machine in particular, and the Canterbury music scene in general, you really owe it to yourself to read this thorough and well-researched book. The fact that Daevid Allen and Kevin Ayers are on the cover should tell you that there is a long explanation of the origins and early history of the band, which make for by far the most fascinating reading. This band was truly an artifact of the mid-1960s London psychedelic culture, before settling down into a long stint as a progressive jazz-rock band. While the band was arguably much better in its later jazz-rock incarnations, there was an innocent rawness to those early days that has rarely been captured elsewhere. After you read this book, you will need to buy the compilation CD of the same name, then you should track down "Jet Propelled Photographs" to complete the picture.

I'm amazed that there's enough interest in this british progressive Jazz-Rock band,so that someone would do a hardcover biography.Author Bennett accuarately covers the many personel changes that took the group from the progressive psychedelic sounds of the Robert Wyatt era,through to the Jazz-Rock fusion of the Karl Jenkins era,which saw the group continue with no original members for several albums,following the departure of founding keyboardist Mike Ratledge.Bennett has interviewed the majority of the musicians who have passed through the group,notably,Robert Wyatt,Hugh Hopper,Elton Dean,Kevin Ayers,Roy Babbington,John Abercrombie and John Etheridge,but Mike Ratledge wasn't interviewed.Apparently,most of the musicians recall a frosty,uneasy atmosphere in the group,and as many members departed for monetary reasons as for musical reasons.There were clashes between the "free-blowing" Jazzers and the song-oriented progressive rockers in the group,and,for many of the musicians,being in the group didn't pay enough money to live on.An exhaustive index of the shows the group played is included,as are some interesting photos.The list of recording sessions tends to suggest that there is little or nothing in the way of studio outtakes from the group's album sessions,though concert tapes and radio/T.V. broadcasts continue to supply prolific flow of CD's.Bennett's book makes the subject matter well worth reading,and leaves you craving more information.But at least we've got this book,the closest thing to an official biography that you're going to get.Out-Bloody-Rageous that this book exists.If you like Soft Machine,you won't be disappointed.