Rock Books

James Campion is one of the bright young nonfiction writers of the new century, and he got a head start on this one. Back in 1995 the Jersey rock scene was changing and the craziness of life on the road in the clubs began with the swirling tide of Dog Voices. Their outrageous story is all-true in this thrilling page-turner. "Deep Tank Jersey" is "Almost Famous" times one-thousand.

It was one of the best books on rock and roll I've ever read, and I've read my share.

Buy this book to see just how pathetic the world of NJ music is. I found it by accident, bought it on a lark and am glad I did. It reafirmed every joke about NJ i've heard...

Leave it to James Campion -- the elfin Jack Kerouac of his time -- to expose the soft underbelly of the Jersey bar band scene in a gripping narrative which captures the sights, sounds and (god awful) smells of a Jersey summer as only an insider can do.

Although diminuitive in stature, Mr. Campion's oversized ego makes up for his lack of size and virility, as he becomes -- in essence -- the plot, characters and narrator of his cute little story about a bunch of punch drunk never-was'z.

I first came across Dr. Campion on his weekly cable show, "sports night", in which he was the host, producer, cameraman, gopher, sales manager, & Christ Object -- the Harold H. Heckuba of rancid cable tv.

Of course, the melodrama of Mr. Campion's personal life -- particularly his bachelorette party -- would make for dramatically more interesting reading than the sordid tales of a bunch of losers, but that will likely be saved for his memoir, which we understand is tenatively entitled "Meet me at my Summer retreat in Joe Namath's crotch region," due out in 2025 along with his Jesus book.

Salu, Dr. Campion!

I heard about James Campion on a Hunter WS. Thompson site, and picked up Deep Tank on Amazon.com and absolutely loved it! There is nothing down here that compares to the Jersey scene. I was up there once and couldn't believe the atmosphere for music. This is the BEST book on traveling musicians ever written. Campion is the new Gonzo king!!

In DTJ, James Campion journals a summer with "Dog Voices", one of the hardest working cover bands on the Jersey circuit. He manages to infiltrate their camp, gain their trust, and become one of them. His insightful personality and unique writing style make the book incredibly interesting; especially when you consider it's not a chronicle of a celebrity act AND when you realize he doesn't even use song titles during the descriptions of their performance(s). JC has been a long-time columnist for the Aquarian, a popular music weekly on the East Coast. This book, along with his other entitled "Fear No Art: Observations on the death of an American century" (which compiles his "Reality Check" columns from that paper) are great reading for fans of satire and substance.

It offers exactly what it says. Great for learning piano/guitar duets. ADding the vocals is a given.

I first heard the song Imortal on one of the music tv channels,I'm thinking it was VH1. I wish the music channels were all music again. I realized later she was also on the Elektra soundtrack (Great movie and nice outfits-Jennifer Garner) I put the Imortal song on a DVD-I recorded it from TV, I always wanted to learn to play the song so after alittle thinking I decided to purchase the music. I'm the kind of person who buys something -only if it has a few good songs.She has a GREAT voice.

I am a vocalist and am taking piano, and I love this music book! It is really great for the vocalist/pianist/guitarist Evanescence fan. However, don't buy it thinking you will sound exactly like the band. Of course, they can't match up the music exactly, and it is a bit different than the album versions or the songs you're used to. However, if you like Evanescence and want to do their songs, buy it!

This book is a great book, especially for guitar /piano / keyboard players. You can play it with your band (if you have one), and the sheet music for "Hello", "My Immortal" and even piano fill for "Bring me to Life" and other songs are there!

Note: Guitar-Bass parts does not included.

This book is easy - BUY IT!

I love this book, I use it all the time at my singing lessons.

The lens through which we see the world is different for everybody and according to what appears to me, there are three kinds of books that exist. First category consists of books that once they are finished, end up gathering dust on the bookshelf. Only occasionally they will be remembered. Books such as these are usually heavily marketed, so everyone will buy it, and only stay afloat for a short period of time. Second, there are those books that should be read to gain a better understanding of yourself and this world. True gems of literature that shine brightly on the pages of history. These are the classics, which take concepts to higher levels. Finally, there are those books that seem to appear quietly, but steadily gain acclaim and credibility. These are the books that get tested and tried, making them prove their worth. With time, these books either gain a solid footing, or slowly fade into the background. I find myself paying close attention to such books, because these are the ones that have the potential to become timeless.

Richard Barone's "Frontman" falls into the last category. While going through its pages, I could not help but to gain a deeper understanding of what love for music is all about. Starting from Richard's early years as being "the littlest DJ" all the way to his latest accomplishments of producing countless projects that are all backed up by nothing more but his love for what he does. As I was reading about Richard's "frontman" experience, it helped me realize how much work it took to be him. The pressure that is placed upon the leader's shoulders and how tough it can get. For anyone wishing to see what the world of music producing is all about will not be disappointed either. One will find a lot of technical information about equipment, record deals, and advice to those who are just starting out in this field. I started appreciating music a lot more than before and learned the true meaning of self-expression. I mean, who can forget that SEX flag? It is cleverly written and will make you laugh more than once, at times even cry, as well as pass on countless advice from the wise to anyone who chooses to listen. I find myself going back to the book and rereading what I've highlighted once in a while to make sure I don't forget what it conveys.

It was once said that if you want to become better at one thing, study something else. The broader your viewpoint on the world, the better you can understand it. Regardless if you are a music fan, in a band, a finance major, or someone who is looking for answers about themselves and their existence, this book has what it takes to open your eyes at least a little bit wider.

Thank you Richard for how much of yourself you've invested into this book.

Frontman: Surviving the Rock Star Myth

"Frontman" is a uniquely honest and refreshing story that works on several levels at the same time. What makes a frontman? Why do they do it? Few books, if any, have explored the phenomenon from the point of view of the subject so brilliantly. B-52's Frontman Fred Schneider says it best on the back cover: "BUY THIS BOOK"!!!

Richard's book is an extremely enjoyable, involving look at a business that eats its own without blinking, but he's come out of everything he's encountered with an amazingly uncynical, positive view. I can't recommend Frontman highly enough... a wonderful way to spend your weekend!

With 'Frontman' Richard Barone adds another remarkable achievement to his already impressive portfolio. Most books I've read by or about musicians have disappointed and/or caused me to like a performer less. 'Frontman' only helps me further appreciate one of my favorite artists! Richard offers a fascinating "travelogue" of his career and music. As in his songs, his writing is eloquent but never pretentious or cloying, and honest but never self-indulgent or gossipy. And as intended, his stories of the music biz are enlightening, engaging and educational for any aspiring frontmen. Richard has truly experienced the wild rollercoaster ride of the entertainment industry and still remains modest, upbeat, and astonishingly un-jaded. Whether or not you're already a fan of Richard's work, this is a great read... and if you're not, you will be by the time you finish this book!

What a surprise to find that the frontman, Richard Barone, is a poet, a musician and singer, a philosopher and mystic. I was skeptical when a friend gave me the book exclaiming, "you'll love it." I love music, but wasn't interested in knowing the ins and outs of the music business (which is accomplished with humor, intelligence and punches). So, I read the first page and was convinced he could write, and then read the last two pages, which reeled me into the reality that this book was much more than black and white words. I've thanked my friend for turning me on to The Frontman. I've given copies to several of my friends, who have thanked me. And, so it goes, there are numerous ways to be inspired, appreciate creativity, notice serendipity, and be compelled to consider the grand unanswerable questions of life. Thank you Richard Barone!

I have always been a fan of autobiographies and this book certainly delivers. I was thinking it might not be as good as all that. I mean come on, yes I was a fan of the spice girls, but so was every pre teen girl.

But I was surprised to find out actually quite a lot. Geri is very open about her battles with anorexia and her trials with the paparazzi.

She is also an amazing person having done work for the UN, speaking about birth control and also performing for the troops.

It was a smart move for her to write this book and also a very honest one as well. She has been through a lot and you see her struggle through it all. It is very inspiring to know what she has been through and it makes you realize that celebrity is not always as perfect as it seems.

I read this book after reading her 1st auto-biography If Only and it is great! If only takes you up to when she left the band and Just for the Record takes you on her solo career.
This book really shows you who she is as a person. You see all sides of her and it made me like her all the more b/c you see how human she is. She shows you that all celebrities have their good an bad days like the rest of us. She gives you an insiders peak into a fun and sometimes not so fun world of celebrity.
Loved it!

I have to admit I only bought this book because the Spice Girls were getting back together and thought it would be cool. I'm not much of a reader but, this book kept me entertained, I read the whole book in one day, "If Only" should be read first but really it doesn't need to be, this book portrays even more in depth how and why Geri left the group when she did and she writes about her struggles with what she wanted to do after that decision, she also explaines her troubles with eating disorders and her passion for yoga, a great read, even if you aren't a fan!

This book pics up right where If Only left off. This book is an excellent read, which holds your interest and it has amazing full page pictures of Geri. I would recommend reading If Only first because "just for the record" is a continuation of it. These books are great reads even if you aren't a fan of Geri's music because she has gone through so much in her life, and it is a very inspirational book with a positive message. This book is also a ,must have for any Geri fan. Even if you don't like to read, the pictures are amazing and there are many of them.

Ok, I got this book, and I am in love with it. First of all,I loved "If Only", which was her first book. But, it was story that never got finished. She leaves the first one with you wondering if her solo career is gonna make it, and this one picks up where she left off, and shows her spunky greatness. This book, along with the great pictures is very good. Anything and everything is shown about her life. This is a book that really makes you wanna change and be a better person. Going from 1998 to 2002 shows all of her triumphs and struggles. Anorexia, singles not getting number one, and break ups take up a major part of the book. But also, it shows her awards, loves , and performances, that make you feel like you are right there. READ THIS BOOK. The reading itself is good, but also, there are hundreds of pictures of her in the book that show her from then to now. If you have any intrest in this woman,you'd better buy this book.

Pat's own stories create the framework for baby boomer grandparents to remember the open mindedness, sense of adventure, fun and rebelliousness of their youth and breaking the current perception of what it is to be a grandparent. As a baby boomer myself hoping to be a grandparent soon, reading Pat's book makes me want to be a grandparent so much sooner! I can't wait to create incredible memories using these tips. Throughout the book are helpful reminders of `that was then and this is now.' This includes tips and stories of keeping up with the times with the newest means of communicating with your grandchildren--including email, IM, videomail, and texting. I also loved the recollections of grandparents of an earlier generation and how rich traditions such as story telling are passed down. I particularly enjoyed Pat's story about her grandmother who she described as a spellbinding story teller. Pat shares how she applied this art to how she communicated with her grandson to create a much deeper bond with him. She offers tips on building magical creative (story) adventures with your little loved ones. Thank you, Pat, for this treasure chest of imaginative ways to enrich this special relationship. . . and for modernizing grandparenting!

Who would have thought that after performing in a rock & roll band all these years & now having kids that the two loves of my life would come together in book? Grandparents Rock uses the familiar favorites songs that I play for my kids integrated with fascinating stories from real life. The book gave me viewpoints and inspiration that I enjoyed & my kids loved. Rock on.

Grandparents Rock is a great inspiration. It shows the challenges of todays Grandparents in dealing with geographical locations, and limited time to make connections.
It gave me ideas to use with my grandchildren and awareness of how much support grandparents need these days.

The various ways of demonstrating love make it practical as well as heart moving.

Grandparents Rock is a delightfully, fun-filled book sure to be a great edition to any personal library! I purchased this book for my parents and grandparents not only to give them new & innovative ideas but to also help them reflect on the many great memories they have created with their grandchildren.

Pat Burns provides such a fresh outlook on being a grandparent in the 21st century - This book has everything from heart-warming stories to ideas that will keep your grandchildren coming back for more. Buy Grandparents Rock if you want to add some great and very powerful tools to your toolbox for being a rock'n Grandparent!

This is a fun book with lots of great ideas. I liked reading the personal stories of other people's experiences. The pictures and song titles are very entertaining and the grandparenting guidelines (at the end of each chapter) are helpful.

I'm an active boomer "grandmom" who likes planning things with my grandkids. This book gave me some new things to try: the Zen box, painting bird houses and pretend birthdays are some of them.

I'd recommend Mom's & Dad's give Grandparents Rock to their parents to enjoy and share with their grandkids. It's groovy!

'Been in the game for 12 years getting no place. Moved to Nashville, hang out, thought I was doing stuff right. But I kept hearing what I didn't want to hear - my songs weren't quite there. 'Been too stubborn to accept that. Then I read Leiken's book and read what all those publishers said. Okay- I'll give it another shot, doing it their way. Thanks, Mollie. Good to know you're out there

We sent our songs to all the cheap "consultants" in the world for direction with our music career. But this book has been more helpful than all of the "experts" put together. 'Bought four copies - one for each member of my band.

Finally! A book that really helped us! My band and I read all the other books. Went to the seminars. Paid the lawyers. But this book has opened our eyes, sharpened our pencils and got us going. Our songs are 'way stronger, and now we have a major deal on the table.
Put your egos away and listen to this lady. She knows her stuff. This book will change your life and career, too.

We sent our songs to all the cheap "consultants" in the world for direction with our music career. But this book has been more helpful than all of the "experts" put together. 'Bought four copies - one for each member of my band.

How To Be A Hit Songwriter: Polishing And Marketing Your Lyrics And Music offers practical creative and career advice from an Emmy-nominated songwriter Molly-Ann Leikin. From rewriting without overwriting, to coping with rejection, to meeting deadlines, to developing business smarts, and so much more, How To Be A Hit Songwriter is a definitive, down-to-earth, accessibly written, "must-read" instructional reference guide for all aspiring song writers and composers of popular music.

Anthony's book shows us, the reader, how interviews can be handled in a professional, smart way to engage the subject, triggering that person to open up and reveal the business of music and the creativity of his/her soul. My favorite interview is where Keith Richards talks about his daughters sneaking into bed with him while he is asleep and waking up to find them next to him.

Octaroons (people over 100 and baboons with eight legs) will find this book absolutely wonderful. I found out about this fine book from my good friends, Andy Breckman and Friedman, International Comedic Envoy for the UN. However, this show is pathetic, but just as hilarious as the Wikipedia one. Everyone should buy this book. Seven Second Delay Rocks.

I had the distinct pleasure of listening to Mr. DeCurtis speak to my History of Rock and Roll (taught by the best teacher ever) class at Indiana University in the Spring of 2004. This was definitely one of the highlights of my collegiate acamdemic career. Anthony's knowledge and experience in the music world is astonishing and his way with words in the recollection of his stories give his listeners a feeling that he not just a writer, but a true music fanatic. In fact, I was so enthralled by Mr. DeCurtis' stories, I attended every section of the classes he was scheduled to address that day. Although I have not read this particular book, I have read his others and would highly suggest them. Based on my readings of his other books, and seeing Anthony speak, I plan to buy this book as soon as I can, and I would bet that I will love it, and most other music lovers will as well.

Written by one of the most esoteric giants of rock n' roll writers, "In other words" is simply funny and fascinating. Anthony DeCurtis sure got around the music scene and it's all here. 7SD rocks!

Anthony DeCurtis is one of the best rock critics writing today and this book is full of fascinating interviews that show you a side of many stars you've never seen before. The dueling interviews with Paul McCartney and George Harrison and Keith Richards on Mick Jagger are worth the price of the book alone. The book also includes an interview with Martin Scorsese and a rare interview with Don Delillo that show that DeCurtis is just as knowledgable about film and literature.

This is a great book. I couldn't put it down. It's a good combination of seriousness and humor. Andrew is a phenominal writer. A must for Project 86 fans.

I bought this for my son(17 years old). He is an Andrew Schwab fan, and he requested it for his birthday. He sat down and read the book so quickly. He was laughing and sighing at the same time.

The book is filled with a humorous but realistic look at the life of a band on the road.

My teenager HIGHLY recommends this for everyone!

i read it in 3days. amazing book couldnt stop reading it, for all die hard project86 fans or anyone who wants to laugh

Since Project 86 will probably never enjoy mainstream success, this is the closest any fan will ever come to anything resembling a VH1 Behind the Music special on Project 86.

From satirical (and often amusing) commentary, to hilarious tour stories, to heart-breaking situations, lead singer Andrew Schwab must be admired for his honesty, bluntness, and sincerity.

Uncovering his humanity for all to see, Schwab bears it all...even when it makes him look like less than the perfect Christian. Even while reading the book, I found my attitude toward Schwab wavering from excitement to disappointment to compassion. (Causing a reader to go through such an experience is an ability that only a talented writer possesses.) But in the end, I always came back to the realization that we all have growing to do in regards to our character and our relationships with the LORD.

I would recommend this book to anybody who is an avid fan of Project 86. My only major criticism of the book is that it wasn't edited very carefully...there is a plethora of omitted words that occasionally limits smooth reading.

CONSIDER THIS FAIR WARNING: If you have P86 (and especially Schwab) on a pedestal, you may be slightly shocked by what you read.

I found this to honestly be one of the best books that I have ever read. This is a must-have for any Project 86 fafn, or even any Tooth and Nail Record supporter. Andrew shares some of his deepest feelings as well as some of his most inspiring and touching stories he has to offer. You will find yourself unable to put the book down and find yourself wanting to share with Andrew how you feel for him and how much you appriciate what he does. Being a Project 86 fan, reading this made me love the band even that much more. You will most definitely not be disappointed with this one.

Just like the title that I gave above this book is a pictorial treasure. It offers beautiful b/w and color photographs mostly of Jim and some with the band. This book containes some of the best Morrison pictures of any other book I've seen. As a HUGE fan of The Doors and Jim Morrison being one of my heros, I will say that you will definitely enjoy this book to its maximum potential. A truly work of art as far as rock n' roll photography is concern. Magnificent! I hope that a second volume of beautiful and pristine photographs like this one of The Doors and especially of Jim will surface very soon.

This is a gorgeous "coffee table" type book, perfect for Doors fans. No info, just full of rare, lovely photos. Mostly of Jim, some of the band, several ultra-rare sweet pix of Jim and Pam Morrison. A real treat for die-hard Doors fans only.

You won't be disappointed...a wonderful visual testament to the best band, THE DOORS!

WOW, this book is not only the best Doors book ever published but it is also a great coffee table book for all to read...well, there isn't that much to read but...who said looking isn't a way of reading!!Obsesively exhausting, this book trully follows Jim Morrison through photography. His life and what a life he had is reason enough to interest the non-believer...First Rock singer to get arrested on stage. First Rock singer to use profanity on record.. move over Axl Rose and Luther Campbell. His myth stay intact before and after viewing.

This book is absolutely marvelous. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and that makes this book priceless. This book is a must have for any Doors/Jim Morrison fan. There is an old belief that photography 'stole' someone's soul. This book does just the opposite. It does nothing but 'give.' It shows the artist, the poet. It is virtually all photos. Not opinions or someone elses slant on things that Jim can't respond to or defend himself from. This is exactly the type of book I feel that Jim would want out. It encourages you to think, learn, grow, live and transcend life on your own terms. Exactly what Jim would want for people to do. This book and it author are pure genius.

I read this book in one go. Once I started, I just could not put it down. Besides giving the reader a great inside look behind the scene of the 1972 tour madness of the Rolling Stones, the author also provieds us with an excellent snapshot of the political and social situation in the USA during the early seventies. Of course, you get all the juicy details of groupies, drugs and playboy bunnies - but you also get a feel for how depressing at times the isolation of a major tour can be. You should definitely buy this book, if you love Rock'n'Roll, no matter if you are a Rolling Stones fan or not !

I think I know this book by heart. I can still recite the tour cities and dates. And... ahem, ahem, I really believe the reason they got Keith out of jail in Warwick, RI was not because of "the show must go on" (please!), but because Keith would've started heroin withdrawl. Get it?

This could easily be subtitled "Fear and Loathing on the Concert Trail." A fantastic book that features intelligent writing and an unsentimental look at the cast of characters that accompanied the Rolling Stones on their tour of America in '72. I just finished re-reading it and I still think its the best look at life on the road. Highly recommended even if you're not a stones fan.

I purchased and read this book when it was first published in the 1970s. It is a no-holds barred account of a rock band at its creative and decadent zenith during the legendary 1972 tour of America. Greenfield intersperses his blow-by-blow description of life on the road with vignettes of the interesting and off-beat fans and groupies that swirl around the vortex of the world's greatest rock and roll band. Particularly interesting is the drama surrounding the arrest of Keith Richards at a Boston airport prior to a concert, the scramble to get him out of jail thanks to the intervention of the mayor of Boston, and Keith's triumphant return to the stage. This is a Stones legend and this book tells it like you are there. Well-written and informative, I think I may just re-read this classic for the Nth time. A must for any Stones fan's bookshelf.

Full of casual sex and violence, this is a salacious account of life on the road with the Rolling Stones. Greenfield excels at nailing personalities and describing the fishbowl the band lived in. The Stones begin the tour in a vulnerable state of mind, scared that their glory days are behind them. Their braggadocio picks up considerably as the tour progresses. Near the end we have 16 year old girls doing "favors", beatings are given to anyone who steps out of line, groupies being filmed "in action" (despite Bill Wyman's 10 yr old kid hanging around!) for that infamous tour movie who's title I can't even mention here. Plenty of cruel nihilism. Oh well, I didn't read this expecting a nursery rhyme! This book delivers, warts and all.