Kevin Smith is nicer than he lets on, thinner than he thinks, and smarter than almost anyone in the room. He has today’s world - and tomorrow’s – runnKevin Smith is nicer than he lets on, thinner than he thinks, and smarter than almost anyone in the room. He has today’s world - and tomorrow’s – running for cover....more
Already a wonderful storyteller in film, Mike Binder explodes on the pages of "Keep Calm" as a hugely gifted word-shaper of action, character, and rivAlready a wonderful storyteller in film, Mike Binder explodes on the pages of "Keep Calm" as a hugely gifted word-shaper of action, character, and riveting events. A wildly impressive debut...more
Costello pens a book that is a true look at the mind behind the music. I’ve purchased pretty much everything Costello has recorded, which has cost me Costello pens a book that is a true look at the mind behind the music. I’ve purchased pretty much everything Costello has recorded, which has cost me a lot, given how prolific he is. I’m glad he waited until this point in his career to look back on it all. It spans a tremendous range of genres, trends, and modern music history....more
In preparing my latest novel, which is set in the world of music, I read dozens of music-related books. I found Marsalis’s take on the life of a musicIn preparing my latest novel, which is set in the world of music, I read dozens of music-related books. I found Marsalis’s take on the life of a musician out on the road to be a master class of what it really means to be an artist. You needn’t play a note to appreciate it. That may be the most artistic part of it....more
When you read Tom Perrotta's later work, this seems almost childish in subject matter. But his early novel about a wedding singer still living with hiWhen you read Tom Perrotta's later work, this seems almost childish in subject matter. But his early novel about a wedding singer still living with his parents speaks to the love of music that freezes you in your development. Duke Ellington once said, 'Music is my mistress, and she's a jealous lover.' Perrotta's protagonist, Dave Raymond, is less elegant about it but just as torn....more
I work with the homeless in Detroit, so Steve Lopez's account of a stunningly gifted violinist living in the street didn't shock me. But it brought toI work with the homeless in Detroit, so Steve Lopez's account of a stunningly gifted violinist living in the street didn't shock me. But it brought to light how much talent is out there unnourished, needing only a chance to grow. The fact that Lopez and Nathaniel Ayers had their differences kept it real, and you wonder how many others like Ayers are homeless right now....more
The definitive volume on the life of Elvis Presley (along with Careless Love: the Unmaking of Elvis Presley, also by Guralnick) observed with both theThe definitive volume on the life of Elvis Presley (along with Careless Love: the Unmaking of Elvis Presley, also by Guralnick) observed with both the detail and the distance required of a great biography. Let's face it: Elvis is THE American story about rock and roll, race, fame, and decline—and Guralnick provides the essential details with an attention that could only come from someone who loved Elvis's music....more
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