Anyone who has been reading comics for decades certainly knows of Smith and Bone. Ironically, I had not read much of the series nor did I know it starAnyone who has been reading comics for decades certainly knows of Smith and Bone. Ironically, I had not read much of the series nor did I know it started out as a strip he did while in college (at the same time I was basically in my undergraduate studies). Reading this collection now transports me back to that time period.
It was fun to see Smith's artwork and style evolve over this period. That is going to happen when he's working daily on his craft. There is a lot of fun bonus material in this new volume, including some behind the scenes interviews and early sketches from the artist. It helps to put the strips in the context of the times and in the historical benchmarks for the overall Bone franchise.
I came to realize that Smith and I share something in common. The strips over the summer of 1984 find Fone Bone and his cousin Phoney Bone working jobs along with the cartoonist at an ice cream factory. This was Smith's art imitating life, and it was imitating mine too as I also worked the summer of '84 in an ice cream plant in my hometown. Talk about odd coincidences....more
Hachette Books provided an early galley for review.
I became a fan of the Bangles music in the mid-80's. So, this new book that encapsulates their histHachette Books provided an early galley for review.
I became a fan of the Bangles music in the mid-80's. So, this new book that encapsulates their history was something which very much interested me.
Bickerdike has several music-themed books to her credit, so she clearly has the credentials to deliver here. Having strong input from three of the four mainstays (a note in the foreword indicates that Michael Steele declined to be involved with the project) gives the book a more intimate voice. Debbi and Vicki Peterson and Susanna Hoffs (among others) paint the picture of the group's rise from the LA music scene to become world-wide superstars.
For me, I learned a lot from the various configurations of line-ups before the dust settled with the configuration that most people know. I always enjoy the behind-the-scenes details about recording, touring and video production. I liked when the author was able to touch upon the personal dynamics between the band members; everyone cannot always get along all of the time so it was good to see how the tension played out as the band was achieving fame.
Of course, one of my favorite parts was the interactions of the band and Prince, which led to the song "Manic Monday" which he wrote and the band took all the way up the charts in the late fall of 1985. These fascinating insights to the enigmatic artist come from the Bangles themselves, Prince's drummer Bobby Z and others.
All in all, this was a very in-depth look into the band. I recommend it to any fans of 80's music....more
Thomas & Mercer provided an early galley for review.
I was not familiar with Corin's earlier work in young adult novels and Marvel Comics, but this souThomas & Mercer provided an early galley for review.
I was not familiar with Corin's earlier work in young adult novels and Marvel Comics, but this sounded like an interesting mystery set in a familiar decade. That tone is set right out of the gate when the characters are interacting via an AOL chat room. That certainly takes me back.
However, there were several minuses for me as well. First, there is no real "chapter" structure; the book instead relies on pause breaks throughout which makes it difficult for highly organized folks like me to keep track easily of where they are. Second, I did not connect with the narrative voice; Kat is a high school teen and therefore tells her story in a similar fashion. While this style would most definitely appeal to young adult readers, as an elderly reader I found it a bit unappealing at times. Lastly, it felt unnatural for Kat's friend Dev to say f'ing all the time rather than just swear with the actual word. A college student in the 90's most certainly would have sworn. This seems like the author trying to give the character an edge but avoid offending the reader with constant use of a word that would give a film an R-rating very quickly.
About a third of the way in, the plot takes a huge turn. I can see it being concerning for some readers (I certainly found it to be). To see a path forward from that point, I had to suspend belief and rely on the fact that the narrator is still an inexperienced child. My concern, though, was that Kat would end up being much more than her sixteen years would imply impossible in order to get past these circumstances. Again, it had that YA book feel where characters like this are often found. Despite all the things I did not like about it, I still finished the novel anyway with my concern being very much validated in the end....more
British New Wave music was a big part of my life as a high school teen in the early 80's. Those rich synths and lush melodies accompanying dance beatsBritish New Wave music was a big part of my life as a high school teen in the early 80's. Those rich synths and lush melodies accompanying dance beats were my lifeblood at the time. And at the heart of much of that was producer Trevor Horn.
I like Horn's approach to this look at his life and music with twenty-three chapters themed by song titles. I found it interesting to hear about how the Buggles came about and how he ended up briefly as the frontman for Yes. And I very much appreciated the in-depth looks at the making of some of my favorite albums at the time: ABC's Lexicon of Love, Malcolm McLaren's Duck Rock and Frankie Goes to Hollywood's Welcome to the Pleasuredome....more
Harper Perennial provided an early galley for review.
I had the pleasure back at the PLA Convention in April 2024 to hear Kois talk about this upcomingHarper Perennial provided an early galley for review.
I had the pleasure back at the PLA Convention in April 2024 to hear Kois talk about this upcoming novel. I liked the aspect of suburban horror tied to it being a period piece set in the late 1980's. It really enticed me to add it to my to-read list.
As a writer, I liked the way Kois has this novel structured. The opening chapter introduces our main cast, followed by the next four chapters telling the parallel exploits of each of the pairs and their boss. The final chapter pulls it all together. It works very well to move the story along, keep the focus on a specific arc, and give the reader easily digestible portions. The overall shorter length of this novel means there is not a lot of filler as well, which is always appreciated.
As for the story itself, I found the opening and closing chapters the strongest, followed by the Kevin chapter and the Nishu/Al chapter. The Sigmone and Joel chapter was next, though it is more about the former of the two with the latter sort of along for the ride. I found the Mark and Ryan chapter to be the one that least kept my interest.
Kois has a strong voice when it comes to the realistic/everyday aspects. This definitely has encouraged me to check out his earlier novel from 2023....more
Hachette Books provided an early galley for review.
By the time I started classes for my sophomore year of college in the Fall of 1984, I most certainlHachette Books provided an early galley for review.
By the time I started classes for my sophomore year of college in the Fall of 1984, I most certainly had added the cassette of this album to collection. "Dancing In the Dark" and "Cover Me" had both already rocketed up the charts, with five more hit singles yet to come. While I was familiar with Springsteen's earlier albums, thanks to my older brother, this really was the first of the New Jersey rocker's records I had got into from the ground floor. It was a perfect starting point for me. And, based on the Preface chapter, this is also was true for Hyden.
I enjoyed the deep-dive into Springsteen's music before, through and after this album, as well as the context Hyden provides in relation to other artists, other albums, and the then-current events. It helps to add perspective and layers to twelve tracks from the album itself. After reading Springsteen's autobiography, I found this a nice counterpoint from an outside rock music journalist. Music fans of the 80's decade will certainly glean much from the study presented....more
Dey Street Books provided an early galley for review.
I have been a fan of McDonald's music since the 70's. He has one of those distinct voices that juDey Street Books provided an early galley for review.
I have been a fan of McDonald's music since the 70's. He has one of those distinct voices that just harmonized so well with whatever he was collaboriting on. I was interested to learn more about his life.
Right out of the gate, I found the writing to be engaging and personal. Some of that might be due Reiser's input, but the story is all McDonald's. I was very fascinated by how he grew up and got into music at such a very young age.
I did not realize that McDonald spent time with the ranks of Steely Dan, time which actually overlapped some with his coming onboard with the Doobie Brothers. Looking at his discography, I was surprised with how few solo releases and hits he had through the 80's (my peak period of pop radio listening) even though his voice could be heard on so many tracks at the time (with the Doobies and with working with other artists). Funny how memory deceives you there.
Finally, I was glad we got a glimpse into his lasting marriage to Amy Holland and his family life. I've always been a fan of her debut album and hit single.
All in all, a nice casual autobiography from someone who made it through the excesses of the 70's and came out strong on the other side....more
Broken into two "books", the first half runs from the late 1930's into the early 1950's. Dotson does a wBHC Press provided an early galley for review.
Broken into two "books", the first half runs from the late 1930's into the early 1950's. Dotson does a wonderful job giving the prose and the dialogue a very time-appropriate feel and sound. He takes an old-time melodic and very poetic approach here that is very fitting. I felt it had that classic literature vibe to it.
The second half, starting in 1988, reads in a more contemporary voice. Again, it fits with the portion of the story being told. The fact that Dotson can switch those narrative style gears and continue to keep an engaging story moving forward speaks well of his writing abilities.
Of course, at the heart of this supernatural-tinged tale is a family of several generations that the reader gets to know across the novel. Most readers will be very engaged and eager to know what is really going on. My only quibble is that several of the character names are very similar, which might provide a hint of confusion for a reader who isn't taking in the tale with care....more
The mystery book club I moderate at our library will be discussing this title in July. This was one of my choices. The lure of the 80's and Los AngeleThe mystery book club I moderate at our library will be discussing this title in July. This was one of my choices. The lure of the 80's and Los Angeles/Hollywood was a strong factor in my choice. It sounded like it could be interesting.
Crais is going for a particular vibe here. The narrator, Elvis Cole, hides his caring side behind his snarky, tough guy approach. It is definitely an 80's take on the classic 40's private-eye with a bit more language, sex and violence thrown in. If it were a movie, it would get a solid R-rating. Still, it all works for me when I put it into the context of when it was first released.
This was a very straight forward, action-filled tale about drugs, criminals, and killing. It is also has some great character moments about truth and growth. I think the book discussion group will have quite a bit to talk about for the hour come July. This series just might end up on my to-read list for the future....more
The Farewell Tour is the latest novel from Stephanie Clifford and will be published on March 7, 2023. Harper Collins provided an early galley for reviThe Farewell Tour is the latest novel from Stephanie Clifford and will be published on March 7, 2023. Harper Collins provided an early galley for review.
I'm a music nerd whose favorite decade is the 1980's. So, this book seemed to fall right into my wheelhouse. Turns out, half of the book is indeed set in 1980 while the other half is a bit of a historical novel that follows Lillian as she gets to this point in her life. Still, I found it an intriguing story.
I was not surprised to hear Lillian's tale hitting some familiar story beats; from childhood to relationships to domineering men in the industry, all of the greatest hits are here. These are elements we often see in stories and in songs about women. They are reliable ones because they are so familiar, so easy to get those reactions from the audience. Still, the story is told well with several standout characters among the cast which includes Lillian herself....more
While I knew of the 1987 film from which this book inspired (I don't actually believe I have seen the whole thing) and am a big fan of the Bangle's coWhile I knew of the 1987 film from which this book inspired (I don't actually believe I have seen the whole thing) and am a big fan of the Bangle's cover of "Hazy Shade of Winter" which was part of the soundtrack, I had not read this novel back in the day. Ellis has a new novel The Shards coming out next month (which I will be reviewing), so I thought I would check out his first work before I checked out that one.
Ellis is a year older than I am, and he wrote this novel while still in college with it being published when he was twenty-one. I find that very impressive; I myself had wanted to be a writer but was steered by my parents to a more practical field (I ended up studying computer science for my undergraduate degree). Even though my own young adult experiences are so far and removed from Ellis, I can very much relate to the music and cultural references in this story. Every song and band reference I knew (and are things I still listen to today, forty years later). Had I read this when it first came out in 1985, it would have very much been a favorite because of its familiar beats.
Looking at it with a much more expereinced eye, I do find it rather straight-forward in structure (just over 200 pages, no formal chapters - just scenes with breaks, everyday language with the occasional run-on sentences to match the narrative character's own thought patterns at the time when he is high). However, that simpler approach works well to deliver a very raw, very real story that was very reflective of a specific class in a very specific place and time. I am not sure how much it resonates with 21st Century audiences, but it certainly resonated with me as someone who was a young adult of the early 80's.
This pairs very well with another 80's novel that is a favorite of mine - Jay McInerney's Bright Lights, Big City from 1984....more
The Shards will be released on January 17, 2023. Knopf Doubleday provided an early galley for review.
As with some of his other works, Bret Easton ElliThe Shards will be released on January 17, 2023. Knopf Doubleday provided an early galley for review.
As with some of his other works, Bret Easton Ellis again sets his story in a fictionalized Los Angeles in 1981. This was where he grew up and a time when he was himself seventeen years old. Also, like earlier works, the story is full of detailed sexual exploits and graphic violence.
I had to smile when the book opens with a lyrical quote from one of my favorite songs from the 70's. I took that as a good omen. In fact, I very much enjoy all the music references that Ellis sprinkles in here. These were the bands and songs and albums of my coming of age, just as they were his.
The narrative structure is a very interesting one. Ellis has made himself a character in his own novel - a writer of the same age who has written the exact titles he has in real-life. Ellis' style is again in the very compound/complex sentences that I observed in his earliest work Less Than Zero; previously I attributed it to Clay's disjointed mental states, but I now realize this appears to be a go-to comfort-zone of Ellis' writing. It can lead to some very overly wordy passages though with a lot of repetition. I am also not overly fond of the narrator revealing facts to the reader well before the narrator character has learned them; it just ruins the surprise and mystery of things.
I am certain fans of Ellis' earlier works will be eager to dive into his newest novel. For the uninitiated, this might not be the best jumping on point though....more
The latest look at this specific year comes out on October 14, 2022. Rutgers University Press provided an early galley for review.
For me, personally, The latest look at this specific year comes out on October 14, 2022. Rutgers University Press provided an early galley for review.
For me, personally, 1980 marked a transition year. I had just entered high school the Fall before. I was broadening my musical tastes from Top 40 and disco into the sounds of new-wave and alternative as played on the local college radio station. While I was not yet driving, I was finding more personal freedom in exploring the world of my hometown and the village neighboring it. I'm certainly open to Cullen's argument about 1980's importance in the greater American history.
While I was aware of the changing political structure at the time, as a teenager who couldn't yet vote I really did not focus on that aspect of current events. Having the recap here was great refresher. And the focus on bestsellers was over my radar at the time (I read mostly sci-fi and fantasy for fun then). I did appreciate the evolution and marketing techniques of the big booksellers at the time though.
Now, the other areas covered were right in my wheelhouse. 1980 indeed had a number of cinematic highpoints with films that did change the direction of movies. I saw quite a few of those mentioned in the book either in theater or on HBO. The music industry also did go through a big shift in 1980. Many of the albums noted were part of or have since been added to my growing collection of music. And the TV shows discussed were very much part of the cultural framework (thanks to the not-yet exploded cable landscape).
So, the question is this: was 1980 the pivotal year for America? I would say it was "a pivotal year" - absolutely. Whether or not it was "the (most) pivotal year" is something I'll leave to the historians or other scholars to determine. Cullen certainly makes a good case for his candidate though....more
After I read George Michael: A Life which is coming out in a few short weeks, I felt like I wanted to know a bit more about the Wham! era. Where betteAfter I read George Michael: A Life which is coming out in a few short weeks, I felt like I wanted to know a bit more about the Wham! era. Where better to go than Andrew Ridgeley's own autobiography from 2019. This is a much more intimate look at the friendship between two school mates who took a rollercoaster ride of fame and music together.
This is clearly told from a place of kinship and care. It warms my heart that Andrew still often refers to his friend as "Yog", the nickname he had for George when they first became friends. I smiled at the story of two young teens talking their way into a showing of Saturday Night Fever; a story I can relate to in that I too was underaged when I saw the R-rated version of the film in theatres on its initial run. That the film and music had an impact on them just as it did myself really allowed me to connect to the group in a way I had not before.
I also liked that, in chapter 13, Andrew is very candid about two things: their expectations of Wham!'s longevity and his role in the group's creative process. Knowing his views on both of these gives me even greater appreciation for what the group did, what his contributions were, and how it all played out over a very short period of time.
The book is full of many photos - black and white, color, personal, professional - that show the bond between Andrew and George. Clearly many of these came from Andrew's own photo albums as this was long before the days of digital photography. That further makes this account of their time together even more special.
As a member of the Sirius XM (Volume - Channel 105) Volumemaniacs' Book Club on Facebook, I am looking forward to our discussion of Wham! George Michael and Me for our July meeting....more
This biography will be available everywhere on June 28, 2022. I was given the opportunity to review an early galley from the publisher Abrams Press inThis biography will be available everywhere on June 28, 2022. I was given the opportunity to review an early galley from the publisher Abrams Press in exchange for an honest review.
I will proudly admit that I have been a Wham! fan from the get-go. When their first singles started hitting the local college radio station in late 1982/early 1983, I was a high school senior. I jumped on their first album Fantastic when it came out, and it quickly became part of the soundtrack of my college years (along with the next two as well). When the band broke up and George Michael went solo, Faith was a big part of my post-college nights of dancing. However, when the music became less frequent in the 90's, I sort of dropped off as a listener. I had not listened fully to his final few albums until very recently.
This biography helped me understand why the music dropped off; the book goes into great detail on how miserable the singer was for decades. George Michael slammed against numerous self-constructed barriers: struggles with his self-image, an overwhelming self-imposed high bar of success, the secret of his sexuality that he kept hidden from the public, and various self-destructive decisions relating to his career. As the book details, the rampant drug use further added fuel to this career and life on fire. All together, it is no surprise that he struggled with depression for most of his life. He was the one of the biggest pop stars in the world; if only he had allowed himself to relish in the joy and happiness of it. He truly was a tragic, tormented figure in the most Shakespearean of terms.
If you are a fan of his music or if you have a strong general interest in popular music of the 80's and 90's, I would very much recommend this biography. It is big (over 500 pages), but it is also very thorough. It covers every aspect of his music and his life in excruciating detail....more
I did not enjoy this one. Story alternated chapters between 1800’s and 1987. I found the story of Benny in 87 fascinating and Hannie in the 1800’s to I did not enjoy this one. Story alternated chapters between 1800’s and 1987. I found the story of Benny in 87 fascinating and Hannie in the 1800’s to be plodding and, at times, misdirecting. ...more
The book had some very interesting topics (regarding race, appearance and life choice) and revelations, but the author’s chosen method of delivery (coThe book had some very interesting topics (regarding race, appearance and life choice) and revelations, but the author’s chosen method of delivery (constant time jumps back and forth, both within sections and within chapters themselves) really turned me off. This style might work well in a visual media but, for me, is completely chaotic in written form. This cost a star rating in my book. ...more
This book centers around the music scene of 1984, though it actually starts the summer before and culminates with Live Aid the summer after. This two This book centers around the music scene of 1984, though it actually starts the summer before and culminates with Live Aid the summer after. This two year period corresponds directly to my freshman and sophomore years of college, a time where music played a big part in my world. It was a time for growth, discovery, freedom, re-invention and more for me - and that was very much mirrored by the music.
The author frames each of the chapters around a music event, and then skillfully brings in the bands and artists related to each one. He gives a brief history of how they got to that moment and then how that moment played into 1984, a year of music culmination.
The book is very well-researched. The bibliography notes are nearly 100 pages unto themselves. The author clearly did his homework, and the end product reflects that. As a music nerd myself, this book did not contain as many “new” revelations for me as others have - however, it did weave the tapestry across all the genres to show who was who and what was what during the milestone year of music. ...more
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