George Harrison: Soul Man Vol. 1 by John Blaney review

George Harrison: Soul Man Vol. 1

By John Blaney

Mega Dodo/Paper Jukebox

              In his introduction, author Blaney explains that this book is not to be seen as a biography. The press release’s description of it as “an in-depth illustrated critical review” of Harrison’s work is an apt characterization of the 400+-page tome, but there are elements of Harrison’s life story woven into the text.

              Working in chronological order, Blaney follows all the music Harrison made, produced, collaborated on, and released (as head of his Dark Horse label) through the years 1968-79. Even diehard Beatles/Harrison fans will likely not have previously known about some of the varied recordings Harrison was part of, as studio knob-twiddler, writer, player, label boss, etc. Details abound with respect to Harrison’s musical relationships with the likes of Doris Troy, Billy Preston, Ravi Shankar, Badfinger, Ringo Starr, et al.

              Naturally, the greatest attention is given to Harrison’s own records. Blaney offers backstories about every individual song on Harrison’s singles and albums from this period. He also supplies particulars on the playing credits, and offers his critical assessment of each tune/album. And, while he’s correct in stating that his book should not be viewed as a biography per se, he does in fact sprinkle in notes about Harrison’s personal life (focusing on his spiritual quest, but also touching on his love life, friendships, legal and business affairs, etc.) in drawing parallels between what Harrison was living and the music he made; and he analyzes the lyrics to many of Harrison’s songs, offering his impressions of their inspirations and meanings.

              A key element of the book is its graphics. It is lushly illustrated with a vast selection of relevant images, including album covers and the records themselves, magazine advertisements, etc. In this respect it can function as a coffee table book that one could enjoy flipping through just for the wealth of illustrations.

              All told, this book is something for only the most ardent of George Harrison fans. It’s hard to imagine anyone else wanting to read this much detail on, and analysis of, his career. But for the Harrison enthusiast, it’s a tirelessly researched treasure that will allow even a knowing fan to see a layer or two deeper into GH’s personal and musical path through this stretch of years.

Review by Brian Greene/2016

© Copyright http://psychedelicbaby.blogspot.com/2016

"Fade To Black" by Martin Popoff with Ioannis (2012) review

"Fade To Black" by Martin Popoff with Ioannis (Sterling Publishing, 2012)

Packaged in a thick vinyl cover to reflect the subject matter, "Fade To Black" is a coffee table sized tome involving hard rock and heavy metal album sleeves. Concentrating on the years 1965 to 1990, the hefty book not only features eye-popping photos of the albums presented, but the history surrounding these artifacts as well as personal commentary from the authors.

Arranged in order by release date, "Fade To Black" opens with "The Rolling Stones, Now!" by The Rolling Stones and closes with Megadeth's "Rust In Peace." Stuffed between these profiles we're handed a nice balance of certified classics and long forgotten gems. Obvious platters such as Deep Purple's "Machine Head," Aerosmith's "Toys In The Attic," Iron Maiden's "Iron Maiden," Quiet Riot's "Metal Health," Black Sabbath's "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath," Led Zeppelin's "Houses Of The Holy," Rush's "Farewell To Kings," UFO's "Lights Out," Blue Oyster Cult's "Fire Of The Unknown Origin," Motley Crue's "Shout At The Devil," ACDC's "Highway To Hell," Judas Priest's "Sad Wings Of Destiny," Metallica's "Master Of Puppets," "Blackout" by the Scorpions, Van Halen's "Van Halen," and Emerson, Lake and Palmer's "Brain Salad Surgery" share space with lesser recognized efforts from The Godz, the Boyzz, Quartz, Russ Ballard, Savatage, and Legs Diamond. An ample number of Iron Butterfly, Nazareth, and Uriah Heep albums are examined, along with cob-webbed caked goodies from Angel, Starz, Grand Funk, The Rods, Golden Earring, Budgie, and Dust. Offerings from The Runaways, The Sweet, Mott The Hoople, The Damned, Hanoi Rocks, Cheap Trick, Hawkwind, ZZ Top, Free, and The Ramones are further spotlighted.

Although you can't always judge a record by its cover, some of these albums are so attractive that the graphics alone probably generated sales, or they're so hideous that they never stood a chance in the first place. Containing a staggering mix of panoramic winners and losers, "Fade To Black" encourages readers to revisit these high-decibel delights by either combing through their collections or hitting the local used record store. Smartly-selected entries, combined with witty and knowledgeable  text make this the great book that it is. Pump your fist in the air and rejoice!

Review made by Beverly Paterson/2015

© Copyright http://psychedelicbaby.blogspot.com/2015