Arts & Music Books > Popular Music Arts & Music Books > S

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...of the Happy Mondays and Shaun Ryder’s raise from the early days in Salford to Black Grape. Written by someone on the outside who didn’t seem to be a great fan of the Mondays at their origins, it therefore gives a really good truthful perspective on their story. I really enjoyed this book as I have always been a big fan of the Happy Mondays and was keen to discover the real kick behind them and this book helps a great deal because it is truthful. ... Read review

Advantages: Informative and well-written
Disadvantages: May only appeal to Simon and Garfunkel fans

...fascinating to read of the stories behind the composing of some of their most famous songs such as Mrs Robinson, Sounds of Silence etc. In fact there is in-depth analysis of each album, which may perhaps limit the book's appeal to fans of Simon and Garfunkel. An absorbing read. ... Read review

Advantages: very interesting, funny life.
Disadvantages: uncertainty behind some parts

Having been a huge Who fan for a few years, I was excited to read this biography. Once read I was not disappointed. Moments of out loud laughter combined with intrigue and sadness. The author (Tony Fletcher) attempts to be impartial, attempting to separate the myth from the legend, which is no easy task with a character at extreme characters in modern times. Even his birth date is uncertain. The book describes key moments and some very very funny ...
...of the most interesting people to live, given the money and fame to fulfil his lifestyle of excess. Excess being the key word in Keith's life, where everything including drink, drugs and jokes was over the top. Many famous friends of Keith participated in the book, giving frank and detailed interviews. Exceptions to those participating were Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry of The Who. Fletcher shows his true like for Moon as a musician by showing ... Read review

Advantages: Very funny.
Disadvantages: None.

My Booky Wook by Russell Brand. When I first heard of him it had been on Big brother's big mouth, his humour was quite extraordinary and much much funnier than the other people they have on that show. Sometime after that he began to appear on other shows wowing us with his talent in humour. The moment I saw this book in the library I got it out, hoping for some more of his work, I wasn't dissapointed, even when he was talking about his drug and ...
...read. The book begins with his child-hood and when he first went into the dramatic arts, then it goes to his drug taking and finally to the rehab centres he has had to go to. You get to have a closer look at this hyper comedian and learn more about his life. I never wanted to put the book down when I started the first chapter though be warned, this book should be read by adults only. ... Read review

Advantages: Lots of information, educational, fascinating
Disadvantages: Lots of difficult words, a little hard to understand at times

...for an overall technique. Tricks Of The Mind is definitely an interesting read and contains some fascinating information, particularly in the area of basic human psychology. I did find myself picking up the dictionary probably once ever chapter, but I think by now I have mastered Derren's vocabulary. ... Read review