jonas wrote:So did anyone read further into the series and find anything they like? I'm in the mood to read a short book about an album.
Nice bump! Here are the ones I have, ranked from best to worst:
1. Radio City - This was totally awesome. Even Chilton paticipated in the interviews. Talks to everybody. Very cool, very personal, and very informative. This is the standard bearer as far as I'm concerned.
2. Paul's Boutique - This one was awesome. Lots of details from the Dust Brothers and even the elusive Matt Dike. Totally fun to read.
3. In the Aeroplane over the Sea - Very well researched with interviews of all the major players minus Mangum. Doesn't delve into Mangum's personal life at all, but lots of great info about the scene, the recording, etc.
4. Swordfishtrombones - This was really good. Tries to put this mindblowing album into context...of its time as well as Waits' life.
5. Master of Reality - Fiction by John Darnielle from the point of view of a kid in a loony bin keeping a journal. The premise is that music is very, very important to kids. Not condescending like you might expect.
6. If You're Feeling Sinister - An interesting look into the idea of fandom in the pre-internet era written by one of the main Pitchfork guys. Worth reading.
7. XO - This guy explores Elliott Smith's craftsmanship by comparing how the songs evolved based on early live versions and demos. Tries very hard (and fails) to imply that the songs are not autobiographical. Interesting though.
8. Exile on Main Street - Not worth reading. No interviews, not a lot of info, just one dude's not particularly insightful opinions on how awesome it is. Boring and, frankly, pointless.
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Meat Is Murder - Fiction by Joe Pernice. Haven't read this one yet.