Best of
Rock-N-Roll

2008

A Devil on One Shoulder and an Angel on the Other: The Story of Shannon Hoon and Blind Melon


Greg Prato - 2008
    Despite scoring one of the decade's most enduring singles and videos, "No Rain,"and a quadruple platinum hit with their 1992 self-titled debut album (in addition to touring alongside rock's biggest names), Hoon could not overcome a dangerous drug addiction. Only two records into a promising career, Hoon was dead from an overdose at the age of 28. 'A Devil on One Shoulder and an Angel on the Other' is the first book to tell the group's story-culled from over 50 exclusive interviews (including the surviving band members and those closest to the band) and featuring many never-before-seen photos. "I am honored that Greg has painstakingly accounted for what the hell happened during those crazy times. He has summed up all the chaos, jubilation, and paranoia that is Blind Melon." -Brad Smith, Blind Melon bassist

On the Lower Frequencies


Erick Lyle - 2008
    An icon on the 1990s zine scene, Iggy Scam traces not only the evolution of cities, but of his own thinking, from his early focus on more outré forms of resistance through more contemplative times as he becomes preoccupied with the need for a more affirmative vision of the future. In one of the book’s key pieces, Scam celebrates the history and passing of Hunt’s Donuts in San Francisco’s Mission District. On one level an epitaph for a beloved hangout and on another a metaphor for the effects of gentrification, it’s the untold history of an entire neighborhood in a single retail establishment. Whether handing out fake Starbucks coupons or dreaming of a future with more public art and punk holidays, Scam gives the reader inspiration for living defiantly.

Pink Floyd: The Black Strat: A History of David Gilmour's Black Fender Stratocaster


Phil Taylor - 2008
    Written by Phil Taylor - David's personal guitar technician since 1974 - to coincide with the release of the long awaited and much requested Fender 'David Gilmour Signature Strat': an instrument replicating the look, set-up, sound and feel of David's famous black guitar as it is today. The chronological story begins with David Gilmour joining Pink Floyd in early 1968, his guitar at that time, his subsequent instruments leading to the purchase of the Black Strat in 1970, and the other guitars that have come and gone. The book details all of the changes and modifications made to the Black Strat, its use on Pink Floyd tours and iconic albums, David's solo projects, and various guest appearances throughout the years.

Runway RunAway: A Backstage Pass to Fashion, Romance & Rock 'n Roll


Lorelei Shellist - 2008
    and New York taught her the hard knocks of being a working class model. Sheer will and determination jetted her off to Europe, where she became a top runway and magazine model, and where she met the doomed love of her life, fiancé Steve Clark of Def Leppard.With humor, pathos, and a world map of insight, Runway RunAway takes readers on a breathless journey around the globe with a backstage pass to high fashion, true romance, and Rock 'n Roll from some of the biggest names in the business.

Mr Blue: Memoirs of a Renegade


Edward Bunker - 2008
    It tells the true story of a life that ranges far beyond the imagination of most fiction writers: 25 years in prison, author of four hugely successful crime novels, a spell on the FBI's 10 most wanted list, a role as Mr Blue in Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs, and that's just for starters. With sales already over 5,000 in hardback, this riveting story of a life that mixes crime and culture should sell and sell.

For the Love of Vinyl: The Album Art of Hipgnosis: Storm Thorgerson & Aubrey Powell


Nick Mason - 2008
    Formed by Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell in London in 1968 (with the addition of Throbbing Gristle's Peter Christopherson in 1974), Hipgnosis specialized in creative photography for the music business, making classic album covers for bands and musicians like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Electric Light Orchestra, Genesis, 10cc, Yes, Peter Gabriel, The Gods, Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Paul McCartney, Syd Barrett, Scorpions and Styx, among others. Over the course of its 15 year existence, Hipgnosis produced timeless rock iconography--everybody knows at least one Hipgnosis cover, thanks to Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon. The firm's inventive takes on the themes or titles of any given album opened up a new visual language in album cover art, one in which theatrical tableaux, trick photography and logo design played notable roles. For the Love of Vinyl is the first book to survey Storm and Powell's output in detail, focusing on more than 60 package designs--from cover to label--described with entertaining detail by the team who created them. Also included are short essays by musicians (such as Pink Floyd's Nick Mason and artists (British Pop artist Peter Blake) and fellow designers (Paula Scher) on their favorite Hipgnosis covers, as well as previously unseen photographs and ephemera. Complementing all this material is a lengthy critical-historical text examining Hipgnosis and its legacy. For the Love of Vinyl is the rock book of 2008. Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell are award-winning graphic designers and the founders of Hipgnosis.

New York Dolls: Photographs by Bob Gruen


Bob Gruen - 2008
    Comprised of singer David Johansen, guitarists Johnny Thunders and Sylvain Sylvain, drummer Jerry Nolan, and bassist Arthur “Killer” Kane, the Dolls are the acknowledged influence of bands as diverse as Blondie, the Ramones, Motley Crue, Guns N Roses, Morrissey, the Smiths, and the Sex Pistols. Legendary photographer Bob Gruen has compiled the first photography collection devoted to the New York Dolls and their iconic and unprecedented style.  Featuring over two hundred unforgettable images New York Dolls: Photographs by Bob Gruen celebrates one of the most important bands in music history.

Merseybeast


Ian McNabb - 2008
    This book features the words of Ian McNabb a Liverpool singer-songwriter who has had his fair share of ups and downs. A book from the heart about his art. It's a compelling journey into the music industry and this witty writer knows when to hit all the right buttons. Ian deserves a number one with this work - in the bestseller chart. Appealing to musicians everywhere and those who want to go back stage with a unique 'access all areas' pass. Merseybeast: A Musical memoirThis is a book for anyone who ever wanted to know what happens when you (almost) get every thing you ever wanted.Written by one of the most articulate of rock stars Ian McNabb chronicles his life with a clarity seldom seen in such musical nsights.A stunning collection of photographs and anecdotes from his own very personal collection add plenty of colourful imagery. There are hilarious moments throughout and poignant ones too as Ian takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride with him reflecting along the way on family, friends, success and failure. What is it it like playing in tiny clubs then big international festivals?Rubbing shoulders with gobal superstars?Merseybeat gives some ofthe answers. BBC star Janice Long supplies the foreword. Features in Trinity Mirror's Own Titles and across the digital platforms. nterviews, signing sessions and competitions as well as radio interviews on national and local BBC Radio Merseyside and City Talk, Liverpool. Press interviews with national and provinvial media across all platforms. The books will be sold at Ian's many gigs at home and abroad. There are personal appearances, signings and Q & As. Ian is also performing 'unplugged' sets to promote his autobiography.

Touched by Magic: The Tommy Bolin Story


Greg Prato - 2008
    Stints with the James Gang and Deep Purple - as well as solo albums and a groundbreaking release with jazz-rocker Billy Cobham - certainly proved that the adulation was rightly deserved. And with a techno-color fashion sense, he certainly stood out from the pack. Only one problem, Tommy had a death-defying drug addiction, which ultimately would lead to a premature and tragic end - before he was able to truly take his standing among the elite musicians of the world. 'Touched by Magic: The Tommy Bolin Story' is the first book to focus entirely on the life story of Tommy Bolin - compiled from nearly 50 exclusive interviews (including family, friends, and band members that played alongside Tommy throughout the years). "After reading 'Touched by Magic,' it seemed to me every interview 'takes you there' for the moment...I give 105 stars to Greg!" -Johnnie Bolin, Tommy's brother