Review: When Giants Walked the Earth: A Biography of Led Zeppelin
When Giants Walked the Earth: A Biography of Led Zeppelin by Mick Wall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great Zeppelin Bio, a balanced in treatment of history, cultural roots and impact, musical legacy, mysticism, greed, and debauchery.
I thought this was very well written and well conceived. The only slight criticism would be the author’s semi-apologist views of Page’s plagiarism. It’s clear he’s a huge fan of Page’s but he also does describe Page’s flaws and mistakes. Robert Plant does not receive the same apologist’s hall pass.
The flash-back dialogues are fanciful, but add a real-ness (although the author clearly explains they’re imagined) to the proceedings. They add a nice first-person perspective to what may well have been going on.
Hmmm. Straight On, Live. Duct Tape, The Band.
Joe Walsh – Look What I Did! – The Anthology
I forgot how great many of Joe Walsh‘s songs have always been. Obviously he’s a great guitarist and prominent member of the Eagles. But sometimes it easy to forget that there’s an intelligent melodic songwriter behind that guitar-playing-burnout persona he often projects. Want proof? Check out “Joe Walsh – Look What I Did! – The Anthology”
Marquette Reunion Class of 1987 / Surrender Dorothy & R. Mutt @ Shank Hall July 28 9:00
It turns out that the Marquette Reunion Class of 1987 has arranged for Surrender Dorothy, R. Mutt, and the Gracie Lou Revue to play at a reunion-associated event at Shank Hall (1434 Farwell Ave, Milwaukee WI) on July 28th, beginning at 9:00 pm.
Even though the event is confirmed, due to the way the reunion committee is organized, we’re not sure how much information about this will be made part of the official MU reunion information packet.
Shank Hall is an excellent venue for live music, so it should be a good time! The MU event site is here, and the Class of 1987 FaceBook page is here.
And . . . as long as we’re on the subject . . . “JiggleFest” is on Sept 15th this year, at Bradford Beach
Review of Robert Charles Wilson’s “Spin”
Spin by Robert Charles Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Extremely thought-provoking premise, which relates to current issues. Robert Charles Wilson also uses some well-burnished prose from time to time, which only served to enhance the read.
Bach’s Bouree, live 1987
Plenty of adrenaline, plenty of mistakes, still a good memory. Probably the largest crowd I had played in front of to that date.