AMB Holiday Picks 2017

Here is our list of books we think should make your Holiday list, either for you or for a loved one's wish list. Naughty or nice, we hope this has it all covered. Where possible we've included a quote from one of our readers reviews, and a link to the review in its entirety. Happy shopping, happy reading, and happy holidays from AllMusicBooks!

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BON: THE LAST HIGHWAY: THE UNTOLD STORY OF BON SCOTT AND AC/DC'S BACK IN BLACK
Jesse Fink

The death of Bon Scott is the Da Vinci Code of rock.

"Equal parts mystery, detective story and music memoir, Fink has written a well-crafted, well-researched tale that connects a lot of dots. There’s bound to be more questions asked (although likely little "official" word from the band's camp), but if you’re an AC/DC fan, particularly of the Bon Scott era, you’re going to find this one hell of a story."

— reviewer SteveJ

 

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EARTHBOUND: DAVID BOWIE AND THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH
Susan Compo

After David Bowie's untimely death, bookshelves were flooded with appreciations and quickie bio's. Jawbone Press continues to put out some of the most interesting music books out there, and Susan Compo's book focuses exclusively on Bowie's landmark science-fiction film The Man Who Fell To Earth. This one is at the top of "Must read" list!

 

 

 

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STAYING ALIVE: THE DISCO INFERNO OF THE BEE GEES
Simon Spence

Another Jawbone entry focusing on "how three brothers from Manchester transformed themselves into the funkiest white group ever and made the world dance." Jawbone's genius is presenting topics you might not think you're interested in, but are hooked after just a few pages. Go on...dance. And read.

 

 

 

 

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RUNNIN' WITH THE DEVIL : A BACKSTAGE PASS TO THE WILD TIMES, LOUD ROCK, AND THE DOWN AND DIRTY TRUTH BEHIND THE MAKING OF VAN HALEN
Noel E. Monk

The manager who shepherded Van Halen from obscurity to rock stardom tells the complete, unadulterated story of David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen — the legendary band that changed rock music.

"Road dog Noel Monk ("12 Days on the Road: The Sex Pistols and America") offers up a backstage pass to life on the road with Van Halen. No brown M&M's, but pretty mych everything else you can imagine!" 

— from upcoming review by SteveJ

 

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BOB MARLEY AND THE WAILERS : THE ULTIMATE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
Richie Unterberger

This visual history takes you through the entire story of Bob Marley and the Wailers, and is illustrated with photos and memorabilia from all phases of their journey.

"An amazing read...this book is filled to the brim with beautiful pictures and a wealth of knowledge about Bob Marley and the Wailers."  

— reviewer BrianL

 

 

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THE GREAT JAZZ AND POP VOCAL ALBUMS
Will Friedwald

Fifty-seven jazz and pop vocal albums are discussed , with the individual cuts evaluated, the sequencing explicated, the songs and songwriters heralded; anecdotes abound of how songs were born and how artists and producers collaborated. An essential book for lovers of American jazz and popular music.

"Whether you're a collector of these albums or just beginning to explore this rich vein of American music, Friedwald's writing will impress, inform, entertain and help guide the reader to some very enjoyable discoveries."

— from upcoming review by SteveJ

 

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