A collection of 13 new books exploring music history, biographies, and memoirs is scheduled for release between November 24 and 30. These titles cover influential bands and artists from punk to jazz, offering fresh insights through interviews, photos, and analysis. The lineup highlights the diverse paths of groups like the Butthole Surfers and Soft Machine.
Overview
This weekly roundup from Tinnitist spotlights upcoming music literature, focusing on detailed accounts of rock, punk, jazz, and independent scenes. The books draw from personal archives, interviews, and rare materials to document the evolution of key artists and movements.
Key Titles and Themes
- Let’s Go To Hell: Scattered Memories Of The Butthole Surfers (10th Anniversary Edition) by James Burns examines the band's chaotic 1980s tours and enigmatic history with new interviews and photos.
- Soft Machine: Out-Bloody-Rageous (Revised & Updated) by Graham Bennett traces the pioneering band's role in psychedelic and jazz-rock fusion, including 24 lineup changes and over 100 images.
- This Is A Message To Persons Unknown: The Story Of Poison Girls by Rich Cross details the anarcho-punk group's radical journey from 1977, led by Vi Subversa, with zines and campaign records.
- Northern Thunder: Tales Of A Canadian Hard Rock Drummer In The ’80s & ’90s by Neal Busby recounts Toronto's rock scene through the author's drumming experiences and reinvention as a songwriter.
- Have Horn, Will Travel: The Life And Music Of Herman “Junior” Cook by Courtney M Nero profiles the saxophonist's career with Horace Silver and others, based on interviews with contemporaries.
- The Hours Are Long, But The Pay Is Low: A Curious Life in Independent Music by Rob Miller shares his founding of Bloodshot Records and 30 years in Chicago's indie scene.
- Rush 1984 To 2015: Every Album, Every Song by James Richards analyzes the band's synth era and return to roots, up to their 2015 live album.
- Ian Dury: Every Album, Every Song by Opher Goodwin explores the artist's shift from Kilburn And The High Roads to Blockheads hits like "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick".
- The Temptations 1960 to 1978: Every Album, Every Song by George Haffenden covers Motown classics and psychedelic soul phase with lineup shifts.
- Yardbirds: Every Album, Every Song by Andrew Darlington reviews the band's psychedelic tracks and influence on Led Zeppelin.
- The Band Photographs, 1968-1969 by Elliott Landy features nearly 400 images from the creation of Music From Big Pink and The Band in Woodstock.
- Freedom, Rhythm & Sound: Chapter Two: Revolutionary Jazz Original Cover Art 1965-83 edited by Stuart Baker & Gilles Peterson showcases rare jazz album art from artists like Sun Ra.
- You Only Live Once: The Little Guide To Drake by OH compiles quotes and facts on the rapper's rise from Degrassi to global dominance.
These releases provide balanced views on triumphs and challenges in music history, appealing to fans seeking deeper context.