Starting off unexpectedly with Neil Diamond and Barry Manilow, the book uncovers some seriously kitschy titles such as Charlton Heston Reads "Out of Egypt", Connie Francis Sings Jewish Favorites and Bob Booker and George Foster present Al Tijuana and his Jewish Brass. Insightful, funny and damn educational, the book is a must have for any serious musicologist.
Speaking of books, after the jump are some other, older titles that are worthy gifts as well.
Lipstick Traces by Griel Marcus is not only a detailed examination of
the one and only U.S. tour of the original incarnation of the Sex
Pistols, but it's also a mind boggling journey through the history of
punk, art and various medieval societies. Some critics complained that
Marcus had overstepped his range, but Lipstick Traces remains a
miraculous work, a heady and hefty piece of criticism that is the
perfect bathroom companion.
And, lastly, check out Frank Zappa's autobiography, which is possibly the best written book ever by a
major musical performer. Uncompromising in its details of life on the
road with his band, The Mothers of Invention, Zappa's prose is sharp
and his narrative compelling. But those with weak stomachs should beware: A few
tales are adult-only. But who could expect differently? Zappa's
tragically short life was an R-rated experience beginning to end and
this book relates a good portion of it. --Darryl Smyers
