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The Girl In The Song: The Stories Behind 50 Rock Classics (2010)

by Michael Heatley(Favorite Author)

3.22 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

1569765308 (ISBN13: 9781569765302)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Chicago Review Press

review 1: A nice idea...but pretty lame execution. The author (or authors--only one is included on the title page) seems pretty much of a musical tourist, which leads to remarks such as that Tusk was Fleetwood Mac's third album (lol), or saying that the relatively slow-selling Madman Across the Water was a blip in Elton John's career (grrrr). Also the thing is filled with book-reportish sentences ("James Taylor used a troubled personal life to help him become a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, his songs selling in the millions" or "Billy Joel worked tirelessly over his career to become the third biggest selling solo artist in the US"...which I don't think is quite what he was trying to say). Beyond that, much of it sounds like it was taken from press releases (or resumes) issued... more by the various "girls"...it's all quite bland and inane, with statements like: "[Linda McCartney] was as famous for her antivivisection views and vegetarian lifestyle as for marrying a Beatle" (lol...no, she wasn't). Oh yeah, and some of the songs are pretty marginal ("Hey Negrita"). And the writer has the usual modern-day priggishness, making a great deal of age gaps and so forth.On the plus side, it's a good-looking book with a number of cool pictures. As long as you don't make the mistake of reading it, you might end up enjoying this one. :)
review 2: Ever listen to an outstanding love song and wonder about whom the song was written? Well, here’s your chance to find out! This book is peppered with wonderful summaries of how such songs were written, the background of the composer, performers and the inspiring girl who started it all. From Beware of Young Girls by Dory Previn to Wonderwall by Oasis, She’s Leaving Home by the Beatles, Uptown Girl by Billy Joel and Miss Amanda Jones by the Rolling Stones, The Girl In the Song will fascinate you. Able to be read at a single sitting or in small gulps like poetry. Excellent synopses. I really appreciate knowing the background of the songs I hear on the radio. It makes them live! less

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