The best books on music


This Fathers Day I received two of the best music related presents a Dad could get. My wife bought me an updated copy of "Reelin' In The Years" by Brain Sweet and my daughter gave me "Shakey" by Jimmy McDonough.

"Reelin' In The Years" is a must read for any Steely Dan fan. The mysterious duo and their wonderful tunes are covered in depth by a writing style that peels away layer upon layer of myth to finally expose the reader to the essence of The Dan. It's doubtful that any other artists have taken a similar route to fame.

The numerous examples regarding studio time is worth the price of this book. Reading about the reactions of studio musicians being invited to participate on a project is a hoot. Their attention to detail, once fully explained, makes listening to their old recordings a new experience. I respected the music before reading this book but now respect the men.

"Shakey" has a number of surprises for the reader even if you have been a Neil Young fanatic as I have since my teen years in the 60's. The man with almost 50 albums to his credit has more unreleased music than what has previously been made available. He promises to release one, huge complete set of his work someday.

The author enjoyed access to Young and the subject is quoted thoroughly throughout the book. If you think you know what Neil Young is all about, think again.

Okay, share with us the books on music that have enriched your lives. We want to know what books you liked and why.
lugnut
My local public library actually had "Music In The Castle Of Heaven"! It's on my pile now.
the late scott miller (game theory) wrote a book of music criticism called music: what happened, basically his favorite songs of the past several decades. very intelligently written and the best of its type i've read.
"The Lives of the Great Composers" by Harold C. Schonberg. I wore out my copy over the years and still refer to it. Well written, fascinating, and inspirational.

erik


both Chet Baker and Art Pepper do have very good biographies out there.

  • I also liked Charles Rosen's book 'The Classical Style' (1971); 
  • "Shakey" (Neil Young, he has epilepsy); 
  • Currently I am reading "Sound Reproduction (3rd Edition) by Floyd E. Toole - a great book on "loudspeakers and rooms";
  • I am not going to list books on jazz theory, ear training and sight siinging, etcetera from my stint at Berklee.