An excellent, fair-minded, and well written review, Robert. You’ve done a great job discussing the strengths and weaknesses of data-driven narratives about musical trends. It’s good to know Della Riva’s Substack led to a book deal. Here’s wishing him great success, and may the publishing gods soon find a similar place for you. Well done!
I had to pull in my horns a wee bit. My go-to vendor, ThriftBooks, is sending me three copies. As a fat 70-year-old, I’m on a budget.
Might you send me a deuce of inscribed copies: “To Glenn, You’re right. “Muswell Hillbillies” deserves more acclaim!” (Your name here). I would dispatch a check to you to cover costs, to include a good Dolcetto and a wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano. Molto con brio, Glenn Ebo Perry.
I think the author was more focused on the artist rather than the song so yea Bobby McGhee was in fact Joplins song.. besides I’m sure Kristofferson did fine with the royalties 😎
What a great review-- sympathetic but engaging closely with both the book-as-it-is and the broader quest that the book represents. Informative and interesting reading.
This is a very minor detail, but: I'm very happy to hear that Milli Vanilli get a sympathetic read in this book! I think they were about as "authentic" as any number of pop-R&B acts of the era (C+C Music Factory, Snap!, whatever) but that they were too foppish to stick around when MTV went grunge. Vibe shift victims! Justice for Rob & Fab!! Blame It On The Reign(ing Cultural Aesthetic Of The Not-So-Gay Nineties)!!!!!
An excellent, fair-minded, and well written review, Robert. You’ve done a great job discussing the strengths and weaknesses of data-driven narratives about musical trends. It’s good to know Della Riva’s Substack led to a book deal. Here’s wishing him great success, and may the publishing gods soon find a similar place for you. Well done!
Thanks, Andrew - appreciate the kind words. Chris works very hard and he deserves every success.
This is excellent, Robert! I dare say there are a few of us on here who would love to see you review more books!
Congrats to Chris Dalla Riva on the book! For what it's worth, I agree that Milli Vanilli were treated very badly indeed!
I'd love to tackle Peter Guralnick's new book on Elvis and Col. Tom Parker at some point - appreciate the encouragement!
I keep meaning to read my copy of Do Not Sell At Any Price.
Thanks for the review. Check out the book wherever books are sold if you’re interested.
I’ll be ordering up a half-dozen copies for fellow musicians. Sounds like a real treat.
Thank you!
Yikes!
Chris,
I had to pull in my horns a wee bit. My go-to vendor, ThriftBooks, is sending me three copies. As a fat 70-year-old, I’m on a budget.
Might you send me a deuce of inscribed copies: “To Glenn, You’re right. “Muswell Hillbillies” deserves more acclaim!” (Your name here). I would dispatch a check to you to cover costs, to include a good Dolcetto and a wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano. Molto con brio, Glenn Ebo Perry.
Shoot me an email. Cdallarivamusic at gmail and I’ll see what I can do
I think the author was more focused on the artist rather than the song so yea Bobby McGhee was in fact Joplins song.. besides I’m sure Kristofferson did fine with the royalties 😎
What a great review-- sympathetic but engaging closely with both the book-as-it-is and the broader quest that the book represents. Informative and interesting reading.
This is a very minor detail, but: I'm very happy to hear that Milli Vanilli get a sympathetic read in this book! I think they were about as "authentic" as any number of pop-R&B acts of the era (C+C Music Factory, Snap!, whatever) but that they were too foppish to stick around when MTV went grunge. Vibe shift victims! Justice for Rob & Fab!! Blame It On The Reign(ing Cultural Aesthetic Of The Not-So-Gay Nineties)!!!!!
I am the author and, yes, that is partially my read on the situation