Last book read

[zontar]

ME, THE MOB, AND THE MUSIC: ONE HELLUVA RIDE, by Tommy James, one of those breezy reads that seem over shortly after you've begun.

James may have been a 60's lightweight, but his perspective is unique. Few artists can claim to have sold 20 million albums and singles in a short 18 mos... all without collecting a dime in royalties. The music racket is a rigged game, but it's ramped to a whole 'nother level when your label has heavy mob ties. The Strangs may have dealt with some crazy shit in their day, but I doubt they were ever advised to lay low because their label head was caught in the middle of a gang war.

James survived on concert fees and hard-fought, fitful advances, but there were perks to having a dark genie on yer side. Fancy using an arranger employed with a rival? Your label boss, backed by thug minions, uses strongarm tactics that make Peter Grant look genteel. The arranger materializes at your studio. Want to collaborate with a writer signed to another publisher? Guys with crooked noses (some of whom meet grisly fates) deliver the trembling tunesmith to your door.

Recommended to anyone contemplating a deal with the devil. Incidentally, the "Mony Mony" title came about when James spied a blinking sign outside his Manhattan apartment, advertising the insurance firm Mutual Of New York.

[Notabadbandatall]

Just re read Animal Farm - Excellent stuff

[scouserat]

The Timbers of Justice ,A graphic and fascinating look at the history of the Guillotine,i was gobsmacked to learn the last time it was used was in Paris 1972

[themaninblack1963]

I am just re-reading "The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists" by Robert Tressell a brilliant book!

[dreamtime101]

I am just re-reading "The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists" by Robert Tressell a brilliant book!

Surely one of the greatest books ever written, I re-read it myself every few years. It's still so relevant after all these years.

[evonx]

Showbusiness by Mark Radcliffe (the DJ) with one unfavourable passage about a early stranglers gig but a hilarious report on his days with the (then still un political) Skrewdriver.

[cassini]

The Aquariums of Pyongyang ...

[NMH1965]

140.jpg (5.17 KiB) Viewed 1229 times

Another excellent book in the Starbuck Chronicles

n123751.jpg (16.93 KiB) Viewed 1229 times

More death and destruction from the 27th (Penal) Panzer Regiment

[MULLY]

n123751.jpg

More death and destruction from the 27th (Penal) Panzer Regiment [/quote]



Haven't read one of them since school!! Legionnaire & Porta - Liquidate Paris, Wheels of Terror - EXCELLENT.

[PaulinLondon]

I recommend this. Extraordinary research by the author.

[paul b]

fuck thought i'd stumbled on to some neo nazi site then
good job i can't read

[cassini]

Murder in Samarkand by Craig Murray. Cracking read, plus, I get a mention in the book!