Scan barcode
lakecake's review against another edition
3.0
This was exhaustively researched, and included personal interviews with Phil Spector and many of his closest associates. It’s interesting that many really still seemed to have hero worship for the man, even when he so clearly treated most people terribly. He had some mental issues, but that excuse only goes so far, frankly, and too many people allowed him to skate by on terrible behavior using that excuse.
I listened to the audiobook version of this, and the narrator had a very distinct reading style that I didn’t prefer. It was very 1950s newscast to me, and the switching between the voices of those quoted and then that style was really jarring to me. Personal preference, but worth noting.
I listened to the audiobook version of this, and the narrator had a very distinct reading style that I didn’t prefer. It was very 1950s newscast to me, and the switching between the voices of those quoted and then that style was really jarring to me. Personal preference, but worth noting.
brendanpgh's review against another edition
5.0
A bit slow in the beginning when going over his family's history but picks up quickly and doesn't let up.
One of the slowest books I've ever read because several times a chapter I wound up looking up songs and people on youtube. Very detailed!
One of the slowest books I've ever read because several times a chapter I wound up looking up songs and people on youtube. Very detailed!
2000ace's review
4.0
I have a hard time thinking of anyone who makes my skin crawl more than Phil Spector: he was known for his megalomania, outrageous behavior, and for being one of the biggest jerks in an industry where they replicate inconsiderate, soul-sucking assholes in Petri dishes for fun and profit. Author Mick Brown took on a Herculean task, just trying to shovel his way through the Augean stables of Spector's life, where double-dealing in business, betrayed ex-wives and ex-girlfriends, studio machinations, and the like were the order of the day. Brown does a particularly good job in recounting Spector's early life. Many seeds were sown there that burst into smarmy fruition later on. Spector may have been a genius in the recording studio, but he failed to make the grade as a human being. In many ways the story of his life resembles a Greek tragedy.
Separating the art from the artist is rarely an easy task. In this case, though, it is made more necessary because so many of the records he produced were so sublime. At the same time, it is hard not to want to vilify someone who ultimately betrayed virtually every friend or business associate he ever had. I think it is safe to say that Spector suffers from some form of mental illness My guess would be that he is bipolar with other related conditions. Perhaps in jail, separated from the hangers-on whom he seemed to collect and with proper medication, Spector may yet be able to discover his humanity.
I found much of what I read within these pages to be of interest. Although many readers may not find the sections about business dealings to be especially riveting, they are essential to the story, and chronicle how many musicians have been badly served by the music industry. I wish that the book had not ended quite so abruptly. A few more pages on the trial and its outcome would have made for a more satisfying conclusion to what is overall a well done explication of a most difficult subject.
Separating the art from the artist is rarely an easy task. In this case, though, it is made more necessary because so many of the records he produced were so sublime. At the same time, it is hard not to want to vilify someone who ultimately betrayed virtually every friend or business associate he ever had. I think it is safe to say that Spector suffers from some form of mental illness My guess would be that he is bipolar with other related conditions. Perhaps in jail, separated from the hangers-on whom he seemed to collect and with proper medication, Spector may yet be able to discover his humanity.
I found much of what I read within these pages to be of interest. Although many readers may not find the sections about business dealings to be especially riveting, they are essential to the story, and chronicle how many musicians have been badly served by the music industry. I wish that the book had not ended quite so abruptly. A few more pages on the trial and its outcome would have made for a more satisfying conclusion to what is overall a well done explication of a most difficult subject.
ericabasnicki's review
3.0
Unless you approach this book with an established knowledge of the American music business of the 1960s, there are a lot of characters to keep track of. That makes for a slow read, as it’s nearly impossible to keep it all straight and therefore follow the story. Then again, that is a reflection of the life Phil Spector lived. There is also the possibility that because I found Phil Spector extremely difficult to like from the first few pages, caring about his story was a chore. I respect that he made some amazing records and wanted to learn more about his studio techniques; but that’s not what this book is about. I think Mick Brown did a great job of presenting Spector in a balanced manner, and I respect that (despite how I feel about the subject of the book). If you’re deeply interested in Spector, this is probably a great read. If you’re not...don’t bother.
uncleflannery's review
2.0
"mr. spector, tear down this wall of sound!" competently written, kinda sucky.
More...