by Philippe Margotin & Jean-Michel Guesdon

The authors are at their strongest when identifying who played on what track, and exactly what instrument they were playing. Did you know Charlie Watts played a “Gretsch kit”? He most certainly did. You’re reminded of that every other page.

They’re at their weakest in understanding lyrics. They were constantly just slightly, or entirely, missing the mark. For example, “Hang Fire” off TATTOO YOU was not exactly an indictment of Thatcherite economics. It was more an indictment of lazy people, a feeling which Mick would explore more explicitly a few years later in “Let’s Work”. But hey I could be wrong.

The best parts were often when I’d go back and put the CD on to a certain minute mark where the authors had pointed out a flub. What incredible ears they must have – usually I could barely even hear what they were talking about. But particularly on the early tracks, it was often amusingly obvious. The book was worth the price of admission for expounding on the way Keith’s fuzz guitar comes in a note late on the second refrain of “Satisfaction.” I had always noticed that, even as a wee tot, and I always really liked the effect. Now I know that he was late turning on the fuzz pedal, which he turned on for the refrains and off for the verses! And for the third refrain, he’s a note or two too soon, though that’s less noticeable.

by Ann Napolitano

The story had a very slow, rather dull start. I found myself at first disliking Julia and pitying William; soon I was finding Julia to be a little too much like myself. Too bad she was portrayed as a semi-monster by the end. Noteworthy: A family of six Italians, and nobody cooks?? All the sisterly love was very wearing; reading about extremely close families like this always leaves me feeling smothered. These were definitely storybook people in storybook relationships. By the end, I was just skimming; I didn’t care, and did not enjoy the story. I was glad when I was finally free.

by Mike Campbell

Great to spend some time with Mike, Tom, Benmont, Howie, and Stan, and all the stars they crossed paths with.

It always warms my heart to see rock stars married to the same person for decades.

I didn’t realize Campbell wrote “Boys of Summer”. He wrote the music and played most of the instruments on it. That made him richer than being in the Heartbreakers.

Particularly great Bob Dylan anecdotes.

Tragic how drugs took Howie’s life and then Tom’s. Glad that Benmont recovered from addiction.