Author: Paul Nelson, Lester Bangs
Year: 1982
ISBN: 0-933328-08-7
Price: £4.95
Sidgwick & Jackson, UK
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BY
CRUCIFYING their subject, the authors ensured this project was
fated from the start. Although this book offers a lively account,
the authors say little themselves, instead they repeat criticisms
the music press made in the late seventies, rehash already published
material, and most significantly of all, completely misunderstand
Rod. The first chapter contains an excellent piece that originally
appeared in Rolling Stone in 1977 whilst Rod was on his first
post Faces tour of America. It features a fine interview in
which Rod speaks candidly about punk and his split with Britt
Ekland, as well as giving a rare insight into his then latest
album 'Footloose And Fancy Free'. The second chapter, Two Jewish
Mothers, is a debate between the authors as to what they feel
is wrong. They talk about the transformation of Rod from working
class lad in the Faces, to an out of touch Hollywood superstar,
detached from his fans, who has turned into a male tart! Nelson
still appears to be (reluctantly) with Rod, whilst it is clear
that Bangs has lost the faith. More than anything they express
disappointment and yearn for the return of the laddish, down
to earth Rod. What they did infact, was to swallow the myth,
hook, line and sinker, unaware that beneath the rather tacky
image of the time, Rod was laughing - at them! All they really
had to do was listen to the lyrics of the songs Rod was writing,
particularly 'Born Loose' and 'Is That The Thanks I Get' which
reveal that deep down, Rod hadn't changed at bit. They fail
to mention that his best mates remained his band and footballing
pals and don't ask the fans if they feel he is distant and out
of touch as they accuse.
Rumour has it that this book was withdrawn by the publishers
due to disastrous sales. It certainly seemed to disappear quickly.
It was originally published in the USA in 1981 and made UK shops
in 1982. If you find this book it will probably set you back
about £25.00.
John Gray
Smiler rating: C+
Reader rating:  (24 votes) |
