Rock Bottom - Hardcover

Michael Odell

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1785782223 ISBN 13: 9781785782220

Publisher: Icon Books Ltd (7 Sept. 2017), 2017

Synopsis

'One of the best music books ever written, because Michael Odell knows music isn't about the musicians - it's about what it does to the listener, even if what it does ends up being wholly disastrous. It's sad, funny, fascinating and wise.' Michael Hann, former Guardian music editor  'Hilarious and disarmingly honest; a journey into the neurosis of rock fame, but through doors you don't expect.' Rachel Joyce, author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry   A tale of loving, living and surviving rock music Michael Odell is a rock music writer who takes his responsibility as cultural gatekeeper seriously; he asks rock stars the forbidden questions to discover whether they're worthy of readers' admiration. But after interviewing Mick Jagger and Keith Richards - two of the 'Big Six' icons - Michael is depressed. He has a public meltdown while chaperoning Oasis at an awards ceremony; he's lost joy in his bathroom full of rock'n'roll memorabilia; and his young son is in trouble at school for emulating rock star behaviour. Reluctantly Michael consults Mrs Henckel, a no-nonsense therapist with zero experience of pop culture. As Michael addresses his feelings about the past, in particular his failed teenage band, Mental Elf, he's forced to confront the question: is it finally time to grow up and forget rock'n'roll?  

About this title

About the Author

Michael Odell is a former contributing editor to Q magazine and has written about music for NME, the Guardian, the Independent and Spin, among others. Currently he does interviews and writes on family matters for The Times. He lives in Bristol.

Review

‘Hilarious and disarmingly honest; a journey into the neurosis of rock fame, but through doors you don’t expect.’ (Rachel Joyce, author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry) ‘Rock Bottom is one of the best music books ever written, because Michael Odell knows music isn't about the musicians – it’s about what it does to the listener, even if what it does ends up being wholly disastrous. It’s sad, funny, fascinating and wise. And everyone who ever claimed a record changed their life should read it, and then think again.’ (Michael Hann, former Guardian music editor) ‘“Please don’t put your life in the hands of a rock ’n’ roll band, who’ll throw it all away.” So advised Noel Gallagher in 1995 and Michael Odell ignored him anyway ... One of Britain's most fearless rock interrogators, Odell turns his merciless searchlight on himself in this wry, compelling odyssey into the heart of his own - and rock n roll’s - madness. Larks with the legends are all here (Bowie, McCartney, Mick ‘n’ Keef ... Michael Bublé) but it’s his inner life which illuminates, his psyche traumatically crumbling as he confronts his chaotic past. Hilarious, tragic and timely, this is high farce in high (and low) places, uncovering why rock’s lost highway is littered with the bodies of the righteous dreamers. Could it be because “the music people are all mad?” (Clue: yes.)’ (Sylvia Patterson, author of I’m Not with the Band) 'It's a fantastic book. A really new angle on rock. I've never read anything like it before and I've read a lot of music books.' (Dave Fanning, RTE Radio) ‘A great book dealing with childhood friendships, failed idealism and those who got left behind. I would really recommend this book.’

About this edition

• Publisher: Icon Books Ltd (7 Sept. 2017)
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1785782223
• ISBN 13: 9781785782220
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 373