Book review: On track… DAVID BOWIE, GERRY RAFFERTY, TALKING HEADS, THE BEATLES, DEEP PURPLE

March 12th, 2025 by GRTR! HQ

Sonicbond Publishing [Publication dates Feb.-Mar. 2025]

David Bowie 1983-2016

The On track… series continues and the first of 2025 includes David Bowie 1983-2016, the perfect complement to the earlier tome covering 1964-1982. This time Don Klees reflects the genre-changing nature of Bowie, especially in the 1980s when the album ‘Let’s Dance’ gave him a mass audience. The book takes us to ‘Blackstar’ Bowie’s epitaph in 2016. ****

Gerry Rafferty may be remembered primarily for his major hit (in 1978) ‘Baker Street’ but John Van der Kiste picks up his story (at least in recorded terms) with his debut single as “The Fifth Column” in 1966 prior to joining acoustic duo The Humblebums. Rafferty’s career also included several years with Stealer’s Wheel whose biggest hit was ‘Stuck In The Middle With You’.

In later years Rafferty’s output became spasmodic and although he suffered depression and became something of a recluse he was still able to release a worthwhile album in 2009 ‘Life Goes On’ two years prior to his death. ****

David Starkey (not the history man) has documented Talking Heads, not the easiest of tasks when deciphering the eclectic music and, not least David Byrne’s lyrics. The narrative is based largely on published sources and is a useful overview for the less fearless. ***1/2

Nick Holmes’ tome on Porcupine Tree has been updated to include 2002′s ‘Closure/Continuation’. As we stated in our original review Holmes “has a musical background which is a definite advantage as he analyses the band’s hybrid of prog and metal.” ****

In 2019 we were impressed with Andrew Wild’s dissection of The Fab Four in this series. Now, with Alberto Bravin, the focus is on The Beatles 1962-1966. The difference is that Wild’s original book was essentially a catalogue of songs (and their origins) with little of the analysis which is provided here. Expect a second volume in the future. ****

In the sense that these “On track…” books scoop up decades of rock writing the synthesis is a useful entry point for new listeners. The committed fan should find much of interest although the subjective comment may rankle with some.

Deep Purple from 1984

Deep Purple from 1984 by Phil Kafcaloudes is a welcome addition as (from 1994) it focuses on the post-Blackmore years. The latest offering =1 is included but the analysis also encourages a re-evaluation of the band during the last two decades. (A volume on the period 1968-1979 was published in 2019).

The band have always adapted to changing musical tastes (and line-ups) so – for example – ‘Slaves And Masters’ (the only album fronted by Joe Lynn Turner) chimes with the melodic hard rock scene popular in 1990.

Interviews with some of the key players (although not Ian Gillan) gives this account more credibility. And the book’s parting shot, that Simon McBride has re-energized the band (as Steve Morse did in 1996) suggests there is more life yet in this behemoth. ****

Review by David Randall

www.sonicbondpublishing.co.uk

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Power Plays w/c 21 April 2025

THE DEVIL WEARS NADA Late Night Talking (Eonian Records)
DROWNING POOL Madness (SBG Records)
PARKER BARROW Make It (indie)
REDIKIN Nailed It (Wormholedeath)
PENNY FOUNTAIN Euphoria (indie)
CRY FOR MERCY Saving Grace (indie)
VIGILANTES Life In The Fast Brain (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 21 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

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