In Their Own Write

by Charles Shaar Murray, Paul Gorman, Paul Gorman

An astute commentary on contemporary culture, spawning prodigious talents who have helped advance and destroy cultural trends. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1860743412
• ISBN13: 9781860743412
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Sanctuary Publishing
• Length: 300 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.2" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Indispensable History

I just read F. Mills' review for the first time, and I've long agreed with much of what that reviewer says. It's true that Gorman's book focuses more on UK rock writing, but I've always found that to be its major attraction. I can't think of another book that covers the UK rock press to anywhere near this extent, thus Gorman's work fills a major void. No, it's not a definitive history of the music press, but it's a marvelous supplement to the three books Mills mentions. Draper's "Rolling Stone Magazine" is essential reading, and DeRogatis' "Let It Blurt" covers the Creem story (as well as the life of the only rock critic who's warranted his own bio--not that others aren't deserving). Mills was also very astute to point out Abe Peck's "Uncovering the Sixties," which indeed provides helpful context. I also agree with Mills that some more of Gorman's own words might help tie his book together. Also, the bibliography in the back of the book is hardly what it could've been. A Greil Marcus-style annotated bibliography (like the discographies of "Mystery Train" or "Stranded") would've been especially useful. That said, "In Their Own Write" really should be read by anyone interested in rock criticism. There are so few books about the profession itself, and Gorman's deserves to rank with Draper's and DeRogatis' as cornerstones.

About time....

Gorman, author of The Look (a serious look at rock fashion) now offers the first serious appraisal of music criticism and its history. Having been interviewed for the book myself, I know from personal experience how knowledgeable he is, and how thorough his research has been. The entire history of rock criticism, from the '50s right up to the present, is presented in quotes from leading participants. Filled with outrageous opinion and balanced judgment, it's as wild and wooly a collection as the collection of maniacs and misfits who write about music for a living. There are some excerpts up on Rock's Backpages, a great site for fans of rock writing at its best.

Gossippy nuggets still make it fascinating

HiI'd agree with Mills critique in but one respect: it IS fascinating, but mainly for the little nuggets which have been dropped in there: The beatles publisher tried to sell their music rights in 1964 because he thought the bubble ahd to burst, Uk critic Charlie Gillett being welcomed by John Lennon in LA, who appeared to know all about him, and the best one - that Danny Fields alleges he and Pete Townshend were boyfriends.Rolling Stone has now picked up on this and Pete doesn't seem to have a problem (see latest RS), though beware: Fields says he can't remember saying it. Nevertheless, for those who have wondered about the world which informs pete's writing down the years, it's an insight.So on an anecdotal, "wow never knew that" level In Their Own Write deserves 5 stars.As an intellectual overview of the music press it doesn't cut it. No Simon Reynolds, William Shaw, Chris Heath, John Harris or any of the real heavyweight stars who have brought a solid critical perspective and opinion to the music press (at least here in the UK) over recent years.Still and all - it's nice to get the inside dirt once in a while!