Customer Reviews

Bandalism: The Rock Group Survival Guide

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I received this book as a joke of sorts due to the breakup of a band I was until things turned less then optimum and the band died. And I will admit seeing the title gave me a healthy chuckle, which inclined me to actually read the book and not simply leave it on my mantle as nothing more then a display piece.

Anyway, I really enjoyed having done that. The author possesses a certain attitude towards the mundane tasks musicians go through that they think are beneficial but, in reality, are a mere waste of time, or worse, detrimental to a band's health. He brings up several good ideas and thoughts on how to keep a band together during tough times. And he also has many keen observations on what good bands do to stay alive and healthy. He doesn't mince words on things he doesn't like or see in good light: He thinks music want ads are complete trite, and you will hear about it more then once.

Although, he does sometimes spend too much time on things that don't really matter or not very important in my eyes. There is an extensive chapter on where the reader should be and what to play in his or her band that includes a fairly long quiz and follow up analysis. It doesn't seem to be much more then a parody of bands with revolving members and I doubt it to be something to actually put into practice. However, it isn't a sufficient reason to dislike the book or not finish it. You can skip it easily and not feel lost or in a daze (this isn't the Da Vinci Code for musicians).

Bottom line: entertaining read. Creative and interesting. I recommend for any playing musician whether you are in a working, recording band or are simply a greasy-faced teen who plays drums with his friends on the weekends when mom is at work.

Deserving of ongoing mention is this survey of the malicious destruction to the fabric of a rock/pop band brought about by one or more of its members. There's a long history of 'bandalism' and this is the first to chronicle the experience and how to avoid the common indicators that it's affecting a group's performance, cohesiveness and music. Highly recommended for any library catering to musicians.