Customer Reviews

I Hate the Man Who Runs This Bar!

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You are not alone (sitting there in the darkness ... by yourself ... without anybody else ... misunderstood and maligned and malingering... not knowing where to turn or who to turn to ...) because Mr. Eugene Chadbourne is right there with you to show you the way!

No, he won't help you make a living by making music - but he'll explain why you aren't making a living. He won't stop you from being double-booked and left with no money in Our Town, Earth, Universe - but he'll help you deal with it (and ensure you turn it into a good road warrior story for your friends).

This is not the music publishing/A&R bible that will list every exec's name and phone number - those are out of date before they're printed. It's more like a fake book actually comprised of songs you would want to fake.

I wouldn't consider myself a real musician because I still rely on THE MAN to give me a paycheck. But this is Extremely well-written and Entertaining and informative and hearten! ing and concise. (Though I have to say that it's a bit pricey - but that's not a consideration when reviewing fine literature, is it?). For anyone who has/wants to record something or has/wants to perform in public - check this book out!

I am a professional musician (note that I did not say "full time"), and this is my very favorite of all the books I own about the music business. This book inspires me when I'm happy to be a musician, encourages me when I feel like quitting music forever, makes me want to be a better musician, and makes me feel like I'm just as good as I need to be to just get out there and PLAY, already.

In short, I love this book. I would recommend it not just for musicians but for anyone who is engaged in a creative pursuit, knowing full well that it will never make him or her rich and famous - and that that's a GOOD thing.

Mr. Chadbourne's book will scare many young musicians into to becoming record producers and it will inspire heartier souls into pursuing the career they have always wanted, that is, being a musician. This book contains stories of both fact and fiction that deal with different types of musicians in the wierd kinds of situations that musicians find themselves in. Especially insightful are the chapters that deal with the regular folk: Understanding the Non-Creative Mind, Chicken Public vs. the Avant-Garde, and True Happiness: The Flawed System That Destroys Weaker Minds. Mr. Chadbourne's insight on how to make a living playing music that nobody wants to hear is invaluble to musicians of all persuasions. This book should be in every gig bag of every music student in every school!

Purportedly about the music business, it's really about the importance of finding community, maintaining a good sense of humor in the face of setbacks, following one's passions, and not letting other people dictate to you what it means to be a success.

A little incoherent at times--I occasionally wish it got a little more editing. But that seems at least in part to be quite intentional, and the rambling style fits the message perfectly.

Well worth the price just for the cornucopia of funny, well-written anecdotes.

If you think there's actually a book that tells you how to be a star, you're a fool. if you think reading some book will tell you how to write hit songs, get your hair to look good and how to get an honest manager, you're a bigger fool. Homer Simpson said to his daughter "Here's the first rule about the music business. Don't trust anyone in the music business" and Hunter Thompson said (this is pretty close)'the music business is a long plastic hallway populated by pimps and thieves where good men die. there's also a downside.' AM I BEING TOO CYNICAL FOR YOU? This is a GREAT book. For those of us who have lived/live this life, it's hilarious. Should be mandatory reading for all 18 year olds who think their band is going to hit it big. no matter whether you make it to the top or stay at the bottom you WILL encounter the situations and people described in this book. Lively, good writing style. THANKS EUGENE

If you're seeking tips to become a commercial success in the music business, keep looking. You won't find anything like that here. If you want to read a clever, witty book that helps you cope with the pitfalls, look no further.