Customer Reviews

The Impossible Dream The Story Of Scott Walker And The Walker Brothers

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The book thoroughly covers the career of The Walker Brothers. Scott's career is also given a full treatment as well. This book includes everything you will ever need to know about their career including their comeback in the 1970's. This book clarifies as few myths about Scott, i.e., his short spell in a monastery, suicide attempt. Scott was not a self-absorbed star wallowing in his own despair. In fact, he was (and is) a highly intelligent and creative individual who quickly tired of the machinations of pop stardom. Gary did not play or sing on their records but provided intangibles that helped them become successful. In fact, he bankrolled their trip to England in early 1965, and hobnobbed with important music connections. He also provided comic relief and genuine friendship for John and Scott. John comes across as merely talented but not as gifted as Scott. All three seemed like down-to-earth types who didn't take themselves too seriously. A few typos notwithstanding, this is a fine book and should satisfy fans of this unique pop group.

The history of the Walkers is all here for sure but this telling is an absolute MUST for the music analysis and critque of each song as it relates to the ongoing story of a godlike genius ...and his two "brothers." It's nearly shocking that the Walker Brothers and Scott have been booked so often in the past and now even John and Gary have a book out and about the era. But supported by his own music experiences and talent and his extensive ability to "write" about the creation and impression of songs, singing and playing author Anthony Reynolds delivers a powerful and hugely readable stroll on the Walker phenom.

Just to share how important the influence of the Walker Brothers was on my own work, I listened to Make It Easy On Yourself for over 300 times just to understand, capture, and retain the artistic standard. I read the Chapter on the original recording session three times, then went back and listened to the recording, and focused on the powerful crescendo of Scott, John, and Gary, with the exceptional orchestral background, in the Burt Bacharach/Hal David masterpiece, under the directorship of the late Johnny Franz; and (then) I worked diligently as an artist to achieve a similar level of perfection.

A most inspiring, exceptionally written book about a superb band, and the gifted lead singer Scott Walker. I learned from this carefully-crafted book how to invest oneself in a major artistic project, and how to stay with the "aesthetic perfection" of Scott and Dusty Springfield. It lifted me up as an artist. I am so grateful that Anthony Reynolds took the time and expertise to meet with these three superb artists, and capture their humility, professionalism, exquisite teamwork, and diligence to create works of this magnitude. Make It Easy On Yourself, in my mind, is one of the finest love songs ever composed, written, orchestrated, sung, and produced. That Chapter alone was worth the price of the book.

Perfection or near perfection is possible. Impossible Dream: The Story of Scott Walker and The Walker Brothers has earned my profound respect. Salute!

One of the biggest acts of popular music in the 60s, The Walker Brothers star has greatly faded. "The Impossible Dream: The Story of Scott Walker and the Walker Brothers" tells the story of this trio of brothers who took America by storm throughout the 1960s and became one of the earliest teen idols. A complete and comprehensive biography of the group, all of their work is covered in much depth, as author Anthony Reynolds offers the history behind each song and album with much detail. "The Impossible Dream" is an absolute must for anyone nostalgic for the heyday of the Walker Trio or any who simply want to understand one of the obsessions of the 60s.