Customer Reviews

Traveling Music : The Soundtrack to My Life and Times

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I'd consider this the most well written published work of Neil Peart to date.

He uses the songs of a solo drive over an extended weekend as the springboard for reflections on his past and his evolution to what he has become. The music and his life have many parallels.

I found the diversity of music he likes fascinating and certainly got turned onto some music I never would have considered seriously before reading this (Frank Sinatra, Linkin Park) while others were fairly obvious influences that I directly related to.

It was interesting how open Neil was about his past, esp. his Teen years and how the behavior of others so permanantly and dramatically impacted who he became as an adult. I think we can all relate to that.

This book could easily have become confusing and bogged down in the changes from distant past stories to recent past to present time. But it doesn't. It easily kept my interest, had me nodding in agreement, and search in the music store and bookstore shelves for referenced books and albums.

My one complaint, and it was a complaint with Ghost Rider as well, is that he doesn't include a biography of the books and albums he mentioned. I kept a bookmark and pen handy and wrote down most of the albums I want to check out and books I want to read, but it would be nice if they'd have been included with full information and potentially even comments in an appendix.

If you're a fan of Neil or just a fan of well written biographies of interesting people I think you'll enjoy this book.

I certainly am not regretting the 20 bucks I spent on this book, but I think it could have been, well, tighter. Perhaps one would expect that an artist known for such machine-precision drumming would write prose the same way, but this book is neither tight and precise like Mr. Peart's drumming or cerebral and evocative like much of his lyricism with Rush.

After reading the book, I read the reviews here on Amazon. I suppose the theme that keeps coming up in reviews for this book as well as "Ghost Rider" is an assumption that the voice in his writing is arrogant, snobby and/or elitist. Speaking strictly of "Traveling Music", I do not hear that voice in the writing. Riding solo on his motorcycle while the "rest of the band" is on the bus is basic to the personality Peart reveals in this book, and to me did not come across as elitist. Who knows... I'd rather be flying down the highway on a bike than in a bus any day. Ordering him to join the band every day on the bus might well tinker with the magic that is Peart's creative, driving force behind Rush, and besides, he'd just do his own thing anyhow. That is one of the points of this book: living individually while participating in community. Therein are lessons. Today's publicly visible artists, as Peart writes, are unfortunately not always treated well by those that claim to appreciate them (he mentions John Lennon... point made). If the man wishes to lead a life of seclusion and peace, who is to begrudge him? Like most people, he writes of wanting to go to work, give it his all, and then, well... go home or go private. Peart apparently is quite cognizant that there are those who feel he shuns them, and at least makes an attempt to address it. Peart writes of his frustration with people who invade his privacy. As for the "I love your work" quote - well, Peart seems to have appreciated it and, more to the point, appreciated the unobtrusive nature of the comment. Fans who feel short-shrifted by such behavior should remember that a person like Peart is essentially a captive audience... a target for far more people's attention than can be realistically accepted on an individual level. He gives us what the normal unspoken contract between star and fan agrees to give us... his professional hours on stage and wonderful art otherwise. Autographs are nice, and public appearances are good, but no wonder there is a tendency to carve out ones' own private space. I certainly am not defending the man, but I relate to the writing in this book about needing sanctuary. Anyone who works in a profession that deals with a crush of people (musicians, athletes, actors, politicians - OK, SOME politicians...) can understand Peart's desire for "down time". Basically, the desire to live a private life is not snubbing his fans... get over it, people...

Back to the writing... as a road-trip junkie myself (and who has taken many of the roads Peart describes in my rather less inspired vehicle), I easily was transported along. Yes, the constant reference to The Macallan gets a bit impish, but, hey, the man's just that way. (Personally, I prefer The Balvenie, but who really cares, right...). The loose narrative style fits the subject matter well, and alternating the chapters between the current journey and the lifelong journey is effective. I enjoyed his presentation of his musical influences and CD collection immensely, and now have some new stuff to listen to. Those reviewers who complained about his focus on these musicians apparently forgot to read this book's title...

Students of literature may well find Peart's writing a bit simple, but therein lies the beauty of this book... it is a road-trip... not a medical science journal. Peart may, or may not, be a self-centered, arrogant, unapproachable star. It really doesn't matter. The fact that he chose to share his basic life story, whether altruistically or with a profit motive (perhaps both) is unusual enough in a person of his professional standing. Rush fans... it is more information than we ever thought we'd see. Everyone else... at the least you may find Peart an interesting study.

Having read the poignant "Ghost Rider" three times, I awaited a follow-up with high expectation. What resonated with me the most about "Ghost Rider" was the concept of travel as catharsis - an idea with which I share profound belief. So my mind reeled with questions of how Peart would follow up such a personal account so masterfully interwoven with appreciations on the road.

"Traveling Music" is different. Here, we find the Canadian establishing roots in (Oh, God - not really) America of all places. Peart's observations on the United States - especially those in "Ghost Rider" - are almost shamelessly typical of non-U.S. citizens, often boiling down to how crass and arrogant Americans are, but with an obvious appreciation for all the richness of the land and, yes, even the culture. While many of his critical views in "Ghost Rider" felt particularly (I hate this term) unfair, he paints with broader strokes in "Traveling Music" and reveals himself to be a man far more at peace.

The book details a drive through parts of the U.S. while listening to the music that has carried the most profound impact throughout his life. In the process, we get glimpses of the history ad progression of rock and roll from someone who has made it his life's work. But these opinions are also peppered with observations of other types of music and cultural developments that have helped shape his own distinction as well. While the reader may not agree with all his opinions regarding musical taste, his awareness of the cultural sway and the business we call "show" is keen and acute. Peart jumps back and forth between growing up in Canada, living in England, the "history" of rock as seen through his eyes and opinions about musicians as diverse as Isaac Hayes, Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra and Linkin Park. He does manage to skillfully pull all the ends together in a tidy knot as he details the events of the SARS concert wherein he meets Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones thirty some-odd years after watching Watts on a television show. For any budding musician, this is certainly a book to read. For anyone appreciating music, this is certainly a book to read.

There's less emphasis on travel, more on Peart's opinions, but that's okay. Along the way, one can embrace the possiblity of broadening ones palatte. In fact, I've since explored a few of the artists Peart mentions if only for the sake of doing just that. I still can't get behind Nirvana or Linkin Park, but the doomed flavor of the day, Jeff Buckley, did yield some interesting things on his "Grace" CD.

And as a note to Rush fans, this book is also not a "Rush" book, though there is a teaser within the pages that Peart may next work on the history of the band.

Though it lacks the drama of "Ghost Rider," "Traveling Music" is nonetheless a compelling read, sure to force the reader into thinking of the music playing in the background of his or her life as well. As an autobiographer, Peart's work rates along other musician / writers such as the sly and witty Joe Jackson. Though his book may not hit the New York Times bestseller list, as Gene Simmons' "Kiss and Make-up" did, he at least has something to say, while Simmons merely wants to be heard. And as a travel writer, Peart has accomplished more in three volumes than Bill Bryson has done in a lifetime devoted to the endeavor. His writing is pure and unfiltered, unapologetic and honest.

I closed the book pleased and waiting for the next one.

This book is by far the best book Neil Peart has written. This book is more biographical, in a very musical sense, than a travel book. What I mean by this is that Neil writes about his travels to the Big Bend area in South West Texas, several excursions he took while on that trip, such as a bird watching tour, and a hike up Emory Peak, etc. But the bulk of the content in this work is about his life and how certain songs, musicians, and bands have affected his life.

Neil details his early childhood, how his father's music was something he ignored as a child but embraced it as his own later in life. Moreover, he describes how he eventually took up drumming, his earliest bands in his own hometown, and how he progressed as a drummer from childhood to the last current tour, Vapor Trails, at the time this book was published. He describes certain details from various bands he "passed through" for a certain time, his experiences in London, England as a young adult, and how touring with Rush and playing a typical 76 or so show stopping tour affected him; all these details are great, and make the book that much more interesting.

However, the underlining greatness of this work, I think anyway, is Neil's descriptions of the music he is listening to throughout all these other details mentioned above. The way Neil describes how his "radar music" or his play list that is contained in the back of his mind resurfaces on occasion is the most interesting aspect of this work, since this is where Neil gets more personal opening himself up more than merely describing events. He details songs like they are personal parts of his life, exposing these parts with a serious vulnerability that is quite opposite to his personality, which is introverted and a bit hidden.

What happens when you read Neil's descriptions of bands and their songs, is that you will find yourself searching for these bands, if you have not listened to them before, and sampling them for possible purchases. At least I found myself doing this. He should get paid for promoting these bands, since several of them gained a new listener and buyer of their music. All this being said, this is an excellent book, especially if you are a music lover, it is well worth the price, and if you are a Rush fan, then this book is a must to take a peak inside the life, mind, musical taste and musical influences of one of the greatest drummers in rock and roll history, I highly recommend this book.

I have always loved music, from the first time I listened to my Dad's records until now when I am a drummer in a rock/blues band. I know what it's like to have music as a constant companion in life, through good and bad times. I was pleased with "Traveling Music", and it was particularly good to read after "Ghost Rider", a book dealing with loss and grief. These two books go from the darkest despair to a rebirth of the joy of life.

Some people think Mr. Peart sounds arrogant, particularly in the reviews of "Ghost Rider". Be patient, look beyond your initial gut reactions, and you will see a man going through a terrible time in his life. During the "Ghost Rider" journey, he was focusing on himself and his own hurts, and it's understandable when he seems cynical and aloof. It feels like the whole world and everyone in it is pointless, suspect, and perhaps a bit malevolent. This all comes out in a sometimes unpleasant attitude. Give him a break. If the same things had happened in your own lives, how well would you deal with it?

In the end (thankfully for him), Mr. Peart comes back from wandering in the wilderness to take another shot at life. "Traveling Music" is a celebration of life, and it was a fun and emotional read. Bravo.

And congratulations and thanks go to Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart for 30 years of inspiration and great musicianship. My gratitude to you for sharing your music with all of us.

Yes, I am a HUGE Rush fan and I love to read, but I think this is a book that anyone could enjoy on many levels. I am always interested in what influences a person's musical taste and impressed with people who can listen and APPRECIATE all different kinds of music. Coming from a musical family myself, I could totally relate to that and the fact that Neal had to beat on boxes driving everyone in the family crazy before his Dad would buy him a kit. So did my brother!

I enjoyed reading about his influences and was pleasantly surprised by some of the bands that he likes and listens to. I also loved reading about how it all began for him and his jobs and time spent in London. Everything we do make us who we are today and I sure am glad that Neal is who he is or we wouldn't have some of the most awesome music and lyrics ever written.

Oh and the accusation of arrogance? Get over it people. I don't think Neal hates the USA nor that he thinks he is better than most people. I think as we get older, we get a little less tolerable of the general public and the BS and maybe we even get a little jaded. Oh well...I don't take things like that personally, it's just someone's opinion.

To summarize, an enjoyable read!

Travelling Music starts off strongly, as Peart drives east from Santa Monica east towards Texas, puts Buddy Rich into the CD player, and juxtaposes the music with his surroundings, and also travels into his past, his influences and experiences growing up. I found the first part of the book fascinating. Like other road-trip junkies, I enjoyed Peart's interest in details; the roadside places, the geology and the history of the areas he drives through, and his love of the back roads.

As someone who also grew up in the same era in southern Ontario, I can relate to Peart's upbringing and background, so his autobiographical bits were quite interesting. Being a non-conformist in a blue collar town in the 60's certainly shaped his outlook, although one of the downsides to this book is that Peart's interest in so many different topics creates a lack of focus.

Not being a Rush fan, being knowledgable about the band itself is mostly irrelevant to the general reader; Peart does go into some of the pitfalls of fame, especially the invasion of privacy. He writes a lot about his musical influences, and they're quite interesting (even if he never liked the Beatles, which he tends to go on and on about). He does project a bit of snobbishness, but that's just him, it's his book. You know after awhile that jazz, classical and Nashville country music don't do much for him either. So be it.

There is a very tedious chapter-long recap of the 60's, stuff that's been written about a million times, Monterey to Woodstock to Altamont (yawn...) His African cycling experiences are compelling at times, yet again he tends to go all over the place with his narrative.

Still it's a decent enough read despite the shortcomings.

The Masked Rider was almost strictly about his trip to Africa.
Ghost Rider was about his riding trip all over North America to find himself again.
Traveling Music is everything else.
Neil takes a trip in his BMW Z8 convertible to Big Bend National Park after sending his new wife, Carrie, off to Mexico for surfing lessons, and tells the tale of that trip, plus reminises about the past, from places he had been to during past concert tours to his childhood.
Yes, this book includes another thing many of us have wanted: a biography. Basically three chapters of this book include Neil's biography from (as I call it) birth to Rush (from the day he was born to the day he flew to Pittsburgh with Ged and Alex for the first time). Also included is a story about their one-off show in Toronto during the SARS-stock (which also explains further why they usually don't do these types of shows), and includes some more brief stories about his many other bicycling adventures.
If you're that big a Rush fan, you should get this book (and the other two as well). He's a great writer and storyteller, and he sure as heck tells it like it is. GO NEIL!

Like some others who have reviewed Peart's work, I'll admit up front that I'm a fan of his music and lyrics. And, while I enjoyed Traveling Music, I must admit that if I were not a fan, the book probably would have not generated the same interest.

Peart's style is somewhat free association / stream of consciousness, and though he's a master wordsmith, his style takes some getting used to. Like his other publicly-available works, he draws on letters and other correspondence to friends as a small glimmer into his personal life. At first, I dismissed the letters as filler, but the more I read, the more I understood the processes by which he develops his writing style.

His oft-repeated disdain of fame, however, is growing tiresome. Neil, if you don't like fame, then return to obscurity and shaddap about it.

Despite my reservations, I still enjoyed it immensely, and hope that this generates an even wider audience for his written work.

Having recently finished off "Ghost Rider," I enjoyed greatly this latest introspection from a highly talented, rather complex man. I found it alternately amusing, touching, informative, and nostalgic. Also, those of you (myself included, to a degree) who were put off by his less-than-subtle tone of arrogance in "Ghost Rider" will find this dialed down a bit in "Traveling Music."

I charged Mr. Peart one star for the chapter about the African cycling tour. It was not entirely a drag to read, but if did feel rather tacked-on.

Overall, quite a nice read.