Stoned : A Memoir of London in the 1960s

Rating:
Summary: not fade away
Review: ALO, as he references himself through this tour of of ultra-hip England's '60s, has provided a dead-center study of the beginning and early evolution of The Rolling Stones. The momentum of the period also touches on The Bealtes and all the other acts and managers who predated and followed these twin giants of rock 'n' roll. In a word, honesty is what you come away with here. Yes, there are many great tales from the inside about the stars who are today household names. Yes, there is no pulling punches when talking about personalities and/or abuses. And, true to form, there is no shortage of ALO ego when claiming credit for his many contributions. I'm left with as many questions as answers, but along the way ALO does offer a lot of solutions, which is far more than most rock biographies can claim. It's quite an easy and enjoyable read if you're interested in the subject, scholarly but also cinematic.

Rating:
Summary: not fade away
Review: ALO, as he references himself through this tour of of ultra-hip England's '60s, has provided a dead-center study of the beginning and early evolution of The Rolling Stones. The momentum of the period also touches on The Bealtes and all the other acts and managers who predated and followed these twin giants of rock 'n' roll. In a word, honesty is what you come away with here. Yes, there are many great tales from the inside about the stars who are today household names. Yes, there is no pulling punches when talking about personalities and/or abuses. And, true to form, there is no shortage of ALO ego when claiming credit for his many contributions. I'm left with as many questions as answers, but along the way ALO does offer a lot of solutions, which is far more than most rock biographies can claim. It's quite an easy and enjoyable read if you're interested in the subject, scholarly but also cinematic.

Rating:
Summary: Out of my head
Review: Andrew Loog Oldham is best known as the manager of the Rolling Stones, but he has lead an interesting life outside of that. But of course, most people will want to read this book to get his memories of the Rolling Stones. Unfortunately for Stones fans, we don't get to his first meeting with the Stones until page 185. Also unfortunately, the book ends after his first year as the Stones' manager. I assume there is a sequel in the works. Anyway, the book is fairly interesting. It includes other people's memories of Andrew, as well as his own. Rolling Stones fans will probably like it, although they would like it better if it was entirely about his memories of the Stones.

Rating:
Summary: a total Bore
Review: AOL a he refers to himself has written a memoir composed of quotes many of which are reproduced from other written sources. I was intrigued because I love the Stones and recall seeing his name on all their early recordings as a kid. However this book was a complete waste of time.

Rating:
Summary: For completists only
Review: Some interesting facts tossed ala salad with other excerpts and interviews. I learned a little of Oldham's personality and thoughts, but history is far more interesting in many other books. You won't waste your time with this book, but it probably won't excite you much. Not much else to say.

Rating:
Summary: For completists only
Review: Some interesting facts tossed ala salad with other excerpts and interviews. I learned a little of Oldham's personality and thoughts, but history is far more interesting in many other books. You won't waste your time with this book, but it probably won't excite you much. Not much else to say.

Rating:
Summary: Get Inside the Head of one of Rocks Most Important Pioneers
Review: This book is a "must-read" for anyone with an interest in the Stones, The Beatles, or the (r)evolution of Rock & Roll during the 60s. Oldham's writing style is superb and highly entertaining. While to some readers it might sound like the author is trying too hard to sound "cool" or "hip," the writing style is true to the man. Andrew Oldham writes in the same manner as he speaks, with a sharp wit and a good sense of humour. And, as one who knows his place in history. The book is definitely entertaining and very interesting in giving three different points of view. Oldham's influence on Rock&Roll is definitely under-appreciated. He was as important to the music and style of Rock and Roll in the 60s as Phil Spector was in a previous era. The insights he provides into the business and personal sides of the music business is very interesting. His relationship with The Beatles (Lennon in particular), and other Icons of that period is intriguing. I especially enjoyed reading about AOL's working relationship with the early Stones, before they were crafted songwriters. It is clear that if Oldham had never met the Stones, he would have made some other band a house-hold name. I really look forward to the second volume in this set.

Rating:
Summary: The guy who said Hendrix was going nowhere
Review: This book is a "must-read" for anyone with an interest in the Stones, The Beatles, or the (r)evolution of Rock & Roll during the 60s. Oldham's writing style is superb and highly entertaining. While to some readers it might sound like the author is trying too hard to sound "cool" or "hip," the writing style is true to the man. Andrew Oldham writes in the same manner as he speaks, with a sharp wit and a good sense of humour. And, as one who knows his place in history. The book is definitely entertaining and very interesting in giving three different points of view. Oldham's influence on Rock&Roll is definitely under-appreciated. He was as important to the music and style of Rock and Roll in the 60s as Phil Spector was in a previous era. The insights he provides into the business and personal sides of the music business is very interesting. His relationship with The Beatles (Lennon in particular), and other Icons of that period is intriguing. I especially enjoyed reading about AOL's working relationship with the early Stones, before they were crafted songwriters. It is clear that if Oldham had never met the Stones, he would have made some other band a house-hold name. I really look forward to the second volume in this set.

Rating:
Summary: Get Inside the Head of one of Rocks Most Important Pioneers
Review: This book is a "must-read" for anyone with an interest in the Stones, The Beatles, or the (r)evolution of Rock & Roll during the 60s. Oldham's writing style is superb and highly entertaining. While to some readers it might sound like the author is trying too hard to sound "cool" or "hip," the writing style is true to the man. Andrew Oldham writes in the same manner as he speaks, with a sharp wit and a good sense of humour. And, as one who knows his place in history. The book is definitely entertaining and very interesting in giving three different points of view. Oldham's influence on Rock&Roll is definitely under-appreciated. He was as important to the music and style of Rock and Roll in the 60s as Phil Spector was in a previous era. The insights he provides into the business and personal sides of the music business is very interesting. His relationship with The Beatles (Lennon in particular), and other Icons of that period is intriguing. I especially enjoyed reading about AOL's working relationship with the early Stones, before they were crafted songwriters. It is clear that if Oldham had never met the Stones, he would have made some other band a house-hold name. I really look forward to the second volume in this set.

Rating:
Summary: The guy who said Hendrix was going nowhere
Review: This guy is well documented as being lucky as all get out. He doesn't know anything about music.