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Summary: I'm reading this book out loud to my girlfriend...
Review: ...and we're staying up way to late at night in order to get more of it. I think it works better out loud. Anyway, we're really enjoying the book. Joe Jackson clearly feels very deeply about music and wants us to feel too. Frankly, even though I'm a huge fan of Joe's I've become a bigger fan based on this book. Thank you, Joe Jackson for sharing.
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Summary: A Lesson on Pursuing One's Passions...
Review: All I can say is that you don't have to be a musician to enjoy this book. If you are a human being and dream of of pursuing a passion then read this book. Funny, moving and instructive.
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Summary: A rewarding literary journey for any fan of music
Review: As a devoted fan of Joe Jackson, A Cure for Gravity was something I HAD to read, just as the purchase of each of his musical releases is mandatory. But this book isn't just for JJ fans. It's for anyone who's tried to come to terms with that most enigmatic of subjects -- why are we so drawn to and rewarded by this thing called music?It's a tricky subject to tackle for anyone, and the fact that a (some would say) faded pop star has taken a whack is probably doomed to failure. The book, however, reveals much about what makes an artist just that, and also why so many of us find ourselves touched by music in a way nothing else can move us. That all sounds very serious, perhaps a bit maudlin to some, and the book does address some heady philosophical subjects. It also made me laugh out loud often as Joe weaves some highly entertaining tales about gigs gone bad, singular characters in the music world, and aspects of his own, often misunderstood character. It's a great musical memoir in its classic "rise to the top" storytelling, and those parts of the book will appeal to any reader. Damn, if the man isn't as skilled with the computer keyboard as he is with the piano. His lengthy discussions on the nature of music's appeal, though, might turn off the casual reader, but end up being the essential central theme of the book for those of us who are caught under the spell of music. First, read this book, then start listening to Joe's musical releases over the last 10 years and you'll begin to understand exactly what he's trying to uncover with this ambitious, and successful work.
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Summary: A Personal Pilgrimage
Review: Discovering that Joe Jackson had written a book was surprising enough, but finding that Joe's beginnings and rise to success were more similar to the classic "Behind the Music" story than dissimilar was as much a surprise. As someone who has been fan for 15 years or so, but never made any attempt to learn much about Joe personally, the book was a delight. Smoky pubs, near empty clubs, bad sound and a lack of equipment make up the classic rock and roll beginnings, and Joe tells these stories entertainingly, while adding his personal thoughts about the nature of rock & roll versus jazz, classical and various musical types. A little knowledge of classical music would definitely be helpful for the reader. I for one have only the most basic knowledge of some of the composers that Joe writes about, but this fact does not take away from my enjoyment of the book. As someone who has always enjoyed Joe's music because of his uniqueness and individuality, I further enjoyed reading about his rather eclectic influences and likes and dislikes. I doubt that someone who wasn't familiar with Joe would find this book all that interesting, but it is certainly enlightening for a fan.
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Summary: Way better than I thought it was going to be
Review: Even if you're not a fan of Joe Jackson, you'll find this book a fascinating read. Most celebrity autobiographies are a litany of sex, drugs, and self-serving anecdotes, but this book focuses on the journey of becoming a true musician. It is self-effacing, funny, and filled with wonderful philosophical observations. It's one of the best books I've read all year.
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Summary: He knows nothing
Review: I am very upset about Mr. Jackson's comment on Workinton, England. He obviously doesn't really know the place. It is where my mother is from, and it is filled with such beauty and warmth. I suggest Mr. Jackson take another visit.
Rating:
Summary: Refreshing; in its own way, touching
Review: I was on original fan long ago, but approached Joe Jackson's memoirs with trepidation. There is a rock bio genre, and it is not a style known for insight or wit. Frank Zappa once described the rock memoir analogue, rock journalism, as people who can't write, interviewing people who can't speak, for the benefit of people who can't read. But I quickly got over my initial resistance because the book has such an honest feel to it. And you know what? It's simply a great read how David Jackson came up from the most shabby depths of the provincial English working class to ride the crest of New Wave as an avatar of in-your-face cool. Only a special person with no family encouragement could have gone from basic poverty through an industrial secondary school to the Royal Academy of Music on a composition scholarship. You can't help but root for this asthmatic loser as he climbs up the ladder. The Musician as a Young Man.
Rating:
Summary: Refreshing; in its own way, touching
Review: I was on original fan long ago, but approached Joe Jackson's memoirs with trepidation. There is a rock bio genre, and it is not a style known for insight or wit. Frank Zappa once described the rock memoir analogue, rock journalism, as people who can't write, interviewing people who can't speak, for the benefit of people who can't read. But I quickly got over my initial resistance because the book has such an honest feel to it. And you know what? It's simply a great read how David Jackson came up from the most shabby depths of the provincial English working class to ride the crest of New Wave as an avatar of in-your-face cool. Only a special person with no family encouragement could have gone from basic poverty through an industrial secondary school to the Royal Academy of Music on a composition scholarship. You can't help but root for this asthmatic loser as he climbs up the ladder. The Musician as a Young Man.
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Summary: Great book... If you like Joe, you'll love this!
Review: If you've read the reviews thus far, you can see this book has been well received by all for it's humor, intimacy, honesty, and that fact that it's a very well written book, obviously written entirely by Joe himself. I couldn't agree more! I would disagree with the only two negative comments I've read thus far. First, the apparent claim that Joe is being pretentious ... "The latter trait [being pretentious] is evidenced early in A Cure for Gravity, and often slows down the flow of the book, as Jackson eschews the linear autobiographical route for sometimes lengthy digressions into a form of music criticism..." On the contrary, as Joe says himself, the book is as much or more about music and his relationship with music than simply a factual account of his life. I, for one, am as interested in this information as I am a simple blow-by-blow account of the events of his life. And as a writing style, I enjoy an occasional digression or "flash forward" which provide context and enhance points the author is trying to make. Secondly, as for the comment that Joe "hates... Brian Eno", I suggest the reviewer reread the passage in which Joe disagrees with a single statement of Brian Eno's and makes a point of saying that there are certainly some things Brian Eno could be commended for. What I enjoyed most about the book is getting to know much more about Joe Jackson, the person, than anything else I've ever read since it's his words, not the interpretation or opinion of others. It has answered many questions I've always had about the man, besides being good fun to read. If you think you like Joe Jackson, the man, you'll love this book!
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Summary: File under: Paying his dues
Review: Joe Jackson became world-famous when "Is She Really Going Out With Him" hit the radio airwaves in 1978. But he didn't come out of nowhere to score a worldwide top-10 hit. In his book, "A Cure For Gravity," he documents his life prior to his big break. Jackson's goal was to be a composer, but somehow the musical experiences that molded his musically formative years steered him into writing and performing. A book about Jackson's career starting in 1978 could span an entire second full-length memoir -- this book is quite substantial. Of note: Jackson wrote the book without the aid of a ghostwriter, which makes the words his own. And although he's no John Grisham (thankfully), the book is quite readable and very intelligent. Obviously, Jackson is as much a perfectionist with a pen as he is with a piano.
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