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Summary: I did not want to finish...
Review: ...when i picked up this book i was captured by the very first poem. dave alvin is an amazing storyteller, letting you step into places from his past and leaving you with impressions of places you've never been and people you feel like you know. i can't wait for him to finish his next book!
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Summary: Dave Alvin - Any Rough Times Are Now Behind You
Review: Any Friend of Charles Bukowski 's is worth taking a look at. This work stands alone, Alvin has said what most can't.One Great Read. Savagebooks.net
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Summary: American Poetry
Review: Dave Alvin is one of the 'new' 'stars' of the American music movement. Turns out he isn't all that new to that style of music and being a 'star' doesn't even fill a bar on a weekday night (outside of Austin and LA). His genius is in the evocative power of the lyrics that affectionately call to mind a picture of working America that was only hinted at by Bruce Springsteen in the mid-seventies. His book of poems examines the same bars, bedrooms, and highways painting an America of broken dreams, broken promises and, at the same time, enduring passion and amazing potential. He has a rare eye for word painting the seemingly common and bringing the emotional content to the fore. Well worth buying and well worth re-reading. Do yourself a favor and also buy the CD King of California as it covers much of the same territory.
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Summary: American Stories
Review: First off, if you don't know Alvin's music, go get some now, as you are truly missing out. This book of narrative poems present vivid and moving stories that are quick and never grow repetitive. You don't need a PHD to understand what it being said here by Dave Alvin and we would all be better off if this were the way more poetry was crafted. The Crazy Ones, his new book, has been delayed for, what? 3 or 4 years now? Something outrageous and I have heard that Incommunicado has folded. I hope someone picks it up and releases soon.
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Summary: American Stories
Review: First off, if you don't know Alvin's music, go get some now, as you are truly missing out. This book of narrative poems present vivid and moving stories that are quick and never grow repetitive. You don't need a PHD to understand what it being said here by Dave Alvin and we would all be better off if this were the way more poetry was crafted. The Crazy Ones, his new book, has been delayed for, what? 3 or 4 years now? Something outrageous and I have heard that Incommunicado has folded. I hope someone picks it up and releases soon.
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Summary: a wonderful surprise for poetry fans
Review: I bought this book because I love Alvin's music. After reading it, I am now a bigger fan of his poetry. Any Rough Times is filled which rich imagery, both geographically and emotionally. Alvin's style is simple and effective. You can certainly see a Bukowski influence at work here. It is only an influence, not actual imitation. Alvin's voice is his own, there is nothing awkward or forced about it. If you enjoy his music, you will enjoy this book. His gift for vivd storytelling that brings you to his emotional state of mind is present in Any Rough Times. It's not unlike a literary VH1's Behind The Music without the tabloid feel. It allows you to delve deeper into the man than the confines of song structure will allow. This isn't a book of lyrics(so many songwriter's seem to think it's necessary to sell you an extended lyric sheet under the guise of poetry), it's a photo album, created with words, filled with snapshots of one man's moods and life experiences. I highly recommend this one!
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Summary: A stunning surprise
Review: I had been a moderate fan of X, the Blasters and Dave Alvins solo music before picking up this book. I liked the title and was curious so I took the plunge. I began reading the poems one night and just kept on reading. I have to admit I was surprised by how good these poems are. Mr Alvin is quite adept at putting the word down. These poems are gritty without losing poetic beauty. Alvin is able to convey an extraordinary range of emotions and experiences in these poems. He manages to run the gamut of his life without wallowing in wistful nostalgia. Saccharine does not live here anymore. This is the real thing. I came away from reading these poems feeling as if I knew Alvin. He seems like a guy that you would want to be friends with. This collection is one I refer to again and again for inspiration or just a good read. This is what true poetry is supposed to be.
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Summary: talent in different forms
Review: I have to admit, I'm not an avid book reader. I do have a stack of books sitting beside my bed, for bedtime consumption. This stack has at least a few months worth of dust on it, sad to say. When I got this book of poems and other various writings, I opened it, sure that it would end up on that pile. I'm happy to say that it did not! From the first glance, I knew that this was a book that i wouldnt be able to set aside. I scanned the titles and skimmed some entries. Wow. I *made* time for this book. The imagery that this evoked was just amazing. Alvin writes in such a way, that you can't help feeling that you're in his place, seeing through his eyes. From his point of view, I could see scenes that I never would have on my own. From his uncomfortable views on the road, to his comfort of home. I never would have pictured Alvin as such a writer. I am truly impressed and highly recommend this book to anyone willing to see things through the mind of Mr Dave Alvin.
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Summary: Dave Alvin's poetry
Review: I'm impressed with Dave Alvin's sensitivity and ability. He paints stark, clear images with his words and has a real knack for evoking emotions. His most touching poetry revolves around family members and coming of age issues. This book is obviously autobiographical. Be forewarned: Alvin uses the vernacular. Nonetheless, his poetry touches you. I read this slim volume in one sitting -- I literally could not put it down. The messages are worthwhile; the story is absorbing. Its a nice complement to his music, which also touches the listener.
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Summary: He's been there, and he'll take you there, too.
Review: There is ALWAYS a Dave Alvin CD in my car, the man is a pure genius. The poetry's just as good as the songs are. If you've ever looked at the moon from a cheap hotel room, you'll feel right at home here. The man writes the truth.
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