Corn Flakes with John Lennon: And Other Tales from a Rock 'n' Roll Life
Author :
Robert Hilburn
Publisher :
Rodale Books
Pub. Date :
2009-10-13
Edition :
Hardcover, 296 Pages
ISBN # :
1594869219
Inventory :
19 Available
Store Price :
$24.99
Artistopia's Price: $16.49
Customer Reviews of This Item
CORN FLAKSE WITH JOHN LENNON Submitted on: 2009-11-22
This book is primarily a personal memoir by Robert Hilburn of his career as a music critic whose primary focus was rock and roll music. There are some nice tidbits but no profound insights or stirring revelations. Hilburn definitely succeeds in presenting superstars as just regular folk, as evidenced by the title, but his adoration of the subjects does not allow for any deeper understanding. It's a good read, but a bit frothy and fan- oriented.
MUSIC LOVERS REJOICE!!!! Submitted on: 2009-11-22
Robert Hilburn does an amazing job in this book! I love music- especially rock n roll, so this book was a delight. It is apparent throughout this book that Robert Hilburn provides some of the best documentary ever written on legends like John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, U2 (Bono specifically), Janis Joplin, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, etc. Hilburn writes in a refreshing, intriguing manner that had me flipping the pages well past my bedtime. I really enjoyed how he tells the stories of many artists who are hesitant to warm up and open themselves to him at the beginning. But with time, Hilburn's charm and musical knowledge win over the artists and the relationships that follow are insightful in so many ways. Many artists' lives, habits, relationships & musical upbringing remain unknown to many of the fans who are intrigued by them; Hilburn breaks down this shroud of secrecy and offers all us readers an inside look into the artists we all love and cherish. Congrats, Robert- this book is a pleasant masterpiece and clearly stands out from the endless rock n roll and music biographies out there!
stories behind the reviews Submitted on: 2009-11-03
Bob Hilburn is a guy really likes music. Being a music critic wasn't just a job to him. He really loved his work, apparantly still does. He takes us behind the reviews of many concerts and albums, giving us some great insight into the artists. There's also a lot of background on how and why Hilburn loves the music so much.
A really fantastic book! Submitted on: 2009-11-02
I read a lot of books on rock history, and this is one of the best ever. Mr. Hilburn's passion for his subject matter is obvious, but he's also objective, and seems to have seen it all during his thirty five years with the Los Angeles Times. If you have any interest in the music (not just rock) of the 60's through today, then you will definitely enjoy "Corn Flakes With John Lennon." It's a really fun and quick read.
All Along the Rock Watchtower Submitted on: 2009-11-01
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I came to Los Angeles around 1974 and began reading L.A. Times Pop Music Critic Robert Hilburn then. I was lucky enough to have worked for Billboard as an editor for some years so I can relate to the journalist's life. We saw some of the same concerts and interviewed some of the same artists. I was even lucky enough to meet John Lennon. This book is a great read. Like Hilburn's many reviews and articles over the years it's 'accessible' and you always feel like you come away learning something. He writes with immediacy and a unique kinetic energy. You feel like you are in the room during the interviews. It's a great relief from these books from psuedo intellectual music scribes who write more to impress other critics. And in the end they have nothing to say. I learned things about Hilburn that I didn't know and I also learned more about the artists he writes about. I particularly liked the Johnny Cash material and Hilburn's view of the evolution of art, music and commerce. Hilburn's passion for great artists and music is also extraordinary. Great job, Bob. (P.S. I, too, have always had a crush on Emmylou Harris!).
CORN FLAKSE WITH JOHN LENNON
MUSIC LOVERS REJOICE!!!!
stories behind the reviews