Sweat: The Story of the Fleshtones, America's Garage Band by Joe Bonomo Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Sweat: The Story of the Fleshtones, America's Garage Band
Book Review: Excellent bio of a landmark band
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been a fan of the Fleshtones since the early 80's, and have been inspired by their approach to music, their raw energy, and longevity. It was great to finally read a detailed, comprehensive account of how the Fleshtones came to be and to track their career over the years. Bonomo's book is engaging, and well written, and does its subject the justice they deserve. Even if you have never heard of the Fleshtones, I highly recommend this book. Book Review: What a great book
Summary: 5 Stars
A thoroughly entertaining book from start to finish. These guys have been through a lot, all in the name of rock and roll. If only people like Britney Spears had to jump through as many hoops to earn her props...Book Review: Sweat is a sure bet
Summary: 5 Stars
Even if you've never heard of the Fleshtones, Sweat is a great read for anyone who likes a great story or wonders why the music industry does "that thing they do", when it comes to ignoring great bands.
Disclamer: I'm a Fleshtones fan, got a thank you in the book and have seen the band live a lot, however there was a lot for me to learn. The book is an enjoyable, fast read that I couldn't put down and I blasted through it in a weekend.
Unlike a lot of rock n roll books/band bios, this one doesn't sugar coat history or get tangled up in fake longing for the past. The bands faults and flaws are out there and it makes for a realistic. down-to-earth read. This book almost has the tone of fiction, partly because of the never-say-die attitude of the Fleshtones, the story of their struggle and good writing.
A minor point, this book could stand one more detailed copy edit, there were a few mispellings and other issues. But don't let that stop you from curling up with a really great book.
Put it on your Chirstmas/holiday list. Now
Book Review: Wild Ride
Summary: 5 Stars
I just started getting into Joe Bonomo's book and already it's quite a ride. Rocket fueled parties, swinging with Mid-70's Manhattan A-Listers, and even murder. Yes.........Murder. And the band hasn't even formed yet!
Buy this book then strap yourself in for the wild ride that is The Fleshtones.
Book Review: And the Band Plays On!
Summary: 5 Stars
I can't claim to know the Fleshtones well personally, but in the spirit of full disclosure, I should point out that my record label (Blood Red Vinyl & Discs) put out their "Solid Gold Sound" album a few years ago. That said, I can rave about this band and this book with a clear conscience.
The Fleshtones, you have to understand, embody the spirit of ROCK & ROLL about as well as any band you can name. This is not just to say that they have a boatload of great tunes (which they do) or that they give it their all every time they take the stage (which they also do). What you have to remember is that "their all" has about 1,000 times more power and soul than the whole lot of the current alt-punk-emo-indie-whatever scene. The Fleshtones, you see, have never, ever lost sight of a simple and basic truth that comes with being in a woking band: you paid your hard-earned dollars to see them, and they're going to make damn sure you get your money's worth. Having witnessed them live several times, I've never seen them NOT blow every other band on the bill clean off the stage. Hell, these guys should have 10 books written about them. And audience-dissing hacks like Bryan Adams should have no books written about them. Ever.
Until the next nine Fleshtones books come along, though, author Joe Bonomo has captured the glamour and grind of life in America's Garage Band with a book that will do quite nicely for now. His portrait is not always pretty; as with any good rock story, there are plenty of drugs, disappointment and dropped record deals to go around. But just 'cause it ain't pretty doesn't mean it ain't beautiful. There are great stories here of the good days and the bad. There are the hopeful times when stardom seems possible followed in short order by debauchery, some very nasty drugs and Tuesday nights in empty clubs. Through it all, though, the 'tones play on, giving it their all one more night, in front of one more crowd, the point being that these guys, thank God, believe in what they're doing. Just as importantly, they have the heart and guts to keep doing it.
So hats off to Joe Bonomo for turning the story of a great band into a great read. And to Bill, Keith, Peter and Ken, hats off to you guys too. If you read this, I hope you make it out this way and we can hang out soon. Portland could use a good kick in the pants from the likes of the Fleshtones.