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: The True Face and Spirit of Rock'n'Roll
Summary: 5 Stars
The best rock'n'roll show I ever saw was the Fleshtones, at the Cubby Bear probably Fall 1982. The show spilled out into the street after the power was shut off, something that had to be experienced to be believed. I saw these guys I think eight times and they always gave 110%. The Fleshtones were one of the greatest live bands ever, and possibly THE greatest. That power did not translate in all its glory to vinyl, alas. They have lived the Rock Life to the fullest, tasting the bitter dregs, and hitting the Olympian heights of crowd-pleasing frenzy -- but never making any serious money, never having a hit record ... . There is no rest for the righteous, no justice for the pure of heart, no big pile of cash for the true heroes of rock-for-its-own-sweet-sake. But there is the satisfaction of being GREAT and knowing it, whatever the world at large may do in response.
This is a great American story of guys who brought fun and excitement and happiness into the lives of thousands of people.
If they come to your town, go see them.
Book Review: The American beat that can't be...
Summary: 5 Stars
A great read that reminds me exactly why I keep bashing my brains out against a seemingly impregnable brick wall. If you listen to the band while reading, you'll hear that the lack of commercial hits these guys have been chasing for more than a quarter century certainly isn't down to them. They have powers way in excess of whatever the alleged hipsters are offering you and if you haven't seen them live then I envy you. Joe's documentation of the band's struggle is a fantastic portrait of a combo who will go to death defying ends to deliver what is precious to all of us. A music book about a band with a story worth telling, you don't get many of those to the pound these days.