Hollywood Dream, The Thunderclap Newman Story: Pete Townshend, a Band of Outsiders, and the Birth of British Indie Music
E**E
An outstanding history of a magical and unique group.
The story of Thunderclap Newman (band and namesake too) is full of rock and roll twists and turns. Each of the 3 members were interesting characters, even by r&r standards. Mr. Wilkerson's book is like candy, once you start with it, you can't stop. One of the best 'rock' biographies/history books I've ever read, and I've read a whole lot of them. The bottom line is that the great song, "Something in the Air" deserves all the acolades it gets, bar none. I was into the music when the single was a hit and then bought the LP when it came out a year later (October 1971). All my crowd at college in Statesboro Ga loved the record. I think I still have the vinyl copy somewhere. Great book on a great topic. And it presents Pete Townsend in a totally different light from his Who persona--he was a great friend and acknowledged mentor to this band and their music. Their 'after-lives' were also interesting, with some tragedy thrown in. Triumphs too. They didn't get paid much though!! As a US citizen, it was also very informative of the English way of life during the 1970-2000+ period. Excellent. Thank you Mr Wilkerson and Pete Townsend for the book.
J**R
My Favorite book in Years
A 53 year fan of The Who and Pete Townshend I fully admit upfront to my obvious bias. Perhaps I'm just speaking to fellow fans here but so be it. As much as I admired Pete Townshend already, this book just took it clearly to a new level. Aside from Townshend, the book is about three very unique and talented characters who could easily have their own books written about them. I simply did not want the book to end as the story was so interesting, delightful, and at times moving.Mark Wilkerson does a phenomenal job here in researching and compiling an immense amount of information and applying a very readable narrative. For anyone who is a fan of Townshend's or of Thunderclap Newman, I most highly recommend buying this book. For those ignorant of the subject, please acquire the CD, buy a good pair of headphones, and take deep pleasure in listening to one of the finest recordings of the Sixties. And as you're listening , please keep in mind that the guitarist, Jimmy McCulloch, was 15 yrs. old at the time.
D**H
If You Are A Fan - This Book Is For You
Exhaustive and in=-depth. Best for fans of this legendary combo
J**A
A great time in music.
A really interesting read about a remarkable time in music.If you’re at all interested in the works of Pete Townshend I highly recommend picking up and reading this book.
J**S
Pete’s Great Little Band!
Just an incredible story about the one hit wonder….only album produced by the great Pete Townshend! He also played bass. Speedy King was the drummer. A WHO acquaintance who wrote Armenia City in the Sky.And young Jimmy McCoulough (sp) who later played in Wings.Love this so much!!
T**N
All you need to know
All you need to know. The how and why of their formation, their quick ascendency and even quicker descent are all given close detail. You will learn about Pete Townshend's role in the former and unfortunate absence in the latter. (He was quite busy overseas promoting a rock opera.) Their aftermath is a sad tale: Speedy's writing, recording and under-the-radar life mishaps, Jimmy's typical rock star excesses and Andy's return to obscurity. They're all gone now but to anyone interested in all things Who-related, their story is one worth exploring.
G**E
I Know this Much is True
A blatant cash grab from Townshend who is about as reliable a narrator as Rumpelstiltskin. He wanted a number one record so he decided to steal theirs. He didn't care about their tours, he cared about the Endless Tommy. Has to make everything about himself including poor old Baba. No one except a journalist has ever described Pete as a "mentor". And that would be those born after this record was released. If you know you know. Since his lawsuits etc. he has no credibility whatsoever for me, and I have discovered he's not a great musician either.
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