Babes in Toyland:: The Making and Selling of a Rock and Roll Band

Babes in Toyland is one of my favorite bands and this book did them justice. It goes in depth with how a record is produced and really gives the reader an idea of how much time and effort it takes. Now I listen to "Fontanelle" with a new respect. Also details how the band came to be, very inspiring story to know that they are all self-taught musicians. Goes into boyfriends, marriage, band-break ups, deaths, and other problems. Interesting read, you won't be bored!

Babes in Toyland didn't last, but Karlen's book records their place in music history in a way that's both respectful and passionate. The book is objective--Karlen keeps himself out of the way--yet clearly sympathetic to the members of the band, who suffer various setbacks and trials (not to mention extremely dubious boyfriends) along the extremely difficult road of constant low-budget touring, signing with a major label and producing their first album. After reading this book, I was amazed that any band whose members aren't independently wealthy can make it at all. Kudos to the Babes, scattered though they are now, and to Karlen for patiently and fairly taking the time to show the perspective of everyone involved--from a bandmember's initially skeptical father (the passages about that relationship are among the most moving in the book) to the tireless A & R guy to the roadies--in a process that obviously isn't easy for anyone.

I think this book is great! it's an interesting exploration of the music industry coz the guy that wrote it followed them around for like two years! all the inside scoop - even if you're not into BIT you'll love it... but if you are you gotta buy it!

I'm a musician, and when my girlfriend gave me this book I wasn't sure if I'd like it...I always kind of didn't like the band Babes in Toyland, but when I started reading it I found out it wasn't really even about them (though it was interesting to see how Courtney Love kind of borrowed Kat the lead singer's shrieking act) but really this kind of story of how the music business really works...how a band gets signed by a major label, how that can be terrible or good, how you get on MTV. Anyway, I learned a lot and I'd recommend it highly to any musician, or anybody interested in the business.

Even before I was interested in the band, I found this book absorbing. It's got a great perspective, not meant to hype the band, but with no particular interest in bashing them, and no dependency on sensational anecdotes that may or may not be true. It delves into personalities, life on the road, recording, and the music itself.