In Other Words: Artists Talk about Life and Work

Octaroons (people over 100 and baboons with eight legs) will find this book absolutely wonderful. I found out about this fine book from my good friends, Andy Breckman and Friedman, International Comedic Envoy for the UN. However, this show is pathetic, but just as hilarious as the Wikipedia one. Everyone should buy this book. Seven Second Delay Rocks.

I had the distinct pleasure of listening to Mr. DeCurtis speak to my History of Rock and Roll (taught by the best teacher ever) class at Indiana University in the Spring of 2004. This was definitely one of the highlights of my collegiate acamdemic career. Anthony's knowledge and experience in the music world is astonishing and his way with words in the recollection of his stories give his listeners a feeling that he not just a writer, but a true music fanatic. In fact, I was so enthralled by Mr. DeCurtis' stories, I attended every section of the classes he was scheduled to address that day. Although I have not read this particular book, I have read his others and would highly suggest them. Based on my readings of his other books, and seeing Anthony speak, I plan to buy this book as soon as I can, and I would bet that I will love it, and most other music lovers will as well.

Anthony DeCurtis is one of the best rock critics writing today and this book is full of fascinating interviews that show you a side of many stars you've never seen before. The dueling interviews with Paul McCartney and George Harrison and Keith Richards on Mick Jagger are worth the price of the book alone. The book also includes an interview with Martin Scorsese and a rare interview with Don Delillo that show that DeCurtis is just as knowledgable about film and literature.

Musicians from all genres of music speak of their lives and work in In Other Words: Artists Talk About Life And Work. Anthony DeCurtis has spent 25 years interviewing artists from musicians and movie directors to artists and songwriters: many have appeared in Rolling Stone and other notable publications, so it's refreshing to see all under one cover for the first time. From gripping studio session conflicts and moments to why director breakthroughs never seemed to happen, interviews are probing and revealing.

Anthony DeCurtis has a great talent for talking with people. He inspires their confidence and their honesty: they seem really to want to talk with him and enjoy it. The beneficiary is the reader -- there is tremendous accumulated wisdom and insight here, from people who have shaped the cultural landscape from the 60's onwards. This book changed how I view recent decades, as well as art and creativity, not to mention the particular artists involved.