As you’ll see below, we received quite a few proposals this time around. 597 by my count. (OK, by my computer’s count – I can’t actually go that high.) I haven’t even started reading these yet, but it’s tremendously exciting. A very big Thank You to everyone who sent in a proposal. Current thinking is that we’ll put together a ‘shortlist’ of sorts, a few weeks from now, which will maybe consist of the 100 or so proposals that are still in the running. But of course this could all change as I start reading…
Make what you will of this list – a snapshot of the interests of contemporary music critics? Some cunning ploys to get a book published? Or is it just utterly random? Feel free to leave comments below, as well as ever so subtle anonymous hints that we should select your proposal 🙂 My only comment at this stage is to note the relatively small number of proposals on albums by artists already covered in the series: I was really expecting a deluge of Dylan, Pink Floyd, Velvets, Smiths, Stones and Radiohead pitches. Instead, we get Slint, Ween, and Britney – hurrah!
Oh, and apologies if the alphabetization isn’t perfect…
***
2 Live Crew – As Clean As They Wanna Be (Title now fixed – my bad!)
10CC – Sheet Music
AC/DC – Back in Black
AC/DC – Back in Black
AC/DC – For Those About To Rock
AC/DC – Highway to Hell
Against Me! – Reinventing Axl Rose
Agnostic Front – Cause for Alarm
Aimee Mann – I’m With Stupid
Air – Moon Safari
Alejandro Escovedo – More Miles Than Money
Alexander “Skip” Spence – Oar
The All-American Rejects – All-American Rejects
Allman Brothers Band – At Fillmore East
Amy Grant – Lead Me On
Animal Collective – FEELS
Annie: Anniemal
Aphex Twin: Selected Ambient Works 85-92
Aphrodite’s Child – 666
Arcade Fire – Funeral
Arcade Fire – Funeral
Arcade Fire – The Neon Bible
Archers of Loaf – Vee Vee
Aretha Franklin – Amazing Grace
Arthur Russell – World of Echo
Arthur Russell – World of Echo
At the Drive-In – Relationship of Command
The B-52s – Wild Planet
The B-52s – B-52s
Bachman Turner Overdrive – Not Fragile
Bad Religion – Suffer
The Beach Boys – Smile
Beat Happening – Beat Happening
The Beatles – Beatles for Sale
The Beatles – The Beatles
The Beatles – The Beatles
Beck – Mutations
Beck – Odelay
Beck – Sea Change
Beck – Sea Change
The Bee Gees – Bee Gees 1st
The Bee Gees – Best of the Bee Gees, Volume 1
Ben Folds Five – The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner
Ben Folds Five – Whatever and Ever Amen
Ben Folds – Songs for Silverman
Betty Davis – Nasty Gal
Beulah – Yoko
Big Black – Atomizer
Big Country – The Crossing
Bill Fox – Transit Byzantium
Billy Bragg and Wilco – Mermaid Avenue
Billy Bragg – Workers Playtime
Black Oak Arkansas – The Definitive Rock Collection
Black Sabbath – Heaven and Hell
Black Star – Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are Black Star
Black Uhuru – Showcase
Blue Oyster Cult – Secret Treaties
The Blues Project – Projections
Blur – 13
Bob Dylan – Saved
Bob Dylan – Self Portrait
Bob Dylan – Theme Time Radio Hour With Your Host Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan – Time Out of Mind
Bon Jovi – Slippery When Wet
Bright Eyes – Fevers and Mirrors
Britney Spears – Blackout
Britney Spears – Blackout
Britney Spears – Blackout
Broadcast – Haha Sound
Broken Social Scene – You Forgot It in People
Bruce Cockburn – Humans
Bruce Springsteen – Darkness on the Edge of Town
Camper Van Beethoven – Key Lime Pie
Camper Van Beethoven – Key Lime Pie
Carole King – Tapestry
The Cars – The Cars
The Cars – The Cars
Cat Stevens – Tea for the Tillerman
The Chills – Submarine Bells
The Church – Priest = Aura
The Clash – Sandinista!
Cocteau Twins – Pink Opaque
Counting Crows – August and Everything After
The Cramps – Songs the Lord Taught Us
Crass – Christ the Album
Creedence Clearwater Revival – Chronicle Vol 1
Crowded House – Together Alone
The Cure – Pornography
Cyndi Lauper – She’s So Unusual
Cypress Hill – Black Sunday
Daft Punk – Discovery
Daft Punk – Homework
Dag Nasty – Can I Say
D’Angelo – Voodoo
Daniel Johnston – Yip/Jump Music
Danzig – Danzig
David Bowie – Diamond Dogs
David Bowie – Let’s Dance
David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
David Thomas and Two Pale Boys – 18 Monkeys on a Dead Man’s Back
De La Soul – 3 Feet High and Rising
De La Soul – Buhloone Mindstate
De La Soul – De La Soul Is Dead
De La Soul – De La Soul Is Dead
Dead Kennedys – Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Death Cab for Cutie – Plans
Deerhoof – Milk Man
Dennis Wilson – Pacific Ocean Blue
Dennis Wilson – Pacific Ocean Blue
The Deviants – Ptoof!
Devo – Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Devo – Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo
Digital Underground – Sex Packets
Dinosaur Jr. – You’re Living All Over Me
Dinosaur Jr. – You’re Living All Over Me
Dinosaur Jr. – You’re Living All Over Me
Dinosaur Jr. – You’re Living All Over Me
Dismemberment Plan – Emergency & I
Donovan – Gift From a Flower to a Garden
Donovan – Sunshine Superman
Doug Walker – Fear Together
Down – Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow
Dr. Dre – The Chronic
The Dream Syndicate – Days of Wine and Roses
Drive-By Truckers – Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers – Southern Rock Opera
Drive-By Truckers – Southern Rock Opera
The Drones – Gala Mill
Duran Duran – Rio
Duran Duran – Rio
Duran Duran – Rio
Duran Duran – Rio
The Eagles – Greatest Hits
The Eagles – Greatest Hits
The Eagles – Hotel California
Earth – Earth 2
Earth – Phase 3: Thrones and Dominions
Eels – Electro-Shock Blues
ELO – Out of the Blue
Electric Prunes – Mass in F Minor
Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Elvis Costello – Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello – Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Presley – Elvis Presley (1956)
Emmylou Harris – Pieces of the Sky
Ennio Morricone – The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
Brian Eno and David Byrne – My Life in the Bush of Ghosts
Erykah Badu – Mama’s Gun
Explosions in the Sky – The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place
Fairport Convention – Liege and Lief
Fairport Convention – Liege and Lief
Faith No More – Angel Dust
Faith No More – Angel Dust
The Fall – Hex Enduction Hour
The Fall – This Nation’s Saving Grace
The Fall – This Nation’s Saving Grace
Fall Out Boy – From Under the Cork Tree
Fennesz – Endless Summer
The Fire Show – Saint the Fire Show
Fleetwood Mac – Rumours
Foo Fighters – Foo Fighters
Frank Zappa – We’re Only In It for the Money
Frankie Goes to Hollywood – Welcome to the Pleasuredome
Franz Ferdinand – Franz Ferdinand
Fugazi – 13 Songs
Fugazi – In On the Kill Taker
Fugazi – In On the Kill Taker
Fugazi – The Argument
The Fugees – The Score
The Fugs – It Crawled Into My Hand, Honest
Galaxie 500 – Today
Gang of Four – Entertainment!
Gang of Four – Hard
Gang of Four – Solid Gold
Garth Brooks – (in…) The Life of Chris Gaines
Gary Numan and Tubeway Army – Replicas
Gary Numan and Tubeway Army – Replicas
Gary Numan – The Pleasure Principle
Gary Wilson – You Think You Really Know Me
Gene Clark – No Other
Genesis – The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
Genesis – The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
Genesis – The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
George Harrison – All Things Must Pass
George Michael – Faith
George Michael – Older
Giant Sand – Chore of Enchantment
Gillian Welch – Time (The Revelator)
Girl Talk – Feed the Animals
Girl Talk – Night Ripper
Glasvegas – Glasvegas
Graham Parker and the Rumour – Squeezing Out Sparks
Grateful Dead – Anthem of the Sun
Grateful Dead – Anthem of the Sun
Grateful Dead – The Closing of Winterland
Grateful Dead – Europe ‘72
Green Day – Dookie
Green Day – Insomniac
The GZA – Liquid Swords
Half Japanese – Sing No Evil
Hall and Oates – Rock ‘n’ Soul Part One
Henry Cow – Western Culture
Herb Alpert – Whipped Cream and Other Delights
The Hold Steady – Separation Sunday
The Hold Steady – Separation Sunday
The Hold Steady – Separation Sunday
The Hold Steady – Boys and Girls in America
Husker Du – Zen Arcade
Husker Du – Zen Arcade
Husker Du – Zen Arcade
Ice Cube – Death Certificate
Iggy and the Stooges – Raw Power
Iggy and the Stooges – Raw Power
Iggy Pop – TV Eye (1977 Live)
The Incredible String Band – The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band – The Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter
The Incredible String Band – Wee Tam and the Big Huge
Iron Maiden – Seventh Son of a Seventh Son
Iron Maiden – The Number of the Beast
Iron Maiden – Iron Maiden
J. Geils Band – Monkey Island
J Dilla – Donuts
J Dilla – Donuts
Jack Bruce – Harmony Row
The Jam – All Mod Cons
Jane’s Addiction – Nothing’s Shocking
Jane’s Addiction – Ritual de lo Habitual
Jason and the Scorchers – Lost & Found
Jawbreaker – 24 Hour Revenge Therapy
Jawbreaker – Dear You
Jawbreaker – Dear You
Jay-Z – The Blueprint
Jefferson Airplane – Crown of Creation
Jefferson Starship – Blows Against the Empire
Jeffrey Lewis – 12 Crass Songs
Jellyfish – Spilt Milk
Jerry Lee Lewis – Live at the Star Club, Hamburg
Jethro Tull – Songs from the Wood
Jimmy Buffett – Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes
Jimmy Cliff – The Harder They Come
Jimmy Eat World – Clarity
Joanna Newsom – Ys
Joe Jackson – Night and Day
John Cale – Paris 1919
John Fahey – America
John Frusciante – Niandra Lades and Usually Just a T-shirt
John Frusciante – Shadows Collide with People
John Lennon – Live in New York City
John Mayer – Heavier Things
John Mayer – Room for Squares
John Phillips – John the Wolfking of L.A.
Johnny Cash – American Recordings
Johnny Cash – American Recordings
Jon Brion – Meaningless
Jon Carter – Live at the Social
Joni Mitchell – Hejira
Judee Sill – Heart Food
Kanye West – 808 & Heartbreak
Kanye West – The College Dropout
Kanye West – The College Dropout
Karen Dalton – In My Own Time
Kate and Anna McGarrigle – Kate and Anna McGarrigle
King Crimson – In the Court of the Crimson King
King Crimson – In the Court of the Crimson King
Kiss – Destroyer
Kiss – Kiss Alive!
Klaus Nomi – Klaus Nomi
The Knack – Get the Knack
Korn – Korn
Kraftwerk – Trans-Europe Express
Kraftwerk – Trans-Europe Express
Laurie Anderson – Big Science
Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Leon Russell – Carney
Leonard Cohen – I’m Your Man
Leonard Cohen – Songs of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen – Songs of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen – Songs of Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen – Various Positions
Lil’ Wayne – Da Drought 3
Lil’ Wayne – Da Drought 3
Little Feat – Sailin’ Shoes
Little Feat – Sailin’ Shoes
Liz Phair – Exile in Guyville
Liz Phair – Exile in Guyville
Liz Phair – Exile in Guyville
Liz Phair – Exile in Guyville
Liz Phair – Exile in Guyville
Lou Reed – Berlin
Lou Reed – Metal Machine Music
Lou Reed – Metal Machine Music
Low – The Great Destroyer
Lucinda Williams – Car Wheels on a Gravel Road
Lungfish – Sound in Time
Madonna – Ray of Light
Main Source – Breaking Atoms
Manu Chao – Clandestino
Marianne Faithfull – Broken English
Mark Farina –United DJs of America Vol 9
Marlo Thomas and Friends – Free To Be You and Me
Marshall Crenshaw – Marshall Crenshaw
Mary Margaret O’Hara – Miss America
Massive Attack – Blue Lines
Massive Attack – Blue Lines
Meat Loaf – Bat Out of Hell
The Meat Puppets – Meat Puppets II
The Mekons – Fear and Whiskey
The Mekons – Fear and Whiskey
The Melvins – Lysol
The Melvins – Bullhead
The Melvins – Houdini
Meshell Ndegeocello – Bitter
Metallica – Metallica
Metallica – Metallica
Metallica – Master of Puppets
Metallica – Master of Puppets
Metallica – Master of Puppets
The Meters – Rejuvenation
The Meters – The Meters
M.I.A. – Kala
Michael Jackson –Thriller
Michael W. Smith – Go West Young Man
Mick Ronson – Slaughter on 10th Avenue
The Microphones – The Glow Pt. 2
Midnight Oil – Diesel and Dust
Mike Ness – Cheating at Solitaire
The Millennium – Begin
Mobb Deep – The Infamous
Moby Grape – Moby Grape
Moby – Play
Modern Lovers – Modern Lovers
Modest Mouse – Good News for People Who Love Bad News
Modest Mouse – The Lonesome Crowded West
Mogwai – Young Team
The Monkees – Head
The Monkees – Pisces Aquarius Capricorn and Jones Ltd
Morrissey – Ringleader of the Tormentors
Morrissey – Viva Hate
The Mother Hips – Back to the Grotto
Mothers of Invention – Freak Out!
Mott the Hoople – Mott
The Mountain Goats – All Hail West Texas
The Mountain Goats – Tallahassee
The Mountain Goats – The Sunset Tree
The Mountain Goats – We Shall All Be Healed
Murder City Devils – Empty Bottles Broken Hearts
Naked City – Naked City
Namco – Katamari Fortissimo Damacy
The Nation of Ulysses – Plays Pretty for Baby
Neil Diamond – Hot August Night
Neil Young – Tonight’s the Night
The Nihilist Spasm Band – No Record
New Order – Power, Corruption and Lies
New Order – Power, Corruption and Lies
New Order – Power, Corruption and Lies
New York Dolls – New York Dolls
New York Dolls – New York Dolls
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Tender Prey
Nine Inch Nails – The Downward Spiral
NWA – Straight Outta Compton
The Oblivians – Soul Food
The O’Jays – Back Stabbers
Ol’ Dirty Bastard – Return to the 36 Chambers
Olivia Tremor Control – Music from the Unrealized Film Script, Dusk at Cubist Castle
Operation Ivy – Energy
Operation Ivy – Energy
Ottmar Liebert – The Scent of Light
Ozzy Osbourne – Tribute
Paul Simon – Graceland
Paul Westerberg – Stereo/Mono
Pavement – Slanted & Enchanted
Pearl Jam – Ten
Pearl Jam – Vitalogy
Pearl Jam – Vitalogy
Pearl Jam – Vs
The People’s Temple Choir – He’s Able
Pere Ubu – Dub Housing
The Persuasions – Chirpin’
Pet Shop Boys – Very
Peter Hammill – Over
Pharcyde – Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde
Phil Ochs – Rehearsals for Retirement
Phil Spector – Back to Mono (1958-69)
Phish – 03/01/2003
Phish – Junta
Phish – Rift
Pink Floyd – The Wall
Poe – Haunted
The Police – Synchronicity
Portishead – Dummy
The Postal Service – Give Up
The Postal Service – Give Up
The Postal Service – Give Up
Prefab Sprout – Steve McQueen
Prefab Sprout – Steve McQueen
Primal Scream – Screamadelica
The Promise Ring – Nothing Feels Good
Public Image Limited – Metal Box
Public Image Limited – Metal Box
Pulp – Different Class
Pulp – Different Class
Pulp – This Is Hardcore
Pulp – This Is Hardcore
Pulp – This Is Hardcore
Pussy Galore – Exile on Main Street
Queen – Queen II
Queensryche – Operation Mindcrime
Quiet Riot – Quiet Riot II
Radiohead – Kid A
Radiohead – Kid A
Radiohead – Kid A
Rage Against the Macine – Evil Empire
Rage Against the Machine – Rage Against the Machine
The Raincoats – The Raincoats
Randy Newman – Born Again
Randy Newman – Good Old Boys
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Red House Painters – Songs for a Blue Guitar
REM – Automatic for the People
REM – Fables of the Reconstruction
REM – Monster
The Residents – Meet the Residents
The Residents – Commercial Album
Richard Buckner – The Hill
Richard Hell and the Voidoids – Blank Generation
Ride – Nowhere
Robert Calvert – Captain Lockheed
Robert Wyatt – Rock Bottom
Robyn Hitchcock – I Often Dream of Trains
Rocket from the Crypt – Circa: Now
The Rolling Stones – Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones – Some Girls
The Rolling Stones – Some Girls
Royal Trux – Cats and Dogs
Royal Trux – Cats and Dogs
Rudimentary Peni – Cacophony
Run D.M.C. – Raising Hell
Rush – 2112
Rush – Moving Pictures
Rush – Moving Pictures
Rush – Vapor Trails
Sandy Denny – Sandy
Say Anything – …is a Real Boy
Scott Walker – The Drift
Scott Walker – The Drift
The Screaming Trees – Dust
Sebadoh – Bakesale
The Sensational Alex Harvey Band – Next
Serge Gainsbourg – Histoire de Melody Nelson
Severed Heads – Since the Accident
Shania Twain – Come On Over
The Shins – Chutes Too Narrow
Shuggie Otis – Inspiration Information
Sigur Rós – Ágætis byrjun
Sigur Rós – Ágætis byrjun
Sigur Rós – Ágætis byrjun
Sigur Rós – Ágætis byrjun
Silver Jews – The Natural Bridge
Silver Jews – American Water
Simon and Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water
Sister Rosetta Tharpe – Gospel Train
Slapp Happy – Slapp Happy
Sleater-Kinney – One Beat
Slint – Spiderland
Slint – Spiderland
Slint – Spiderland
Slint – Spiderland
Slint – Spiderland
Slint – Spiderland
Slint – Spiderland
Sloan – Twice Removed
Sloan – Twice Removed
Smashing Pumpkins – Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream
The Smiths – The Smiths
Smog – Julius Caesar
Snoop Doggy Dogg – Doggystyle
Songs Ohia – Magnolia Electric Co
Soundgarden – Badmotorfinger
Soundgarden – Superunknown
Sparklehorse – Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot
The Specials – Specials
Spoon – Kill the Moonlight
Steppenwolf – Live
Steve Reich – Music for 18 Musicians
The Stooges – Fun House
The Strokes – Is This It
The Strokes – Is This It
Styx – Greatest Hits
Sufjan Stevens – Illinois
Sufjan Stevens – Illinois
Sufjan Stevens – Seven Swans
Suicide – Suicide
Super Furry Animals – Phantom Power
Supertramp – Crime of the Century
Talk Talk – Spirit of Eden
Talking Heads – Fear of Music
Talking Heads – Fear of Music
Talking Heads – More Songs About Buildings and Food
Talking Heads – More Songs About Buildings and Food
Talking Heads – Remain in Light
Talking Heads – Remain in Light
Talking Heads – Remain in Light
Talking Heads – Remain in Light
Tears for Fears – Songs from the Big Chair
Television – Marquee Moon
Television – Marquee Moon
Thee Iran Contras – The Murderbirds
They Might Be Giants – Flood
They Might Be Giants – Flood
They Might Be Giants – Flood
They Might Be Giants – Lincoln
They Might Be Giants – No!
Tim Barry – Manchester
Tindersticks – The Second Tindersticks Album
Todd Rundgren – Something/Anything
Todd Rundgren – Something/Anything
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Damn the Torpedoes
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Greatest Hits
Tom Waits – Mule Variations
Tool – Ænima
Tortoise – Millions Now Living Will Never Die
Townes Van Zandt – Townes Van Zandt
Tupac (Makaveli) – The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory
U2 – All That You Can’t Leave Behind
U2 – Pop
U2 – Zooropa
Uncle Tupelo – Anodyne
Uncle Tupelo – March 16-20, 1992
Uncle Tupelo – March 16-20, 1992
Underworld – Second Toughest in the Infants
Unrest – Imperial F.F.R.R.
USA for Africa – We Are the World
Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend
Van Halen – MCMLXXXIV
Van Morrison – Astral Weeks
Van Morrison – Astral Weeks
Various Artists – American Primitive Vol 1
Various Artists – Artificial Intelligence
Various Artists – Dave Godin’s Deep Soul Treasures Vol 1
Various Artists – Let Them Eat Jellybeans
Various Artists – Maranatha! Music: The Everlastin’ Living Jesus Music Concert
Various Artists – Now That’s What I Call Music Vol 26
Various Artists – O Brother, Where Art Thou? Soundtrack
Various Artists – Pebbles, Vol 1
Various Artists – Pulp Fiction: Music from the Motion Picture
Various Artists – Queer to the Core
Various Artists – Repo Man soundtrack
Various Artists – Reservoir Dogs soundtrack
Various Artists – Saturday Night Fever soundtrack
Various Artists – Saturday Night Fever soundtrack
Various Artists – Singles soundtrack
The Velvet Underground – Third Album
The Violent Femmes – Violent Femmes
The Violent Femmes – Violent Femmes
Warren Zevon – Warren Zevon
Waylon Jennings – Honky Tonk Heroes
The Wedding Present – Seamonsters
Ween – Chocolate and Cheese
Ween – Chocolate and Cheese
Ween – Chocolate and Cheese
Ween – The Mollusk
Ween – The Pod
The White Stripes – Elephant
The White Stripes – White Blood Cells
The White Stripes – White Blood Cells
The Who – Quadrophenia
Wilco – A Ghost Is Born
Wilco – Being There
Wilco – Forthcoming 2009 Album
Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot
Willie Nelson – Stardust
Woody Guthrie – Dust Bowl Ballads
The Wrens – Meadowlands
Xiu Xiu – Fabulous Muscles
X-Ray Spex – Germ Free Adolescents
X-Ray Spex – Germ Free Adolescents
X – Live at the Whiskey a Go Go
X – Los Angeles
X – Los Angeles
X – More Fun in the New World
XTC – English Settlement
XTC – Skylarking
XTC – Wasp Star (Apple Venus Vol 2)
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Fever To Tell
Yellow Magic Orchestra – Yellow Magic Orchestra
Yes – Close to the Edge
Yes – Fragile
Yo La Tengo – I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One
Yo La Tengo – I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One
Yoko Ono – Plastic Ono Band
Young Jeezy – Let’s Get It
Young Marble Giants – Colossal Youth
The Zombies – Odessey and Oracle
The Zombies – Odessey and Oracle
***
Alice Cooper – Billion Dollar Babies
Tori Amos – Boys For Pele
That graceland book seriously needs to happen. Honestly, someone could pretty easily do books on Rhythm of the Saints, Graceland, or Hearts and Bones.
Yes indeedINVENTION — WE'RE ONLY IN IT FOR THE MONEYwhich would i would think cover the first two as well, Cali in the mid 60s, Beefheart involvement, Tom Wilson and Dylan, The Beatles' hearing The Return of the Son of Monster Magnet then making Sgt Peppers….an underappreciated and seminal, pivotal LP…
I think that the Britney Spears album should really be left off the list, mainly because she hasn’t really done anything major in the past ten years to change the her genre of music that she is in.However, I am very disappointed at the fact there is only one album by Bruce Springsteen on this entire list and also you choose the wrong album to do originally for the series, while Born In The USA is a good album, it isn’t his biggest hit and while Darkness is a great album, it isn’t comparable to the three preceding albums. To your list please add the following albums: Greetings from Asbury Park By Bruce Springsteen and Born to Run By Bruce Springsteen.
Stooges- Fun HouseHusker Du- Zen ArcadeThe Fall- Hex Enduction HourDinosaur Jr- You’re Living All Over Me
I missed the proposal boat this time around. Do you gave any idea when (or, indeed, if) you’ll be looking for new proposals?
Stereolab “Emperor Tomato Ketchup
It’s “As Nasty as they Wanna Be.””As Clean as they Wanna Be” is the clean version of the album.
Please publish a book on Let’s Dance! This album (and the whole mid 80’s Bowie) deserves to be vindicated.
Say Anything …is a real boy! It’s important that book be made.
Would love love love to read books on joanna newsom, cyndi lauper, liz phair, erykah badu, lauryn hill, and b52s! Am surprised that there’s no siouxsie on here though, maybe next time.
I really hope Devo’s Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo assignment goes to Terre Thaemlitz.
Personal picks:Dinosaur Jr. – You’re Living All Over MeUncle Tupelo – Anodyneand I would kill a man with my bare hands for Pussy Galore’s Exile On Main Street.
Earth 2 – I know a ton of people would pick that one up. Great idea. Super influential album.
I wish I could read all the proposals. Not all the books, for sure (because I’m sure at least a handful of them came from very bad writers) but I’m so curious about how everyone made their pick. Some commenters in this thread have said they had trouble choosing their album. I didn’t even have to think about mine. I just saw a call for proposals and started working on one. I knew what I had to write. I’m curious what angles people went with. But then again, I’m as interested in other people’s lives as I am in books.
As might Say Anything(same anonymous)
Fall Out Boy!That might be an excellent book
amazing to see a proposal on Agnostic Front, would be interesting read a book about the “Cause for Alarm” period
Oh absolutely Talking Heads! Kinda surprised there isn’t one already… Also stoked on Violent Femmes and The Strokes. Stroked!
Ha — thanks for the 2 Live Crew correction. I wasn’t annoyed at all by the typo, just figured I’d clarify in light of a couple confused comments.
PERE UBU with DUB HOUSING OR MODERN DANCE will be terrific.
I’d totally buy a book about Prefab Sprout’s “Steve McQueen”.
As the author of the 2 Live Crew proposal, I can confirm that it was for “As Clean As They Wanna Be” and titled as such, although there’s a heavy quantity of “Nasty” mixed in. Presumably, the “Live” in this post was just an innocent typo that comes from inputting a few hundred album and artist titles.
“Hard” could not be a more inappropriate name for that record. it’s a faceplant of an attempt to reconcile gill/king’s new found coke addiction with marxism using only a drum machine.
Gang of Four – Hard, was actually a fundamental turning point for me. Upon release I was so devastated by what a sell-out crapfest one of my favorite bands had issued, that I swore off any faint hope that the remnants of the Punk/New Wave scene could deliver anything of value. My next trip to the record store was purposefully to venture into a new musical dialog, and (never having owned a Jazz or Classical recording) I bought Michael Tilson Thomas & BSO's DG release of Stravinsky's – "The Rite of Spring" and Lester Young's – "Pres and Teddy and Oscar". Ultimately the jazz bug held, leading me to work for a jazz and blues label 4 years later. In this way the album "Hard" was absolutely FUNDAMENTAL to increasing my appetite for great music. However, I laughed when I saw it on the list, particularly since "Entertainment" was, and remains, a great rock record. I don't have a horse in this race, except as a consumer who owns every 33 1/3 book, with the arrival yesterday of #61: Flying Burrito Brothers – Gilded Palace Of Sin.
gang of four’s Hard album??? This needs to be written. Please? Who agrees?
I want to read “Whipped Cream and Other Delights.” Apart from the music, that album cover alone … well, shall I say meant a great deal to a generation of young men?
You got have 33 1/3 books on Johnny Cash – American Recordings, Leonard Cohen – Songs of Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Tender Prey, The White Stripes – Elephant. It just would not be right without them. Thanks David
some great potentials. my favorites:Stooges- fun HouseJimmy Eat World- ClarityPortishead- dummySoundgarden- superunknownDavid Bowie- ziggy StardustWilco
I would buy LOTS of copies of these. And distribute them…Earth – Earth IIJohn Fahey – AmericaResidents – Commercial AlbumScott Walker – The DriftYoko Ono – Plastic Ono Band
Frankly, I think maybe someone needs to break off and make a seperate series of books based on the same idea – but dealing with rhythm and blues, soul and hip hop. It is distressing to see how this series has turned into a white boy indie rock love fest. Reading comments, you would think the music world revolves around tinny Steve Albini style recordings of some idiot in a garage who can’t sing or play guitar well but has ‘indie cred.’Jesus. There’s a huge world of music made in the English speaking world that has nothing to do with that aesthetic. It’s not a bold statement to say that over half of great American music was created by black artists.Hell, Chuck Berry essentially created rock and roll, did you forget that?
“It’s interesting to look back at the longlist from Feb 2007. One anomaly that jumped out at me is that NINE proposals were submitted then for Weezer, and none this time. Odd!”Didn’t Pitchfork’s Jessica Suarez get a nod to write a book on “Pinkerton”? Or am I imagining that. If that’s right, i remember most or all of the Weezer proposals were for that album. Beyond that, the Blue Album is okay, and everything else is of questionable quality. Many Weezer fans agree. This is probably why there were no proposals.
Yes! Say Anything.That record is amazing.Good to see Clarity and 2 Jawbreaker records tooAnd nothing feels goodBut seriously Say Anything
I know I’m showing my age when I say that the books in the series that mean the most to me are those I grew up with, like Aqualung and Court and Spark, but I’m a hipster even if I’m an old hipster, and I love most of the books in the series I’ve read, even when the albums didn’t shape me.I know the person who proposed Herb Alpert’s “Whipped Cream and Other Delights” and I’ve read the proposal, and it sounds like a great addition to the series to me, plus I think the writer would do a tremendous job on it.Others I would totally buy:Liz Phair – Exile in GuyvilleRandy Newman – Good Old BoysTalking Heads – Remain in LightTelevision – Marquee MoonThey Might Be Giants – FloodTodd Rundgren – Something/AnythingKeep up the good work! Love the series.
While there are several interesting and intriguing offerings on this list, my vote goes to Bruce Springsteen – Darkness on the Edge of Town.
It’s interesting to look back at the longlist from Feb 2007. One anomaly that jumped out at me is that NINE proposals were submitted then for Weezer, and none this time. Odd!
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“Let Them Eat Jellybeans” would make a hell of a read. That was a crucial album to own when one was getting into punk rock in the early 80’s, and now most of the bands on that compilation are legends.
dan,good to know you are out there. the cats and dogs proposal submitted was collaborative. so there are at least three of us. please contact us at:theredthreads@yahoo.comit would be good to connect with a kindred fan.
dan,you are not alone. in fact, the cats and dogs proposal was collaborative. so, there are at three of us. please contact us as it would be good to connect with a royal trux devotee:theredthreads@yahoo.com
oh man nation of ulysses would be such a great addition. awesome band that were crazy influential on punk and hardcore that broke up way to soon.
My personal wishlist:Arcade Fire – FuneralAt the Drive-In – Relationship of CommandBeck – OdelayCarole King – Tapestry (!!!)Counting Crows – August and Everything AfterDavid Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (all these latest three really deserve a seminal book)Drive-By Truckers – Southern Rock OperaEels – Electro-Shock BluesJoanna Newsom – Ys (too soon, but indeed deserving)Johnny Cash – American RecordingsLauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn HillMassive Attack – Blue LinesNine Inch Nails – The Downward SpiralPearl Jam – any of those…Portishead – Dummy (!!!)The Postal Service – Give Up (!!!!!)Radiohead – Kid A (!!!!!!!!!!)Rage Against the Machine – Rage Against the MachineREM – Automatic for the PeopleSigur Rós – Ágætis byrjunSmashing Pumpkins – Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and/or Siamese DreamSufjan Stevens – IllinoisWilco – A Ghost Is Bornand it’s nice to see Blackout got 3 nominations! It’s indeed a great album, don’t snub it. but… Glasvegas and Vampire Weekend – seriously!? blah. and forget about Slint, they’re a band for critics only.
I’ve held off on weighing in, but the proposals that I really hope are good enough to get deals are “Astral Weeks” “Y’s” “Remain in Light” “Graceland” “The Glow pt. 2” “Exile in Guyville” “The Blueprint” “Discovery” “Darkness on the Edge of Town” “Kid A” “Let it Bleed” and, the closest I’ll come to plugging my own–any of the R.E.M. books.
I would pick out 20 from this long list, which would be turned into 33 1/3 books:1. Woody Guthie – Dust Bowl Ballads2. The White Stripes – Elephant3. Suicide – Suicide 4. Severed Head – Since The Accident5. Portishead – Dummy6. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Tender Prey7. Metallica – Master Of Puppets8. Leonard Cohen – Songs Of Leonard Cohen9. Karen Dalton – In My Own Time10. Johnny Cash – American Recording11. Joanna Newsom – Ys12. Iggy Pop and The Stooges – Raw Power13. George Harrison – All Things Must Pass14. Elvis Presley – Elvis Presley 195615. The Drones – Gala Mill16. Cyndi Lauper – She’s So Unusual17. The Cramps – Songs The Lord Taught Us18. Bob Dylan – Time Out Of Time19. Aphex Twin – Selected Amient Work 85-9220. AC/DC – Highway To Hell
Surprised to see only one Animal Collective proposal on the list. That new album rips.
Dismemberment Plan – Emergency & I is an album that needs way more press than it has. Lyrically it's a must for anyone in their mid 20s and has no idea what to do with their life. Musically it's an amazing blend of pop, punk, "math rock", dance and pure craziness. Pleaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaase get it written
ANIMAL COLLECTIVE
So, no-one’s interested in reading ‘The Velvet Underground’? I would. An often (officially) ignored period of the band but a fascinating one: Cale out, Reed flourishes, Yule in, the long slow death of the band when Sesnick ups the commercial ante and exit Lou. I know a few thousand VU fans like me wanna read that.
There isn’t enough decent writing about Arcade Fire. Plenty written, not much of it good or new. Which is a shame, because they’re interesting folks, I can’t imagine any book about them not being worth buying.
“1 – Importance of the artist2 – Influence of the record3 – Freshness – why write about an artist/album that has been written about to death? Surely it is better to choose someone who has not been the subject of in depth critical analysis – unless you can bring a very, very new angle to the table.”one can argue that more recent albums have just as much influence and haven’t been adequately analyzed as well; your list included mostly older albums.
A great number of the wish-lists compiled here so far are comprised mainly of critics’ darlings. I’d like to read about something else; there’s so much music out there that is simply ignored, or forgotten. Most of the truly new and interesting things on this list aren’t going to come from the tired old stomping grounds of indie rock, punk, and classic rock.With that in mind, here’s my list:Amy Grant – Lead Me OnAphrodite’s Child – 666Bee Gees – Bee Gees 1stElectric Prunes – Mass in A MinorFrankie Goes to Hollywood – Welcome to the PleasuredomeThe Meters – The MetersMichael W. Smith – Go West Young ManThe O’Jays – Back StabbersThe People’s Temple Choir – He’s AbleRide – NowhereTears For Fears – Songs From the Big ChairUSA For Africa – We Are The WorldWarren Zevon – Warren ZevonI do think that this batch of proposals will be weighted heavily towards established names – well-known writers and musicians that will bring the series more renown. The economic climate will probably make it hard for them to take chances on risky authors and books (like many I tipped above).
Whoever submitted the proposal for Katamari Fortissimo Damacy is my hero. I’d buy that just on principal.
“I disagree with the people who are saying that the records need to have “great stories” behind them… These books are about music, and sound; recording techniques and historical context.”Surely the ‘recording techniques and historical context’ ARE the story behind the album? If it was literally just about the music, then why have a book at all? The albums pretty much have the music covered…
there for sure needs to be some hip hop…but X, Pere Ubu, Television the Specials and Shuggie Otis look really good.
What no “Ocean Rain” from Echo and the Bunnymen? Sheesh!McCrank’s Jukebox
“Together Alone” had an interesting creation, but it was such a wildly disappointing album–it’s really their Let It Be, the sound of a truly great pop band disintegrating amidst fighting, depression, isolation (recording on Kare Kare beach like that) and too many drugs. While I suppose that would make for an interesting book story-wise, the song quality (or lack thereof) of TA kinda negates it.On the other hand, I always thought the first album would be a natch for 33 1/3–throwing away a comfy career with Split Enz, risking it all to start over in the U.S. and then triumph with (an admittedly irritating) hit single. But they turned that proposal down last time when I submitted it, so clearly I know nothing.
I’d like to preorder:Serge GainsbourgPere UbuGang of Four’s EntertainmentDevoand AirThanks
XTC – English Settlement
Lots of potentially interesting reading. My tops are: Portishead, Prefab Sprout, anything Talking Heads.
There is no such album as 2 Live Crew-As Live As They Wanna Be. Hopefully this is a typo on the editor’s part (As Nasty As they Wanna Be? 2 Live Crew Live in Concert? The latter would be an unbelievably obscure choice). On a side note, I would enjoy reading a proposal for a book on an album where the proposer didn’t even get the album’s name right. On second thought, maybe not.
This series really needs more punk rock represented. Give it some more proposals this go around.
I’m not sure I would have bothered if I knew there were going to be so many proposals! There were less proposals than I was expecting on the album I chose, which made me a bit more optimistic. At least I’ve read the criteria well enough so that my proposal has everything in it’s right place. I wonder how long we will be in limbo until we find out if we’re on the shortlist? There are a bunch of books I’d like to see, but I’d prefer a fantastic book about an album I quite like than a pretty average book about an album that I’m head over heels about. So I hope that the proposals for “Odessey and Oracle”, “Good Old Boys”, “I’m Your Man”, “Heart Food” , “Spilt Milk”, and “Together Alone” are gooduns. (“Together Alone” was quite successful in the UK, by the way, and the story of the making of the album is quite interesting.)
Funny with the Bill Fox stuff, I seem to remember Afghan Whigs getting a whole lot of comments the last go-round. I did a proposal last time and thought there were a lot of entries, but even more this time! Ye god! Talking Heads and XTC high on my list.
This is becoming a very interesting discussion…Obviously the editors of this series have a rough idea what they’re after – or maybe just what they’re not after – so I won’t bother lecturing them. They’re also going to read the proposals so they will have a much better idea than outside observers which writers are actually able to tell an interesting story and which writers are not…I’d like to point out that I did not submit a proposal. My interest in submitting this post is however selfish – I would like to try and influence the editors to choose books that I would actually want to read.So, here are my suggestions – based on a few key criteria:1 – Importance of the artist2 – Influence of the record3 – Freshness – why write about an artist/album that has been written about to death? Surely it is better to choose someone who has not been the subject of in depth critical analysis – unless you can bring a very, very new angle to the table. So, here’s a long list of the books I’d be interested in reading: – 2 Live Crew – As Live As They Wanna Be- Aphex Twin: Selected Ambient Works 85-92- Arthur Russell – World of Echo- The B-52s – B-52s- Betty Davis – Nasty Gal- Devo – Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo- Earth – Earth 2- Brian Eno and David Byrne – My Life in the Bush of Ghosts-The Fall – Hex Enduction Hour- John Cale – Paris 1919- John Fahey – America- Portishead – Dummy- Primal Scream – Screamadelica- The Residents – Commercial Album- Richard Hell and the Voidoids – Blank Generation- Shuggie Otis – Inspiration Information- Steve Reich – Music for 18 Musicians- Van Morrison – Astral Weeks
Jesse Dangerously: Your list of 50 would all be great books!Brian M: I’m a female, and I pitched a book. I know several others who did, too. I don’t think it has anything to do with sexism; the quality must surpass the gender of the writer, naturally.
I would LOVE to buy something with Robert Wyatt in it! That would be so freakin’ awesome!
Please publish a book on Emmylou Harris’ Pieces of the Sky. I’ll buy it, and so will a whole lot of those bluegrass types. Please. Pleeeeeease,,,
explosions in the sky would be a good book. also alexander spence, oar. also exile in guyville. and slanted & enchanted!
RESETA: There is a new thread.B: Reminder that even though there is great temptation to judge the proposals from the ALBUM TITLE alone, that the spirit of this “not always as you like it” series is the CONNECTION between the author and the album which has transcendent meaning for THEM. It is up to David Barker to select which proposals have the best chance to bear fruit and have relevance for the reader, while keeping the series alive.C: I own ALL of the books (still reading through them), and they are as varied as the albums chosen.
“But I would like to see some female authors in this batch, tackling some great albums – the PJ Harvey 33 1/3 was good, but it was stories.”So…stories don’t count?
Well, I know it doesn’t make much/any difference, but it’s nice to see that most people who are supporting some sort of Talking Heads book seem to be saying Remain in Light.It’s also kind of disconcerting to read the comments about what people don’t want to see in these books in general, mostly because I have to fight the urge to say “but that’s not what MY book would be like!”There are a ton of great album choices on the list, but I’m hesitant to say which ones I’d most want to read, as it’s going to vary so much based on what approach the author takes and how good a writer they are. But let’s just say I really hope the Hex Enduction Hour guy (or girl!) has a good proposal.
*BUILDINGS & food. Apparently my mind's on one thing. 🙂
Yes, please: – more songs about music and food- graceland- all hail west texas- flood- the lamb- you’re living all over me
I disagree with the people who are saying that the records need to have “great stories” behind them. These are not mini-biographies; it needs to be about the music. Like, I’m dying to read a book about Kraftwerk, and yet that book’s going to have NO biographical information (they’re the musical equivalent of Willie Wonka; who knows what in the world happens behind the doors of the Kling Klang studio?). These books are about music, and sound; recording techniques and historical context. But PLEASE don’t turn these into episodes of “Behind the Music.” And don’t publish and book about a woman, by a woman, if it’s just for the sake of a quota. And DON’T worry about Bill Fox; you can’t even BUY his records and NO ONE knows who he is.
GALAXIE 500 FOR THE WIN. THIS BOOK WILL BE MADE. NO QUESTIONS.
Reading through the existing 33 1/3 books, I’m often surprised to find that records I adore and obsess over can result in dull, uninspired books, where records that I couldn’t have imagined reading a whole book about turn out to be fascinating and far more complex than I’d realized. So I’d be careful about all of these “why isn’t there a book on Album X? This is a disgrace!” as well as the “that’s not a classic album; it’s not even two decades old” comments. A lot of it depends on the writer, and the angle he or she takes.It’s interesting to read about the albums that other people seem to think are no-brainers — and to note how many of them I’ve never even heard of. A good reminder that everyone has wildly different ideas about what should compose the popular music canon.With that said, here’s what got me excited:GZAMountain Goats (any one of the four)MetallicaKraftwerkHold Steady (“Separation Sunday” in particular)Fugazi (although good luck getting an interview)PharcydeErykah Badu (“Mama’s Gun,” sweet!)Liz PhairJoanna NewsomAnd my hat’s off to whomever pitched the Jeffrey Lewis Crass covers album. Not sure how that could possibly merit a whole book, but way to think outside the box.
It’s quite interesting to compare this list against the previous longlists, which are listed in the archives for February 2007 and December 2005.
“1990s grunge” — Isn’t this actually under-represented in the current catalog of 33 1/3 books? There’s a Nirvana book, and that’s it for the huge mainstream rock bands of the early 90s. Am I forgetting something?
Earth 2 — Great! Definitely good timing, with the growing popularity of offspring such as Sunn O))). I’d buy that one!
No Spiritualized AGAIN?!?!?!
*sigh* the artist I submitted 3 other like minded souls had as well. Well I will keep my fingers crossed. I’d read just about every one on this list..but need to put in the nod for SIgur Ros (one I submitted) as well as Spiderland.
^ "the series is in grave danger of becoming too male 'rock snob' or 'alt indie' dominant – please no more 1980s/1990s grunge/ indie/ shoegazing/ alt rock – enough already""Richard Hell & The Voidoids (soooooo influential it's not true)"influential on who then?
These comments are extremely interesting and I've read all of them. I am an avid reader of the 33 1/3 series – bought about 25 of them – and have the following opinions on the series and this list. I didn't write a proposal, but i have a good idea about what the series needs.1. As a few people have already suggested here, the series is in grave danger of becoming too male 'rock snob' or 'alt indie' dominant – please no more 1980s/1990s grunge/ indie/ shoegazing/ alt rock – enough already – it's time for the series to broaden out and give a broader, fairer representation of popular music classics. Of course, the audience and readership has to be considered and the editors need to choose according to what they believe will sell, but if the album itself had a decent audience, then the book could well be marketable if done correctly and pitched to the right demographics: it's not just 40 something rock-heads that would buy one of these if the book was pitched correctly. 2. I agree wholeheartedly with 'anonymous' that THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE FEMALE ARTISTS/ MORE FEMALE WRITERS REPRESENTED IN THIS SERIES. The Celine Dion book was a triumph. But I would like to see some female authors in this batch, tackling some great albums – the PJ Harvey 33 1/3 was good, but it was stories. Out of the first 60 or so '33 1/3' books published, how many were female authors? 5 or 6? In my humble opinion (and I am male!) that is not a statistic to be proud of. Now of course, the proposals have to be chosen on merit, what will sell, how good the angle is….but come on 33 1/3, there MUST be some female authors from this list that fit those criteria?!?!?! 3. I also agree with another 'anonymous' that the albums HAVE to have interesting stories behind them. Input from 'behind the scenes genius' are always good to read. Sometimes, the people who worked on the record, such as producers and engineers have far more input than the artist themselves!4. Shameless self promotion, begging etc won't get anyone anywhere! The editors will (hopefully) choose on merit, how well constructed the proposal is and how many copies they ultimately think it will sell. They should know – they've published 60-odd of these already. Some have probably sold thousands – I bet there's a few they wish they hadn't published! Obvious choices, that would definitely help 'broaden' the series and those I would definately read:X-Ray SpexTupacMidnight OilLauryn HillKraftwerkThe KnackIron MaidenDuran DuranDaft PunkCyndi LauperI've studied this list for a couple of days now and I also think there are a few 'dark horses', that is, if the series wants to go in a less rock direction:Shania Twain (this record sold millions and in my opinion brought country to a mainstream audience globally and her husband is a 'behind the scenes' genius) Richard Hell & The Voidoids (soooooo influential it's not true)Madonna (Madonna fans need something serious written about her MUSIC, not just tabloid rubbish or sob stories from her brother) Jerry Lee Lewis (This live album is just fantastic and some great stories MUST come out of it)Carole King (Tapestry – say no more!)
ooh, thanks Anonymous (above) for saying you’d buy the Jethro Tull book. That is my proposal. Where’s the love? THERE”s the love.:)As for my own “definitely would buy”s…hmm. I will also limit it to my top three for now (IF they turn out to be good of course!):1. Herb Alpert – Whipped Cream and Other Delights2. David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars3. Cocteau Twins – Pink OpaqueDamn it is hard to pick only three!Runners up:Repo Man SoundtrackEnnio Morricone The Good, the Bad and the UglyThe SmithsTodd Rundgren Something/AnythingFleetwood Mac Rumoursand there are some artists I’d choose if different albums were on offer (like The Police, Joni Mitchell, Ozzy Osbourne, Jefferson Airplane…)
Pleasantly surprised to see Thee Iran Contras on the list. There is nothing like an improv low-fi band to make for an interesting book. I think their “That’s We Rappin'” album is better.
There’s some serious self-promotion, even begging, going on in this thread, but I guess that’s what happens. It’s a great series of books so everyone wants to write one. I didn’t get a proposal together in time, and don’t have a friend’s proposal that I’m trying to boost or anything like that. And I also think judging by the album names alone doesn’t get you too far (the idea of it being “unforgivable” that someone proposed an album you don’t like is beyond my comprehension). That said, I’m especially excited by the notion of reading books about De La Soul’s “Buhloone Mindstate”, Duran Duran’s “Rio” (first LP I bought!), Iron Maiden, GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, John Fahey’s “America”, “Free to Be You and Me”, the Pharcyde, Phish, The Raincoats, Ride, Townes Van Zandt, U2’s “Pop”, Unrest, and Garth Brooks/Chris Gaines…IF the book was good, and not interested if the book was bad (go figure).
My top 3 would be:1.)Explosions in the Sky – The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place2.)Randy Newman – Born Again3.)Jethro Tull – Songs from the Wood
If everyone knew how awesome my proposal for Melvins Lysol is, you would be clamoring for it. Seriously.
I find many of the comments here very distressing. People saying stuff like it is wrong to like indie rock and becoming to hipster. This series is about writing heart felt albums about albums that changed music in the best ways. You tell me how many bands are influenced by Husker Du, Dinosaur Jr., or Pavement and then tell me how many say Duran Duran or Britiny Spears. That doesn’t mean we should dismiss early albums either we should ignore early albums either. It breaks my heart a little to see how there was only one proposal for a Frank Zappa album. And so little Clash, Stooges, Cramps, Beatles, and Television proposals. However some of these albums proposals are just unforgivable. All-American Rejects? Fall Out Boy? Jimmy Eat World? Styx? People please.Top 10 Books that need to be Made10.Yo La Tengo – I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One9.The Olivia Tremor Control-Music from the Unrealized Film Script, Dusk at Cubist Castle8.Galaxie 500 – Today7.De La Soul-3 Feet and Rising6.Talking Heads-Remain In Light5.Television-Marque Moon4.Frank Zappa-Were Only in it For the Money3.Husker Du-Zen Arcade2.Dinosaur Jr.-You’re Living All Over Me1.Pavement-Slanted and Enchanted For the Love of God not these 5 booksQuiet Riot-Quiet Riot IIFall Out Boy- From Under the Cork TreeVarious Artists-Now That’s what I Call Music Vol 26.Duran Duran-RioBritiny Spears-Blackout
That’s an intimidating list, for sure. I was one of those who submitted an idea for an album that received multiple pitches. At first, I was bummed out to see other writers had the same idea, but I don’t know that it’s going to make a difference in the end – Either my pitch was good enough or it wasn’t, and it’s going up against more than 500 other submissions, and not just the others who picked the same album as I did. Rather than give the game away entirely, I’ll only list the books I might buy from among those with multiple submissions…The Zombies – Odessey and OracleTalking Heads – Remain in LightThe Strokes – Is This ItSigur Rós – Ágætis byrjunPulp – Different ClassNew Order – Power, Corruption and LiesGrateful Dead – Anthem of the SunDuran Duran – RioDennis Wilson – Pacific Ocean BlueThe Beatles – The BeatlesAC/DC – Back in BlackThere are some really amazing albums on that list. With some – I must confess – I can’t imagine how interesting the book could possibly be. Unless the idea goes beyond the recording of the album, it’s hard to see where some of those stories might go.
Speaking as an avid reader of the series who doesn't even have a proposal in, here is a list of (jesus) fifty proposals that I swear to god I would buy if you published them. I only came by this blog to point out that 3 Feet High & Rising is one of the most deserving albums ever of being examined in the manner afforded by 33 1/3, and that my homeboy John Book is eminently qualified to conduct the research (he's pals with Prince Paul!) and place it in context… but then I saw all the other albums listed and got super excited and now I want to do nothing but read your books from now on, forever. If they're these ones:Air – Moon SafariAnimal Collective – FEELSAphex Twin: Selected Ambient Works 85-92Arcade Fire – FuneralThe B-52s – B-52sBeat Happening – Beat HappeningBeck – MutationsBeck – OdelayBlack Star – Mos Def and Talib Kweli Are Black StarBritney Spears – BlackoutThe Cure – PornographyCypress Hill – Black SundayDe La Soul – 3 Feet High and RisingDe La Soul – Buhloone MindstateDe La Soul – De La Soul Is DeadDe La Soul – De La Soul Is DeadDead Kennedys – Fresh Fruit for Rotting VegetablesDevo – Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are DevoDigital Underground – Sex PacketsDonovan – Gift From a Flower to a GardenDonovan – Sunshine SupermanEels – Electro-Shock BluesElectric Prunes – Mass in F MinorThe GZA – Liquid SwordsJay-Z – The BlueprintKanye West – 808 & HeartbreakKraftwerk – Trans-Europe ExpressLaurie Anderson – Big ScienceLiz Phair – Exile in GuyvilleMain Source – Breaking AtomsMarlo Thomas and Friends – Free To Be You and MeM.I.A. – KalaMobb Deep – The InfamousOl’ Dirty Bastard – Return to the 36 ChambersPharcyde – Bizarre Ride II the PharcydePortishead – DummyPublic Image Limited – Metal BoxRadiohead – Kid ARichard Hell and the Voidoids – Blank GenerationRun D.M.C. – Raising HellSerge Gainsbourg – Histoire de Melody NelsonSloan – Twice RemovedThe Smiths – The SmithsThe Stooges – Fun HouseTalking Heads – Fear of MusicTalking Heads – More Songs About Buildings and FoodTalking Heads – Remain in LightTears for Fears – Songs from the Big ChairTelevision – Marquee MoonThe Violent Femmes – Violent Femmes
I honestly am surprised at how bitter people are that someone chose a record like Vampire Weekend or Arcade Fire or something as of late. If David had any issues with people choosing newer albums, then it would have been stipulated in the call out. But saying that people must be mental or whatnot is totally uncalled for. Have you read any of the proposals? I don’t think so. People can spin things in the most interesting ways!I think a lot of these books are going to be fantastic, can’t wait to get my hands on some of them!Cheers.
Yo La Tengo would rule.
Bill Fox is getting a lot of attention in notice! Hmmm……..personally, i’d like to see the Serge Gainsbourg Histoire De Melody Nelson published. An amazing record, even better to those that saw it live in London last year with Jean Claude Vannier.Blur’s ’13’ would be a really interesting read too.thanks!
There are some nice choices here. I’m just glad I didn’t go with some of my other choices as these have already been picked (“Metal Box”, “Angel Dust”, “Spiderland”, “Kid A”). Some that didn’t make it are Autechre’s “Confield” and Discordance Axis’s “The Inalienable Dreamless”…I won’t produce a long list of my favourites, as it WOULD be long. The AC/DC is a toughy – as those are my three favourites right there (no “Powerage”!?!). Rush – “Moving Pictures” every time!! Likewise Maiden’s “Seventh Son”. Great to see Peter Hammill in there (VdGG’s “Pawn Hearts”, “Godbluff” or “Quiet Zone” were also possibles for me).Excellent to see Naked City on here, although “Absinthe” is my personal fave. (And Slapp Happy).Would love the Fennesz album to get a look-in, a challenge to my own proposal for a purely instrumental album(!) No mentions for that one yet :-(Good luck to all and happy reading…
I’m not the person who submitted it, but that Mark Farina record is a classic.
Obviously no shortage of great choices here. These are the ones I’d be most excited to read (and yes mine is included in this list):Air – Moon SafariBad Religion – SufferBig Black – AtomizerBlack Sabbath – Heaven and HellBlue Oyster Cult – Secret TreatiesThe Cars – The CarsThe Cure – PornographyDead Kennedys – Fresh Fruit for Rotting VegetablesDevo – Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are DevoIron Maiden – Iron MaidenJohnny Cash – American RecordingsKing Crimson – In the Court of the Crimson KingKlaus Nomi – Klaus NomiKraftwerk – Trans-Europe ExpressThe Melvins – LysolThe Melvins – BullheadMetallica – Master of PuppetsMichael Jackson –ThrillerNaked City – Naked CityPeter Hammill – OverPink Floyd – The WallPublic Image Limited – Metal BoxQueen – Queen IIRudimentary Peni – CacophonyRush – 2112Rush – Moving PicturesTortoise – Millions Now Living Will Never DieYoko Ono – Plastic Ono Band
I would consider buying:Kid ADarkness On The Edge of TownSpirit Of EdenFun HouseBack Stabbersand a few others. Definitely NOT bill fox!
If you’re keen on publishing books on genuinely ground breaking artists who are as yet not over-represented in print this is my top five (in alphabetical order):Aphex TwinArthur RussellKraftwerk Tortoise Yello Magic Orchestra
“I’d love to see books on Duran… but 33 1/3 would never have the guts to make a strong argument that they were good albums”Why is that? Is that because Duran Duran is a POP BAND, ie, FOR GIRLS, and therefore nothing they produce is truly of merit?’cause that’s sort of the prevailing attitude that made me submit my proposal in the first place….
Latest Vote from the peanut gallery (#29355):AFX (although I’d rather read one on RDJ album…)Scott Walker – The Drift (yes!)Yoko Ono – Plastic Ono BandBeatles for Sale (as close to a ‘lost gem’ as any of their albums come)Spector – Back to Mono (must be so many stories behind those songs!!)The one elephant-in-the-room standout for me is definitely ‘The Drift’ – thank god there’s been 2 proposals. I’ve been listening to that b*tch for like 2 YEARS, and still know I’m only following 50% of it! Great album… If there was one decent book publd. on The Drift, I can’t imagine anyone who’d heard/bought the album passing up on it. Assuming the album sold more than 5k (!), should be a shoe in.Anyway. There’s my 5 Must-Haves. A fair few maybes too (to follow).
Brother of Reynard the fox … which is a good opportunity to say that you should get Julian Cope to write one of these.
Some electronica would be great to include in the series (Aphex Twin, Underworld).And who the hell is Bill Fox??
Going back to what a couple of people above said about not enough ‘shouts from the peanut gallery’ for their proposed books having an influence on the editors – I don’t think this really has any bearing on what they choose. After all, any one who has pitched an idea could have a load of friends – or anons from some band listserv – come over and say ‘yay, Bill Fox please’. The Carl Wilson example shows that the editors are interested in good ideas and authors who can delivered a finished manuscript. And – they’ve been doing this long enought that they have a good idea of what will sell.
Senses Fail – Yellow Angels
I think writing about a current release is irrelevant. What matters is how (and in some cases who)the author will tackle that album. There are tons of great books in the series so I guess we can trust the editor.
Galaxie 500’s first albumn Today would make a great piece. Great band and an amazing story. I’d be really interested in hearing the all that went into making that almumn and how the band got started. Definitely my first choice.Graceland is my second choice… A truly unique process in making that almumn, I’d love to hear all the details.
wow, The Postal Service, Give Up… classic album that needs to be turned into a fiction novel. Brilliant!
the idea that any record released after 2000 would be proposed for this series is laughable. i mean, i like the first arcade fire record as much as the next guy buy i don’t think i’m quite ready to read a book lionizing an otherwise OK piece of music that was released only four years ago. same with the hold steady, animal collective, girl talk (a serious wtf. that record came out IN 2007), Vampire Weekend (whoever submitted this should consider seeking out a licensed therapist to help them deal with their issues) and basically anything else pitchfork seems to decide is worth inflating for fifteen minutes of coastal popularity.also, some of these other records have been pretty well covered in other books. PiL and Metal Box got almost half of Rip It Up and Start Again devoted towards them. i don’t know if i need to read another book telling me what a miserable human being john lydon is. same goes for talking heads.anyway, point is, it’s a long list, with some interesting submissions that i hope don’t get drowned out due to the bigger bands represented here. my two cents:2 Live Crew (though it really should be As Nasty As They Wanna Be)B-52sBeat HappeningBon Jovi (hey if you’re going to write about 80s hair metal, you may as well write about the band that has managed to age about as gracefully as one can in that genre)The CrampsDr. DreThe FallJoe JacksonThe Knack (especially if done as a cautionary tale)MorrisseyThe Nation of UlyssesPussy Galore (this book could easily make “120 Days of Sodom” look like “Goodnight Moon”)Primal ScreamPulpUnrestVan MorrisonViolent Femmes
Someone said:”very surprised not to see anything about the late great Bo Diddley. “one of the problems with artists from the 40’s, 50’s and even into the 60’s (not to mention a boat load of 70’s and 80’s punk acts) is that the industry was so focused on the single and the album as a statement or piece of art wasn’t part of the industry blue print… that’s not to say that acts from the single era didn’t have great albums later on (Johnny Cash comes to mind)… but if the book is to be about an album.. then singles artists maybe are not right for the project… that said if someone was to write about a comp or a soundtrack that collected stuff from the singles era that could be a great book…. which reminds me, I thought it a little strange that Pebbles would have a submission but not Nuggets…
Pussy Galore!Publish that. Do it.
Mine on Public Enemy’s It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back needs to happen, David. :]
“I wonder how much the editors will read all this and think “hmmm…I was liking Primal Scream, but not enough love from the peanut gallery…NEXT!””I thought this too 🙁 Hopefully they don’t do it like that.
Oh man, a book on “Tea for the Tillerman?” I’d read that in a heartbeat (and jealous that I didn’t pitch it myself).
I’d buy like 50 copies of a Phil Ochs book. I’d love to see one.
I wonder how much the editors will read all this and think “hmmm…I was liking Primal Scream, but not enough love from the peanut gallery…NEXT!” (I didn’t submit that one, btw, although I did submit one that’s classic/not classic judging by the tone of some of these entries).
Hi, I’m Bill Fox, any calls for me?
very surprised not to see anything about the late great Bo Diddley. I briefly considered proposing “Have Guitar Will Travel” but then remembered how I don’t really like writing. of the choices here, the piece on the Millenium is a very exciting prospect. Curt Boettcher was a musical genius with a fascinating (and sadly overlooked) story. There are moments on that record that match the best on Pet Sounds.
re: a comment way up above … i’m under 45 and care about van morrison. i’d buy the ‘astral weeks’ book right away. also: yo la tengo, the mountain goats, and ween! the “o, brother” soundtrack is intriguing, as well…
1) XTC’s English Settlement2) Beck – Odelay3) They Might Be Giants – Flood4) The Cure – Pornography5) The Postal Service – Give Up
1. XTC- English Settlement
Any chance we can ban that one guy who keeps posting the Bill Fox nominations under different names? (cue lots of Bill Fox nominations under different names…)
5 Older Albums That Should Be Picked1. Dinosaur Jr. – You’re Living All Over Me2. Iggy and the Stooges – Raw Power3. New Order – Power, Corruption and Lies4. Talking Heads – More Songs About Buildings and Food5. Television – Marquee Moon5 Newer Albums That Would Sell Well/Be an Interesting Read1. Animal Collective – FEELS2. Arcade Fire – Funeral3. Daft Punk – Discovery4. Joanna Newsom – Ys5. Pulp – This Is Hardcore5 “WTF” Were They Thinkings1. Britney Spears – Blackout2. Fall Out Boy – From Under the Cork Tree3. Jimmy Eat World – Clarity4. Shania Twain – Come On Over5. Various Artists – Now That’s What I Call Music Vol 26
my vote: XTC – English Settlement
I’d be really interested in the Phil Ochs book. Also love the Mountain Goats and Silver Jews ideas too.
I vote for:1) XTC – English Settlement2) New Order – Power, Corruption and Lies3) Sigur Rós – Ágætis byrjun4) Karen Dalton – In My Own Time5) John Fahey – America
People can read an excerpt from my Queensryche proposal here:http://tinyurl.com/96q6v2My shortlist would probably include:- Springsteen’s Darkness – Gang of Four’s Entertainment!- Eno/Byrne’s Bush of Ghosts or Talking Heads’ Remain In Light- Husker Du’s Zen Arcade- PIL’s Metal Box- Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust- FNM’s Angel DustMy personal faves include U2’s Zooropa, Black Sabbath’s Heaven and Hell and Aphex Twin’s Selected Ambient Works and Soundgarden’s Superunknown, i.e. albums that had a personal life impact.In the ‘interesting with potential’ category for me is Zappa’s We’re Only In It For The Money, Massive Attack’s Blue Lines, Dead Kennedys and Fugazi.From a commercial view, REM’s Automatic for the People, Metallica’s Master of Puppets, Iggy and the Stooges’ Raw Power, Iron Maiden’s Number of the Beast, The Police’s Synchronicity and Queen’s Queen II could all easily sell 5k copies.
A’ight. Ten I would definitely buy. And I prolly would even read them:Bruce Springsteen – Darkness on the Edge of TownThe Dream Syndicate – Days of Wine and RosesIggy and the Stooges – Raw PowerLauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn HillMick Ronson – Slaughter on 10th AvenueMott the Hoople – MottNew York Dolls – New York DollsPulp – This Is HardcorePussy Galore – Exile on Main StreetThe Who – Quadrophenia
Very excited to see what comes out of the box. My interest is piqued by: Fun House, Spiderland, Kid A, Dub Housing, Meat Puppets II, Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, The Harder They Come, In On The Kill Taker, Darkness on the Edge of Town, Zen Arcade, The Chronic, She’s So Unusual, Key Lime Pie, Songs the Lord Taught Us, Funeral, As Live As They Wanna Be, The Pleasure Principle, Exile in Guyville, Metal Box, Liquid Swords, Fear and Whiskey, and Chocolate and Cheese.And ‘The Lonesome Crowded West’, which is why I pitched it.
De La Soul – De La Soul Is Dead; The Monkees – Head; NWA – Straight Outta Compton; Phish – Junta; They Might Be Giants – Flood; and XTC – Skylarking all NEED to be written.2 Live Crew – As Live As They Wanna Be; Black Sabbath – Heaven and Hell; Counting Crows – August and Everything After; Herb Alpert – Whipped Cream and Other Delights; Kanye West – The College Dropout; Paul Simon – Graceland; Talking Heads – Remain in Light; and The Zombies – Odessey and Oracle all probably do not need to be written, but I would likely read them if they were.And seven proposals for Spiderland? Really?
Because you all want to know, I would buy:Husker Du – Zen Arcade’Pulp Fiction’ soundtrackWarren ZevonThe BeatlesJoanna Newsom – YsPharcyde – Bizarre Ride…Yo La Tengo – I Can Hear…Dino Jr. – You’re Living Allover MeBoth Girl TalksAnd, thanks to these comments, I just discovered Bill Fox. I’m also going to dig out my old Sloan CDs.
i vote for pulp – different class, there would just be so much to it in terms of a band actually peaking and being in the right place for the right time after slogging it out for so many years, it would also be really interesting how a band deals with those very first notions of fame and making it and coming to wider attention and the expectations that go along with it as pulp were after releasing his n hers and going into the making of different class. and quite frankly, jarvis’ yarns and quips would make it worth the price of admission alone.
sheesh! Will you gimme a break and leave me alone. Yours,Fox on the run
Man, too many great ones to choose from. But as a Midwesterner, I would be remiss in not nominating Bill Fox and Husker Du for inclusion in this great series. I was a big fan of Joe Hagan’s profile of Fox in THE BELIEVER; it fleshed out the colors of that great voice I heard many years ago as the leader of The Mice, as well as a solo artist. As far as Zen Arcade goes, the album is legendary and seems like a no-brainer for inclusion in the series.
very cool to seee explosions in the sky. would love to know more about this amazing band.
Some really interesting choices here. I don’t have a problem with some of the newer selections, but I don’t know how well some are going to stand up years from new. Arcade Fire already sounds dated, for instance. Here’s my top ten:Beat Happening – Beat HappeningDaniel Johnston – Yip/Jump MusicJimmy Eat World – ClarityThe Raincoats – The RaincoatsRide – NowhereSleater-Kinney – One BeatVarious Artists – Repo Man soundtrackWoody Guthrie – Dust Bowl BalladsX-Ray Spex – Germ Free AdolescentsYo La Tengo – I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One
wow, didn't think my proposal for RTX "Cats & Dogs" would actually have competition! now if we can find a third Trux fan, we can really cook.well, definitely Funhouse. and a hip-hop one. and Duran Duran.and yea, can we get over the Vampire Weekend stuff? this isn't your little sister's fave albums of 2008 list…
i cant believe theres only been one proposal for Fun House. if theres any 33 1/3 on the stooges, it needs to be fun house.also, the white stripes. white blood cells, not elephant.i would love to see a book on the white album.no books on greatest hits, thats just stupid.
A lot of kooky ones…Girl Talk? Really? Lil Wayne? Fall Out Boy? Vampire Weekend? John Mayer? Britney Spears?I hope those are all jokes.Actually, I wish there was I way I could read all the discarded ones. I want to hear someone make a case for Fall Out Boy’s genius. HAH.
There you have it. Bill Fox has spoken.
I’m surprised some overzealous Animal Collective fan didn’t throw in Merriweather Post Pavilion. Talk about hype.
no bill fox please. stop with the spamming.
I agree with some of the recent comments – these albums have to maybe have good stories behind them, or were watersheds in a band’s career, seminal albums. etc. Some bands have also been written to death, and I’d like to see some overlooked but reasonably well known stuff picked. But I’d guess that no matter how many of these look like good ideas, it’s down to the quality of the proposals and whether or not the editors think that the author can actually produce the book (never mind potential to sell 5000 copies). I’d vote for Talking Heads ‘Remain in Light’ and the Eno/Byrne album ‘Bush of Ghosts’ which were both proposed, and would make a good pair, seeing as both albums were recorded roughly at the same time and created a lot of friction in Talking Heads. For aspiring authors – there is hope! I count 205 duplicate proposals (also assuming that, e.g. they don’t pick two albums by the same artist in this round). So that leaves 392 unique artists / albums that have been suggested. I’d also buy:- Air – Moon Safari- B52s – B52s- Cramps – Songs the Lord Taught Us- The Fall – Hex (although, there seems to be a lot of books about them at the moment)- Iggy and the Stooges – Raw Power- Modern Lovers – Modern Lovers- Residents – Meet the Residents- Sandy Denny – Sandy Denny- Suicide – Suicide- Van Halen – MCMLXXXIV/1984- Violent Femmes – Violent Femmes- XTC – Skylarking
Wow! Lots of good ones!Animal CollectiveDinosaur Jr.ZombiesJohn CaleJoanna NewsomLiz PhairArcade FireI’d read ANY of those!
I would love to see a Public Image Limited “Metal Box” book, kind of surprised this one has not been done already. also The Fall’s “This Nations Saving Grace” and Pulp’s “Different Class”
Interesting to see that there are still so many Bill Fox posts. The rest of us are obviously missing something.As for the others, there are some truly great albums here – but I wonder how many of them would actually make a great book? I mean something more than just ‘this is a great song… this is another great song… another classic track’. Do many of these albums actually have a story behind them?Personally I’d take the Springsteen (although it should have been Nebraska), The Smiths and Ride ahead of the rest of them…
I was pleasantly surprised to see Explosions in the Sky on the longlist. Now THAT’s a book I would buy.
I, too, hope the series doesn’t become too focused on little known indie bands with small, cult followings. Let’s not get too hip for the room. I like the Warren Zevon and Cat Stevens suggestions. Seems like there’s plenty of good story around both of those guys.
The Eagles have always baffled me, that’s the best selling album, yet, why? I want to know more about it.
While I am understandably suspicious of very very recent albums being deemed instantly worthy of 33 1/3 series status, I do not understand the blanket assertion some are making about an album having to be 6 or 10 years old to be considered a classic. I think if we’ve had a couple of years to digest an album, it’s potentially fair game. What really counts is the approach and analytical power of the writer. In some ways I think it’s really cool to be able to put a newer release into the continuum (if you will) of rock classics. The trick is not bowing to either fad tastes of the moment or–worse, in my opinion–fad backlashes.
Forget “hard sell.” Bill Fox is at the heart of what 33 1/3 is all about. I still cry when I hear those songs, and I have probably personally burned copies (no one could ever find their own to buy!) for 40-50 people since I first reviewed it here in Canada ten years back for Exclaim! And every one of those people has carved out a special corner of their iPod for those songs!Go Bill, go Joe Hagan!
The melvins are ground zero for so much of what came later. And anyone who has ever heard them kick into it’s shoved live – i get shivers just thinking about it….And then there is Zodiac,Boris, etc. There is a reason that Boris(another rockin’outfit)cribbed their name from the Melvins. Bullhead would be awsome.-m
The pro-Bill Fox posts are getting tedious. Yes, he’s good, but it seems like people are pressing a hard sell through these comments.
bill fox- please. i don’t know if it sold alot, but did neutral milk hotel sell either?bill fox apparently will not be a forgotten genius. i’ve felt like his only fan for years until i realized there are a lot of us. here’s another vote for transit byzantium but i would be equally happy reading about Shelter from the Smoke.
PS> Here's a URL to the "Morning Becomes Eclectic" program that featured Bill Fox.http://www.kcrw.com/music/programs/mb/mb980714bill_fox
I would also like to throw my hat in with the Bill Fox bloc. Fox is truly an undiscovered gem. His second solo record, Transit Byzantium, could hold its own with any recording in its genre for the last 20 years. It’s a brilliant effort– haunting in places, jubilant in others; wonderfully singable, and achingly personal elsewhere. In the June/July 2007 issue of Believer Magazine, Joe Hagan writes one of the finest pieces I’ve read in that excellent magazine about Fox, his music, his hometown of Cleveland, and the checkered details of Fox’s life after retiring from music. As commenter Zac noted, it’s something of a snapshot of the contemporary American scene– the ways in which the music industry and the harsh realities of day to day life can bury talent, as well as a testimony of a bygone era of regional music and musical success. But ultimately it’s a buoyant, hopeful piece about the endurance, the persistence of good music. Fox’s music needs to be heard and the story surrounding the record is one well worth telling.As an aside, Fox’s influence over Elliott Smith (which, sonically speaking, is pretty profound when you consider Smith’s early records) adds heft to this proposal, for me. Who knows? Maybe Bill Fox is poised for a renewal a la Nick Drake ten years ago…
Would love to see Zevon, Willie Nelson, Uncle Tupelo, Waylon Jennings, Liege & Lief, Electric Prunes, B-52s, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Dang. That’s some list.Part of me is a little sad that I didn’t pitch Liege and Lief again. The better part of me is just hoping for some great books.
Hmmm…smells distinctly like there’s been a spot of astroturfing going on from the Bill Fox lobbying group…
holy hell. i’m actually glad i held off on my metal machine music pitch now.
Would love to see Paris 1919, Metal Machine Music, Lamb Lies Down, The Smiths, Hangman’s Beautiful Daughter, 666, Selected Ambient Works, The Wall. Brilliant idea to write about the Now series of compilations, but they’ve got different numbers here in the UK. In the US, Now 26 is all Soulja Boy, Nickelback and Daughtry. Over here it means Eternal SWV and Chaka Demus and Pliers. So make sure you produce two versions of the book if it gets commissioned.
Is Neil Tennant the person proposing the Pet Shop Boys one?
As cool as Bill Fox would be, can you sell 5,000 books about an album that probably sold less than that? Oh and yes, it’s AWESOME that someone had the guts to submit BIg Country’s “THe Crossing” in light of Dave’s example. It’s a great album although Klosterman already did a pretty good piece on that. btw, no one took Dave up on Chinese Democracy?
I’d personally just want to check out the Korn proposal (as well as the book). I’d actually thought of writing one about their third album!Speaking of which, after all is said and done, would there be any way to read/check out the proposals for books that all the faithful 33 1/3 commenting-folk find so personally interesting?And thanks for the shout out from whichever Anonymous signed their comment “tw.” That gave me a big boost for the book idea I submitted!
Would LOVE to see the Repo Man soundtrack get picked; it could pick up where The Decline of Western Civilization left off. Also, would love ANY book on the Talking Heads. Plus, the Dinosaur Jr. book intrigued me (that came out on SST, and so would have an interesting back story). Also, as overpraised as they might be, Slint need some print. There’s a reason why that’s such a touchstone, and it’s needs to be written about.Oh, and my proposal on New Order needs to be chosen. Please please please.
There’s already going to be a Pavement book in the series! Wowee Zowee by my man Bryan Charles.
yay! pavement, mermaid avenue and galaxie 500 really deserve books.
Welcome to the Pleasuredome would be an excellent choice. Not only because it was an iconic album that had influence beyond its music (remember all those fucking “Frankie Say” t-shirts?), but also because it’s a major work of an equally major producer: Trevor Horn.Likewise, Steve McQueen would be interesting in light of the Thomas Dolby connection (plus it’s a great album).It would be cool to see “behind the scenes” geniuses get their due as well the artists involved in the music.
Explosions in the Sky would be so terrific. I really enjoy them. I would buy the book in a heartbeat.
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MUCH wanted by me:Transit Byzantium – BILL FOXDarkness on the Edge of Town – BRUCE SPRINGSTEENWarren Zevon – WARREN ZEVONThe Pink Opaque – COCTEAU TWINSMoving Pictures – RUSH I’d absolutely snap these and many others right up, although the above are my immediate standouts. While Bill Fox may not be a known quantity compared to some of the names on this list, his 2 solo records are some of the most terrific Americana this country has yet to hear. Those who know try to get others hooked, and I’d dearly be interested in a tome on the album to learn more about it. Check out his session on KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic” – it’s worth it, and you’ll be hooked.
How many of these books are supposed to be ironic just coz the Celine Dion book was so well received? An appreciation of Brittney Spears? Puh-leaze. Justification for a Yes record?? Ok, I get it, we’re all nerds and geeks here, just a matter of degree, but if you cut out the snob rock and the indie-rock crud that will soon be forgotten, and focus on records that either stand up to scrutiny and made a cultural impact, and the list gets culled rather quickly — my faves: Saturday Night Live sndtrk (major cultural tombstone); The Cramps (coolest band ever, influenced everyone I know to one degree or another, defiantly trashy long before that was considered cool, have legions of fans who like to buy shit); Crass (more lifestyle than music, but emblematic of a time and a place and the second wave of failed hippie utopia, anyway you probly wouldnt sell 5000 copies coz none of their fans and any quid); Eagles Greatest Hits (isnt that like the best-selling record of all time? I would like an explanation); Raw Power (as a totem of sleazy glam and a logical — ??– progeny of their first two savant mastwerworks); THe Wall (but only if the writer has it in him to attack Roger Waters contrived angst and bonbast.. and even then we’d all probly be sickened by how many people actually consider that record legitimate art).. and well, a few others, too, (Rumours, Devo)… oy, what a job you have. xxx
id like to see some of the books by bands that haven’t been written about that muchheres what i liked at first glance:songs the lord taught us13 songs or argumentyip/jump muiscmeat puppets IIbat out of helloh and i think if anyone should write a mountain goats book it should be OZZY!
Thanks for the expressed interest in a Steve Reich book. It’s a book I’d really love to write, and may just write even if this doesn’t pan out.I would swoop in for Southern Rock Opera, Back in Black, Skylarking, Dub Housing, Whipped Cream and Other Delights, and Hex Enduction Hour. The Repo Man and Cocteau Twins ones could be brilliant and hilarious life-experience books if done by the right author.
The Prefab Sprout one really piqued my interest. Great great album.
Early love for the Springsteen, Mermaid Ave., George Harrison and Karen Dalton ideas.As for Chris Gaines – only if it mentions Todd Snider and why his song isn’t included.
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A 'Flood' trilogy please! BF5 – 'Whatever' & Randy Newman – 'Born Again' are also in my shopping cart.
Wow, some very interesting proposals here! And a number of bands and artists I have never heard of (several with multiple proposals).Okay I admit I don’t find much to like in newer music and get excited when I do hear something new that I enjoy…but I have to agree I think there is probably more to be said about albums that are at least a decade old…perspective counts for a lot.That said: I would love to read that Herb Alpert book as well! Also love the suggestions for The Incredible String band, Donovan, The Clash, Jefferson Airplane, King Crimson, Serge Gainsbourg, Todd Rundgren, Yes, David Bowie, Crowded House, Air, The Cocteau Twins, and Ennio Morricone!!!
Wow — There are 107 duplicates (WTF -Slint?). That means 490 different albums. That’s a better ballpark number to keep in mind if you’re a proposer. But you’re still up against 596 other writers…I’ll not tackle the actual no. of artists considered… it’s a great mix, though. (What, no Nick Lowe?)I’ve tagged at least 50 that I’d be interested in reading in that alternate publish-everything 33.3 universe – if not for that particular album, then for interest in the artist (or in the case of Metal Box, the packaging …)Well, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for my proposal – and my sister’s.good luck and happy reading, David!D
One problem I've always had with the 33 1/3 series is that the selections are always so Music Snob. There's such an active disdain at work against music that was, you know, popular but not made by the Classic Rock Coscienti.Someone earlier in the comments made a wonderful point that this series would be great for covering popular works that haven't undergone much critical scrutiny, and that really makes the case for a number of these proposed titles. I'd love to see books on Duran, Tears for Fears and The Cars, but 33 1/3 would never have the guts to make a strong argument that they were good albums; more likely, the tack would be to use any of these LPs as a jumping off point for "exploring the period's cultural landslide into oblivion, and how the bland, pervasive vapidity of said album reflects the aggressive complacency of the time in which it was made. Unlike any album by The Strokes." So instead, here's how the choices are going to break down: 3 c-list bands from Brooklyn, Illinois or yourscenehere; take your pick. 4 classic rock kowtows to the 60s giants that no one under 45 gives a damn about (Van Morrison, this means you). Granted, they will sell a lot of books to aging baby boomers at Borders.2 books on 60s/70s R&B and/or funk albums that you honestly never heard of but which you think will give you insta-cred if someone spots you reading them. They won't.2 books about hip-hop acts favored by white slackers (De La Soul, et al).3 big metal albums (Congratulations, Metallica, your time has come).and 1 folkie–just 'cause. Probably Bruce "I Wrote the Theme to 'Franklin'" Cockburn.Of course, I would love to be proven wrong, and I also have to give 33 1/3 credit for not *always* making choices based on critical fads. Case in point? Last time, there were 5 million Pinkerton proposals. This time? None. That ship has sailed and good riddance.
Bruce Springsteen “Darkness on the Edge of Town”…PLEASE!
Darkness at the Edge of TownTogether Alone666Three great albums that would make great books. Maybe even the Gene Clark thing as well.
The narrowness of the hip hop selections here is really disenchanting. I mean here we have white people music spanning from the most vapid pop drivel (Britney) to the absolutely esoteric (Fennesz) while all the rap books fall comfortably in that tiny margin of critical darlings that we have been reading/writing about endlessly for the past twenty years.There have literally been dozens of books and in depth research pieces written about the NWA/Dre/Cube/Snoop axis. (I can’t imagine anyone covering Death Certificate better than the chapter in Jeff Chang’s book.) In recent years just as much virtual ink has been spilled about Kanye and Wayne and Dilla. Everyone is basically repackaging the same mythologies at this point.Are rap critics (and crits who want to write about rap but probably shouldn’t be) really that boring? Or are they just underestimating their audience?Respect to whoever was daring enough to propose Main Source. Unfortunately only seven aging b-boys from queens and an additional twelve german people would ever purchase that book. Sex Packets represents more of a happy medium, I think.
This entire enterprise is a sham and a fraud. Without “The Return of Bruno” or “Living the Book of My Life,” this series says nothing to the true rock connoisseur. For shame.
Wow, some really amazing suggestions on the list here. XTC are indeed worthy of a book, but how exciting to see Wasp Star as one of the possible titles. By no means their best known work, but easily one of their best. I LOVE this album. Hope it gets picked.The 17 year-old in me really wants to see 2 Live Crew get the nod as well.”There’s only one place where we can go, where the price is right just to fuck a ho”….how could such wordsmiths be ignored? I was pleased to see that 3 other titles I had pondered submitting for (but ended up choosing differently) ended up on the list. Very, Steve McQueen (twice no less) and Songs From the Big Chair would all be “must haves” for me. Hope they make the cut as well.
Wilco’s “A Ghost is Born” would be a great choice. So much attention has already been given to their earlier albums (especially YHF) through their documentary and the Greg Kot book. AGIB is a deeply-layered album with plenty to explore both musically and historically (in terms of the band’s history) and would be a rich addition to the 33 1/3 catalog.
Hey, whoever liked the idea of the Repo Man soundtrack, that was mine. Thanks! Hopefully you and I aren’t the only two that think it’s cool :). I think there’s a pretty good story to tell behind all the music…Anyways, that’s a big list of albums. Off the top of my head, I’d be interested in reading (and likely buying):Talking Heads – Remain In LightLiz Phair – Exit in GuyvilleThe O’Jays – BackstabbersShuggie Otis – Inspiration InformationX – Los Angeles
Duran, Prefab, and Tears pretty please.
It’s nice to see Explosions in the Sky. There a great band. I’d love to hear more about them.
GREAT list. No doubt there’s more than one on there that would be an enlightening read. Aimee Mann made me sit up realize that this list mean’s business! But honestly, the only one that would most definitely join my music collection shelf would be the addition of another Springsteen book. And seriously? Darkness hasn’t been done yet!? So my subtle vote goes to the decorous Springsteen – Darkness.
I was also expecting more Dylan, Floyd, Smiths, Radiohead, Springsteen etc and I think it would be a shame if the series became an alt rock hall of fame or a series about the most underrated albums ever made rather than the most interesting. But still, it’s about who’s got the freshest take on the album in question rather than the album itself, as others have pointed out.
I vote for Wilco – A Ghost Is Born
One of those They Might Be Giants albums should be “No!” instead of flood (says the person who submitted it and got the confirmation). 😉
I agree with everyone else who submitted and has commented. It’s both exciting and intimidating sharing the list with so many great titles. After a quick run through, here’s the books I’d buy (obviously not including my own pitch):Alejandro Escovedo – More Miles Than MoneyAllman Brothers Band – At Fillmore EastArcade Fire – The Neon BibleBilly Bragg and Wilco – Mermaid AvenueBruce Springsteen – Darkness on the Edge of TownDennis Wilson – Pacific Ocean BlueEmmylou Harris – Pieces of the SkyGene Clark – No OtherGlasvegas – GlasvegasGeorge Harrison – All Things Must PassJimmy Cliff – The Harder They ComePhil Spector – Back to Mono (1958-69)Robert Wyatt – Rock BottomSandy Denny – SandyThe Specials – SpecialsTownes Van Zandt – Townes Van ZandtThe Zombies – Odessey and OracleA submission list is impossible to base a title on though. Surely it depends on the angle that the author takes? After all, how many of us would have selected a Celine Dion title on the submissions list last time around?! The unique angle that Carl Wilson took made that title a triumph of the series. I for one am pleased to see so many new albums on the list although a forthcoming title does sound a little ambitious. Maybe the author has an inside take?Thanks to the anonmyous comment about Hot August Night. Fingers crossed. Guess which one I submmitted!! Whether I’m chosen or not, I see some purchases ahead! Thanks David for all your hard work.
Bill Fox, and Lonesome Crowded West by Modest Mouse.
Scott Walker – good call (TWICE)! He turned 65 this week, I hear. Been meaning to hear The Drift for ages… Gotta check out that title to see what 33.3 make of it.
Bill Fox? Really? I mean I like the guy, but there’s still no Stooges book or a Fugazi book in the series, and everyone’s gunning for Bill Fox? Weird.Anyway, there’s enough good stuff here that I’m sure I’ll buy at least a couple of the new batch. Massive Attack, Pulp, Pharcyde, Mermaid Ave., New Order… Good stuff.
I don't if it makes any difference but I would buy: The Drones – Gala MillNick Cave and the Bad Seeds – Tender PreyThe White Stripes – Elephant or White Blood CellsTom Waits – Mule VariationsPortishead – DummyJohnny Cash – American RecordingsBob Dylan – Time Out Of Mind Maybes:Ac/Dc – Highway To HellAphex Twin – Selected Ambient Works 85-92The Cramps – Songs The Lord Taught UsCrowded House – Together AloneThe Church – Priest = AuraDaniel Johnston – Yip / Jump MusicFaith No More – Angel DustThe Fall – Hex Enduction HourJoanna Newsom – YsKaren Dalton – In My Own TimeM.I.A. – KalaMidnight Oil – Diesel & DustPulp – This Is HardcoreHey how about this for an idea. Ask Nick Cave to write a book about his favorite album???????????
597 cheers to David for investing so much time and energy into this project!!! I’d like to see Springsteen’s “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” Neil Diamond’s “Hot August Night,” or Cat Stevens “Tea for the Tillerman” — only because I wanted to pitch one of those. Instead I went with the best-selling album in the U.S.
Galaxy 500!
Bill Fox. Seriously. I’ve turned so many friends on to his songs and they have all been consistantly blown away. The questions I always get are “Who IS this guy?” “and “Why have I never heard of him before?” A book about Bill Fox and “Transit Byzantium” would be awesome…
Let Them Eat Jellybeans sounds like a great subject for a 33 1/3 book. Considering that it’s not in print because of some logistics issues but gets passed around on CD-Rs and file trading networks nowadays (not to mention eBay searches for copies of the original album), it would be a very fascinating read. A Stooges book would be great too.
Oooo Beat Happening. I’d love to see that.
btw, why are the Wilco proposals never “Summer Teeth”? Way more interesting than YHF in my opinion. and I remain surprised at the perpetual lack of Ryan Adams and/or Whiskeytown – that’s really kind of interesting.
A book about 'The Chronic' and 'Doggystyle' is currently in the works at MTV Books/Simon & Schuster.
I forget if in past years some of the most submitted ones ended up getting picked. Does the preponderance of Slint suggest an audience groundswell? Is it going to really reach more readers than Back in Black? Plus, I’ve got to imagine it’s REALLY hard to pick the best of five probably roughly similar proposals. In some ways I wonder if the way to figure it out when you have several submissions for the same album is to pick the best two and have them cowrite! Personally, I also think some of the critical darling works can make less interesting books than reading a more critical take on something more mainstream but still edgy – I bet Odelay or Ritual de lo Habitual would make really interesting reading (and prolly sell more books). That being said, how did it get this far along in time without a Zen Arcade book? Of course, that’s probably true of Raw Power, Marquee Moon, Talking Heads, etc. Some of these I’m guessing are very gimmicky (some of the compilations, Britney, maybe the Chris Gaines one although perhaps that one is fascinating), and some probably are premature (Glasvegas this quickly?), but still a pretty impressive list and I don’t know HOW you sort it all out… anyone guess which one I submitted? 🙂
Wow, what an amazing list! I’m happy to see so many Pulp proposals… I’d love to read a book on ’em, but I couldn’t figure out a good angle to pitch ’em myself. Good luck to all of you who did – I’d love to read it!And to the Repo Man soundtrack proposal – bravo! You’ve got me intrigued. Another LP I’ve loved for many years, but never even thought of pitching. Glad to see I’m the only one who pitched my album, too… I was afraid there’d be four or five proposals for it. But – I stand alone!Best of luck to everyone. There are at least 100 albums on here I’d love to read a book on. Can’t wait to see what’s coming!
They Might Be Giants, FLOOD!
Some kind of Creative party going on here. Props to all my fellow wanna-bes. Betty Davis – Nasty Gal (story needs to be told)Black Uhuru – Showcase (powerhouse of reggae fusion)Crass – Christ the Album (anarchpolitico DIY aesthetic-fuck)Dennis Wilson – Pacific Ocean Blue (obscure albums of the famous)Dr. Dre – The Chronic (Ok, gotta be a classic in here)Ennio Morricone – The Good, The Bad and the Ugly (classic movie music for a change of pace)Erykah Badu – Mama’s Gun (yes, more “soul”)Gang of Four – Solid Gold (yes, more “punk-soul”)J Dilla – Donuts (just so we sort out the samples)The Meters – The Meters (the source of the samples)Mothers of Invention – Freak Out! (weirdest album that sold well)Public Image Limited – Metal Box (apocalyptic reggae-punk band squabble)The Raincoats – The Raincoats (give the girls some)Shuggie Otis – Inspiration Information (instead of the Talking Heads)Sister Rosetta Tharpe – Gospel Train (broaden the demographic)Steve Reich – Music for 18 Musicians (broaden the demographic part 2)Woody Guthrie – Dust Bowl Ballads (reverse companion to Crass)X – Los Angeles (poets, hillbilly punk, and Ray Manzarek)Yoko Ono – Plastic Ono Band (instead of that other band)
Gang of Four – Entertainment, They Might Be Giants – Flood, one of the Talking Heads books or Bush of Ghosts, and Imperial Bedroom. Yes.
Books I’d buy (other than my own): Ben Folds Five (either one of the two, but not the Ben Folds solo one), Radiohead, Electric Prunes, Michael W Smith (HUGE kudos to whoever had the guts to propose this), Lauryn Hill, Portishead.My unscientific analysis says that last time around, Weezer’s Pinkerton was the most-pitched book, and this time it is Slint’s Spiderland. Does this mean anything?
It would be really great to see this round of selections be for artists who don’t have a ton already written about them. I mean, with all respect, do we really need another book on The Beatles? As far as my two cents….my top 10 would be:Prefab Sprout2 Live CrewXTC (Wasp Star)Tears For FearsPet Shop BoysVan HalenRun DMCB-52s (B-52s)The SpecialsThey Might Be Giants
I hope one of the two SLOAN – TWICE REMOVED proposals gets accepted. As the writer who got rejected for proposing this album the last go around I always hoped it was my obvious lameness as a proposal writer rather than the album itself that was being rejected. I got a lot of e-mail after the fact on my LJ site from people wishing that book could be written! Good luck! It’s certainly a book that would sell tons in Canada!
I noticed Springsteen’s Darkness on here, and had to go online to verify that it really hadn’t had a 33 1/3 written yet. It hasn’t, and frankly, I’m pretty shocked it’s been left out of the series so far. I’d say that would be my pick to be included this year; I’d certainly buy it immediately upon release.I also feel that a Funhouse book is long overdue; the Stooges were at such an interesting point during those sessions, and a book could shed more light on that.
My personal interest today was to note the recordings I don't know, and then track down those that interest. Among the recordings I know well, and culled from the 50 I would be happy to see – here are the 10 I would buy this second:1. Bruce Springsteen – Darkness on the Edge of Town (his most profound)2. Gang of Four – Entertainment!3. Beck – Sea Change4. The Stooges – Fun House5. Modern Lovers – Modern Lovers6. Young Marble Giants – Colossal Youth7. Townes Van Zandt – Townes Van Zandt8. Robert Wyatt – Rock Bottom9. Pavement – Slanted & Enchanted10. The Residents – Meet the ResidentsYou might get some PR mileage by binding under one cover 2 unique perspectives of a single album – where the proposals are both excellent.
Wilco’s Forthcoming 2009 did make me laugh but hats off to the person who ACTUALLY nominated Big Country’s The Crossing.Btw, hats off to you too David for sorting this monster list out on your weekend. And for giving up your spare time to read all (near) 600 proposals. I’m sure I speak for all of us who really appreciate the care and attention you give the whole project.
I’m amazed at how outlandish some of these choices are (Broken Social Scene, really?). No matter how good the album is, there isn’t a new story to tell by rehashing an album that’s barely 6 years old.I find it funny as well that some people are rooting a Bill Fox or Steve Reich book. Would I and many others like to read it? Sure. But they wouldn’t sell 5,000 copies no matter how many positive reviews.
Did someone put out a call to flood the comment section with Bill Fox shout-outs?
Did someone alert the Bill Fox mailing list about his presence on the list or what?Jeeze, I expected there to be some Talking Heads pitches, but eight of them (and four of them on the album I pitched) is kind of intimidating. I’m not arrogant enough to think that mine is the best, but I do think it’s solid enough I’ve got a good chance. Because you guys really do need a Talking Heads book.Good luck, everyone (well, except for the Bill Fox guy ha ha ha).
Would love to see Bill Fox’s ‘Transit Byzantium.’. A true ‘lost’ classic of an album from a gifted songwriter.
Here’s another vote for Bill Fox. I’d buy that book in a heartbeat.
gimmie gimmie 90’s punk: Operation Ivy, Bad Religion, Jawbreaker and Green Day!
V. sorry about that, Maggie – you’re on the list now!
It would be nice to see another soul entry in the series. An Aretha Franklin book could be killer. Also, I don’t know if it would sell, but I’d love to get more of the story behind the Wrens’ Meadowlands.
I submitted a proposal for Wilco’s A Ghost Is Born and got a confirmation from you, but I don’t see it on the list. Was there a problem with the attachment?
I thought there would be 1000s of proposals, so not too bad. Lots of interesting ones here. I hope to definitely see Liz Phair’s album covered, Sigur Rós, Radiohead, Pulp, and Dinosaur Jr. Can you tell which generation I’m from? Hehe.
Lots of interesting choices, but there’s a big difference between books that would be merely interesting to a small subset of hardcore fans of a particular band, as opposed to books about classic albums where the existing written analysis (if any) is lacking.Whittling down the list isn’t that hard — the books that *need* to be written:Back in BlackThe ChronicDarkness on the Edge of TownAny of the Talking Heads album
As it’s already been said, Joe Hagan’s article on Bill Fox brought to light a story that needs to be heard. The story surrounding his early career and life in Cleveland could appeal to a wide audience. It offers a unique perspective on the the last twenty years of American life– especially the experience of uncovering a musical gem, finding it and thinking it one’s own, an almost private relationship with a more “obscure” musician. But Hagan makes it clear that this is not a story for an elite readership. It’s about Cleveland, after all. It’s an enormity of talent and hope against a kind of gritty reality that exists in America. So three cheers for Bill Fox.
Out of all of the books on this list, by far the most daring, unexpected, and potentially interesting has to be the one for Michael W. Smith’s Go West Young Man.Also looking forward to the Steve Reich…
Wow, that quite a list.. some seem a bit new to be getting a book already? Arcade Fire, I’m looking at you. Classic albums take some time to blossum in my opinion. I would love to see some more on true classic artists (Springsteen!) or more on underground legends that haven’t been covered in text that well (Fugazi).
I’m so very glad to see such great representation here from bands and albums that I considered (They Might Be Giants, XTC, New Order, Morrissey, Talking Heads), as well as those that I am dying to read but wouldn’t be in nearly as good a position to write (De La Soul, Pulp Fiction Soundtrack, Springsteen!).
Anon asked about the process and criteria involved in whittling this down. It’s not very scientific, really. I’ll read every single one of the proposals (evenings and weekends only – I also have a grown-up job to do!) and will initially discard any proposals that seem, in some way, short on quality or that don’t have a realistic chance of selling 5,000 copies of a book. (I could, of course, get both of these judgments wrong, but such is life!) After that, we’ll see what we’ve got left and then I’ll bring in a couple of other Continuum folks and we’ll try very hard to pick out the best, most interesting, most deserving proposals of that bunch. How many will that be? Maybe between 20 and 25, but I just can’t say right now. Hope that helps!
some of these artists i’d love to see… in five years or 10 years, when they’ve had a chance to grow and expand, and when revisiting the album brings with it depth and understanding.that said:The ChronicFloodDarkness On The Edge of Town
Great suggestions. There are a bunch I would definitely pick up; Yes, Underworld, Suicide, Ride, Public Image Ltd. (thought about that one myself but refrained), Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, New Order, The Nation of Ulysses, Metalllica (Master of Puppets!), Melvins (Bullhead), Kraftwerk, Iron Maiden, Fugazi (IOTKT), Crass, Beat Happening wow a lot of great suggestions.Nice to see someone else thought of Earth.
I stopped looking at the list when I reached Bill Fox’s name. Why consider any other subject?
I already knew there was at least one other proposal for my album, but this is an amazing list… I could almost lose my virginity all over again just looking at it. I’m wondering what David means by ever so subtle anonymous hints… maybe that’s nobody’s business but the Turks’.
Funniest entry: Wilco – Forthcoming 2009 album.Looks like a lot more people want their own chance to write like Carl Wilson, eh? I hope beyond hope that there are more female writers/musicians chosen and profiled this time around.
A pitch for every letter of the alphabet!
Ditto on Anon 2:52’s plea for “Darkness” … I’m (mumble mumble) years old and Bruce was the soundtrack to my teenage/single years … and it’s amazing to me that that is still the case for much of today’s youth … And “Darkness” would seem to me to be the perfect selection from his oeuvre … in fact, to me, it BEGS for a book … I’m kind of amazed it hasn’t been done yet!
One more vote for Bill Fox’s “Transit Byzantium”
Looking over the list is interesting… there are some albums that I fully expected to be mentioned, and some that I have never heard of. It’s great to see some classic and neo-classic, metal, punk and country on the list.. and enough of records that leave me thinking “that could be a cool read”… the one thing that concerns me is that there are some very recent records on the list.. many of them the indie darlings… but as a reader I don’t know that they would interest me as they haven’t stood the test of time. I think it was Mike Stax from Ugly Things Magazine who commented that you needed 10 years for something to be tagged a classic, that’s to say that it needs time to become cannon…that said I would love to see: Queensryche, Dead Kennedy’s, Iggy and the Stooges, Waylon Jennings, The Cramps, Devo, and BOC… just from my quick read though the list… and I didn’t even include my submission on that list.
Your books are just awesome, I love them. Spent awhile looking over this list to see what else I would want to hear a great rant on and it struck me as crazy that there is only ONE Bruce Springsteen record on here. Other than those who just want to put him down, everyone knows he’s seminal to so much contemporary music, and Darkness! Well, you can’t get much more of a perfect Bruce record to write about, although I would suggest following up Darkness with the first two records. Darkness is the one to start tho and the time is NOW!!
Great list – nice to see someone mentioned my bee gees…just wondering what process and criteria you will be using to make the short list? Will that be based on a cursory reading of all the proposals? or on evaluations of the public’s interest in the records pitched?And how many contracts will eventually be offered? Just wondering about the overall odds here…Thanks so much, you folks are the best,mz
Bill Fox – Transit Byzantium.
that Pussy Galore book would be amazing
I thought pitching a book on the Hold Steady was a long shot, but the fact that there were two other proposals for Separation Sunday puts some of my fears to rest… I appreciate seeing some of my high school staples getting pitched: 24 hour revenge, clarity, nothing feels good… I can, indeed, still feel the butterflies… tw
Wow, I’m excited. Leonard Cohen was suggested. I wish they were for “Death of a Ladies Man”, his most underrated and Phil Spector’s best album.Lots of good ones.More Beach Boys, more Beatles, more Bowie, Bee Gees, Beck, More Dylan, Zappa, Creedence, Devo, ELO, Fleetwood Mac, Nomi, Queen, Zombies, and Herb Alpert (!).I’d kill for that Herb Alpert book.
I imagine I felt more or less how the other 596 people on the list felt when they learned there were 597 books on the list. Looking at the list itself made me (a) thoroughly depressed (because there are SO many great albums on that list that warrant a 33 1/3) and (b) quite excited (because there are so many albums on that list etc etc etc). In that mood, I clicked through to the comments and the first comment is for my proposal! Thank you Anonymous for making me very happy! It may not make the shortlist but your enthusiasm for a Hex book has made me smile!! Happy Sunday everyone!!
Love to see Bill Fox done. More people have to know about him.
The Bill Fox article written by Joe Hagan was well-written, well-researched and hinted at a much larger story about Bill, his music, Cleveland, and the people that surround this enigmatic artist. Bill is at times prolific and the amount of material that has never seen the light of day is damn near tragic. Ultimately we as fans and friends have to respect Bill’s wishes and and his desire for privacy but were he to consent, I’m certain Joe Hagan would take the time to build an honest and respectful portrayal.As Joe’s article states, artists such as M. Ward and the late Elliot Smith have voiced the influence Bill Fox has had on their work. A larger music-loving public hasn’t heard Bill’s records. I feel this is a story worth unearthing.Thanks for considering his proposal. I hope it wins!
It looks like you have your work cut out for you. There are a lot of books on that list that I would pick up just on subject/title alone. I wish *I* had pitched Karen Dalton, who definitely deserves more publicity than she has had to date. Of course, there are a lot of artists/albums I’ve never even heard of… child of the `60s that I am. :-). Very nice to see such an eclectic list.Not-so-subtle hint for my pitch can be found in my signature link.
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I wasn’t one of those who proposed Slint…but I do very much hope one of them is good enough to get the nod; that seems perfect for a 33 1/3 volume.
`http://www.powells.com/images/blog/blog_childs_hexenduction.jpgthe future!
Steve Reich – Music for 18 MusiciansThe Stooges – Fun HouseThe Strokes – Is This It?hopefully these were good ones!
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