ON THE RECORD:Is this another revenue source for the heritage rock star I see before me? It was announced this week that Neil Young will publish his autobiography, Waging Heavy Peace, in late 2012.
Young's book should certainly be worth a read, especially if he decides to be candid and forthcoming about his long, eventful career. It will also be interesting to compare it to Jimmy McDonough's brilliant Shakeybio on the Canadian legend.
Young’s forthcoming tome will probably lead to brainstorming sessions at publishing houses as a list is drawn up of other musicians to be tapped for their memoirs. The problem, though, is that the official story from the horse’s mouth is usually nowhere near as interesting or compelling as the story of the act as told by an outsider. Like many of us, musicians have a habit of rewriting history when it comes to seminal events from years gone by and often prefer to play it safe with the more salacious and interesting happenings in their career.
A case in point is U2's official book U2 by U2, a title which was coveted by many publishers. But the finished book was a poor, unsatisfying and unremarkable read and the wait goes on for a really interesting book on the band.
There are, though, some artists who do come up with the goods. Bob Dylan's excellent Chroniclesis full of colour and fascinating detail and we have high hopes for Mike Scott from the Waterboys' forthcoming memoirs which are due in 2012.
But much as we’d love to read the self-penned thoughts of Prince, Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen or Paul Simon, they’re unlikely to be as forthcoming on their lives and times as someone outside the camp is likely to be. We wait to be proven wrong.
NEW MUSIC
CONOR WALSHSwinford-born composer who has been gaining more and more attention over the last couple of years for his meticulously crafted, dramatic minimal piano pieces. Playing the Hard Working Class Heroes festival at Dublin's Shebeen Chic on October 6th.
Breakingtunes.com/ conorwalsh
FLOKDreamy small hours songs and sounds from the Inishannon, Co Cork trio who release their debut EP for Quarter Inch Collective next month. Check out Cars, And Other Observationson Soundcloud now.
Flok.bandcamp.com
WILLY MOONExpect a lot of folks to be bugging out in the coming months about New Zealander Willy Moon and his brilliantly simple and extra-terrestrial blend of 1950s rockabilly and modern r'n'b. Take a listen to debut single I Wanna Be Your Manand prepare for a trip to the Moon.
Willymoon.com
NOW PLAYING
Wild FlagWild Flag (Wichita) The grrrls are back in town. Assorted Sleater-Kinney and Helium ladies come on strong with a classy album of feisty, boisterous indie rock.
AlunaGeorge You Know You Like It (Super Recordings) Magnificent 22nd century pop from singer Aluna Francis and producer George Reid.
Danny BrownXXX (Fool's Gold) Like last year's The Hybrid, here's further proof that the Detroit rapper with the hard-knock edges is one to watch.
Rena SinakinMake Music (Capitol) Title track of the Florida-born producer and singer's 1973 album is a captivating rare groove from the far side.
DRC MusicKinshasa One Two (Warp) Damon Albarn's Oxfam-aid collective of UK, US and Congolese producers and musicians come up trumps with this wild selection of tropical experimentation.
