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Published on May 22nd, 2018 | by Darren Paltrowitz

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10 Great Recently-Released Books For Your Summer 2018 Reading

With Memorial Day Weekend just right around the corner, the Summer of 2018 is getting closer by the moment. In turn, many readers of The Hype Magazine will have more time for relaxation. In turn, here are 10 recent titles which are recommended for your reading pleasure.

The Yacht Rock Book by Greg Prato

Greg Prato is a prolific Long Island, New York-based writer and author with nearly two dozen books to his credit. Featuring a foreword by Saturday Night Live alumnus Fred Armisen, The Yacht Rock Book is probably my favorite of Prato’s work. While not everyone knows what “yacht rock” is, almost every major music fan loves the genre’s key artists, which include Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Steely Dan, Michael McDonald and Toto. Prato took the time to interview many of the genre’s leaders within this oral history, giving readers an educational yet entertaining perspective on things.

Reinventing Pink Floyd by Bill Kopp

Subtitled From Syd Barrett To The Dark Side Of The Moon, Bill Kopp’s book covers an era of Pink Floyd that most fans will want to read about, between 1968 through 1973. Kopp, who is the jazz desk editor and progressive rock editor at BLURT, previously wrote liner notes for the likes of Dave Mason, Cannonball Adderley, Ben Folds, Edgar Winter, and The Ventures. Reinventing ultimately combines new interviews conducted by Kopp with archival interviews and music journalism, giving a unique perspective on Roger Waters, Dave Gilmour, Nick Mason and crew.

Bob Marley & The Wailers: The Ultimate Illustrated History by Richie Unterberger

Voyageur Press is known for putting out colorful, great-looking books on classic artists. Richie Unterberger, a rock history professor who authored Fleetwood Mac: The Ultimate Illustrated History, has continued that tradition for Voyageur. This title starts with Marley’s birth in 1945 and concludes with his passing in 1981. It is visually-appealing enough to be a coffee table book, yet informative enough to teach a Marley die-hard some new things.

The Way It Was: My Life With Frank Sinatra by Eliot Weisman

Although we lost Frank Sinatra two decades ago, Sinatra’s influence continues to show in a big way. Eliot Weisman was a long-time manager of Sinatra, also having worked the likes of Liza Minnelli, Sammy Davis Jr., Don Rickles, Steve Lawrence, Eydie Gorme, and Joan Rivers. In The Way It Was, Weisman is both respectful and honest about what it was like to work with “The Chairman Of The Board.” Hopefully Weisman has more books planned, given all of his interesting experiences.

Beyond The Beats by Jake Brown

Carrying a subtitle of Rock & Roll’s Greatest Drummers Speak, Jake Brown’s latest book sets the bar high with its title. While a major music fan may dispute this book not having some of their favorite drummers, Brown’s book includes exclusive interviews with past and present members of Metallica, Foo Fighters, Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Journey, Jane’s Addiction, Smashing Pumpkins and Creedence Clearwater Revival. For those preferring to actually hear their favorite drummers, Blackstone Audio released the title as an audiobook last week.

A Spy In The House Of Loud by Chris Stamey

Whether you primarily know Chris Stamey for his work with The dBs, as a producer or as a sideman, the acclaimed musician has been around a lot of interesting moments in music history. In A Spy In The House Of Loud, Stamey recalls being around CBGB during its most significant era, touring with Big Star co-founder Alex Chilton, and many of his highlights with the dBs. Stamey is currently on the road in support of House Of Loud, and his book tour includes upcoming events in North Carolina and Los Angeles. All in all, Stamey manages to come across as modest yet informative with his first book.

The Clash: All The Albums, All The Songs by Martin Popoff

I cannot think of a more prolific author than Canada’s Martin Popoff, who seems to put out two or three rock-related books a year beyond articles and podcast appearances. In spite of pouring out that much content regularly, Popoff knows what he is talking about when it comes to a variety of rock-related areas. His latest book is a look at the full discography by legendary punk band The Clash, 103 tracks included. All The Albums, All The Songs is suitable to both old and new fans of The Clash alike.

Brewing Eclectic IPA: Pushing The Boundaries Of India Pale Ale by Dick Cantwell

India Pale Ales — or IPAs, for short — are all the rage in the beer world these days, making up around 30 of sales within the craft world. In Brewing Eclectic IPA, author Dick Cantwell explores the origins and evolution of the IPA, while also providing 25 original IPA recipes. Prior to writing this book, Cantell co-founded the Elysian Brewing Company — as later sold to Anheuser-Busch — and received 2004’s Russell Schehrer Award For Innovation In Brewing. More great work from the Brewers Association.

Like Brothers by Mark Duplass & Jay Duplass

Brothers Mark and Jay Duplass are not only successful actors, but also in-demand writers, directors and producers. While the two have done solo projects in recent years, the Duplass Brothers have worked on the majority of their projects together — for almost 40 years — while also living geographically close to one another. Like Brothers is yet another collaboration between the two Duplass’ and keeps the consistency in quality that one ought to expect from a project related to Mark or Jay Duplass. And as it turns out, they are fans of the band Air Supply — who knew?

Tragedy Plus Time by Adam Cayton-Holland

Author Adam Cayton-Holland was once deemed one of the “10 Comics To Watch” by Variety and “25 Best New Stand-Up Comedians” by Esquire. However, like many comics, the comedic genius of Cayton-Holland can be partially-attributed to a difficult upbringing. As the title would imply, Tragedy Plus Time focuses on the glad with the sad as Cayton-Holland chronicles both his personal and professional journeys. Fortunately, the Those Who Can’t star and creator has persevered, and beyond this new memoir he has three comedy albums to his credit.


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About the Author

Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."


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