There are a few books that actually come across as great literature like: Nick Tosches' "Hellfire," Peter Guralnick's "Last Train to Memphis," and "Careless Love," and Stanley Booth's "The True Adventures of the Rolling Stones." Great writers, great subjects. Amazing reads.
Also if you are in an alternative frame of mind there are two books by Michael Azerrad that are worth checking out. Both are excellent reads about fascinating subjects.
One is "Come As You Are" about Nirvana, written when Cobain was still alive. It captures the total maddening chaos surrounding the band, and details their amazing rise to stardom and how it ripped them up. Cobain comes across as a funny, confused, confusing and very heartfelt human being. He is an unhappy, tortured soul who was also a smart guy, an electrifying performer, a great vocalist, and a great songwriter. Azerrad interviews Cobain and you get a very intimate portrait.
The other book by Azerrad that is just amazing is "Our Band Could be your Life." I blogged about it here, when I first read it. I just recently re-read it. Yes, it's that good. Azerrad tells the stories of a bunch of bands who flew under the radar in in 80's - 90's. Lots of these bands were bands I didn't really know or follow. But their stories are so compelling and interesting and inspiring and unlikely. Azerrad opens your eyes to an American alternative underground scene. Superb!
