5 comments about Washed by Blood: Lessons from My Time with Korn and My Journey to Christ.

1. To the people saying it's the same as his first book... this was well documented and announced well in advance:
   
   "Also on June 24, 2008, Harper Collins Publishers will simultaneously release the young adult version of Save Me From Myself, entitled "Washed By Blood". "
   
   It's basically the same book but re-written for younger adults. Still worth reading.



2. It is so encouraging to read about the miraculous change that Jesus Christ made in Head Welch's life. I recommend this for any non-believer you know... especially teens and young adults who struggle with belief and/or with drugs and alcohol. Its an amazing story and I know God used this book to change my life and will use Brian greatly for the Kingdom! This book is REAL....



3. 
   Okay, everyone has been rating this a 1 JUST because they think it's the same book with a differnt name. It is the same, but a kid friendly version with less description with the drugs and stuff. Rating this a 1 because they didn't do the research is pathetic. They are lowering the score making other people think it's not a good book...yet they were buying it because they liked the one they had so much..does not make sense! People help out and give it a 5 (just 3 people) to average it out from the bad reviews over "it being the same book". Remember, you are reviewing it so that other people who haven't read it can determine if they want it.



4. I have not read this specific book, but I listened to an interview with Brian Welch on the radio recently and he said this book is the same autobiography as "Save Me From Myself" but it leaves out some of the more in depth details making it more appropriate for a younger audience than the other version. So do not purchase both books! But if you are looking for a book for your teenager, this version may be a better fit.
   
   I hope this helps clear some of the confusion on these books.



5. Like many others, I purchased both books thinking that they were different ("Washed" being the sequal), but as you know from reading the other reviews, they're basically the same book.
   
   My initial reaction was frustration. I felt like I had been duped by the publisher....especially since the front cover of "Washed" says that it's by the author of "Save Me From Myself" and the back cover says "You think you've heard this story before but you haven't". Yes, I have! It was called "Save Me From Myself"! I think that instead of giving different titles and cover pictures to the books, they should have simply released them as the same book; one being the "Adult" version and the other being the "Teen" or "Young Adult" version with a simple explaination of the differences.
   
   Upon closer comparison, I felt a bit better about "Washed" leaving the vulgar language and graphic details out, but in essence still delivering the same message. I also like how at the end of each chapter there discussion questions. I lead a small group for the Jr. High boys at our church, and each semester we study books together and meet once a week to do discussion questions on what we've read. Most of the teens in the group are really into music, and I think a book like "Washed By Blood" would hold their attention a lot more than some other books. Also, I would never encourage them to read "Save Me From Myself", but "Washed By Blood" on the other hand is clean, slightly abridged, and the discussion questions make this a book that i'd definately like to study with them. So there's a good possibility i'll be ordering several more copies of "Washed By Blood" to use for our group study, but even if we don't end up doing it together i'd still highly recommend it to them.
   
   So if you know a teen who loves music, or even an adult who might not want to read all of the graphic details about sex and drugs, this is the better choice of the two books to recommend to them.

5 comments about I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: The Dirty Life and Times of Warren Zevon.

1. The book was written in an interview clip format. All the contributors offered their perceptions of Warren's character and his unusal behavior patterns. I read one review from a person who knew Warren personally and felt like the book contained some distorted information, particularly since it was authored by an ex-wife. Having never met the man I have no way ascertaining fact from fiction (which is usually the case in any biography). I did find the book intriguing and entertaining. After reading the book my perception of Warren was of a person who never found happiness or contentment for any real period of time. To quote Ecclesiastes, he was continually "chasing after the wind". He was a great songwriter who touched a lot of people's lives, some positively some negatively. But then again, don't we all.



2. Zevon had a lot of time left to get his story down before he died, so this oral history cum bio is unusually rich with comments from most of those who knew him best. A wife beater, alcoholic, drug addict and sufferer from several mental illnesses, including OCD, Zevon's wacked out, excessive life is nonetheless fascinating, at least in this account by his ex-wife. I've never looked into his music beyond "Werewolves," but this very long tome made me want to, which is always the point of these musical life chronicles. Zevon knew that death would make his work a lot more valuable. He was right. But at least he certainly got the most out of things while he was here on the planet. Makes you kind of envious, in a darkly bizarre way. Well worth reading for fans of rock bios and, of course, those few Zevon fanatics.



3. As Billy Bob Thornton says at the close of this book, it's astounding to me when someone says they aren't familiar with Warren Zevon's music. I was 18 when I became a fan. I had never heard lyrics so challenging and one of the wonderful things about this book is that it sheds some light as to how Warren came up with some of those lyrics. Crystal Zevon has emerged from the task of writing this book as a wonderful writer - this couldn't have been an easy book to write. Popular music is laden with artists of little or no substance - we simply don't have enough music from people as talented as Zevon was. I had the pleasure of seeing Zevon live twice and this book made me go back and look at more of his music. It's a tough read at times -Warren could be hard to like, yet this book is an incredibly written, interesting look at an artist I'll always admire and appreciate the work of. On a closing note, I find myself wishing there was some live concert videos of Warren's tours available - he was incredible the two times I saw him.



4. Very sad tale about a guy who's talent ne'er waned, even when he was drinking, drugging or sexing himself to death. Took a lot of people with him, most of whom are quoted here, and you really find out what it was like to be close to him.
   
   Reason I gave it 4 stars: The one thing missing that the writer could never have known was what Zevon's rising and falling star looked like from the outside, and how it affected the rockin' culture as a whole. A lot of that perspective gets covered as a matter of course, but some of it is missing simply because almost everyone interviewed was very close to ground zero.
   
   That's also what makes this book so riveting, and I think it had to be written this way. Best stories: When Waddy Wachtel first meets Zevon when trying out for the Everly Brothers band, and when Zevon wants to play a Spice Girls tune when subbing for Paul Schaefer on Letterman.
   
   Lastly, one previous reviewer notes, very accurately, that it's repetitive and grim. Well, that's exactly what active addiction ultimately becomes, and that's what we're being let in on here.



5. Fascinating! Great insights from the people who knew him - interesting to hear from so many different types of people - writers, singers, actors and just plain old characters. Especially interesting for long-time Warren Zevon fans, but an interesting read for anyone. Couldn't put it down!

5 comments about Acoustic Guitar Songs for Dummies (For Dummies).

1. While the book has some interesting insights as to the styles, history, and instructional hints, the biggest item this book lacks is no guitar chord diagrams. This is clearly a HUGE oversight, as this being an easy, dummy type book, should make it so for the average Joe reader. The letter name of the chord is listed, but you have to refer to another book to show you how to finger it. I'll probably return mine (or sell it).



2. I have not had a chance to look too much at the book yet, but the first time I opened it up I was shocked and offended. I just glanced at a page and saw profanity in the lyrics of a song. I feel that this is totally unnecessary. I have heard the song in question on the radio and no profanities were in the lyrics. I percieve this book as being for all ages and this type of language is totally uncalled for.



3. After years of wanting, I finally purchased an acoustic guitar. Naturally I wanted a quality book to start playing. I chose this book for its full transcription of the songs. I play piano and have experienced the full song transcription versus the "easy piano" sheet music. This book doesn't simply include just the chords or just the voice, it's the full guitar track in both notes and tab. The book does show the chords unlike the other review says (2nd to last page). It also include notes on each song to help you understand how the artist plays it. Highly recommended!



4. I love this book. It contains many popular acoustic songs in tab, so you can play the songs as accurately as possible. It is hard to find this many songs in tab in one resource. I plan to buy more of these books as they become available.
   
   The two reviewers who gave this book 2 stars are morons. One reviewer complained about the lack of chord diagrams. Books with chord diagrams are rarely correct and besides, don't you want to learn the instrument? The other reviewer complained about 'offensive' lyrics. Most music is not written with children in mind.



5. Don't be lured by this title - this book is not for the faint of heart. I picked up this book because I'm a beginner acoustic guitar player. This is not a fake book or a "beginner's" guitar book. The songs are very well transcribed and no detail is left out. One major gripe is the chord chart at the end is very basic and doesn't include half of the chords used throughout this somewhat advanced guitar book. Good book for an intermediate player but not for a beginner.....which the "Dummies" title often suggests.

5 comments about Lords of Chaos: The Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground New Edition.

1. A fascinating account of the formation of Norwegian Black Metal and its aftermath that attempts to delve into the minds of a handful of originators. The first half of the book makes for intriguing reading as the events of the black metal subculture branch out into an unsuspecting society. The latter half of the book attempts to discover the motivation behind the more sinister deeds of the black metal fraternity, but at times tends to be a little confusing and lacking focus, which is possibly a reflection of the state of mind of the book's antagonists. The authors successfully present the facts and let the reader draw their own conclusions, ensuring this book is a great conversation starter.



2. THIS IS A GREAT BOOK IF YOU WANT TO LEARN ABOUT BLACK METAL AND THE EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED WITHIN IT.



3. This is a great book if you are wanting to know more about the underground world of black metal. It also has subjects of diff. religions, Nazism, Fascism, Norse Mythology. It also has very good interviews with Black Metal musicians.



4. I enjoyed most of this book, but it just seemed it tapered off towards the late middle to the end. Wasen't as in deapth as i thought it was going to be. I thought it was going to be more about the bands them selves, but it wasen't. More of history and culture and things like that.



5. I bought this because I was interested in the bands and what happened. I am really into the music and like it a lot. The authors apparently do not. They also have no sympathy for alternative religious views. They have focused almost entirely on the sensational aspects of the scene. They appear to have no awareness that many of musicians they are interviewing are putting them on. Most obviously Dani Filth, whose band is not actually Black Metal.
   
   I only read about half of it, skipping around. They repeat the same stuff a lot. The Jungian analysis parts are just silly. Their pro Christian anti Satanist propaganda is lame. I guess they are trying to scare people off this music and frighten the parents of the fans.

5 comments about Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd.

1. I purchased this item for my son who has been a Pink Flyod/Waters fan since high school. He told me about this book at Christmas, and he is absolutely thrilled with it. The photos are wonderful and the history of Floyd incredible. If you are a die-hard fan, get this book. You won't be disappointed!



2. As a true Pink Floyd fan I can sincerely say that this book does a great job in telling the story of this great band.



3. Detached music journalists and assorted types of hangers-on often attempt to write biographies of famous bands, but for the real goods it's always best to get it from the inside. It also helps if the band member in question can actually write. Nick Mason appears to have an acceptably clear memory on 40 years worth of history and his writing style is enjoyable, making this book the definitive Pink Floyd biography so far. Nick's style is often funny and self-deprecating, and while some of his historical details contradict other sources (such as who sang lead on certain songs) the book certainly has the feel of an authentic source. Also, as the writer Nick is entitled to talk about his own life, but fortunately he does so sparingly and humbly. Just watch out for some of that dry British humor which doesn't always translate too well, or frequent chunks of barely comprehensible Britspeak like "looked after the punts for rent on the Cam."
   
   The great advantage of this book is that unlike many rock biographies, Nick covers all periods of Pink Floyd's history relatively equally, from the early amateur schoolboy days to the overblown megatours of the 1990s, instead of focusing on certain periods that an outside writer (or fan) would find more interesting than others. As a result, we learn a lot about the personalities within the band and their associates, and a fair amount about their creative processes. Most importantly, Nick provides some quite authoritative insights into the band's biggest stories - most notably the sad mental collapse of Syd Barrett, the ugly legal battle between David Gilmour and Roger Waters in the later years, and the 2005 reunion at Live 8. And upon witnessing this book's rich illustrations, you'll be glad that Nick and his friends have been faithfully carrying cameras around for so many years. [~doomsdayer520~]



4. For those looking for the detailed low-down on why Pink Floyd achieved intense fame before the celebrity of their faces being recognized on the street, other reviewers have said 'search elsewhere'. Nick, though a fine writer, reveals few tidbits that the more fanatical PF fan wouldn't know. However, the inadvertant genius of the book is certainly its timing, and I'm fortunate to write this review a few years after its release. Of second mention is that drummer Nick Mason opens a sort of secret door on how small the world artistic community is, even if you don't subscribe to the six-degrees-of-separation theory.
   
   On April 15, 2005, I attended Nick's book signing at Seattle's Experience Music Project, where he simply answered the standard questions fans throw out about Syd, Dark Side of the Moon and the Wall, will the Floyd ever reunite... For my part, I asked how he felt about the recent settlement (for hundreds of thousands of pounds) with Claire Torry, singer on The Great Gig in the Sky. He felt she got paid long ago, but people always seem to want more. He is actually a very quiet, normal guy, and can be transparent in his emotions. If he were American, he'd be watching NASCAR. Nick explained he had to get on and write the book quickly, as people who knew the band's intimate history were already passing. More on that presently.
   
   Well, to everyone's surprise, Pink Floyd reunited to play Live 8 on July 2, 2005, to show their support for African Debt relief. Perhaps we have Nick Mason to thank, as he has undoggedly served as 'negotiator' between Roger Waters and the rest of the band, and not grudgingly maintaining friendship with Waters through all these years.
   
   Throughout Nick's book, it is clear PF has spent an enormous amount of their wealth funding and backing philanthropic enterprises. That they should reunite just once for Live 8 shows their combined continued commitment to causes. For those who missed the show, AOLs broadcast was the best. A literally touching moment came during the stage bow when Richard Wright reached around the shoulder's of Dave and Nick to touch Roger's arm. Recall that Roger vociferously demanded Wright's outing from the band, resulting in Rick's non-appearance on The Final Cut. Nick speaks a lot about Roger's less-than-appreciation of Rick on p.247.
   
   Also, we did lose Syd Barrett in July, 2006.
   
   The book's photos put together in one place a sort of cut-short family album. There are Nick's personal photos of his meeting with Jimi Hendrix. (We don't see Hendrix's photos of Nick.) There's a photo of people on the beach with toddler-age Naomi Watts, daughter of PF road manager Peter Watts. Readers attempting to piece together a broader picture of the band will appreciate Nick's focus on gadgets the band used for sound and image enhancement. In that, one can see the PF propensity for technological superiority and delicateness, before the arms race for decibels reached fever pitch in the 70s.
   
   The naysayers might comment that the book is too picture-bound, but one must strongly consider the band's emphasis throughout their career on imagery. It is commendable that Pink Floyd used every available gimmick to expose their work to the public. Cynics may say that have enough money, but for artists, it is as much a giving relationship through the expression of music and its requisite ancillary cover and stage art. That the band members have private lives is difficult for us to fathom. Nick Mason subtely ensures we're aware of that.



5. Nick Mason writes a very clean and detailed history of Pink Floyd without the tabloid gossip that probably would have sold more copies. He is an English gentleman first and foremost. This book is light on 'dirt' but does cover the entire career of Pink Floyd very well. There are hints along the way which would suggest that Nick Mason spent some time getting plastered with various celebrities at various points over the years, but rather than focus on 'who shagged who', he covers the subject material with clear language and balanced tones. All of the major subjects are covered... what happened to 'Syd', what happened during the 'divorce' of Roger Waters from Pink Floyd, etc. I enjoyed this book quite a bit and did receive a fresh perspective on several subjects that I had already been introduced to.

5 comments about The Definitive Bob Dylan Songbook (Bob Dylan) (Bob Dylan).

1. The review by Kyle is right on. Based on trying out "Blowin' In the Wind," the chords are just wrong. And its not a matter of transposing the chords (or of a missing transition chord) -- the chords are incorrect in whatever key you play it. The whole point of buying a guitar songbook is to be able to read and play; but I had to pick up the right chords from listening to the song, with a little help from an internet search!



2. pretty hyped on the number of songs in the book and just about all the lyrics, but alot of the chords are off. that sucks. but if you really dont care about that the book will atleast make your pad look a little cooler.



3. My son has recently become a Dylan fan and I bought him this book so that he can learn some of his favourite songs (guitar and lyrics). Not bad for a plain Jane book that contains tons of songs. He thinks in a few of the songs, some of the chord progressions are not right, but I think it may just be a Bob Dylan thing. I was worried that with a book this size, I would have to take it apart and hole punch the pages into a binder, but so far it has held up well and the book stays open nicely at whatever page you are viewing.



4. This is a big book, and on the surface a good value -- although there are some very critical omissions IMHO.
   
   But the biggest problem I have with this book is that it's not "as played" accurate -- and therefore not "definitive". Yes, you can whip this book out and start playing and singing Dylan songs for your friends and 98% of them won't know the difference. But if you want to play them right -- the way Bob plays them -- you will have to use your ears.
   
   This is a common problem with chord/tablature books, and is not limited to this one... but what the publishers of this type of books should know is this:
   
   Anyone who is interested enough in Dylan to buy a book like this will also probably invest in a capo!



5. This book is about 1.5 inches thick and includes it all. Really good and well presented.

5 comments about Skydog: The Duane Allman Story.

1. I'd already read Freeman's "Midnight Riders" and there is nothing new here.
   Add a star if your a Guitar Gearhead - the history of Duane's axes is well done.



2. What an awesome read! Gives a great biography on Duane. A great chapter on Derek and The Dominoes. A must read for the Allman Brothers fan.



3. Beautifully written biography by Randy Poe on a true rock legend. I highly recommend this book to any fans looking for an entertaining read with a lot of very good information on the career of Duane Allman. The reason I gave it four stars, and this of course is my own opinion, is because there wasn't very many personal details on his life and I would've liked it if Poe had given a little more insight as to the kind of person Duane was outside of rock n'roll. Nevertheless, it is a great story on the very successful journey Diane Allman had leading up to his days with the Allman Brothers Band and eventually to his far too premature death. Just don't expect the story to get personal at all because it really only focuses on his career. Overall, four stars seems to suit my judgment on the story and I definitely do recommend it.



4. It was interesting to read this book and afterwards, Clapton' autobiography and compare between the two as to the Derek and the Dominos story. Not surprising that while spreading some nice words about Duane Allman (as expected), Clapton doesn't really gives him the credit Duane really, really deserves. Randy Poe, on the other hand, puts things in place- in simple and clear language, he describes the real story of Duane Allman.Not that the funs didn't know the facts, they knew it but, this is the one book that gives it all. I will not repeat other reviewers' remarks as to the greatness of Duane, I will only say that Duane really wrote from zero point the rule of the electric guitar in a rock band, and this is the real contribution, gift and legacy to the world. Clapton?? A gifted song writer that does the same guitar solo for the last 40 years. No wonder that every time that I have to choose between the two, I find myself listening to the Fillmore East record for the 1,000 time and enjoy myself as it was my first time.



5. This book is a must read for Allman fans, guitar players or music fans in general!
   Never has been written such a thorough analysis of The Man and his legacy.

5 comments about Journals.

1. great product, fast shipping. Shipping package ripped when received. Slight scratches and bending. shipper may want to consider better packing method for shipping but, all in all a good experience!



2. This book is simply great. I'm very impressed with its quality and have learned a lot about this iconic figure by reading Kurt's entries. I hope everyone picks up a copy! = )



3. I can definitely see both sides of the issue of the moral quandary concerning this book. However, I think it's really pathetic that people on both sides are trying to assume what Kurt would or wouldn't want. I don't think that by reading these journals you somehow aren't a true fan of Nirvana just as not reading them somehow makes you a true fan. That's absurd. I will say, though, that in my personal opinion this book is a blatant and disgusting invasion of privacy. I think that it's rather obvious that Courtney Love is lacking scruples with her obviously cavalier attitude about releasing things that probably should have stayed private. I'm sure she will suffer some sort of karmic retribution (if she hasn't already) for doing so.
   
   Regardless, I personally have never read these journals, nor will I ever do so. I'm not trying to be elitist by pretending to have any kind of moral high ground. It's a personal choice. I'm genuinely not interested to see what is in them. I think that the music kind of speaks for itself. That is, after all, why I personally am a fan of Nirvana and of Kurt. I don't think that reading some personal journal entries is going to suddenly give me or anyone insight into his genius or what led to his death. The story surrounding his death is tragic enough without crap like this being commercialized and his overall image being exploited and sold, which is really why he despised being famous to begin with. I think stuff like this is further evidence that far too much attention is being paid to the personal lives of celebrities as opposed to their work. This is precisely why people like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears are famous.
   
   I don't think that by reading these journals anyone is going to be less of a fan or suffer any karmic retribution. I think that will be reserved for the person who allowed it to be released to the public in the first place. Regardless, I can also definitely understand the curiosity that people have and I don't think they should be judged for having a thirst for more information about a very important and brilliant musician.



4. If you are a fan of Kurt Cobain and or Nirvana, then this book is a MUST read. I've not finished the book just yet, I got it this morning and I am already on page 205, I just can't seem to put it down, and I rarely like to sit and read anything.



5. It's fun to flip these pages. You'll see a lot of writing, less of art. There is no story telling or even coherence in this published work. Really cool to own, sometimes you'll get a glimpse of what was going on in his mind.

5 comments about In His Own Write.

1. A peek into the mind of John Lennon and you can see how creative he really was.



2. A side of Lennon we never see. My 13 y.o son read and craked oop. Really mangles the English language.



3. Its all random and abstract things.
   Frankly, I didn't understand much in this book.



4. One reviewer noted the seeming joyce-lennon connection.
   whale their is a skimmilkararity between the towel,i doobieleaf that lennon's is better as it is easier to decypher;finnegan's wake is so dense and deep that it took me a half hour to read the first page-there are so many permutations...i liked "ulysses" much better...in fact i never could get throwup FW...i hop too sum weight...there is availhonestabel ant annotated quay to FW that probably would help unlock it's miseries.
   lennon wrote some of his first book while he was steal in high school-the second was a knock-off in part to feed the publicity (writing,literary beatle myth).
   i think had lennon not been a beatle-he would have ended up a bum or a literary lion like joyce (prob. both) and if he had been born 40 yores eagerly,he wood half been a great radio comedian.
   lennon has inspirated me to no end... for over 40 yores; i loaf him now more than ever and i miss having him around-Griffnose wot he'd think of the whirled toadie. and our decrepresident the twisted shrub ( a bush) and hiss wart in iraq.



5. ITS A SHAME THAT YOKO ONO DARED TO "WRITE A FOREWORD" TO A BOOK WRITTEN LONG BEFORE SHE FORCED HER ENTRANCE INTO J LENNON'S LIFE. SHE SEEMS TO BE SAYING," IM THE OWNER OF ALL HIS PROPERTIES". THE BOOK AS TO LENNON, IS A JEWEL.

5 comments about This Wheel's on Fire: Levon Helm and the Story of the Band.

1. This is a great book. Levon Helm has a great story to tell. I had first started listening to The Band back in the late '60s, but had never followed the ins and outs of all of these people's lives. I enjoyed reading the book and wished it was longer.



2. I love the way Levon writes, you can hear his southern Arky drawl in the words. i love how he remembers the names of childhood friends and old band members like he was writing it down then. he also includes other peoples perspectives like Danko's and some other people involved with the group back then, but sadly, there is no quotes directly from Robertson as he and Helm are still estranged. Oh well, will Genesis ever get back together either?



3. Today is the day I turn 33 years old, and out of all those years, and all of the books I've read, this one takes the proverbial cake. Birthday cake, if you will. Levon Helm is one of my heroes, and with a little help from his friends, he's managed to write a book that truly takes the reader through time and space to where modern rock was conceived, born, and learned to run like an antelope out of control. I highly recommend that you purchase this book, read it over and over again, and give it to your best friend to read, too.



4. This book is informative to a point, but Levon Helm should have kept his personal complaints about Robbie Robertson to himself. Publishing bitter remarks about a former close friend and bandmate just isn't cool. If there's a problem, let their lawyers work it out, don't involve the public.



5. This answers so many questions I had about The Band. Lags in some places with too many "Monday we did this and then drove to...on Tues" A good glimpse of very complicated and utterly talented people.