Girl Groups: Fabulous Females That Rocked The World (2001)
by John Clemente
Rating: 9.5/10 |
John Clemente's book on girl groups from the 50s to the
80s is a fan's dream come true. Sixty girl groups, from well known hit-makers such as the
Supremes and the Ronettes, to cult favourites like the Socialites and the Teardrops, to
groups like the Go-Gos who are heavily influenced by the sound are profiled in this
exhaustive attempt to write the definitive book on the genre's artists by using their own
words. While other books have talked about the groups, John has actually managed to talk
with (most) of them about their time in the spotlight or lack thereof. Many comments are
quite revealing and definitely fill in the blanks other music historians have wrestled
with for decades. Of course, like any book of this nature, there are bound to be questions
of what was to be covered, and who would be included. Although Clemente's foreword gives
his rationale for covering the groups he did, some abscences are notable. Lesley Gore,
Diane Renay, Mary Wells, the Murmaids, and all the Brit Girls are sorely missed. And
calling some of the more obscure groups influential may be extending a little more credit
then is due. But arguments about who is in and who is out should not over-shadow the
in-depth profiles and discographies in this collection, not to mention the wonderful, and
sometimes obscure or personal photos included. While the writing is sometimes choppy and
uneven, the over-all package compensates for any small glitches. This book has been a long
time coming, and nicely compliments Alan Betrock's general history, Girl Groups: The Story
Of A Sound, which is now out of print. Surely this will be considered a classic. (Will
Stos) |
My Boyfriend's Back:The Story of the Girl Groups (1995)
by Anna Hunt Graves
Rating: 7.5/10 |
While not exactly a book, and not quite a set of extended liner notes,
this publication was included with a 1995 girl group compilation of the same name released
by The Life, Times, and Music Series. First, it must be said that despite my 7.5/10
rating, this book is an excellent starting point for casual fans of the girl group sound,
or new converts looking for a place to begin their collection. The CD collects some of the
biggest girl group hits of the 1950s and 1960s. With the exception of Phil Spector's
Philles productions, and the Cameo-Parkway catalogue, which are both nearly, if not,
impossible to lease, this compilation gives the listener a perfect sampling of the
highlights of the girl group sound. Hunt Graves has put together a nicely written overview
of the girl group era, in a somewhat abridged version of the Betrock girl group bible, The
Story Of A Sound. But, at 72 pages, it mostly gives a brief mention to every group
featured, and swiftly and simply runs through the era's peak years. But, what the
book(let) lacks in size, it surely makes up in high quality photos and layout. Unless
you're new to the scene, it's nothing you haven't heard before, but a cute little bonus to
a superb CD. (Will Stos) |
The Billboard Book of American Singing Groups (1992)
by Jay Warner
Rating: 9/10 |
While this publication is not strictly a girl group affair, it is well
worth the effort to track it down. Jay Warner, himself a former member of a band called
the Carolons who recorded a couple of songs during 1964, lovingly delves into the harmonic
history of 1940s-1990s singing groups in this reference book. Almost a volume of an
encyclopedia of rock 'n' roll, Warner captures the quest of these groups to make it to the
tops of the charts. Some made it, others missed it, but it seems most group members had a
fub time making music regardless of the end result. All the major girl groups are covered
in some depth, and some surprises, including the Royalettes, and the Bonnie Sisters, are
thrown in for good measure. Warner also gives the early "sister" groups and
later female vocal harmony groups extensive coverage in his profiles. Smooth, well crafted
writing, makes this book a joy to read, and a valuable source of information on the girl
groups and their contemporaries. But there are some drawbacks. Unlike Clemente's recent
book dealing solely with girlgroups, Warner didn't have the time to concentrate on getting
interview sources for a large number of the groups, and second-hand information and
memories from some writers and producers only tell half the story. Nonetheless, a great
resource and a thoroughly enjoyable read. (Will Stos) |
Have you read these books, or others that should be included on this page? Share your
opinion with others, and submit a review. Contact the site's author for more details, wstos@tyenet.com