[2007-01-09] Phil Spector "He's A Rebel: Updated Edition" paperback book by Mark Ribowsky (Da Capo)

Linda · **Posted:** Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:47 pm

From Publishers Weekly
Guitarist and songwriter Spector burst onto the California rock scene in 1958 with "To Know Him Is to Love Him," which rose to the top of the pop music charts. As he continued to compose, he also established a career as a record producer with such groups as the Paris Sisters, the Crystals, the Ronettes, the Righteous Brothers and the Beatles (as that group was breaking up). Known to be temperamental and egotistical, with a personality that alienated many, he demanded total artistic control and developed a style that was dubbed the "Wall of Sound." While he is undoubtedly a seminal figure in rock history, this biography is so slavishly adulatory as to be risible. Ribowsky, a Manhattan freelance writer, not only calls Spector a genius and a leviathan, but also asserts that he "invented modern rock" and labels him the successor to Wagner and an American Mozart. Photos not seen by PW. Copyright © 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"A fascinating and heavily researched look at one of rock's most important figures." --Blogcritics.org, 4/7/07

"Anyone interested in his era of music will want to read this interesting biography." --Bookviews, March 2007

"Fresh new edition of an unbelievably dark tale." --Harp, May 2007

"A new and timely edition…Will spark renewed interest in Spector’s rollercoaster career." --The Bookseller (UK), 8/11/06

Product Description
The definitive biography of legendary producer Phil Spector, now updated through Spector's upcoming murder trial and its verdict

"A rich, racy inside-show-biz story, with enough backstabbing to dye the Borgias' drapes and a madman cast ranging from John Lennon and Lenny Bruce to Sonny Bono.... [Ribowsky] springs terrific quotes from Spector's few friends and many foes." (James Wolcott, Vanity Fair)

Phil Spector created the "wall of sound," produced the Beatles' last record, persuaded the Ramones to go "pop," made the Righteous Brothers sound respectable, and was a millionaire by the age of twenty-one. His credits include some of the most indelible songs of the '60s: The Ronettes' "Be My Baby," the Crystals' "Then He Kissed Me," and Ike and Tina Turner's "River Deep, Mountain High."

Culled from more than 100 interviews with Spector's closest associates, and fully updated to include the firsthand details of the alleged murder of actress Lana Clarkson, He's a Rebel boldly explores Spector's legendary eccentricities, addictions, and violent, reclusive tendencies. This is the definitive, unflinching portrait of Phil Spector, the producer who transformed the airwaves and forever changed the sound of popular music.

"[Ribowsky] brings the story down to earth without sacrificing its drama. Relying on frank and extensive interviews...Ribowsky doesn't shrink from cruelty or even horror." (Greil Marcus)

About The Author
Mark Ribowsky, a frequent contributor to Playboy, is the author of Don't Look Back: Satchel Paige in the Shadows of Baseball. He lives in New York City.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0306814714/?tag=imwan-20

[2007-01-09] Phil Spector "He's A Rebel: Updated Edition" paperback book by Mark Ribowsky (Da Capo)

Who is WANline