British Beat Groups of the 1960s
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Book Review: Stoned by Andrew Loog Oldham |
September 2000 |
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Andrew Loog Oldham has two principal claims to fame. Firstly, he was behind the
rise of the Rolling Stones, maybe not discovering them, but taking them from the
Crawdaddy Club to a wider stage. Secondly, he as the co-founder of Immediate
Records, an organisation that looked to develop a hit factory similar to Motown
and created some classic music though it ended in tears for many.
This book is really Andrew Loog Oldham: The Biography Part One. It covers the story up to the point when the Stones broke through. The last single release covered is Not Fade Away and the first LP has just been released. This would suggest that another volume is on the way, providing he can remember all of it. There has been much said about Andrew Loog Oldham and, after reading this, it is hard to doubt it. While it is clear that he was sharp and a fast mover. One does wonder if the one book is enough to contain the ego. Loog Oldham himself only accounts for some of the writing, much of it is gained from others either in interviews or quoted from other sources. While many delude to a "roguish" nature and his wish to develop a gangster persona, there is very little criticism. You wonder whether he did make any enemies from the lack of criticism although you expect that he made many. As such, the book represents Andrew Loog Oldham's one-sided view of his achievements and, undoubtedly, there were quite a few. This does make the book an interesting and informative read although simply lacking in balance. Nevertheless, I do look forward to a continuation of the story. mp, August 2000 |
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Details |
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Published in 2000 by Secker & Warburg ISBN: 0-436-28866-4 |
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Last Updated: 31 August 2000
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