- Hardcover: 320 pages
- Publisher: AURUM PRESS LTD; 1 edition (2007)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1845132610
- ISBN-13: 978-1845132613
- Product Dimensions: 23.2 x 16.6 x 4 cm
- Shipping Weight: 839 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #335,746 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Most helpful customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good book - but where is the music?,
This review is from: Pigs Might Fly: The Inside Story of Pink Floyd (Paperback)
Most readers would agree that Mark Blake has written the most comprehensive account of Pink Floyd, based on systematic research and engaged storytelling. There is, however, for dedicated Pink Floyd fans, a strange feeling that it just does not address the most important aspect of the story. The book focuses on the relationships and dynamics of the key individuals, the manager, the producers, the wives, the album covers, and the large Cambridge circle of friends. But it has astonishingly little to say about the music.Certainly, it is the music that made Pink Floyd the object of persistent worship of a fan base that still counts millions. There is a certain emotional quality in their music that hits listeners in ways that are, admittedly, hard to describe. Reading the often helpless but deeply felt comments on YouTube, one realizes that the followers still experience something that later rock music cannot offer. We are all convinced that Pink Floyd made some of the most important art in the 20th century, regardless of genre. Blake has almost nothing to say about this. The Pink Floyd reader has many questions: Where did these ideas come from? What was the role of Richard Wright? How could a band of relatively poor musicians construct the complex early albums? What, and who, were the key inspirations? What was the creative process behind Echoes? Dark Side of the Moon? Wish You Were Here? Why do these minimalistic sounds create these deep and lasting emotions? The only attempt I have read that tries to address these issues is the American musician and author Edward Macan, who has analyzed the music in "Pink Floyd and Philosophy" and "Rocking the Classics: English Progressive Rock and the Counterculture". Here Macan, in relatively technical terms, describes the musical background and structural logic of Pink Floyd's music, concentrating on the early years. It helps, but we are still waiting for a real biography of Pink Floyd.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
And fly they will,
By
This review is from: PIGS MIGHT FLY: THE INSIDE STORY OF PINK FLOYD (Hardcover)
Of the three biographies on Pink Floyd I have read (also 'Sacuer Full of Secrets' and 'Inside Out'), this is by far the best. Blake really does a nice job of describing the details and gives a feel of what it was like to be there at the time. Not a detail went unnoticed in his research. He lets the reader feel almost as though you were a member of the entourage that hung around with the band. The book flows along at a very comfortable pace. It is also the only up to date biography available. About a third of the book covers the Syd Barrett era up till the second album, and rightfully so. Also, if you don't have their whole library, try the new box set 'Oh By the Way' at the same time as reading this. A terrific experience.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.5 out of 5 stars (44 customer reviews) 61 of 64 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Pink Floyd Book Available,
By W. Meadows - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: PIGS MIGHT FLY: THE INSIDE STORY OF PINK FLOYD (Hardcover)
If you are into Pink Floyd you must read this book. This is by far the best book on this band. As most of you know, Pink Floyd is very guarded when it comes to their past and their personal lives. Floyd drummer Nick Mason's book Inside Out was supposed to be the definitive book about the band. It was learned that he allowed all of the Floyd members to edit out all of the dirt and honest truth he had written about each member. This left his book very lackluster.I can't imagine how long it took Mark Blake to research this book let alone write it. He took quotes and articles from every major book ever written about the band. He got people from each members past to talk on record. A lot of them for the first time in print. Their are stories here that have never seen the light of day. The best part about this book is that he got some of Pink Floyd's inner circle to talk without disclosing their identities. For the first time, problems in each members personal lives are disclosed in great detail. It's about time all Pink Floyd fans got the real stories behind the history of this amazing band. This is a must have for any rock n roll buff. 40 of 41 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Floyd book ever,
By Ciaran Flynn - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: PIGS MIGHT FLY: THE INSIDE STORY OF PINK FLOYD (Hardcover)
I have read a fair few Floyd books now including Nick Masons and i have to say this is by far and away the best and most comprehensive. It starts right back at the begining in the mid 60's right through to 2007, covering literally everything. It also covers their solo ventures during and after Floyd and also gives great info on how all the albums faired in the US and the UK (Solo's included). He must have been working on this book for years. I was very impressed that he mentioned Dave Gilmour turned up on Michael Parkinsons chat show in 1999 as a session guitarist for Paul McCartney who was having a full show dedicated to him. Dave Gilmour was never mentioned on the show and i only noticed myself that he was there playing. Very impressive research. I learn't a lot about the band and its members that i never knew and will have to read it again as its hard to remember everything. Its a great story and also quite sad (Syd's decline). Roger Waters comes out of it the worst, looks like he gave Gilmour a very hard time and the rest of the band also. His ego and tempermant being his main problem. And considering the abuse he has taken, Dave Gilmour comes out of it with dignity in tact.If your a Floyd fanantic or a casual music listener with a passing interest in the band, its a must buy. 24 of 26 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very thorough and well crafted!,
By C. Stathos - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: PIGS MIGHT FLY: THE INSIDE STORY OF PINK FLOYD (Hardcover)
This book is extremely well written and researched. The quality of writing is impeccable. Covering the history of Pink Floyd until the present, it is full of fascinating material and clarifies or fills in stories about the band which have circulated throughout the years. Any PF fan who enjoys learning all about the crafting of the music, the individual personalities and points of view, and how the miracle of Pink Floyd came about will surely be delighted.I agree with everything that the previous reviewer had to say except for the comment about the Nick Mason book. I am not convinced that Nick's original intent was to go into depth about the band's various personality conflicts over the years. His book with its extensive collection of photographs was written from a loving perspective and with great humor. I value that book very much just as it is. It is a beautiful book with stunning artwork worthy of a true Pink Floyd product. I highly recommend both these wonderful books which compliment each other very nicely. |
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